Mechanical Engineering—Career and Job Prospects

A vastly diverse field, mechanical engineering still happens to be a favorite among all engineering aspirants. Read the following article to know more about mechanical engineering.

An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

One of the oldest engineering branches, mechanical engineering is often referred to as the mother of engineering. It is the discipline of engineering that deals with the doctrines of materials science and physics. What sets Mechanical engineering apart from the rest of the engineering disciplines is its great diverse nature. Since the history of mankind, several scientific inventions have had some influence or involved the continuous use of mechanical engineering. Traditionally, concepts that mechanical engineers have dealt with are robotics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. These ideas were put into action by mechanical engineers in order to design manufacturing that were often state-of-the-art. Mechanical engineers also contribute towards the developments of power plants, engines and machineries. They are involved in both manufacturing and designing and manufacturing is one industry where mechanical engineers are always in demand.
Nevertheless, with the passage of time the old-age job description of mechanical engineers have undergone numerous modifications. Their areas of specialization have expanded into arenas like environmental conservation, nanotechnology, development of composite materials and many more. Mechanical engineers of the twenty-first century are often seen performing myriad tasks in the fields of management, finance and others.

Mechanical Engineering – Diploma or Degree

A vast field, mechanical engineers have ample career opportunities in a country like India. Even in an era where software and Information Technology (IT) seems to have away all the laurels, Mechanical Engineering still has millions of takers. Students face tough completion while cracking engineering entrance examinations like Advanced JEE and AIEEE. Basic eligibility required to appear for these examinations are 10+2 completed in Science (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics). Students can choose from several mechanical engineering colleges in the country. Apart from the Advanced JEE and AIEEE, several Indian states also hold engineering entrance examinations. Well-known among them are the MHT-CET (Maharashtra Joint Entrance), WB-JEE (West Bengal Joint) and CET (Karnataka Joint Entrance).
A B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering spans four years. Upon completing his or her B.tech a student can opt for an M.Tech and continue with higher studies. Candidates who want to pursue their M.Tech form the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) must clear the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE). These days some top engineering institutes including the IITs offer combined dual programs in mechanical engineering, i.e., B.Tech and M.Tech combined spanning five years’ duration.
However, those who do not fall under the category of “lucky ones” can opt for a diploma in mechanical engineering. Polytechnic institutes across the country offer diplomas in mechanical engineering. Diploma holders in mechanical engineers can also end up with lucrative job opportunities. Manufacturing sector also employs diploma holders in mechanical engineering. However, unlike a B.Tech degree, the duration for a diploma programs spans three years.
Candidates those who want to pursue a diploma in mechanical engineering can enroll themselves in the Institute of Mechanical Engineers or Institution of Engineering.

Expenditures and Financial Aids

While it comes to expenses, a degree program in mechanical engineering depends upon the institute. A B.Tech from a private engineering college would cost somewhere between INR 80000 to INR 350000. However, if you are lucky enough to crack the IITs or any other reputed government engineering college, the expenses can very somewhere between INR 40000 to INR 50000.
Scholarships and financial aids are available for deserving and meritorious students. The Indian Oil Corporation Limited offers scholarships to students who want to pursue mechanical engineering. Apart from that, top mechanical engineering institutes have their own scholarships and their own set of criterions.

Employment Opportunities and Remunerations

A diverse field, mechanical engineering abounds with ample employment opportunities. Mechanical engineers are essential to design manufacture, test, operate, install, and maintain an extensive assortment of mechanical schemes that are used in myriad productions. Both the public and the private sector employ mechanical engineers. Top Mechanical Engineering Companies in India – TATA, Reliance, Aditya Birla, and Ashok Leyland.
Major industries where mechanical engineers can seek employment are; aeronautics, bio-mechanical, space research, automobile, energy and utilities. On the other hand the agriculture and the refining sectors are also potential employers of mechanical engineers. In the government sector, mechanical engineers can showcase their talents as consultants and technical experts in government-run projects.
In an ever-green field like Mechanical Engineering, it is needless to say that salary packages are definitely good. Though the beginnings can be somewhat rudimentary, still a fresher can earn anywhere between INR 20000 to INR 25000. Students passing out from the IITs can expect a better starting salary compared to the rest.
Nonetheless, over time, experience and proficiency leads to a better package. Depending upon their position and organization, mechanical engineers can earn up to INR 25 lakhs to INR 30 lakhs.

Top Institutes

Some of the engineering colleges in the country to pursue mechanical engineering are listed below:

• Indian Institutes of Technology, at Kharagpur, Kanpur, Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Guwahati, Roorkee
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata
• Bengal Engineering and Science University, Howrah, West Bengal
• Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani
• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (Ranchi)
• College of Engineering, Pune
• College of Engineering, Guindy, Tamil Nadu

Author Bio: A follower of the latest trends in education in India, Sampurna Majumder has been lending her expertise to the top Indian educational website Shiksha.com by writing articles and blog posts on the current educational trends in India such as these. She is a passionate writer and a blogger