Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering course is one of the oldest and most extensive branches of engineering, centred on the creation, production, and operation of machinery and its parts. India has become an important manufacturing country, and mechanical engineers are very important. It is reported that the demand for competent professionals is high and expected to grow at the rate of 5% only.

Mechanical engineering course is a broad discipline of engineering with significant opportunities for sub-specialisation in robotics, aerospace, automobiles, HVAC, biomechanical engineering, and others. The duration of a Mechanical Engineering course can vary from 3 to 5 years, depending on the level. A Mechanical Engineering student will learn about designing automobiles, electric motors, aircraft, and other heavy vehicles. Candidates who wish to be admitted into mechanical engineering courses can take them after the conclusion of their class 12th from a recognised institution with at least 50% marks in aggregate having Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as the main subjects. Candidates must have a BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering to be eligible to enroll in MTech Mechanical Engineering courses.

Mechanical Engineering Syllabus includes subjects such as Machine Design, Mechanical Measurements, etc. Mechanical Engineering Admission can be done through merit as well as entrance exams. Some of the top Mechanical Engineering entrance exams are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, MHT CET, TS EAMCET, WBJEE, etc. Online mechanical engineering can be done from reputable institutes such as Coursera, EdX, Swayam, etc. The offline Mechanical Engineering courses can be pursued at IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, Chandigarh University, CT University, UPES Dehradun, Jadavpur University, Manipal Institute of Technology, and more. Depending on the course structure, the offline mechanical engineering fees are approximately INR 1,00,000 to INR 15,00,000. 

After completing the course, students are introduced to Mechanical Engineering jobs that include design engineers, purchase and quality control executives, instructional designers, mechanical engineers, service engineers, etc. The average Mechanical Engineering Salary ranges between INR 1.2 LPA and INR 7.7 LPA.

• The GATE 2025 examination is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025.
• The JEE Mains 2025 is scheduled to take place over two sessions. The initial session is likely to take place in the final week of January 2025 and the second in the initial week of April 2025.
• COMEDK 2024 round 2 phase 2 seat allotment result and cutoff have been announced.
• The online application form for SRMJEEE 2025 will be released in November 2024.

The major highlights of the Mechanical Engineering courses are given in the table below:

FAQs

Can I do mechanical engineering after 12th?

Yes, you can take up mechanical engineering after completing class 12th. Having things in mind, such as you should belong to the science stream and have 50% marks in aggregate.

Is BTech Mechanical a good course?

Yes, BTech mechanical engineering is a good course as it provides no job saturation, a high salary package, multiple career opportunities, etc.

What does a graduate of the Mechanical Engineering courses do?

A graduate of the Mechanical Engineering courses does the planning, development, construction, and testing of mechanical and thermal sensors and equipment in a factory. They are occasionally required to attend work sites where an issue or piece of machinery needs their attention. There are positions in government agencies for service engineers, mechanical engineers, and instructional designers. Additionally, there are positions such as mechanical designer and consultant available in the private sector.

Invest India pointed out the estimation that the manufacturing sector of India will be $1 trillion by 2025. Automation, robotics, and additive manufacturing integration into industries give rise to new opportunities of employment for engineers with those attributes. The following are some reasons to choose a Mechanical Engineering course:

Abundance of Career Opportunities: Continuing the course may result in careers in sales, agriculture, chemistry, construction, and many other fields. It also presents them with prospects in such fields as robotics, nanotechnology, or even aerospace engineering.

Be a Part of Innovation: In this respect, the course has a highly sensitive function of stimulating further technical advancement and inventions. Each focuses on the creation of new products, the optimisation of existing ones, and, ultimately, the advancement of solutions through technology.

Global Prospects: Mechanical engineering is a famous subject throughout the world which offers opportunities for foreign employment experience and collaborations. India has many skilled engineers who are attractive to the companies and industries of foreign countries.

Impact on Society: Everyone knows that mechanical engineers eventually have the potential to improve society. This means that the work of mechanical engineers can enhance the quality of life, push environmental conservation, or tackle world problems.

FAQs

What career opportunities does Mechanical Engineering offer?

