IT or Computer Science: What to Choose After 12th

As school comes to an end, students are faced with an important decision of choosing their academic path which will shape their future career prospects. Two engineering fields often are popular among students: Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science. With both B.Tech courses offering promising opportunities and playing a major role in current industries, it's crucial to have an understanding of each path before making a decision. 

In this blog post, we aim to shed light on what is IT?  What is Computer Science? Comparison of IT vs Computer Science, all of which questions, will provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your academic and career path. 

What is Information Technology? 

• Information Technology or IT as the name suggests is the handling of information digitally or with the use of computers, software and networks.
• It plays a crucial role in facilitating communication, data management, and automation of tasks in organisations and everyday life.
• IT professionals, often referred to as IT specialists or technicians, work with these technologies to develop, implement, and maintain systems that support businesses, industries, and individuals.
• Students can pursue B.Tech in IT in order to have a career in this field. They need to complete their high school with a minimum of 50%-60%  marks in the PCM stream.
• For admission to top universities, students can either apply directly or have to give engineering entrance exams conducted by universities, like JEE entrance exam.
• IT is a rapidly evolving field that constantly introduces new innovations, advancements, and opportunities for individuals and organisations to leverage technology for improved productivity and growth.

What is Computer Science?

• Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems, including both hardware and software components.
• It focuses on understanding how computers work, how they can be programmed to perform specific tasks, and how to solve complex problems using algorithms and logical reasoning.
• Computer Science professionals use programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript, to write code that instructs computers to perform specific tasks and solve problems.
• B.Tech in computer science is a degree for students who wish to pursue a career in computer science. For this, they need to have a minimum of 60% marks in science or PCM stream.
• Admissions into this field can either be merit-based or on the basis of marks scored in top engineering entrance exams. 
• Computer Science is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that continues to shape our modern world, enabling technological advancements and transforming industries with its impact.

Difference between Information Technology and Computer Science

Factors	Information Technology	Computer Science
Focus	Application and management of computer systems, software and networks.	Study of computers, computational systems, and theoretical foundation of computation.
Scope	Covers all the practical aspects of utilising technology in the real-world.	Covers a broader range of topics including programming, languages, algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, and software development.
Emphasis	Application and implementation of existing technologies.	Developing new technologies.
Career Path	IT Consultants Network Administrators System Analysts Database Administrators	Software Developers Computer Programmers Data Scientists Researchers
Skills	System Administration Network Management Database Management Cybersecurity principles	Programming and Coding Skills Analytical Thinking Problem-Solving Algorithm and data structure understanding

IT or Computer Science- Which is Better?

If you are interested in the practical application of technology, solving real-world problems, and developing software solutions, Computer Science may be the right choice for you.  It delves deep into the theoretical foundations of computing, algorithms, programming languages, and software development, equipping you with a strong technical skill set.

On the other hand, if you have a passion for working with computer systems, networks, cybersecurity, and data management, IT can be an excellent pathway to explore. IT focuses on the practical aspects of technology, including infrastructure management, hardware components, network administration, and ensuring the smooth operation of digital systems within an organization.

It is important to consider your own strengths, interests, and long-term career goals when making this decision. The key is to stay curious, adapt to technological advancements, and continuously upgrade your skills throughout your professional journey.

Conclusion

What to choose and what not to is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Both fields offer immense opportunities and hold great potential for a successful career in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Lastly, it's worth mentioning that your choice is not set in stone. Many professionals transition between IT and Computer Science, discovering new passions and expanding their expertise as they progress in their careers.

With Sunstone, students can learn occupational skills with the help of training courses. Students benefit from 70+ training sessions from expert guest faculty (ex-IIMs, IITs). Along with this, students can get hands-on experience from capstone projects, which can be helpful in securing job offers. 

FAQs - IT or Computer Science: What to Choose After 12th

Is Information Technology easier than Computer Science?

It depends entirely on students which course they find easy or hard. Both IT and computer science provide basic knowledge of working with computers.

What is the expected salary after completing Information Technology?

The expected average salary of a fresher after completing a B.Tech in IT is ₹6-7 LPA.

Which computer science course is best after the 12th grade?

B.Tech in CSE is one of the best courses in computer science with a number of opportunities that a student can pursue after 12th grade. Although the choice among the courses depends entirely on students' interest. 

What is the expected salary after completing Information Technology?

The expected average salary of a fresher after completing a B.Tech in Computer Science is ₹6-8 LPA.

Can I pursue B.Tech courses from colleges powered by Sunstone?

Yes, you can pursue B.Tech in CSE from colleges powered by Sunstone. Some of the colleges are:

• Sage University, Indore
• IIMT University
• GRD Institue to Technology and Management
• Impact College of Engineering and Applied Sciences