Computer Science Engineering (CSE) Syllabus and Subjects 2024

Owing to the numerous computing technologies that our world is immersing in, Computer Science Engineering is amongst the most popular of the varied Engineering branches pursued by science students. Usually offered under a degree program or as a specialisation, Computer Science Engineering aims to impart students with knowledge of the design and structure of computing devices as well as their functioning. Through this blog, we will look at the Computer Science Engineering syllabus, the pivotal subjects covered as well as the top universities offering this specialisation.

What is Computer Science?

The study of algorithms, data processing, and computing systems is known as computer science. It includes the creation, evaluation, and deployment of hardware and software to address complicated issues and enhance a variety of applications. Computer scientists study things like cybersecurity, programming languages, data structures, and artificial intelligence. They are essential to developing new software, expanding technology, and reshaping our digital environment. A person’s ability to adapt to quickly changing technology is facilitated by computer science, which also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Computer Science Engineering Syllabus Overview

Computer Science Engineering is an academic discipline which strives to ingrain students with the knowledge of several technical fields such as database management and programming. As a specialised domain of study, it also incorporates theory and application of computer design and applications. Studying this field, you will get to know about varied aspects of Computer Science Engineering such as Computer Networks, Database Management Systems, Analysis Design of Algorithms, microprocessors, Mobile communications, Programming languages, Digital Electronics, System software, Performance Evaluation etc. 

List of Subjects in Computer Science Engineering Syllabus

In a degree program, the Computer Science Engineering syllabus consists of an array of discrete subjects. Most subjects aim towards solidifying fundamental aspects of the field whereas some others serve as initiatory of other relevant fields. Below we have listed down some of the key disciplines commonly included under the Computer Science Engineering Syllabus:-

Information Theory	Database Systems
Cryptography	Engineering Physics
Database Systems	Engineering Chemistry
Embedded Systems	Discrete Mathematics
Digital Image Processing	Principles of Programming Languages
Data Structures	Network Engineering
Artificial Intelligence	System Software
Information Theory	Operating Systems
Cryptography	Theory of Computation

Note: The above-mentioned list is for indicative purposes only. The subjects under the Computer Science Engineering syllabus can vary as per the chosen course as well as the university.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the reproduction of human-like intellect by machines or computer systems. AI applications include Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, and Pattern/Speech Recognition, amongst others. In the long list of disciplines taught under the Computer Science Engineering syllabus, AI is one of the most demanding ones as it has become an inseparable part of our day-to-day devices and applications. Due to this increased attention, many non-tech companies have also exhibited their interest in AI and its relevant usage. By studying this field, you can avail a multitude of opportunities prevalent in different sectors and industries.

Database Systems

Database Systems enable people to create and operate on databases, which in turn are sets of related information stored in tables. Studies in this field include the creation, definition and manipulation of the database, choosing the appropriate model of the database for specific scenarios etc. In this subject of the Computer Science Engineering syllabus, students are taught about the applications of these systems on Database Processing Packages like SQL, Oracle, IBM D2 etc.  

Discrete Mathematics

Discrete Mathematics is a subset of Mathematics, specifically designed for computer scientists. Subjects taught under this discipline of Computer Science Engineering syllabus are Efficiency Computation, Boolean Algebra, Sets, Probability etc. Discrete Mathematics is generally introduced in the first semester of B.E. Computer Science, as the basics taught in the subject, aid in the study of almost all other fields under this vast domain. Applications of this field are usually facilitated in Archaeology, Medical Sensing, professional video/sound recording etc.

Principles of Programming Languages

Principles of Programming Languages introduces the students to the fundamental principles of programming language design, working and implementation. This subject introduces elements of Programming, styles of programming, programming paradigms etc. During the course of this subject, the students are made familiar with different programming languages like Python, PHP, C++, JavaScript etc.  Due to the importance of Programming language in current times, a subset of this course is incorporated in the core concentrations under the Computer Science Engineering syllabus as well. 

Operating Systems

This subject comprises operating system abstractions, mechanisms, and their implementations. Subjects taught include Hardware, Memory, System and Application Programs, etc. Students also get to know about the building blocks of operating systems such as I/O System Management, Assembler, Compiler, Loader etc. Further, it also emphasizes the importance of concepts like Performance Analysis and Contention, Resource Management, Program Abstraction etc.

