Hundreds of career options have opened for students with changing times, but even today, most students choose a career in engineering. The rapid technology developing today attracts youth to this field. It offers good standing, good salary, and work satisfaction. However, becoming an engineer is not easy. You will have to work hard. After 12th, it is important to choose an engineering field where your science and maths are strong. Knowledge of these two subjects is crucial in any branch of engineering. You can also make a career in new streams of engineering. In addition to traditional fields like civil, computer, electrical, and electronic, new fields like Space Technology, Food Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Nanotechnology, and Telecom Technology are also open.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is considered the best for engineering studies in the country. Admission requires clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which demands hard work. Apart from this, many private institutes offer admission in desired engineering fields.
What is B.E. and B.Tech?
B.E. means Bachelor of Engineering, while B.Tech means Bachelor of Technology. A bachelor's degree in traditional engineering areas like civil or mechanical is often called B.E. Courses based on technology, especially computer technology, are known as B.Tech. Both are complementary and equivalent, and both courses last four years.
How to start a career in engineering?
For admission in B.E. or B.Tech courses, it is mandatory to pass 12th with physics, chemistry, and maths. Students appearing for the XII examination can also apply, but final admission is confirmed after passing the entrance exam.
Entrance Examinations for Engineering
Many examinations are organized every year at the All India and State level for admission to engineering courses. The most important is the JEE exam for prestigious IITs and other top engineering colleges.
IIT-JEE
Every student with a dream of a career in engineering wants admission to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The admission test is the IIT JEE. Students who have passed XII with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths can take the exam. Through this examination, students can gain admission to IITs (Delhi, Kanpur, Roorkee, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kharagpur, Chennai, etc.). Admission to the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad (now with IIT status), Banaras Hindu University IT Center, and Marine Engineering and Research Institute (Kolkata) is also based on this exam.
State Level Engineering Examinations
State-level engineering entrance examinations are organized by almost all states. Admission to most state-level engineering colleges reserves 85% of seats for students of that state, while 15% are open to candidates from other states. Prominent exams include UPTUEE, BCECE-Bihar, PET-Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-CEE, WBJEE for Bengal, CEET-Haryana, CET-Punjab, and PET-Rajasthan. Notifications for these exams are issued between January and March, with tests in April-May.
Other Engineering Entrance Exams
Some prestigious engineering colleges with Deemed University or autonomous status conduct their own exams. These include Birla Institute of Technology (BITS) Pilani, Birla Institute of Technology Ranchi, Manipal Institute of Technology Manipal, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology Gandhinagar, and Veer Mata Jijabai Technology Institute (VJTI) Mumbai. BITS Pilani conducts the BITS Admission Test online. Admission to Dhirubhai Ambani Institute and BITS Ranchi is based on JEE rank. VJTI admits based on XII marks. MIT Manipal conducts an independent exam, though some seats are reserved for students with good JEE ranks. Vellore Institute of Technology conducts VITEEE. SRM University Chennai conducts SRMEEE.
JEE Main Counselling Process
Students with low scores in JEE can still get admission in major engineering colleges and universities. Several well-known private colleges and universities recognized by the government offer admission through state government counselling or university-level processes. Parents and first-time applicants often lack adequate comparative information about colleges and the counselling process.
Top Branches of Engineering
1. Agriculture Engineering
To choose Agriculture Engineering, you should have science subjects (physics, chemistry, and mathematics/biology) in +2. Most Agriculture Institutes and Universities organize an Entrance Test for BE/BTech programs. The course lasts four years. A diploma course in Agriculture Engineering is also available for two to three years. Some institutes admit based on twelfth marks. For ME/MTech Programs, you must pass the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Demand for Agricultural Engineers is high today. Private companies in tractor production, irrigation equipment, seed making, and composting offer jobs in sales, management, marketing, and research. Job opportunities exist in production, sales, management, and research. Many companies hire through campus placement. Government jobs are also available.
2. Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineering studies aeronautics and space science. This challenging field offers opportunities to develop aviation, space, and defense-related research and new technology. As an aeronautical engineer, you can specialize in structural design, navigational guidance, control systems, instrumentation, communication, or production methods for military aircraft, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, and rockets.
