Mathematics and Computing (M&C) is a branch offered at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and is quite similar to the CSE branch in the sense that both focus on the study of computer science and technology. However, it’s important to note that M&C is more inclined towards mathematics and its applications in computing, while CSE focuses more on the engineering aspects of computer science.

Both branches offer similar courses in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development, but M&C additionally covers math-oriented topics like Differential Equations, Number Theory, Linear Optimization, Algebra, Calculus, etc.

There are a number of courses like Discrete Mathematical Structures taught at both departments but separately by professors of the respective departments. 

Both branches are the most coveted branches and all companies opening job profiles for one branch offer the same to the other branch because of the similar nature of the branches.

Both the branches, Electrical and MnC have great scope in terms of employment in both core and non-core jobs. However, most high-paying jobs are given to CS students with the Electrical students securing average packages only. Here is when MnC comes to your rescue. It provides opportunities for CS jobs as well as Finance and Analytics, both being highly paid and demanded sectors. The branch attracts huge companies like Goldman Sachs.

Anyone with a deep interest in Mathematical concepts and theoretical concepts will find this program very intriguing. The curriculum comprises core math topics like discrete mathematics, combinatorics, algebra, and statistics as well as some CS topics. Electrical on the other hand, has topics like power electronics and electronic circuits which focus on practical implementation rather than theoretical concepts.

Department-wise, Electrical is better because of the quality of the faculty pool it has. MnC constantly faces issues related to the quality of teaching and faculty. The faculty in the Maths department is excellent but when it comes to teaching CS electives, it does not impart knowledge better than core CS professors.

Whether you should opt for MnC at IIT Delhi or B.Math at ISI Bangalore depends on what you want from your graduation and your career prospects.

Academically both institutes are excellent and none is better than the other. So my answer entails the drastic difference in the curriculum and scope of the two programs.

Bachelor of Mathematics, ISI Bengaluru

This program has high-tech mathematical stuff and purely focuses on Mathematics. The Institute is smaller than IIT Delhi and ideal for those who have a single passion in life, Maths. The coursework consists of abstract algebra, analysis, probability theory, and so on. Additionally, it has compulsory courses in Statistics, Probability, and Physics as well. Although it offers some CS courses also, the program does not focus on Computer Science much.

Math and Computing (MnC), IIT Delhi

The curriculum of the MnC program is more inclined toward computer science than Mathematics. The program focuses more on applied mathematics, rather than pure mathematics. As a result, graduates from this course can start jobs earlier than those from ISI.

In a nutshell, if you are willing to go for higher education and research in mathematics, then ISI should be your goal. If you are a person interested in the practical application of concepts and want to eventually be employed in a company, then IIT Delhi is the best place for you.

Both programs are equally good in their respective fields and so are the institutions offering the programs. It’s important to consider what you expect from the program and what you plan to achieve after graduation to make the right choice.

My sister was in a similar dilemma as yours and eventually, she opted for MCA from IIT Delhi.This program has many courses similar to CS but the only problem is, the pedagogy adopted has a more theoretical approach than practical. Moreover, at some point, you will start questioning the parity of the faculty and will have to resort to self-study.

But here is the bright side, most companies coming for CS placements consider MCA students too, and offer decent roles.

Although I am not well aware of the situation in Roorkee, I can guarantee a true coding lover will prefer CS to MCA any day.