Career in Mechanical Engineering

What: Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. It is also referred to as the ‘mother’ branch of engineering. Another appealing feature of mechanical engineering is that the application base of this field of study is extremely broad and diverse. Almost all inventions during the ancient period and a vast majority in the modern era are direct contributions of one or the other application of mechanics.

Traditionally, mechanical engineers have to deal with concepts such as mechanics, thermodynamics, robotics, kinematics, structural analysis, fluid mechanics and many others. These concepts are applied in the process of designing state-of-the-art manufacturing units, different types of motor vehicles, aircraft and aerospace parts and a vast assortment of industrial machinery. Mechanical engineers also contribute in the development of various engines, power plant equipment, heating and cooling systems and other simple and complex machinery. Mechanical engineers not only design new mechanical systems but they are also responsible for testing, maintaining and manufacturing

The average monthly salary of mechanical engineers who are new to this profession is approximately in the range between Rs.10, 000 and Rs.25, 000. Mechanical engineers who hold a post-graduate degree from a reputed academic institute tend to get better offers than diploma and degree holders.

From here on the annual pay packet depends on a number of factors such as the skill set possessed, experience, expertise, the employer, nature of roles and responsibilities, etc. Highly skilled mechanical engineers can easily command pay packets as high as Rs 6-15 lacs per annum.

How: Mechanical Engineers could work in many industries including private or public sector industries of various types. Other departments such as aeronautical, agricultural, automobile, chemical, and power plants, as well as the railways, need mechanical engineers to design and maintain their machinery. Mechanical Engineers also mostly required in automobile, chemical, electronics, steel plants, oil exploration and refining, technical wings of armed forces, space research organisation, etc.

Candidates with post graduate degree or an additional management degree could find work in administrative and managerial positions in government departments or public and private sector industries.

The basic eligibility criteria to get admitted into BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. BE/B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering courses are of 4 years’ duration. Selection into this course is made on the basis of marks secured in 10+2 exam and marks secured in Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) conducted by IITs or All India Engineering Entrance Exam (AIEEE) or other state and national level exams. There are both degree as well as diploma courses. One can go for the 3 year diploma course after the 10th standard (SSC). For M.E or M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering one must complete the BE / B.Tech program successfully. Further, studies up to Ph.D. level are also an option for anyone interested in Research or Academics.

Where: The job market for mechanical engineers is perennial. Even the vagaries of the global economic crisis could not knock out the demand for these professionals.

Institutions: (see below)