To become an aeronautical engineer, you need a BE/BTech in Aeronautical Engineering or at least a Diploma in Aeronautics. Degree and postgraduate degrees are offered by various colleges and IITs, while many Polytechnics offer Diploma Courses. Admission to BE/BTech requires passing 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Some institutes offer MTech and PhD programs. The BE/BTech course lasts four years; diploma courses are two to three years.
Skilled aeronautical engineers are in high demand in public and private airline companies, aircraft manufacturers, and maintenance services. Jobs are available in Defense Research and Development Institutions, National Aeronautical Laboratories, Aeronautical Development Establishments, Civil Aviation Department, and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Engineers work in design, development, and maintenance, while professionals can also hold managerial and teaching positions.
3. Automobile Engineering
Competition in the automobile sector has increased significantly. Designing a car is a dream for engineers, requiring attention to features and customer choice. Auto-design engineers develop new vehicle designs. To pursue this, you can take Automobile Engineering. You can do a B.Tech in Design (four years) from IIT Guwahati. National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad offers a four-year program in industrial design. Admission requires qualifying IIT-JEE or JEE (Main) after 12th (PCM). A Master's Degree (two years) in Industrial Design is available from IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur.
4. Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineers develop desirable qualities in plants, animals, and humans using genetic techniques. This can produce crops resistant to pests and diseases, known as GM (genetically modified) food. Eligible genetic engineers have graduate and postgraduate degrees in genetics, biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemistry. 12th with Biology, Chemistry, and Math is required for entry.
Currently, not many universities offer separate genetic engineering courses; it's often an auxiliary subject in biotechnology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Many universities offer B.Tech in Biotechnology based on entrance exams. Jawaharlal Nehru University organizes a joint examination for 120 seats yearly for MSc in Genetic Engineering.
Job opportunities for Genetic Engineers are increasing rapidly in India and abroad. Employment is available in medical and pharmaceutical companies, the agriculture sector, private and government R&D centers, and teaching. Opportunities exist in biotech labs, research, energy, environment-related industries, animal husbandry, dairy farming, and medicine. Institutes like the National Institute of Immunology (New Delhi), Center for DNA Fingerprint and Diagnostic (Hyderabad), Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Center (Chandigarh), and The Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (Delhi) hire genetic engineers.
5. Civil Engineering
Civil engineers typically work on public works projects. A background in Math and Physics is essential. Their field involves planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining projects on a desired scale. They need high-level engineering knowledge and administration skills. Tasks include site investigations, prospect studies, solving complexities, and actual structural design. They work under state government authorities, with plans approved by competent authorities.
Civil engineers have huge employment potential in government departments, private and public sector industries, research, and educational institutions. With the global boom in real estate and construction, employment prospects continue to grow.
6. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers find solutions to problems in producing various chemicals and chemical products. Their scope includes petroleum, refining, fertilizer technology, food and agro-processing, synthetic food, petrochemicals, synthetic fibers, coal, mineral industry, and environmental engineering. Some specialize in areas like oxidation, polymerization, or pollution control.
Admission to graduation-level courses is through All India entrance exams for IIT, BHU, Roorkee, and other major colleges. State-level entrance exams also offer admission. Postgraduate admission requires passing the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) and National Eligibility Test (NET-UGC).
Chemical engineers can work in dye, paints, varnishes, medicines, acids, petroleum, fertilizers, dairy products, and various food industries. Opportunities exist in textile, plastic, glass, or rubber industries. Employment is available in production industries, firms, or research centers.
7. Mechanical Engineering
One of the oldest branches, mechanical engineering is now closely linked with computational engineering. It contributes to automobile engineering, design engineering, thermal engineering, aeronautical engineering, and naval engineering. Once considered mainly for boys, the number of female students has increased. Growth is driven by job availability and attractive packages. Campus placements often start in the third year, with good students receiving high salaries.
8. Mining Engineering
For a career in Mining Engineering, you can pursue B.Tech, BE, or BSc. Admission is through IIT-JEE. The field involves collecting information on mineral possibilities, sampling, developing underground and open mines, and refining minerals. Education covers drilling, blasting, mine cost engineering, ore reserve analysis, operation analysis, mine ventilation, planning, safety, rock mechanics, computer applications, and industrial management. With increasing fuel consumption, this knowledge is crucial for mining industry development.
