List of engineering branches
Engineering branch selection is one of the most daunting tasks for an aspiring engineer because it has long-lasting consequences, and it is important that you choose your branch wisely. Not all engineering branches are equal. That's a known truth. Some may give you the opportunity to end up in a better job, and some may land you in a job that doesn't make you happy. You can read my other blog, Tips to select the right branch of engineering, where I have provided some useful tips to choose the right branch of engineering. I am sure you will love it.
Moving on further in this section: Chances are you have always been wondering which engineering branch is the best among the lot as you prepare for JEE. So as a part of my attempt to make an honest effort to help as many students as possible on their engineering journey. Over the years, there has been an increased awareness among students about different branches of engineering. They want to consider factors like placement statistics, job opportunities after completion of their course, average salaries and so on. But sorting through all this can be extremely confusing for both parents and students alike. I have listed down around twenty major branches that students can choose from when considering which branch of engineering is best suited to them.
Computer Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Information Technology
Robotics Engineering
Automobile Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Construction Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Marine Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Production & Industrial Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Ceramic Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Energy Engineering
The list doesn't end here. In India, there are more than 150 engineering courses are offered by various institutions. You can classify all these engineering courses in majorly four categories. If you want to dig more about various engineering courses, please read the section "What Are the Different Types of Engineering?". In which I have given a broad idea of the engineering courses, career prospects, salary structure etc.
Let's talk about the top three engineering courses:
Computer Science & Engineering: Computer Science is a field that deals with every single thing around computers. If you consider all the devices that run on the internet, then yes, Computer Science is the basis for everything. The structure of the course is such that students get to learn the basics of computers, along with the various advanced programming languages and software. This field has a wide scope and can have a variety of jobs. For example, if you have some programming skills and good communication skills, then you can easily get a job as a programmer or web and application development.
At the same time, if you have some technical know-how, then you can choose to be a hardware engineer or a systems engineer.
The average starting salary range that a student can expect is anything between Rs. 3-6 lakhs per annum.
Some specializations of the computer science field are:
Software development
Networking
System administration
Database management
Systems engineering
Embedded systems
Artificial intelligence
Game programming
Computer architecture
Data communications
Computer Vision
Robotics
Parallel computing
Computer security
Network security
Cyber security
Data mining
Machine learning
Advanced computing
Computer graphics
Simulation and visualization
Algorithm design
Mobile computing
Web design
Computer science education
Computer engineering
Data structures
Mechanical engineers design, test and manufacture machinery. They undertake projects for power generation, transport, manufacturing, construction, aerospace, marine, gas and petroleum, environmental and defence industries.
Mechanical engineers apply their engineering knowledge to the design of a wide range of devices and machines, ranging from small tools using electric motors to large, complex structures such as aircraft and spacecraft. Mechanical engineers use their design skills for mechanical applications as diverse as power generation, air, land and sea transport, manufacturing, construction, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food processing.
Mechanical engineers are also involved in research and development and in the use of advanced manufacturing techniques to create prototypes and models that are then used in the development of full-scale machines. Mechanical engineers can be involved in managing projects, supervising the work of other engineers and technicians, and may be involved in the supervision of production.
Mechanical engineers need a sound knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry. They also need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Mechanical engineers are employed in industry, commerce and public administration, research and development, teaching or consultancy.
There are many specializations within engineering, including manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and biomedical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Curriculum: The course curriculum may vary from university to university, but broadly it will include the study of the following:
Machine Design
Dynamics of Mechanism and Machines
Fluid Mechanics
Turbomachinery
IC Engines
Refrigeration and Cooling
Manufacturing Technology
Material Science
Heat and Mass Transfer
Industrial Engineering & Operation Research
The average starting salary range a mechanical engineer can expect is anything between Rs. 3-4.5 lakhs per annum.
Civil Engineering: Civil engineering is a broad field concerning itself the planning, design, construction and operation of things like roads, railways, airports, harbours, dams, canals, pipelines, energy plants, and other physical structures and systems. Civil engineers often work in teams with other engineers on a variety of projects and may also work with architects, surveyors and technicians. Civil engineers typically work in offices, laboratories and construction sites.
Civil engineering draws on many technical disciplines, including mathematics, physics, geology, chemistry, biology and economics.
A civil engineer typically works with a civil engineer or architect or designer, although smaller projects are usually supervised by a junior engineer or technician.
Civil engineering often crosses with other engineering disciplines, such as structural engineering, as civil engineers plan and design the structures where other engineers will construct them.
Civil engineering is also closely related to the field of environmental engineering, as civil engineers plan and design water, wastewater and solid waste management systems for cities and communities.
The average starting salary range a civil engineer can expect is anything between Rs. 3-4 lakhs per annum.
Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria for most of the engineering courses more or less remain the same. The following criteria are the minimum requirement in order to be accepted for admission into Engineering:
Passed 10+2 examination with Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/ Computer Science/Electronics/Information Technology/ Biology/Informatics Practices/Agriculture/Biotechnology/Technical Vocational subject/Engineering Graphics/Business Studies/Entrepreneurship. (Any of the three)
Obtained at least 45% marks (40% marks in case of candidates belonging to reserved category) in the above subjects taken together.
OR
Passed minimum three years Diploma examination with at least 45% marks (40% marks in case of candidates belonging to reserved category) subject to vacancies in the First Year, in case the vacancies at lateral entry are exhausted.
Takeaway: We have listed some of the best engineering branches in which the students can pursue their graduation. Students can also compare their branches with the others and then choose the best engineering branch for themselves.