Computer Science and Engineering Association, NIT Calicut: Mini projects in Java for cse?

You should be trying something related to Algorithms. Try better than simple Java-related projects like CMS, Library Management System, Job Portal, etc. Be focused on algorithms or machine details. If you are thinking of algorithms, you can take a look at some of the mini-projects hosted by students.

In my friend’s recent conversation with a faculty member of the department, he discussed the trend of students getting away doing simple application-level projects during their B.Tech.

Students who were ready to take up good system-level projects like those related to Linux kernel, networks, compilers, etc. are not wanting to do the same later.

It's engineering that you are trying to learn, application development can be done by anyone. So, you don't have to go through 80% of the courses for that.