The Hindu EducationPlus Career Counselling 2026 at KLE Society’s Biotechnology Auditorium on the B.V. Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology campus of KLE Technological University on Saturday (May 16) saw good participation. Students and their parents returned home with a clearer picture on careers available before them.The participants attended various sessions and subsequently got their doubts cleared during the interaction.Union Public Service Commission coach and career counsellor Syed Sadat Pasha of CIGMA India gave a bird’s eye view of the various career options available before them and the changing trends, particularly with the advent of AI.Narrating stories of rags to riches, he elaborated on how “out of the box” ideas helped in building businesses and firms. Giving tips on how to choose a career, he also highlighted the life skills required in the present competitive era.Clearing misconceptions about Artificial Intelligence, Vijayalaxmi M., professor and head of department at the School of Computer Science and Engineering of KLE Technological University, clarified that AI does not have to be pursued like a normal degree. “AI is part of every engineering stream and can also be done as an elective course while pursuing any degree,” she said.Prof. Vijayalaxmi also underscored the need to opt for core engineering subjects rather than choosing allied courses. She said that there is no use in getting an engineering degree without possessing the necessary skillsets and practical experience, which can be obtained through various projects.She also told students aspiring to get into engineering to have strong knowledge of mathematics and physics as both subjects are an integral part of engineering education. She also told them to be clear about their choices. “Be clear about what you want to become,” she advised them.Chartered Accountant Shivanand Malagavi briefed the participants about the opportunities in chartered accountancy, the scope, the examination pattern, the opportunities, and how one can build a career without spending much.Karnataka Examinations Authority coordinator Rajesh Hongal briefed the students about the counselling process for admission to various professional courses and pointed out the do’s and don’ts.InteractionDuring the interaction session, Ishwar Hosamani, interim director of Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute, said that despite the long duration of medical courses, more number of students are opting for it and there is a need for more healthcare professionals in the country.A student choosing medical sciences should be ready to devote more time, work hard, and have empathy, he said.Answering students’ queries, the panellists clarified that it is a false notion that AI will replace everything. While it is true that AI will impact every field, equipping oneself with the required skillsets will always help. Platinum sponsors: The Institute Chartered Accountants of India, Presidency University, and Reva University.Gold sponsors: CMR University, Chanakya University, East Point Group of Institutions, Hindustan Group of Institutions, Chennai.Silver sponsors: ACS College of Engineering; Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagar; BLDE Association, Vijayapura; Credila; IIBS; IDP; JSS Science & Technology University, Mysuru; JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru; Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru; Central University of Karnataka, Kalaburagi; Khaja Bandanawaz University; Kammavaari Sangham Group of Institutions; Karnataka Bank; KLE Technological University, Hubballi; Nitte (Deemed to be University); Rajarajeswari College of Engineering; Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management; Soundarya Institute of Management & Science; SDM Educational Society (R), Ujire; Shanthivana Trust, Dharmasthala; Sharnbasva University, Kalaburagi; Shaheen Group of Institutions, Bidar; Bheemanna Khandre Institute of Technology, Bidar; Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru.Associate sponsors: Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society, Kalaburagi; Azim Premji University; Canara Engineering College, Mangaluru; ICFAI.Regional sponsor: Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University)Venue sponsors: KLE Technological University, Hubballi; Sharnbasava University, Kalaburagi.