Mechanical Engineering offers careers in manufacturing, construction, robotics, aerospace, nanotechnology, agriculture, and more. Graduates can also work in sales, product development, and research in various industries, making it a highly versatile field.

How does Mechanical Engineering promote innovation?

Mechanical Engineering drives technological advancements by focusing on creating new products and improving existing ones. Engineers in this field contribute to innovations in areas like automation, robotics, and green energy, solving real-world challenges.

What are the global prospects of a Mechanical Engineering degree?

Mechanical Engineering is globally recognised, offering opportunities for international work and collaborations. Indian engineers, known for their technical skills, are highly sought after by companies worldwide, enhancing career prospects both locally and abroad.

Various popular Mechanical Engineering course specialisations can be pursued by the students. The following table shows the best specialisations in Mechanical engineering.

FAQs

Which are the recommended Mechanical engineering courses that aspirants can take?

There are several recommended Mechanical engineering courses that aspirants can take to improve their skill set, expertise, and knowledge for a particular area of study. Also, graduates can complete the courses listed below based on their professional objectives:

• Additives Manufacturing
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Automation and Mechatronics
• Industrial Safety Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Operations Management
• Protective Coating and Adhesives
• Supply Chain Management
• Welding, Tool Designing, and Joining

What are some specialisations in the field of Mechanical Engineering?

Numerous specialisations in the field of Mechanical Engineering are available for prospective students who want to further their knowledge by pursuing higher education such as at the postgraduate or doctorate level. The list of a few Mechanical courses specialisations includes Acoustical engineering, Biomechanics, Composites, Computational fluid dynamics, Design and drafting, Finite element analysis, Friction stir welding (FSW), Mechanics, Mechatronics, Mechatronics and robotics, Micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), Nanotechnology, Structural analysis, Thermodynamics and thermo-science, and so on.

What are the best books for Mechanical Engineering courses?

The list of the best books for Mechanical Engineering courses includes A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines by author Dr R K Bansal; The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Mainly Mechanics, Radiation and Heat – Volume 1 by authors Robert Leighton, Richard Feynman & Matthew Sands; A Textbook of Machine Design by authors J K Gupta & R S Khurmi; Theory of Machines by authors J K Gupta & R S Khurmi; and so on.

In India, the eligibility criteria for Mechanical Engineering courses may vary from one college or university to another. The table below discusses the prerequisites for the course at different academic levels:

Skills Required to Pursue Mechanical Engineering

Here is an elaboration of the skills required to pursue mechanical engineering in India successfully.

Technical Skills for mechanical engineering freshers 

Mathematics: Mechanical engineers should possess good mathematical skills, especially with calculus, algebra, and differential equations. Engineers apply mathematics in areas such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, mechanics, and other branches as well in engineering. 

Technical knowledge: One must be able to follow up with fracture mechanics, stress analysis, fatigue, and material science, which are needed to come up with mechanical systems that, once in operation, will guarantee safety and durability.

Design: Mechanical engineers must be able to design mechanical systems by drawing on a computer without any help and produce technical drawings.

Fabrication: One must have adequate knowledge of processes that are used to create the form and substance of various products, including welding, machining, and assembling. They are supposed to be capable of creating prototypes and production parts for any integrated circuit solutions.

Communication and Interpersonal Skill Category: Mechanical engineers need to communicate with other employees and clients in that organisation. 

In addition to these foundational competencies, mechanical engineers should cultivate the competencies in the following skill sets: 

People skills: Mechanical engineers have to plan and manage an intricate engineering project. They should be able to schedule, plan, and implement projects.

Problem-solving: Solving complex problems from the stick of mechanical engineers and professionals. Deductive troubleshooting, data gathering, analysis of patterns and trends, and synthesis of patterns and trends into solutions are components of the mix.

Creativity: Issues that mechanical engineers solve require some ingenuity. They should have innovative attitudes and approaches.

Employment opportunities: Mechanical engineers may head a project or a team. They should point the course, encourage people, and prompt them in their performances.

FAQs

Can I do mechanical engineering after the 10th?

