New Delhi: A study conducted by two professors of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) has revealed that the number of engineering students opting for higher education remains alarmingly low despite setting up of new institutions across the country.

The study named 'Engineering Education in India' highlighted that, in 2006, about 2.3 lakh students graduated in engineering but only 20,000 master degrees and 1,000 PhDs were awarded in the same year.

The study further said that in higher education institutions including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), only 1 percent of students graduating in B.Tech. opt for an M.Tech. and only 2 percent of students of graduating M.Tech. opt for PhD.

To augment research, India needs to start a series of initiatives, including partnerships with industries, strengthening existing PhD programmes and research facilities, the study said.

A recent survey by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry in India (Assocham) had said that more girls are taking to engineering studies these days.

The enrolment of girls in technical institutes in the country has gone up from 22 percent in 2002 to 125 percent this year, with most preferring system engineering and information and communication.

ASSOCHAM said the emergence of the knowledge economy has motivated more girls to acquire engineering skills.

The survey covered over 20 engineering schools, including the National Institutes of Technology (NITs).

It said 90 percent of women engineers were motivated by their academic performance and 71 percent for career as well as good salary prospects that influenced them to opt for engineering.

However, in case of men, 79 percent of them opted for engineering by their academic performance as well as challenges that the work brings in.

The survey said 97 percent of male engineers and 92 percent of female engineers are employed, almost all of them as engineers. However, the unemployment rate among females was found to be 3 percent due to their inability to pursue careers in engineering after their marriage.