Mechanical vs ECE vs Metallurgical Engineering for an average student seeking stability (Odisha)

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Hi everyone,

I'm a Class 12 graduate from Odisha and will be participating in Special OJEE counseling. I'm deciding between Mechanical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE), and Metallurgical Engineering.

I'm not looking for the highest salary or the most popular branch. I want realistic advice from people who have studied or are working in these fields.

●My priorities

* Stable and secure long-term career.

* Good work-life balance.

* Less physical work (I prefer technical or office/computer-based work).

* Minimal or no regular night shifts.

* Strong backup if my first career plan doesn't work out.

* Regular job opportunities.

* I don't mind if my job isn't my dream job, but I want it to be technically interesting and not frustrating.

●My interests

* I enjoy understanding how things work.

* I like solving technical problems.

* I find electronics and machine design more interesting than materials science.

* I prefer computer-based technical work over heavy industrial or maintenance work.

● About me

* I consider myself an average student.

* I'm willing to learn and improve my skills, but I also want a branch with a realistic safety net if I don't end up being a top performer.

My questions are:

1. Which branch would you recommend for someone like me?

2. Which has the best worst-case backup?

3. Which offers more stable employment for an average student?

4. How much should I worry about competition in ECE compared to Mechanical?

5. If you could choose again knowing today's job market, what would you pick and why?

Please share your real experiences rather than just saying "follow your passion." I appreciate honest opinions from students, alumni, and working professionals.

Thank you!