Emerging Engineering Branches in 2025 at IITs – Details You Should Know About

India’s top engineering schools are launching cutting-edge B.Tech programmes in new fields. For 2025 admissions, several IITs have introduced emerging branches that blend traditional engineering with modern trends. These include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Energy Engineering, Healthcare Technology, and more. For example, IIT Madras has added two four-year courses – Computational Engineering and Mechanics and Instrumentation & Biomedical Engineering – starting 2025-26. These programmes combine core engineering with AI, IoT, medical tech and advanced manufacturing to meet Industry 5.0 and health sector needs. Students clearing JEE Advanced can apply through JoSAA for these new branches.

Specialised AI & Data Science Degrees

IITs are emphasising Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and Data Science in their undergrad programmes. Around 10 of the 23 IITs now offer dedicated B.Tech courses in AI and Data Science. For example, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Madras have four-year B.Tech in AI and Data Analytics, and others offer Data Science & Engineering streams. These programmes teach AI algorithms, big data analytics and computing tools, preparing students for high-growth tech careers. According to recent reports, only 10 IITs (out of 23) offer specialised AI/Data Science B.Techs, reflecting their rising demand.

• AI & Data Science (B.Tech) – A growing list of IITs (Roorkee, Guwahati, Kharagpur, etc.) now have AI/Data Science branches. These courses focus on algorithms, programming and big data.

• Data Science & Engineering – Offered by some IITs (like Roorkee), this combines computing with statistics and analytics.

• Mathematics & Computing – (at IIT Bombay and others) blends math with CS theory, useful for data science careers.

New Interdisciplinary Programmes

IITs are also creating interdisciplinary engineering branches that address future needs. Notably, IIT Madras launched two new B.Tech courses for 2025-26:

• Computational Engineering and Mechanics (CEM) – This programme integrates classical mechanics with machine learning, AI and high-performance computing. It trains students in subjects like solid/fluid mechanics, materials and circuits, alongside modern computational methods. Graduates can work in aerospace, robotics, digital twin design, smart infrastructure and sustainable energy sectors.

• Instrumentation & Biomedical Engineering (iBME) – Focused on the booming medical device industry, this course mixes biomedical engineering with electronics and instrumentation. The curriculum covers IoT, AI and web-enabled healthcare technologies integrated with core biomedical courses. Students learn to design ethically-compliant medical devices and AI-powered healthcare systems.

These IIT Madras programmes are described as “state-of-the-art” to bridge academia and industry. Both allow an optional 5-year dual degree (B.Tech+M.Tech) and emphasise problem-solving for real-world challenges.

• Tech in Design – IIT Delhi introduced a four-year Design programme (via JEE Advanced) in 2024. It teaches technology-led design thinking, research methods and communication skills. This is an example of IITs expanding into new domains beyond pure engineering.

Energy, Environment and Infrastructure

Modern challenges like climate change and urbanisation have spurred new engineering branches at IITs.

• Energy Engineering – Institutes like IIT Delhi (and IIT Bombay) now offer a B.Tech in Energy Engineering. Launched in 2021, IIT Delhi’s programme trains students in renewable energy, conventional power systems and sustainable engineering. The goal is to equip engineers to tackle energy transition and net-zero IIT Delhi notes this branch is critical for addressing environmental and resource challenges.

• Environmental Engineering – This branch focuses on pollution control, sustainability and climate resilience. Several IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Roorkee, etc.) have established B.Tech programmes in Environmental Science & Engineering. Students study topics like water/waste treatment, air pollution and green technologies. These programmes respond to rising demand for engineers who can design eco-friendly infrastructure and tackle environmental issues.

• Civil and Infrastructure Engineering – New IITs such as Jodhpur and Dharwad have introduced Civil & Infrastructure Engineering This modern civil engineering branch teaches traditional civil subjects (structures, transport) combined with smart infrastructure design and IoT applications. It prepares students to build next-generation roads, railways, smart cities and transport networks. According to official course lists, Civil & Infrastructure Engineering is now offered at a couple of IITs.

• Sustainable Infrastructure Focus – These branches collectively reflect a push towards green buildings, smart cities and renewable energy. The curriculum often includes cross-disciplinary topics like energy-efficient design, AI for infrastructure and IoT-based systems.

