Nowadays, it is fairly typical for 10th or 12th-grade graduates to enroll in certificate or degree programs at polytechnics. This is in contrast to the customary norm, in which students are required to complete 12th grade and enroll in a 3-year degree program, which typically meant the formal completion of 15 (12 + 3) years of study.

What does a polytechnic course entail?

A polytechnic is a school or institute that offers vocational courses in technical fields, industrial arts, or applied sciences. It often provides certificate, diploma, or post-diploma courses lasting 2 or 3 years depending on the course. A polytechnic engineering diploma program might be considered a pre-engineering education that quickly offers an individual hands-on experience in specialized subjects.

Most polytechnics in India, which are frequently run by state governments, as well as self-financed private institutes, provide a variety of certificate or diploma degrees in engineering, industrial domain, or applied sciences. These courses could be in fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, arts, animation, journalism, media, design, business management, and so on. Taking one of these courses may qualify you for a job in the private or public sectors.

What is the difference between a polytechnic and a degree course?

A polytechnic will assist you in gaining basic training and practical knowledge. Following the completion of a polytechnic diploma, you could immediately seek work in the same profession, often in the government or private sectors. A polytechnic focuses mostly on practical knowledge, with less emphasis placed on theory. This is primarily to familiarise the student with basic technical principles.

A university, on the other hand, focuses on the theoretical components of the course as well as the student's professional development. It also provides hands-on experience through lab assignments or projects. Engineering programs at universities, such as BE or BTech, may last 3-4 years.

Are you seeking to figure out the numerous advantages of polytechnic courses? For example, what are the benefits of pursuing a diploma in civil engineering? Alternatively, what are the many employment opportunities that a polytechnic may provide in comparison to a degree college?

Let us find out:

1. Lesser Duration

If you intend to begin working immediately after completing the 2-3-year diploma program, you should be able to support yourself. If you decide to pursue a diploma in a civil engineering program, you may be able to work both jobs at the same time, depending on the employment requirements, the field of work, and so on.

Alternatively, you could immediately enroll in a regular degree course in the second year after completing the diploma. If the diploma is 2 years lengthy, your engineering degree should be completed in 5 years, as opposed to 6 years through the traditional route of 2 years of schooling after 10th and 4 years of engineering degree through a university.

2. Hands-on Experience and Practical Exposure 

Polytechnic civil engineering courses emphasize practical experience over theoretical understanding. As a result, a polytechnic student's technical understanding may be superior to a student who has completed the 12th grade.

3. Reasonable Fees

A diploma through polytechnics is less expensive than BTech, BE, or any other degree course.

4. Change of Stream

It is one of the most significant advantages of a polytechnic. If you wish to pursue a second degree later, you will be able to switch fields.

5. Easy Gateway into Further Studies

When compared to other students, you would be in a superior position after completing the polytechnic course in terms of topic understanding and practical exposure. Given all of the advantages of a polytechnic civil engineering course, it is evident that the certification or knowledge obtained through it may be on par with a degree course. However, one point should be made here. After completing the polytechnic degree, it is usually desirable to expand your education or improve your abilities.

This is because, in comparison to a BTech professional, a diploma holder's job possibilities may be limited in terms of overall professional growth or advancements. As a result, it’s a good idea to remain to look for ways to boost your professional profile by pursuing more technical certificates, courses, or degrees.