30% computer science engineers ignorant of concepts: Study Nearly 50-60% of the computer science and information technology engineers do not understand the subtleties of programming concepts, while over 80% of them are unable to apply it to the real-world situations. These findings have come to the fore in a pan-India study conducted by Aspiring Minds, a firm dealing in employability assessments and industry solutions on computer programming learning levels across the country. Around 30% of CS/IT engineers are ignorant of the basic theoretical concepts used in computer programming, says the study. Looking at the advanced areas of algorithm design, the study shows that nearly 50% engineers are not even exposed to basic terminology. The figures leap to 65-70% in basic computer programming and algorithm design respectively, when it comes to non-software branches. More than 55,000 CS/IT and non-CS/IT engineering students from 250 engineering colleges in India took part in Aspiring Minds Computer Adaptive Test (AMCAT). It examined how well engineering students are able to program at the end of their undergraduate education. AMCAT was a computer-based assessment test which assessed engineering students on parameters like aptitude, skills, personality and behaviour. With more than 6 lakh engineers graduating every year and IT sector being one of the popular career options, the supply side seems very promising and strong on paper, say experts. However, the low figures in basics indicate degrading quality of workforce and hint against industry expectations, said Varun Aggarwal, chief technical officer, Aspiring Minds. While basic computer programming is a pre-requisite for IT companies like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, product based companies like Microsoft, Google, Adobe and others look for competency in using data structures and algorithms among engineering graduates. Computer programming and algorithm design is the most common denominator required in IT professions. The study shows a large number of students are unable to apply the fundamentals to real-life situations. The results obtained are an eye-opener. It questions the teaching, learning pedagogy used whose emphasis seems to be on rote-learning in multiple areas, rather than building good understanding in few areas, says Varun. Its high time the technical education does a serious analysis of the curriculum and pedagogy across universities and the industry requirements, says Prof DS Yadav, faculty of computer science, Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET). Besides looking at the percentage of engineers from both CS/IT and non-CS/IT being well versed in basic programming constructs (to be able to write simple programs), the study also highlights how engineers fare in advanced areas of data structures and object-oriented programming. The test also assessed engineering graduates on whether they are able to understand concepts and apply them and not just learn them by rote. And most important, the study reveals the difference between the knowledge level of engineers of computer and non-computer branches.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:12:32 +0000
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