Article
A Study of Student Satisfaction, Academic Quality, Institutional Support, and Learning Experience as Determinants of Admission Decisions in Autonomous Engineering Colleges in Nashik
Technical education has become a cornerstone of workforce development in a time characterized by rapid technological innovation, automation, and digital transformation. As industries continue to evolve, the demand for engineers who possess not only technical expertise but also analytical thinking, leadership ability, and effective communication skills remains consistently high. For many students’ completing higher secondary education, enrolling in an autonomous engineering college is considered a strategic step toward securing professional and career advancement opportunities.The present study aims to identify and analyse the principal factors that shape students’ decisions to seek admission in autonomous engineering colleges located in Nashik. An exploratory Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to generate insights, resulting in the identification of twelve key influencing determinants. Based on these factors, a structured questionnaire was designed and refined through a pilot study to ensure reliability and validity. After eliminating incomplete submissions, a total of 1,500 fully completed responses were retained for detailed statistical analysis.The results of the study reveal that placement performance, institutional linkages with industry, and opportunities for skill enhancement play a decisive role in influencing admission preferences. The findings further indicate that institutions charging comparatively higher fees must justify the cost by delivering strong placement assistance, structured internship programs, and industry-relevant certification courses that enhance students perceived return on investment.The scope of this research is confined to autonomous engineering colleges within Nashik city. Future investigations may broaden the geographical coverage to assess whether student preferences and influencing factors differ across diverse regions and socio-economic settings in India.