Pune: In a significant development for technical education in Maharashtra, nearly 84% of polytechnic seats have been filled this year, reflecting the growing popularity of skill-based and technical courses over traditional education paths.

The rising demand for technical education comes as students seek employment-ready courses, particularly those that provide specialized skills in growing sectors such as IT and engineering.

This year, over 95,248 students have secured seats in various diploma courses offered by more than 400 polytechnic institutes across the state, which had a total intake capacity of 114,027.

The surge in admissions represents a notable increase of 9,000 students compared to the previous year, setting a record for polytechnic enrollment in recent years.

Among the various streams, courses related to Computer Engineering, IT, and Data Science have emerged as the most sought after, with 31,411 students opting for these programs. Of the 34,221 seats available in these disciplines, a remarkable 92% have been filled.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering also witnessed a strong response, highlighting a broader trend toward technology-focused education.

Interestingly, Civil Engineering, a traditionally popular branch, saw the least demand this year, with only 74% of the available seats being occupied.

However, overall, the state’s polytechnic courses continue to attract a growing number of students, a trend that has been steady over the past three years.

Experts attribute this shift to the practical and job-oriented nature of polytechnic diploma programs, which are seen as a viable alternative to more conventional educational pathways.

The demand for diploma courses in Maharashtra reflects the changing preferences of 10th-grade graduates who are now prioritizing courses that offer better employment prospects.

As the state continues to invest in technical education, the polytechnic sector is expected to see further growth, especially in high-demand fields like computing and engineering.