When we talk about engineering in India, the first name that comes to mind is IIT. Every year, lakhs of students prepare for JEE Main and JEE Advanced because they dream of studying in an IIT. Out of all IITs, IIT Madras is always at the top. It is number one in the NIRF ranking for many years.
Now, new data from JEE Advanced 2026 counselling shows which courses (programmes) at IIT Madras students liked the most. This is very important because it tells us what today’s students want to study and which careers they are planning for the future.
Why students love IIT Madras?
Let’s first see why IIT Madras is so popular:
- Always Rank 1 – In NIRF ranking, IIT Madras is at the number one position for many years.
- Good Jobs – Companies from India and outside India hire IIT Madras students. Salaries are very high compared to other colleges.
- Best Facilities – Labs, research centers, and campus life are very advanced.
- Different Courses – From Computer Science to Ocean Engineering, you can find all kinds of courses here.
So, students know that IIT Madras is a safe and smart choice for their future.
Which courses are most popular in 2026?
The counselling data shows that almost all courses at IIT Madras got more choices than last year. Students are not only choosing the regular courses like Computer Science, but also new courses like Artificial Intelligence and Aerospace Engineering.
Here is a simple table to understand:
| Course | Choices in 2025 | Choices in 2026 | Growth |
| Computer Science & Engineering | 24k+ | 2654700% | ~8% more |
| Artificial Intelligence & Data Science | 20,323 | 2301500% | ~13% more |
| Electrical Engineering | 20k+ | 22,443 | ~11% more |
| Mechanical Engineering | 17k+ | 19,652 | ~10% more |
| Aerospace Engineering (4 years) | 14,165 | 15,848 | ~12% more |
| Aerospace Engineering (5 years) | 9,505 | 11,069 | ~16% more |
| Engineering Physics | 9,627 | 10,770 | ~12% more |
| Computational Engineering & Mechanics | – | 14,117 | New course |
| Biomedical Engineering | – | 8,371 | New course |
| Biological Engineering | 7k+ | 8,107 | ~10% more |
| Engineering Design (5 years) | 7k+ | 7,838 | ~8% more |
(Data from JEE Advanced counselling 2026)
Why students are choosing these courses?
1. Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
This is always number one. Everyone knows jobs in software, IT, coding, and technology are growing fast. Students feel safe with this branch because it gives good jobs in India and abroad.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Science
This is the “future course”. AI is now used in hospitals, banks, companies, and even in our phones. Students know AI experts will be in high demand in coming years. That is why many are choosing this branch.
3. Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
These are old and traditional branches, but still very strong. Today, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and new machines are in demand. That is why students are still interested in electrical and mechanical.
4. Aerospace Engineering
Big surprise this year! Both 4-year and 5-year aerospace programmes got more choices. India’s space research (ISRO) and private space companies are growing fast. Students are excited about space, rockets, and aircraft.
5. New Courses – Computational & Biomedical
Students are also exploring new courses. Biomedical connects engineering with medicine (like making medical devices). Computational mechanics is about high-level calculations and simulations, useful in robotics and aerospace. These are modern courses with good scope in future.
What does this mean for future students?
If you are preparing for JEE, you should learn from these trends.
- Don’t only focus on CSE. Other courses like AI, aerospace, or biomedical also have bright futures.
- Choose what you like. Placements are important, but interest is more important. You will do well in a career only if you enjoy the subject.
- Old branches are still strong. Mechanical, civil, electrical—these are needed for industries and government projects.
- New branches are exciting. If you want something different, you can try biomedical, ocean engineering, or computational mechanics.
Job and career trends behind these choices
Students are smart. They look at what is happening in the world before making their decision.
- AI & Automation → Every company needs AI experts.
- Space & Aviation → India is doing great in space projects. Aerospace engineers will get many opportunities.
- Healthcare Technology → After COVID, medical technology is growing. Biomedical engineers will be in demand.
- Sustainability → Ocean engineering, renewable energy, and environment-friendly projects will grow in future.
That is why these subjects are getting popular in IIT Madras.
Final Words
The counselling data of JEE Advanced 2026 clearly shows that IIT Madras is still the dream college for engineering aspirants. Computer Science is still the top choice, but AI, aerospace, biomedical, and new courses are becoming popular very fast.
For students, this is good news. It means you don’t need to run only after one branch. Many options are open now. Whether you want to code, design rockets, build medical devices, or work with machines, IIT Madras has something for you.
IIT Madras is about opportunity. And no matter which course you choose, you will get the best guidance, facilities, and future career support here.
Read this: How to Crack Engineering Entrance Exams Without Coaching