Biotechnology, Biomedical and Materials

Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering are also growing fields at IITs. Branches related to life sciences appear in many IIT curricula: bioengineering, biomedical, biosciences and biotech. These programmes train engineers to work on healthcare, pharmaceuticals and bio-tech industries. For example:

• Biotechnology & Bioengineering – A fast-growing field, taught at IITs like Kharagpur and Roorkee. It covers genetic engineering, cell biology, and bioprocess design. Career roles include research in pharma, vaccines and agriculture. It is noted as a “growing field with applications in healthcare and pharma”.

• Biosciences and Bioengineering – Some IITs offer integrated programmes combining biology with engineering. These prepare students for biomedical device development or biotech research.

• Materials Science & Engineering – Offered across many IITs, this branch deals with new materials (polymers, nanomaterials, composites). It’s included under emerging branches because advanced materials are crucial for technology (e.g., in electronics, aerospace, healthcare devices).

Overall, IITs now blend medical and biotech subjects into engineering degrees. For instance, the new IIT Madras iBME course explicitly integrates biomedical and instrumentation coursework. These fields appeal to students interested in healthcare innovation and biology.

Robotics, Automation and Computing

While not always standalone B.Tech degrees, Robotics & Automation themes are emerging at IITs. Many mechanical, electrical and computer engineering programmes include robotics modules. For example, IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras are known for strong robotics research and coursework. Advanced electives often cover robotics, control systems and IoT, reflecting industry demand for smart automation. Similarly, Cyber-Physical Systems and Embedded Systems areas are expanding, although formal branch names vary by institute.

In computing, Mathematics & Computing (IIT Bombay, Kharagpur) and Computer Science & Engineering remain popular and are at the core of many emerging fields. These traditional branches now offer more AI, data analytics and cybersecurity content in their curricula.

Conclusion

IITs are rapidly adapting their programmes to meet 2025’s tech challenges. New and updated B.Tech branches span AI, data science, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure fields. These emerging branches combine classic engineering fundamentals with cutting-edge skills like machine learning, renewable energy systems and biomedical tech. For students, that means access to high-demand, future-focused careers. As IIT directors note, such programmes are “future-focused” and will empower the next generation of innovators.

Choosing any of these emerging branches means entering a field aligned with industry needs. However, students should consider their interests and strengths. Traditional branches like Computer Science or Mechanical still remain in demand, but specialised fields like AI & Data Science, Biomedical, or Energy Engineering open unique opportunities. In all cases, strong foundation in maths and science (with success in JEE Advanced) is key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What new engineering branches has IIT introduced for 2025?

IITs have launched several new B.Tech courses. For 2025-26, IIT Madras added Computational Engineering & Mechanics and Instrumentation & Biomedical Engineering. Other IITs offer new streams like AI & Data Science, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Civil & Infrastructure Engineering.

2. Are AI and Data Science offered as separate B.Tech branches at IITs?

Yes. Many IITs now have specialised AI/Data Science programmes. For example, B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics or Data Science & Engineering is available at IITs such as Madras, Kharagpur, Roorkee and others. These degrees focus on machine learning, big data, and computing.

3. What is B.Tech in Computational Engineering and Mechanics (CEM)?

CEM is a new 4-year IIT Madras programme integrating mechanics with modern computation. Students study classical solid/fluid mechanics and also AI, machine learning and simulation tools. It prepares graduates for roles in aerospace, robotics, smart infrastructure and sustainable energy.

4. What are career prospects in these emerging branches?

Career opportunities are strong in tech-driven sectors. Fields like AI, data science, renewable energy and healthcare tech are rapidly expanding. For example, Energy Engineering graduates can work on sustainable power systems, and Biomedical Engineering graduates on medical devices and diagnostics. According to experts, energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors with many opportunities, and AI professionals are in high demand.

5. How do I choose between a traditional and an emerging branch?

Consider your interests and long-term goals. Emerging fields (AI, biotech, sustainability, etc.) offer cutting-edge career paths, but may have higher competition and require learning new concepts. Traditional branches (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) remain solid foundations. Look at course content and IIT strengths in that branch. For instance, if you love coding and AI, a specialised AI branch could suit you; if you’re keen on infrastructure or environment, Civil/Environmental branches might be better.

6. Are these new branches available at all IITs?

No. Only some IITs offer each new branch. Check individual IIT websites or JoSAA brochures for details. For example, Energy Engineering is offered at IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay, while Civil & Infrastructure Engineering is at a few newer IITs. With JoSAA counselling, you can see all courses and IITs listing.