Career Options and Prospects in Engineering

Engineering is a vast field that offers infinite specialisation. All fields in the modern economy has been invigorated by engineering technology. This field deals with designing and its application. The three traditional branches of engineering are civil, mechanical and electrical. Apart form these, there are various other branches like Aeronautical engineering, Ceramic engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, automobile engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, marine engineering, textile engineering etc.
B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering)Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering:
Civil engineering deals with construction activities including building roads, bridges, tunnels etc. Mechanical engineering deals with design and production of tools, machines etc. to be used in industries. Electrical engineering deals with production of electrical equipments.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with high percentage of marks in Science subjects
Duration : 4 yearsFees: In private colleges fees range from Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh annually. In IIT's it varies between Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- per yearJob Prospects: They can find job in Government departments, private and public sector industries, research and teaching institutions etc.
Aeronautical/ Aerospace Engineering : This field deals with development of new technology in the field of aviation, space exploration and defence systems. It specialises in the development and research of commercial and military aircraft, missiles, spaceships etc.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with high percentage of marks in Science subjects and qualifying exam (JEE).
Duration : 4 yearsJob Prospects: Jobs are available with the airline services and aircraft manufacturing units. The defence service and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are two other important employers. These jobs are highly paid.
Ceramic Engineering: They specialises in production of ceramic products like glass, electric power line insulators, semi conductors etc.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with high percentage of marks in Science subjects
Fees: Around Rs. 1 lakh per year and in IIT's fees range from Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- per year.
Job Prospects: They can find employment in ceramic industry.
Computer Engineering: Deals with computer hardware and software. Manufacture and research, development of new design, technical improvements, alterations etc.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with high percentage of marks in Science subjects
Duration : 5 years
Job Prospects: The scope of the job is directly related to the growth and development of computer industry. They can get employment in computer fields and also work as maintenance consultants.
Chemical Engineering: It gives a vast knowledge of production of chemicals and related products.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with high percentage of marks in Science subjects
Duration: 4 yearsJob Prospects: They can find employment opportunities with chemical industries, refineries, manufacturers of acids, medicines, varnishes, paints, fertilizers etc. They can also find employment in research laboratories.
Automobile engineering: This field deals with design, development and maintenance of automobile and its spare parts.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Duration : 4 years
Job prospects : He can find employment in automobile industries, service stations, transport companies etc.
Industrial engineering : The industrial engineers aim is to increase productivity through management of people and methods of business organisation. They are the bridges between management and operations.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics plus qualifying examDuration : 5 years after 10 +2, 1 year after 4 years of mechanical or electrical engineering degree course.
Job Prospects : They can find the jobs in R & D establishments , Self employment opportunities are also possible as consultants.
Environmental engineering : It is concerned with the conservation of environment.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics plus qualifying exam
Duration : 4 years
Job Prospects : In this polluted environment they can find jobs in Government as well as private sectors, particularly in chemical manufacturing units, mines etc.
Marine engineering :Marine Engineers have the complete responsibility of the ship's engine room. Their responsibilities involve development and designing of the engines related to ships and propulsion system. Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, takes care of the training needs and conducts competency exam through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science (Physics, Chemistry & Maths)
Duration : 1 year for Navigation course, 3 years for B.Sc Nautical science, 4 years for (Marine Engineering Research Institute) MERI course
Selection: Written test / interview (Joint Entrance Examination { JEE}) conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), which assesses the candidate’s knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics.The examination is followed by personal interviews/counseling, where the interviewers assess the degree of alertness, and awareness of the external environment, in the candidates and their suitability for a career in the Merchant Navy. Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, takes care of the training needs and conducts competency exam for promotions through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
Job Prospects : This is a highly paid job with lots of overseas travel. Jobs are available with Shipping companies in India and other countries.
Textile engineering : They deals with the development, design, manufacturing and quality control of the fibers and fiber products.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 Science (Physics, Chemistry & Maths)
Duration : 4 yrs for Engineering degree, 3 years for B.Sc (Tech) degree
Fees: Around Rs. 1 lakh per year and in IIT's fees range from Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- per year
Job prospectus : They can find employment in Textile industry.
B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) : Architects design and supervise construction of varies types of buildings keeping in view the primary consideration of stability, utility and beauty. An ideal architect needs skill in visualising, designing, engineering and communicating your ideas to the client. In short Architecture is a unique blend of art and science. In Architecture there are several areas of specialisation like industrial design, interior design, town planning, regional planning, housing, transport planning, landscape planning, environmental planning etc.
Eligibility : 10 + 2 with high percentage of marks + qualifying examination and interview
Duration : 5 years/4 yearsFees: Around Rs. 1 lakh per year. In IIT's fees are lower.Job Prospects : Job opportunities are available in construction firms, government departments, town planning offices, private architectural firms, landscaping consultants etc.