Minor Degree in Computer Science 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus & Credits

Introduction

Are you a Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering student who loves coding? You don’t need to switch branches to study Computer Science officially.

With the latest National Education Policy (NEP) guidelines, engineering students can now pursue a Minor Degree in Computer Science alongside their main branch. This system allows you to gain official certification in CS subjects without leaving your core stream.

In this blog, we will explain the new credit system for 2026, the subjects you will study, and how this degree appears on your final certificate.

Highlights: Minor Degree at a Glance

Feature	Details
Course Name	Minor Degree in Computer Science
Who Can Apply?	Non-CS students (Mech, Civil, EEE, etc.)
Start Time	Usually 3rd or 4th Semester
Extra Credits Required	18 – 20 Credits
Duration	Completed parallel to B.Tech (3 Years)
Minimum CGPA	6.5 – 7.5 (Varies by college)

What is a Minor Degree in Engineering?

A Minor Degree is an additional specialization that you earn by completing extra subjects from a different department.

For example, if you are studying B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (your Major), but you also complete specific subjects from the Computer Science department, you will be awarded a "B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Computer Science."

This is different from a "Major" degree:

• Major Degree: Your primary branch (e.g., Civil, Chemical).

• Minor Degree: A secondary area of study (e.g., CS, AI/ML) that requires you to earn extra academic credits.

Note: A Minor Degree is not a double degree. It is a single B.Tech degree with an added specialization mentioned on the certificate.

Major vs. Minor vs. Honors: What’s the Difference?

Many students get confused between these terms. Here is the clear difference based on the 2026 academic structure.

Parameter	Major Degree	Minor Degree	Honors Degree
Definition	Your main branch (e.g., Mechanical)	Extra subjects from another branch	Extra subjects from your own branch
Focus	Core engineering syllabus	Cross-disciplinary learning (e.g., Mech + CS)	Deep specialization (e.g., Mech + Robotics)
Credits	160 Credits	+18 to 20 Extra Credits	+18 to 20 Extra Credits
Eligibility	All students	High performing students (CGPA > 7.0)	High performing students (CGPA > 7.0)

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

Not every student is allowed to take a Minor Degree in Computer Science. Colleges have strict rules to ensure you can handle the extra academic load.

Common Requirements:

• CGPA Score: You generally need a CGPA of 6.75 to 7.5 in your first year.

• No Backlogs: You must have cleared all previous semester subjects.

• Branch Restriction: Students already in CSE or IT usually cannot take a "Minor in CS" (they must choose something else like Finance or Electronics).

Syllabus: What Will You Study?

To earn the extra 18–20 credits, you typically need to complete 5 to 6 theory subjects and 2 laboratory courses. These are core CS subjects, not basic introductory ones.

Typical Minor Degree Subjects:

1. Data Structures & Algorithms (DSA): The backbone of coding interviews.

2. Database Management Systems (DBMS): SQL and data handling.

3. Operating Systems (OS): How computers manage memory and processes.

4. Object-Oriented Programming (OOPs): Java or C++ concepts.

5. Computer Networks: Internet protocols and security.

6. Software Engineering: Development lifecycles and project management.

Assessment:

You will have to write exams for these subjects just like your main branch papers. The grades obtained in these subjects are often calculated separately or added to a secondary transcript.

Why Opt for a Minor Degree?

It is hard work, so is it worth it? Here is why students in 2026 are choosing this path:

• Interdisciplinary Knowledge: A Civil engineer with CS knowledge can work on Smart City projects. A Mechanical engineer can work on Robotics automation.

• Official Certification: Unlike a YouTube course, this is a university-verified credential.

• Gate Exam Preparation: If you plan to attempt GATE in CS despite being from a core branch, this coursework covers the syllabus.

How to Apply for a Minor Degree?

The process usually happens at the college level.

1. Notification: Colleges release a form after the 2nd or 3rd-semester results.

2. Selection: Seats are often limited. Selection is based on your current CGPA.

3. Registration: Once selected, you must register for the extra subjects every semester along with your regular courses.

4. Fee Payment: Some colleges charge a nominal extra fee per credit or per subject for the Minor degree.

Pro Tip: Keep your first-year grades high. If your CGPA drops below the threshold, the college may cancel your Minor degree registration in subsequent semesters.

FAQs: Minor Degree in Computer Science

1. Can a Mechanical student do a Minor degree in Computer Science?

Yes, absolutely. The AICTE and NEP 2020 guidelines explicitly encourage cross-stream learning. Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical students are the most common applicants for CS minors.

2. How many credits do I need for a Minor degree?

For the academic year 2026, most universities require 18 to 20 additional credits over and above your regular 160 B.Tech credits.

3. Does failing a Minor subject affect my Major degree?

In most colleges, no. If you fail a Minor subject, you simply won't get the "Minor" certification. You will still get your regular B.Tech degree in your main branch, provided you pass your main subjects.

4. Is the syllabus for Minor CS different from regular CS?

The subjects are the same, but you study fewer of them. You focus only on the core technical subjects (like DSA and DBMS) and skip the electives or general subjects that regular CS students take.

5. Can I take a Minor degree in Computer Science if I have a backlog?

Usually, no. Colleges require a clean academic record (no active backlogs) to ensure you can handle the extra pressure.

Conclusion

Pursuing a Minor Degree in Computer Science is a brilliant way to future-proof your education. It bridges the gap between core engineering and the digital world, giving you a wider range of academic and project capabilities. However, remember that it requires dedication—you will be studying more subjects than your peers.

Next Steps for You:

• Check Eligibility: Go to your college exam cell and ask for the "Minor Degree Ordinance."

• Calculate CGPA: Ensure you meet the 7.0+ threshold.

• Plan Ahead: Download the College Simplified App to see which colleges offer the best Minor programs and track syllabus updates.