Careers in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the largest, broadest, and oldest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials, and mechanics to design and manufacture machines and devices of all types. They create the processes and systems that drive technology and industry. Mechanical engineers are engaged in researching, developing, designing, manufacturing, and testing mechanical devices like tools, engines, machines, etc. These may include elevators, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, robots, and electric generators. Mechanical engineers design tools used in other engineering disciplines.

Course Details
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.

Career Prospects
Mechanical Engineers could work in many industries including private or public sector industries of various types. They can seek employment in government departments like Posts and Telegraphs, Defense, PWD, and CPWD. 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. Those who interested in research activities can work with many public/private sector research organizations. These engineers also can choose teaching in technical institutions as a remunerative profession.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Several institutes in India offer Mechanical Engineering as a subject. Prominent among them are seven IITs at Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Mumbai, Bangalore and Roorkee. Besides, there are eighteen National Institutes of Technology (NITs) located all over the country that provide this course. Other institutes include: Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad; Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management, Gwalior; Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi; Anna University, Chennai; Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani; Haldia Institute of Technology Haldia; Lingaya's Institute of Management & Technology, Faridabad; IEC College of Engg. and Technology, Greater NOIDA. Moreover there are regional engineering colleges in many states which offer mechanical engineering courses.

Remuneration
Based on the industry and its functioning, the salary of a mechanical engineer varies largely. A fresh graduate can earn anywhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 25,000 per month. Candidates from reputed and elite engineering institutions are offered attractive pay packages, depending upon their academic excellence and skills. Post graduate degree holders have better job opportunities compared to diploma and undergraduate degree holders. With experience and expertise, mechanical engineers can easily demand lucrative pay packets in the range Rs. 40-45 lakhs per annum. However, this is entirely based on the hiring organization and the nature of the job.