Engineering Mechanics

One of the major Computer Engineering subjects, Engineering Mechanics aims to impart students with thorough knowledge about particle physics, how particles interact with mass and energy, various properties of the surface and solid as well as Friction. Candidates will get to know about important concepts like the dynamics of particles, the elements of rigid bodies along with their equilibrium

Engineering Physics 

Engineering Physics will be one of the most essential Computer Engineering subjects and will be a part of the curriculum up to the second year. This interdisciplinary subject in various semesters will familiarize you with topics like Optics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Acoustics, Laser and Fibre Optics, Mechanics etc.

Programming and Data Structures

You will learn about topics like searching, sorting and files along with a variety of programming languages. It is amongst the key Computer Engineering subjects and a major focus is put on studying C language and Program Development along with Data Structures both Linear and Non-Linear. 

Semiconductors Physics and Electronics

This important subject will be a guide to the internal workings of electronic devices. It will take you through the workings of semiconductors elucidating Fibre Optical Communications, Semiconducting Materials, Optoelectronic Switching Devices, Modern Engineering Materials etc.

Mathematics and Discrete Mathematics 

Mathematics will be an integral mention in the Computer Engineering subjects enabling the students with its core fundamentals. Mainly, you will get to study topics like Vector Calculus, Statistics, Multiple Integers, Graphs, Lattices, Combinatory etc. Apart from these topics, the most important concepts would be Complex Integration and Analytic Functions

Computer Science Engineering Syllabus for Diploma, Bachelor’s & Master’s Level Courses

Being a unique combination of Computer Science and Engineering, there are a vast number of Computer Engineering subjects which might differ according to the degree or diploma you are opting for. Further, the core subjects generally remain the same for these degree and diploma courses though they might be covered at a foundational, basic or advanced level. The following sections will give you an overview of the major Computer Engineering subjects covered for different degree and diploma programmes.

Subjects for Diploma Courses in Computer Engineering

Engineering Physics	Digital Electronics	Computer Programming
Web Designing	Basic Electronics	Mathematics
Database Management System	Microprocessor and Assembly	Computer Application
Web Development Tools	C++ Programming	Operating Systems
Software Development	Language Programming	Data Structure
Computer Networks	Java Programming	Net Programming

Subjects for Bachelor’s Level Courses in Computer Engineering (BE / BTech / etc.)

Engineering Physics	Engineering Chemistry	Computer Graphics and Visualisation
Graph Theory and Combinatorics	Engineering Mathematics	Analysis of Algorithms Laboratory
Design and Analysis of Algorithms	Artificial Intelligence	Theory Database Applications
Advanced Computer Architecture	Computer Networking	Linux and X- Windows Programming
Multimedia Technology	Computing Data Warehousing and Data Mining	Software Operating Systems
Computer Programming C Language	Electronic Circuits	Data Structures with C

Subjects for Master’s Level Courses in Computer Engineering (ME, MTech, etc.)

Operating System Design	Performance Evaluation of Computer System and Networks	Agent-Based Intelligent Systems
Software Engineering Methodologies	Data Structures and Algorithms	Web Technology
Internet Programming and Tools	Computer Architecture	Network Security
Computer Networks Engineering and Management	Theory of Computation	Mobile Computing
Advanced Web Design	Soft Computing	Mathematical Structures of Computer Science
eCommerce Technology	Pattern Recognition	ASIC Design

Note: The above-mentioned Computer Engineering subjects are for indicative purposes and may differ in different universities.

Also Read: Computer Science vs Software Engineering

CSE Year Wise Syllabus

We will now go through the year-wise syllabus of computer science engineering. This degree has a total of 4 years and 8 semesters.

CSE First Year Syllabus

The first year of CSE has two semesters. Following is the syllabus studied during these years. 

SEMESTER I	SEMESTER II
English	Mathematics II
Applied Physics	Linear and Digital ICs Applications
Mathematics I	Discrete Structures
Computers and Information Technology	Logic Theory
Engineering Drawing Practice	Data Processing
C & Data Structures	IC Application
Semiconductor Devices and Circuits	Managerial Economics and Accountancy

CSE Second Year Syllabus

The second year of CSE has two semesters. Following is the syllabus studied during these years.

SEMESTER III	SEMESTER IV
Probability and Statistics	Interfacing Through Microprocessors
Electrical Technology	Data Communications
Design and Analysis of Algorithms	Operations Research
Computer Organization	Principles of Programming Languages
Operating Systems	Theory of Computation
Object-Oriented Programming	System Programming

CSE Third-Year Syllabus

The third year of CSE has two semesters. Following is the syllabus studied during these years.

