Detailed explanation of what is the difference between CSE and IT. It also includes CSE vs IT Syllabus, CSE vs IT Jobs and salaries offered.
What is the difference between CSE and IT?
CSE (Computer Science & Engineering) and IT (Information technology) are considerably similar but notable differences. Many students in India are confused between CSE and IT due to the lack of understanding of the minute differences between the two engineering streams. This article provides you with a comparison between the syllabus, jobs, and salary differences between CSE and IT.
The main difference between CSE and IT engineering course
Computer science engineers (CSE) are involved in many computing perspectives, from the design of microprocessors, PCs, supercomputers to circuit designing and writing programs that power them.
Information Technology (IT) involves using computers and software to save, preserve the process, transmit, and securely recover data. IT professionals deliver various tasks that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases.
Here is the table of content of the article "difference between IT and CSE". You can directly jump to any of the topics listed below.
- CSE stands for
- IT stands for
- CSE in Engineering
- IT in Engineering
- Difference between CS and CSE
- Difference between CSE and IT - Course
- Difference between CSE and IT - Job Scope
- Difference between CSE and IT - salary
- CSE and IT Top colleges
- Which is better, CSE or IT?
The significant difference that we can interpret is that IT is involved in applying computing technology to real-life processes, whereas CS is included in the science that promotes these applications. To be simple, Computer Science is the development of software and hardware by using various programming skills. In comparison, IT (Information Technology) merely determines the proper software or hardware for a particular task.
CSE stands for
Most of us have this question of what CSE is. The word CSE stands for "Computer Science Engineering," and one shouldn't get confused with Computer Engineering, which comes under the Diploma course. CSE includes the domain under technologies such as Software Development, Microprocessors, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc.
Computer engineering programs resemble computer science at the lower division with similar introductory programming and math courses but diverge from computer science at the upper-division with heavy electrical engineering requirements such as digital and analog circuits, integrated circuit design, VLSI design, and control systems. Computer Science and Engineering integrates all of the above and is intended to develop a solid understanding of the entire machine, including computer hardware and software.
IT stands for
The word IT stands for "Information Technology" and information science and Engineering in colleges that provide a B.E. degree, and there is an observed difference between both branches.
IT plays a major role in communication, Inventory management, Data management, Management information systems, and customer relationship management. It concentrates on the study of utilizing computers and telecommunications to control, gather, store and circulate information.
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CSE in Engineering
CSE is the study of engineering that integrates into the field of computer engineering and computer science. Students pursuing CSE gain knowledge of the design, implementation, and management of information systems in hardware and software. This CSE program aims to design, develop and troubleshoot computing devices such as PCs, supercomputers, robots, smartphones, networking devices, and embedded devices. There are countless CSE subjects in engineering.
The word CSE stands for "Computer Science and Engineering" and shouldn't be confused with Computer Engineering, a Diploma Degree. It includes all the domains that come under technology, such as Software development, Microprocessors, Web development, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Research & Development, etc.
Most of the branches in engineering such as Telecommunication engineering, Information science and engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Electronics & communication engineering are the subsets of Computer Science Engineering.
CSE graduates can be found working in a large number of domains. Studying all the subjects related to technology makes a CSE graduate eligible to opt for any technology-related industry. Computer engineering programs resemble computer science at the lower division with similar introductory programming and math courses but diverge from computer science at the upper-division with heavy electrical engineering requirements such as digital and analog circuits, integrated circuit design, VLSI design, and control systems.
There is an overlap with computer science at the lower division level. Computer engineering skews much more heavily toward the electronics side than it has more in common with electrical engineering. Computer Science and Engineering integrates all of the above and is intended to develop a solid understanding of the entire machine, including computer hardware and software.
IT in Engineering
IT in the Engineering branch consists of topics concerning information management, i.e., storing and retrieving information. IT plays a vital role in our modern-day lifestyles and touches every aspect of human life, starting from small businesses to multinational companies; IT plays a major role in communication, inventory management, data management, information systems, and customer relationship management. It concentrates on the study of utilizing computers and telecommunications to control, gather, store, and circulate information.
IT stands for Information technology, also known as information science and engineering, especially in the colleges providing a B.E. degree (Bachelor of Engineering). IT is the name used by the engineering colleges providing a B.Tech degree (Bachelor of Technology). Most of the students get confused between CSE and ISE. At a glance, they may look similar, but there is an observable difference in both branches.
The difference between CSE and ISE/ IT varies from university to university, college to college. Information science and engineering are purely based on software development & research, while Computer Science and Engineering include hardware and software knowledge.
Computer Science and Engineering students can deal with computer hardware as well. At the same time, Information science and engineering graduates can master the skill of software development and rise in their career as a Coder.