Mines are mainly underground (e.g., gold, coal) or open-pit (e.g., iron, limestone, manganese). Job prospects are good in Steel Authority of India Limited, Coal India Limited, IPCL, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Uranium Corporation of India, and IBP Limited. Opportunities also exist in research and teaching. Jobs are available in operations, engineering, sales, and management, with positions like Manager, Mining Manager, Mine Ventilation Engineer, Operation Manager, Mining Investment Analyst, and Petroleum Engineer offering better packages.
9. Computer Science Engineering
Computer engineering is the most demanded branch today, regarded as number one. Increasing computer use has boosted demand for computer engineers. They work on designing and testing computer components. Professionals working with hardware and software are computer engineers, using mathematics and science to design and develop computers. Hardware engineers work with components; software engineers work with programs.
A good grip on maths and science (physics, chemistry) is needed. Post-graduation (ME/MTech) can be pursued after BE/BTech. Prospects are excellent both in India and abroad. Computer engineers design, develop, and manufacture software, getting jobs in software and IT companies.
10. Electrical Engineering
The increasing demand for electrical engineers has attracted youth to this branch. They get attractive salaries in electrical energy fields and play important roles in audio/video communication systems. Demand is high in electrical machinery, power plants, railways, civil aviation, telecommunication, and electrical energy distribution.
To become an electrical engineer, students must qualify engineering exams like JEE, private university exams, or state-level exams. Passing 12th Science (Physics, Chemistry, Math) with good marks is necessary. Demand has increased tremendously in manufacturing industries for refrigerators, televisions, computers, and microwaves. Electrical engineers also have crucial roles in designing and developing ATM plants, hydroelectric power plants, and thermal power plants.
11. Electronics Engineering
Electronics is an emerging field with great job potential. Electronics engineers work on electronic devices used in daily life and are needed in petroleum, energy, chemical, steel, and agriculture industries. After a degree, high-paying jobs are available in Central/State Government and the private sector. Reputed companies like Indian Telephone Industries, MTNL, National Physical Laboratory, Civil Aviation Department, and Post and Telegraph Department hire Electronics Engineers.
Various institutes offer BE or B.Tech degrees (four years). Admission requires passing Intermediate with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with good marks. Qualifying JEE or other engineering entrance exams with a good rank is mandatory for prestigious institutes.
Opportunities are plentiful. High salaries are available in BSNL, MTNL, Civil Aviation, Railways, BEL, CEL, Indian Air Force, Navy, Army, Atomic Energy Commission, and Aeronautics.
12. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum and related products majorly influence any country's economy. With growing demand, new petroleum and gas reserves are prioritized, requiring trained professionals. For admission, students must pass 12th Science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and qualify exams like JEE or institution-specific tests. For M.Tech, a B.Tech in chemical or petroleum engineering is required.
Demand for skilled petroleum engineers is rising with the need for petrol and gas. Indian Oil, Oil India Limited, HPCL, ONGC, BP, etc., have vacancies. Salaries are good in both private and government sectors. Opportunities abroad, especially in Gulf countries, offer excellent earnings.
Best Engineering Branches
To help students select a branch, here are some top upcoming fields. Opportunities exist in almost every field, though scope changes with new trends and technologies. The IT sector is booming compared to others, with huge demand for Computer Science Engineers and programmers as businesses go digital. The following branches are most promising, secure, and offer the highest salary and compensation.
B.Tech in Cyber SecurityWhat is Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is a set of techniques used to protect systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks. Experts aim to ensure system integrity and information confidentiality. They secure systems from attacks like file hijacking, phishing, unpatched software, malware, hacking, and identity theft. A degree in Cyber Security teaches processes and practices for protecting networks and preventing data misuse by unauthorized persons or systems. The course covers detecting system vulnerabilities, warding off attacks, and managing emergencies.
Need for Cyber Security
Cyber crimes are on the rise with new techniques. For any organization, securing systems, networks, and data is paramount. Organizations cannot risk data breaches or information leaks, which have dissolved many businesses. Thus, demand for Cyber Security professionals has increased tremendously and will continue to grow.