SEMESTER V	SEMESTER VI
Computer Architecture	Artificial Intelligence
Neuro-Fuzzy	Implementation of Programming Languages
Data Structures and Algorithms	Compiler Design
Database Information System	Wireless Network
Data Mining	Information Storage Management
Computer Network	Computer Graphics

CSE Fourth Year Syllabus

The fourth year of CSE has two semesters. Following is the syllabus studied during these years. 

SEMESTER VII	SEMESTER VIII
Software Engineering	Simulation and Modeling
Distributed Systems	Mobile Computing
Java Programming	Pattern Recognition
Image Processing	Formal Languages and Automata Theory
Visual Programming	Project Management
Neural Networks	Computer Communication

Skills Required For Computer Science Engineering

Candidates for a Computer Science Engineering programme should have the necessary set of abilities to succeed in the long run. The following abilities are necessary for enrolling in CSE courses:

Analytical skills	Problem-solving skills
Critical thinking	Creativity
Good Programming Skills	Strong Data Structures and Algorithms skills
Basic web development knowledge	Basics of Machine Learning
Basics of security, vulnerabilities, and cryptography	Ability to grasp the knowledge quickly

Also Read: Computer Science Subjects

Top Universities for Computer Science Engineering Abroad

There are various universities and colleges around the world that offer bachelor’s and master’s programs in Computer Science Engineering. Below is a list of some of the renowned universities and institutes as well as their prospective offerings in this field: 

University of Oxford, UK	MEng in Information Engineering
California University of Technology, USA	BSc in Computer Science
Imperial College London, UK	BEng in Mathematics and Computer Science
National University of Singapore, Singapore	MS in Computer Science
Duke University, USA	BSc in Computer Science
Stanford University, USA	MS in Computer Science
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany	BSc in Computer Science
King’s College London, UK	BSc/MSc in Computer Science
McGill University, Canada	MSc in Computer Science
Technical University of Munich, Germany	MSc in Computational Science and Engineering

Top CSE Colleges in India

Following are the top Indian universities and colleges offering computer science engineering courses:

• IIT Delhi – Indian Institute of Technology
• IIT Bombay – Indian Institute of Technology
• IIT Kanpur – Indian Institute of Technology
• IIT Kharagpur – Indian Institute of Technology
• IIT Roorkee – Indian Institute of Technology

Eligibility for Computer Science Engineering

Before delving into Computer Engineering subjects, let’s first understand the eligibility criteria you will have to meet in order to pursue courses in this field. The eligibility requirements for Computer Engineering courses differs as per the level of the course as well as the university you have chosen for. Here are the general prerequisites you must keep in mind while applying for such courses:

• For a diploma in Computer Engineering, the basic requirement is that the student must have completed 10+2 with science stream (generally PCM subjects) from a recognized board with the specified marks required by their chosen university.
• For BE courses or BTech in Computer Engineering, you must have accomplished 10+2 with PCM subjects and Indian institutes and universities also need candidates to undertake an entrance exam like JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, IPU CET, etc. Further, if you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this field abroad, you will be required to provide SAT scores, language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. along with your 10+2 academic transcripts.
• If you aim to pursue a postgraduate degree in Computer Engineering, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is generally asked by universities along with entrance exam scores which can vary as per the university. Further, for those aiming to study abroad, you will be additionally needed to submit GRE scores along with language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

Also Read: Diploma in Engineering

Job Profiles After Computer Science Engineering

The boom in the CSE sector has led to lucrative career opportunities for professionals. With the ever-increasing employment opportunities in this field, the demand for CSE experts has increased. Computer Science Engineers after completing their course, generally get job opportunities across various industries like IT/Software Companies, Academic Institutions, Sales and Marketing firms, Journalism, editing and content, Engineering firms, etc. 

Job Profile

• System Database Administrator
• Computer Programmer
• Engineering Support Specialist
• Data Warehouse Analyst
• System Designer
• Software Developer
• Lecturer/Professor
• Computer Operator
• Research Analyst

Top Recruiters

Following are the top recruiters who hire computer science engineering graduates:

TATA Consultancy	Facebook
Deloitte	Cisco
Wipro	Oracle
Cognizant	Microsoft
Infosys Technologies	Yahoo
IBM Global Services	Paytm
Accenture Services	Flipkart
HCL Technologies	Sun microsystems
Adobe	Apple
Google	Hewlett and Packard

FAQs

Hence, we hope that this blog has helped you comprehend the key essentials of the Computer Science Engineering syllabus. If you are aspiring to study for a degree in Engineering, take the help of Leverage Edu’s AI-based tool to explore a wide range of programs and universities and find a suitable combination that aligns with your interests and aspirations.