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Chennai: For the first time in many years, all core engineering branches filled more than half of their intake in engineering counselling this year. Experts cite preference for top colleges, revival of demand for core engineers, and layoffs by IT companies as reasons for the upward demand for core branches.But computer science engineering, artificial intelligence and data science, information and technology remained top picks as usual. After three rounds of online engineering counselling, 1,30,077 seats out of 1,72,589 seats available in 425 engineering colleges were filled this year. More than 75% of available seats were filled this year, which is the highest in the last five years. Last year, 66% of the total available seats were filled in the online counselling after three rounds. While 149 colleges filled over 80% of seats last year, this year, 205 colleges filled over 80% of seats in the counselling. “This clearly indicates that students preferred colleges over the courses,” career consultant Jayaprakash Gandhi said. Students have opted for branches such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical and electronics engineering (EEE), he added. Experts also cite the importance given to the semiconductor industry and the boom in infrastructure projects as main reasons for the revival of demand for core engineering courses. “Due to infrastructure projects such as roads and housing, there will be more demand for civil engineers as well,” said T Kalaiselvan, former additional director, Centre for University Industry Collaboration (CUIC), Anna University. Colleges said the cut-off for core engineering courses also increased due to more interest.“In our college, the cut-off for ECE has increased by two to three marks compared to last year. More girls are opting for courses such as mechanical engineering,” said R M Kishore, vice-chairman of RMK Engineering College. Core industries are also hiring more students in campus placements. Besides core engineering courses, courses such as computer science engineering, AI and data science, and information technology have remained the top choices in engineering counselling this year. Colleges also said there is a good demand for computer-related specializations this year. “Courses such as robotics and automation, and cyber security were in demand,” said Abhay Meganathan, vice-chairman of Rajalakshmi Group of Institutions.