Yes, you can take up a mechanical engineering diploma course after completing class 10th. However, to get a bachelor’s degree, you should belong to the science stream and have 50% marks in aggregate in 12th.

What are the requirements of mechanical engineering?

To pursue mechanical engineering, candidates have to score at least 50% marks in class 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics backgrounds. 

What are the basic eligibility criteria for Mechanical engineering courses?

The basic eligibility criteria for Mechanical engineering courses vary from one college to another and are based on the level of the program, i.e., either UG or PG, as given below:

Undergraduate (UG): Candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 60% aggregate marks with Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects from a recognised board.

Postgraduate (PG): Candidates must have a BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering with at least passing aggregate marks.

Admission to the majority of engineering colleges in India is primarily done through the entrance exam. Among all, JEE Main is the popular mechanical engineering entrance exam conducted that offers admission to top colleges like NIT, IIITs, GFTI, etc. There are several other national-level, state-level, and university-level entrance exams for Mechanical Engineering courses also conducted for admission, as listed below: 

JEE Main: JEE Main is the common test for admittance to B.E/B.Tech & Architecture courses and it is conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and right now the National Testing Agency (NTA). Some of the institutes where it is used as the first step to securing a place in the undergraduate engineering programs include the NITs, BITS, COEP, and other Central technical institutes. 

JEE Advanced: This exam is the second part of the JEE Main, and the test is taken for admissions into the IITs—Indian Institutes of Technology. JEE Advanced can be given only by those candidates who have qualified in JEE Main. This examination aims at testing the knowledge and problem-solving ability of engineering students. 

BITSAT: The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is conducted for admission to the first year of its integrated-first degree programs in engineering at the three campuses offered at Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. 

SRMJEEE: The SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEEE) is conducted for entry into the institute’s BTech courses. SRMJEEE test takers, who have been selected, are admitted to the campus according to the choices made at the time of counselling for a specific course. 

GATE: The GATE acronym means the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering and is conducted all over India for admission to various postgraduate degree courses in engineering, technology, and architecture streams. Though GATE score is used by candidates for employment, especially in government organisations and public sector undertakings. 

MHT CET: The MHT CET is conducted by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra, for admission to undergraduate engineering courses offered by the various universities in colleges across the Maharashtra state. 

WBJEE: West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) is the state-level exam for admission to undergraduate engineering programs in colleges in West Bengal. 

Mechanical Engineering Entrance Exam Schedule 2025

Candidates can check the tentative dates for Mechanical Engineering Entrance Exams in India here.

FAQs

How can I apply for mechanical engineering entrance exams?

Applications for entrance exams like JEE Main, BITSAT, and SRMJEEE can be filled online through their official websites. Registration windows open a few months before the exam date, and candidates must provide personal details and educational qualifications and pay the application fees.

How many times can I appear for BITSAT?

BITSAT allows candidates to appear for two sessions in a single year. However, they must choose one session or both at the time of registration.

How is JEE Main different from JEE Advanced?

JEE Main is primarily for admissions to NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs, while JEE Advanced is for entry into the IITs. The difficulty level of JEE Advanced is higher, focusing more on conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities.

The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a series of exams that students in India must pass in order to gain admission to undergraduate engineering and medical courses. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts these tests. The cut-off score required to get admission varies from institution to institution and also depends on the field of study that the student is interested in.

FAQs

How does the JEE Advanced cut-off differ between IITs? 

Cut-offs vary by IIT and are influenced by factors such as seat availability, competition, and reservation categories. Each IIT sets different thresholds based on the program’s demand and the applicant pool.

Do reservation categories have different cutoffs?

Yes, cutoffs vary significantly for different reservation categories. For example, the EWS cutoff at IIT Delhi is 384, whereas for SC, it is 558. This ensures broader access to students from various backgrounds.

What is the JEE Advanced cutoff for Mechanical Engineering?

The JEE Advanced cutoff varies by institute and category. For instance, in 2024, IIT Bombay's general category cutoff is 1685, while IIT Delhi's is 1782. Specific cutoffs are lower for reserved categories like SC, ST, and PwD.

