Which one is better, electrical engineering or electrical (power and automation) from IIT Delhi?

It’s best to compare both the branches based on the most common aspects such as

• Curriculum: The curriculum of both Electrical Engineering and Electrical Engineering (Power and Automation) covers a lot of common topics. The core courses of one may be available as either core courses or elective courses for the other, and vice versa. Only around 5 distinguishing courses are offered.
• Job opportunities: As far as core placements are concerned, the opportunities offered by both branches are quite different. Some companies might prefer students of one branch over the other. The non-core job roles offered are very similar in both branches.
• Competition: Electrical Engineering has better-ranking students than Electrical (Power and Automation). Thus the former has better competition than the latter. Someone who is among the top 10 in Electrical is among the top 2-3 in Electrical Power and Automation.

IIT Delhi Electrical Engineering offers slightly more opportunities in terms of peer quality and placements than the other.