Difference between CS and CSE
Both CS and CSE have become increasingly specialized and to research a computing degree program. Here is an explanation of the similarities and the differences between CS and CSE.
Computer Science (CS) focuses on four areas of computing - theory, algorithms, programming languages, and architecture. The program covers various computing topics and allows students to interact and engage in projects across multiple areas. This field can be divided into theoretical and practical disciplines. Computer programming involves the usage of programming language and complex systems. A computer science student studies the theory and the practices of designing and software systems.
Computer Science Engineering (CSE) focuses on understanding, designing, and optimizing the hardware and software and how it interacts. It integrates computer science and electrical engineering and deals with theories, algorithms, programming languages and architecture, compiler, and electronic devices and circuits. Students in the field of CSE gain knowledge of the design, implementation, and management of an information system in terms of hardware and software. This CSE program aims to design, develop, and troubleshoot computing devices such as PCs, supercomputers, robots, smartphones, networking devices, and embedded devices.
Difference between CSE and IT - Course
Let's discuss the difference between CSE and IT in terms of course and syllabus.
CSE: the student's study designing, implementing, and managing information systems of both software and hardware processes.
IT: the students study the area which involves installation, development, and implementation of computer systems and applications.
The difference in CSE and IT Syllabus
Here are the subjects offered in CSE:
| First-year | Second Year | Third Year | Fourth Year |
| Engineering Physics | Theory of Computation | Probability and Random Variables |
Distributed Computing
|
| Engineering Chemistry | Data Structures | Operating Systems |
Advanced Computer Architecture
|
| Engineering Mathematics-1 | Computer Networks | Algorithms: Design and Analysis |
Cryptography and Network Security
|
| Engineering Mathematics-2 | Computer-based numerical and Statistical Techniques | Principles of Management |
Data Warehousing and Mining
|
| Engineering Drawing | Discrete Mathematics | Aptitude Building-1 |
Security Identity Management
|
| Workshop Practice | Linux OS | Computer Graphics |
Advanced RDBMS
|
| Soft Skills | Microprocessors | Dot Net Technologies |
Business Intelligence
|
| Programming in C | Database Management | Essentials of Software Engineering |
Real-Time Systems
|
| Programming in C++ | Programming with Java | Compiler Design |
Cyber Law and IPR
|
| Basics of Electrical Engineering | Web Technology | Engineering Economics |
Application Security
|
| Basics of Electronics Engineering | Digital System Design | Security Access Management | Project |
| Basics of Mechanical Engineering | Computer Organization | Aptitude Building-2 | - |
| Professional Communication | - | - | - |
Here are the subjects offered in IT:
| Engineering Mathematics | Data Structure | Computer Networks |
| Communication Skills | Database Management System | Software Engineering |
| Engineering Physics | Logic Design and Structure | Information Management |
| Engineering Graphics | File Structure | E-Commerce |
| Elements of Mechanical Engineering | Operating System | Web Scripting and Technology |
| Elements of Electrical Engineering | Programming in C Language | Data Mining |
| Basics of Civil Engineering | Business Information Systems | RDBMS |
| Computer Programming and Utilization | Object-Oriented Programming using C++ | Project Management |
| Mechanics of Solids | Data Communication | Management |
| Algorithm Design | Networking | Data Compression |
| Electronics | Programming using Java | Java (Advanced) |
| Computer Graphics and Multimedia | - | - |
Difference between CSE and IT - Job Scope
Let's discuss the difference between CSE and IT in terms of job scope.
With the need for digitalization in every business and organization, today's IT sector is a booming field compared to any other sector. Also, there is a huge demand for computer science engineers as both go hand in hand. People often say IT vs CSE, and it is always a battle.
The demand is so high that IT companies recruit engineers who have specialized in IT and CSE and graduates from other branches of engineering.
Here are a few job roles for CSE:
- Software Developers
- Testing Engineer
- Project Manager-IT Software
- System Analyst
- Technical Support Engineer
- IT Technical Content Developer
Here are a few job roles for IT:
- Software Developer
- Testing Engineer
- IT Coordinator
- System Analyst
- Applications Developer
- IT Technical Content Developer
Difference between CSE and IT - Salary
Here is a general comparison in terms of the salary between CSE and IT graduates. This gives you only a general understanding of the market and various other factors are affecting the salary.