The table below highlights the admission processes of Mechanical Engineering courses under various domains such as BE/B Tech, M.Tech, and diploma.

FAQs

What is the admission process for a Mechanical Engineering diploma?

Admission for a Mechanical Engineering diploma is usually based on Class 10 marks. However, some top institutions may conduct entrance exams followed by interviews to select candidates for the program.

How is admission to BE/B.Tech Mechanical Engineering conducted?

Admission is typically through national or state-level entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or WBJEE. 

Is lateral entry available for BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering?

Yes, students with a three-year diploma in engineering from a recognised institution can apply for lateral entry directly into the second year of a BE/B.Tech program, typically through merit-based admissions.

The Mechanical Engineering syllabus varies as per the level of the program one chooses to enrol in. While the diploma and undergraduate courses cover the fundamental concepts, postgraduate courses cover advanced-level knowledge and practical-based learning through internships, project seminars, lab subjects, and so on. The common Mechanical Engineering course curriculum includes the following:

• Core subjects
• Elective subjects
• Laboratory exercises
• Guest visits
• Internships
• Research projects
• IV to VIII semesters

A credit-based approach is used for Mechanical Engineering courses, and prospective students can choose from a variety of elective subjects along with the core subjects (except for a diploma course). Common engineering topics, practicals, fundamental mechanics-related topics, and projects are all included in this course curriculum. Given below is a list of the Mechanical Engineering course syllabus & subjects:

• Workshop Practice
• Steam Power Plant 
• Metrology and Metallography Lab
• Electrohydraulic Control Systems
• Dynamics of Machines
• Applied Mechanics Lab
• Kinematic Analysis and Synthesis
• Heat Transfer
• Fluid Mechanics
• Measurement and Instrumentation
• Material Science and Engineering
• Manufacturing Processes
• Machining Technology and Metrology
• Machine Drawing
• Fluid Machinery
• Engineering Mechanics

FAQs

What are the common Mechanical Engineering course project topics?

The common Mechanical Engineering course project topics are chosen by a particular group of students for which they will present a working model and explain particular reasons for choosing a certain subject. Here are some common project topics:

• Making a DIY Food Shredder Compost Machine
• Making an Automatic Self Folding Dining Table
• Making an Egg Breaker & Yolk Separator Machine
• Research on Indoor Farming Hydroponic Plant Grow Tents
• Researching an RC Underwater Exploration Drone

What is the course structure of BE Mechanical Engineering?

The course structure of BE Mechanical Engineering includes both the core and elective subjects as well as laboratory exercises, projects, and internships. During the first weeks of the course, primary knowledge is introduced through understandable subjects. Once theoretical concepts have been understood, hands-on meetings and visits will be conducted. Here is the course structure:

• Both core and main subjects
• Elective subjects
• Guest visits
• Research project
• VIII semesters

What are the subjects for mechanical engineering?

Some of the core Mechanical Engineering subjects include Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines, Engineering Thermodynamics, Manufacturing Processes, Mechanical Engineering Drawing, etc.

The table below highlights the top private mechanical engineering colleges in India based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 and their course fees.

FAQs

What are the top private Mechanical Engineering colleges in India?

Some of the top private colleges include BITS Pilani, Thapar University, KIIT University, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, among others. These institutions are recognised for their quality education and strong placement records.

What is the course fee for mechanical engineering in private colleges?

Course fees vary significantly: BITS Pilani charges INR 26,71,600, while Thapar University charges INR 5,06,800. Other colleges, like SRM Institute, charge around INR 10,00,000, making it essential to consider budget while choosing a college.

Can I get a scholarship for mechanical engineering students at private colleges?

Yes, many top private engineering colleges offer scholarships based on merit or financial need. Students are encouraged to check individual college websites for specific scholarship programs, application processes, and eligibility criteria to help reduce their course fees.

The table below highlights the top government mechanical engineering colleges in India based on the NIRF Ranking 2024 and their course fees.

FAQs

Which are the top government mechanical engineering colleges in India according to NIRF 2024?

