C-DAC Pune Faces Decline in Campus Placements Amidst Tech Course Offerings

Pune, 9th April 2024: Pune’s prestigious Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has long been recognized for its offerings in computer and technology-related courses. However, this year, there’s been a noticeable downturn in campus placements, as highlighted by Colonel (retired) AK Nath, the Executive Director of C-DAC.

Typically, C-DAC conducts six-month post-graduate courses in various disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, GIS, Web Design, Mobile Computing, Java, and Python, attracting over ten thousand applicants for 5500 available seats. These courses, offered both online and through traditional means, culminate in campus placements, connecting students with opportunities in the information technology sector. This year has seen a significant decline in the campus placement process compared to previous years, indicating a challenge in securing job placements for graduating students.

Nath emphasized that C-DAC’s courses are renowned for their employability, with over 85 % of students typically securing jobs through campus placements annually. During the peak of the pandemic, there was a surge in recruitment drives by companies, facing challenges in finding suitable candidates. However, the ongoing campus placement process has encountered setbacks, with 45 % of placements remaining unfulfilled thus far.

Following the significant recruitment surge during the pandemic, the situation is gradually returning to normalcy. Despite this, there’s been a lesser response to online courses compared to traditional ones. Consequently, there are plans to introduce blended learning methods shortly.

In a significant development, the Maharashtra State Government has allocated ten acres of land in Chikhali for C-DAC. This space will be utilized to establish separate educational centres, with construction slated for completion within the next two years. Once operational, all course activities will be transitioned to this new facility. Additionally, Nath mentioned plans for the construction of a VIDA centre alongside the educational centre.