Salaries of CSE graduates according to payscale are given below:
| Job | Average Salary |
| Software Engineer | INR 4.44 LPA |
| Senior Software Engineer | INR 7.22 LPA |
| Software Developer | INR 3.96 LPA |
| Associate Software Engineer | INR 3.23 LPA |
| Systems Engineer, IT | INR 3.47 LPA |
| Sr. Software Engineer Developer / Programmer | INR 6.36 LPA |
| Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer | INR 4.48 LPA |
Salaries of IT graduate according to payscale are given below:
| Job Category | Experience | Average Annual Salaries |
|
Principal Software Engineer
|
1-4 years | INR 4.87- 16 LPA |
| 5-9 years | INR 6.10- 17.55 LPA | |
| 10-19 years | INR 10.18- 29.96 LPA | |
|
Associate Software Engineer
|
Less than a year | INR 1.82- 3.84 LPA |
| 1-4 years | INR 1.75- 5.48 LPA | |
| 5-9 years | INR 4.01- 9.48 LPA | |
| 10-19 years | INR 6.10- 12.20 LPA | |
|
Software Engineer/Programmer/Developer
|
Less than a year | INR 10.6- 4.05 LPA |
| 1-4 years | INR 1.64- 5.52 LPA | |
| 5-9 years | INR 2.71- 10.13 LPA | |
| 10-19 years | INR 4.80- 20 LPA | |
|
Software Engineer/Programmer/Developer
|
Less than a year | INR 2.76- 3.20 LPA |
| 1-4 years | INR 3.21- 7.50 LPA | |
| 5-9 years | INR 4.47- 10.72 LPA | |
| 10-19 years | INR 4.89- 24.26 LPA |
The salary mentioned may vary from company to company, but this information will still be useful to estimate the average pay provided for each designation.
CSE and IT Top colleges
Here are the best CSE colleges in India:
| Name of the College | Location | Course Fees |
| SRM University Kattankulathur Campus | Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu | INR 10 Lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | INR 4 Lakhs |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | Bhubaneswar, Orissa | INR 5 Lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Delhi) | Delhi | INR 3.60 Lakhs |
| Manipal Institute of Technology | Manipal, Karnataka | INR 14.41 Lakhs |
| Manipal University | Jaipur, Rajasthan | INR 10.68 Lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Chennai) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 4 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT Warangal) | Warangal, Telangana | INR 5 Lakhs |
| College of Engineering (COE) | Pune, Maharashtra | INR 3.19 Lakhs |
| Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | INR 3.17 Lakhs |
| Punjab Engineering College University of Technology (PEC) | Chandigarh, Punjab | INR 4.43 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) | Durgapur, West Bengal | INR 4.67 Lakhs |
| Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | INR 1.66 Lakhs |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | New Delhi | INR 43.4K |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) | Surat, Gujarat | INR 3.90 Lakhs |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | INR 5 Lakhs |
Here are the best IT colleges in India:
| Name of the College | Location | Course Fees |
| Delhi Technological University (DTU) | Delhi | INR 6.45 Lakhs |
| Manipal University (MUJ) | Jaipur, Rajasthan | INR 10.68 Lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) | Howrah, West Bengal | INR 5 Lakhs |
| Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | INR 60K |
| Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 60K |
| BMS College of Engineering | Bengaluru, Karnataka | INR 88.24K |
| Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (HBTI) | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh | INR 2.080 Lakhs |
| B.I.T. Sindri | Dhanbad, Jharkhand | INR 2.76 Lakhs |
| Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT) | Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh | INR 6 Lakhs |
| College of Engineering (COE) | Pune, Maharashtra | INR 3.19 Lakhs |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) | Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh | INR 3.08 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) | Kurukshetra, Haryana | INR 5 Lakhs |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) | Patna, Bihar | INR 2.50 Lakhs |
| Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) | Manipal, Karnataka | INR 14.41 Lakhs |
Which is better, CSE or IT?
While choosing a career in CSE or IT, students may be in a quandary to choose between the two fields, hence the question - Which is better, CSE or IT?
Both CS and CSE have specialized in both the knowledge and skillset to pursue a career in the above two fields. While CSE involves computing from PCs, supercomputers to circuit designing and software writing, IT plays a major role in the field of communication, inventory management, data management, management information systems, and customer relationship management.
Students studying in the core of CSE gain knowledge in the study about design, implementation, and management of information in both hardware and software, artificial intelligence & robotics, database & information retrieval, numerical & symbolic computation while considering the core field study of IT, students study about installation, development, and implementation of computer systems and applications which includes microprocessors & interfacing, computer communication & networking, database systems, software engineering, etc.
The career prospects are booming in the fields wherein CSE, job opening for the designation of junior programmer, database administrator, data analyst, software developer, and software engineer from top companies like TCS, Deloitte, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Accenture, Cognizant, Microsoft.
In IT employment fields in finance, arts, defense, and other areas, opportunities from leading companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM. Also, there are opportunities from leading public sector firms such as BSNL, ISRO, CDIT, etc. In a nutshell, if you have to put it, the difference between IT and CSE would be the hardware processes are studied.
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