Top government colleges include IIT Madras (Rank 1), IIT Delhi (Rank 2), IIT Bombay (Rank 3), and NIT Trichy (Rank 9), recognised for their quality education and strong industry connections in mechanical engineering.

What is the course fee for mechanical engineering at these government colleges?

Course fees vary among institutions. For instance, IIT Madras charges INR 9,68,000, while IIT Kharagpur charges INR 8,00,000. NIT Surathkal has a comparatively lower fee of INR 5,00,000, making education affordable at various levels.

What advantages do graduates from top government engineering colleges have?

Graduates from prestigious government institutions often benefit from excellent placement opportunities, strong alumni networks, and access to cutting-edge research facilities. They are highly sought after by employers due to their rigorous training and reputable education.

Mechanical engineering is a well-known career that is emerging in great demand with handsome earnings in the higher range in both private and public enterprises. Candidates are required to check their career options and job prospects to have clarity on which profile they should apply to after the course is completed. The pay scale of a mechanical engineer is always determined by the amount of work they put into the process. A mechanical engineer can easily get hired by reputed companies and organisations in the following Mechanical Engineering job profiles in India:

• Assistant Mechanical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Mechanical Technician
• Lab Assistant
• Professor/Lecturer

What is Mechanical Engineering Salary?

The average salary of a mechanical engineer in India could range between INR 1.2 LPA and INR 7.7 LPA depending on the course-level education the candidates have acquired.

Top Recruiters of Mechanical Engineering

FAQs

What is the average Mechanical engineer salary in India?

The average Mechanical engineer salary in India ranges between INR 1.2 LPA and INR 7.7 LPA. The average wage for an entry-level engineer with less than three years of experience is INR 2.7 LPA. For a mid-career engineer with 4 to 9 years of experience, the average salary is INR 4.6 LPA, while the average remuneration for an experienced mechanical engineer with 10 to 20 years of experience is INR 8.2 LPA.

What are the certifications for Mechanical engineering courses that aspirants can take?

Numerous certifications for Mechanical engineering courses are offered that aspirants can take to boost their professional prospects or to learn additional skills that are required for a certain job position. Listed below are a few such types of certifications:

• Revit MEP Certified Professional
• Certification in Non-Destructive Testing
• Certification in Industrial Health & Safety
• Certificate in Pro-E
• Certificate in Design & Simulation
• Certificate in CATIA

What is the career scope of Mechanical engineering courses in India?

The career scope of Mechanical engineering courses in India is vast. This interdisciplinary area of study has applications in many different areas of engineering. Graduates of this field can apply for various positions in both the public and commercial sectors, depending on their interests. Those who want to work in designing and creating mechanical systems can seek a degree in mechanical engineering.

1. M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
2. Masters in Nanotechnology Engineering
3. Master in Business Administration (MBA)
4. Master of Engineering in Tool Design
5. Diploma/Certificate/M.Tech in Piping Design and Manufacturing
6. Diploma/Certificate/M.Tech in Robotics
7. Masters in Mechatronics

FAQs

Can students who have General Science as a subject appear for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

Yes, students who have General Science as a subject appear for a PhD in  Mechanical Engineering provided they meet the other eligibility criteria stated by their preferred university. Engineering or technology bachelor's degree holders may also apply for the doctorate program. For this, they must also pass the GATE cut-off and have a minimum of 75% aggregate marks in their graduation class to qualify.

What is the difference between Mechanical engineering and Mechatronics engineering degrees?

The difference between Mechanical engineering and Mechatronics engineering degrees is that Mechanical teaches students about the engineering and production of large machinery as well as various appliances like cars, aeroplanes, motors, and more. On the other hand, Mechatronics educates students on the use of mechanical and electronic engineering in the development of robotics, communications systems, and computer-integrated machinery.

Which course is best for mechanical engineer?

Several courses work best for mechanical engineers, but we have noted some of them here. These include M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Diploma/Certificate/M.Tech i, Piping Design and Manufacturing, Diploma/Certificate/M.Tech in Robotics, and Master of Engineering in Tool Design.