Are you considering a career in automotive engineering after completing your 12th standard? This article aims to provide you with valuable insights into the world of automotive engineering, including details about courses, eligibility criteria, and potential career avenues awaiting you in this dynamic field.
What is Automotive Engineering?
Automotive engineering is a specialised branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and production of automobiles. It combines elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering to create efficient and innovative vehicles.
Automotive engineers are responsible for designing vehicle systems and components such as engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and brakes. They also work on improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing safety features.
Types of Courses in Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineering is one of the steadily rising fields in engineering, due to which there are a wide variety of courses that you can choose from.
1. Undergraduate Programmes
To pursue a career in automotive engineering after 12th grade, you can opt for a bachelor's degree programme in automotive engineering. A few popular undergraduate courses include:
- B.Tech/B.E. in Automotive Engineering: This four-year programme offers comprehensive knowledge in automotive design, manufacturing processes, vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, and more. Eligibility criteria usually include passing 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- B.Tech/B.E. in Mechanical Engineering with a specialisation in Automotive Engineering: This course combines the fundamentals of mechanical engineering with a focus on automotive technology. The eligibility criteria are similar to those for the B.Tech/B.E. in Automotive Engineering programme.
- Duration: 4 years
- Fees: ₹2 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs
2. Postgraduate Programmes
If you wish to further specialise in automotive engineering or pursue research opportunities after completing your undergraduate degree, you can consider postgraduate programmes such as:
- M.Tech/M.E. in Automotive Engineering: This programme delves deeper into advanced topics such as vehicle dynamics, automotive electronics, powertrain design, and hybrid vehicle technology. To be eligible for this course, you will need to have a bachelor's degree in engineering or technology.
- Ph.D. in Automotive Engineering: This research-oriented programme allows you to contribute to the field of automotive engineering through independent research and innovation. A Master's degree in engineering or a related field is usually required for admission.
- Duration: Two to five years, depending on whether you choose the M.Tech., M.E., or Ph.D. route.
- Fees: ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs
3. Diploma Programmes
For those who are looking for shorter-term courses or prefer a more focused approach, diploma programmes in automotive engineering are also available.
- Diploma in Automotive Engineering: This course covers the basics of automotive engineering and provides hands-on training in areas like vehicle system maintenance, engine repair, and troubleshooting.
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
- Eligibility: May vary depending on the institute offering the course.
Automotive Engineering Bachelor's Course Syllabus
Undergraduate programmes in automotive engineering cover a broad range of subjects that provide a comprehensive understanding of automobile design, manufacturing processes, and advanced technologies. Here are some of the core subjects covered in these programmes:
- Automotive Design: This subject focuses on principles of vehicle design, including aesthetics, ergonomics, material selection, and styling techniques.
- Vehicle Dynamics: It covers topics related to suspension systems, steering mechanisms, braking systems, and vehicle stability control.
- Powertrain Systems: This subject deals with engine technology, transmission systems (manual and automatic), drivetrain design, and exhaust systems.
- Automotive Electronics: It includes the study of electronic control systems used in modern automobiles, such as engine management systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ECU (Engine Control Unit), and sensors.
- Manufacturing Processes: This subject covers various manufacturing techniques used in the automobile industry, such as casting, forging, welding, and machining.
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics: It provides knowledge about the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics that are essential for understanding engine performance and vehicle aerodynamics.
- Automotive Materials and Metallurgy: This subject focuses on the properties of materials used in automobile manufacturing, such as metals, alloys, polymers, composites, and ceramics.
Apart from theoretical subjects, undergraduate programmes also emphasise practical training through workshops, laboratory sessions, and industry internships. Many institutes collaborate with automotive companies to provide students with hands-on experience in real-world projects.
Read more about - Top 35 Thermodynamics Engineer Interview Questions 2024
Top Institutes for Automotive Engineering After 12th
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai
- Amity University, Noida
Career Paths and Salaries in Automotive Engineering
After completing a course in automotive engineering, you can explore various career opportunities in the industry. Here are some job roles and their average salaries:
Upskilling Opportunities in Automotive Engineering
Upskilling is essential to stay updated with the latest advancements in the automotive engineering industry. Here are some certification options for upskilling:
- Advanced Certification in Electric Vehicles: Focuses on electric vehicle technology, including battery systems, charging infrastructure, and power electronics.
- Specialisation in Autonomous Vehicles: Offers insights into technologies like LiDAR sensors, computer vision systems, and artificial intelligence algorithms.
- Data Analytics for Automotive Engineers: Equips engineers with skills to analyse large amounts of data collected from vehicles for performance optimisation and predictive maintenance.
- Certificate in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology: Provides an understanding of hybrid electric vehicle systems, including components like batteries, electric motors, and power electronics.
Start Your Journey in Automotive Engineering Today!
In conclusion, automotive engineering is a growing field in India, with a high demand for skilled professionals. Reach out to the expert consultants at WiZR for personalised advice on courses, upskilling opportunities, and financing options to help you achieve your automotive engineering goals.
FAQs
1. What are some future trends in automotive engineering?
Innovations such as electric vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and connected cars are some notable future trends in automotive engineering.
2. Which companies hire automotive engineers?
Leading automobile manufacturers such as Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and global companies like Ford, BMW, and Toyota hire automotive engineers.
3. Can I pursue a career in automotive engineering without a degree?
While having a degree significantly increases your chances of securing employment in this field, there are also opportunities for diploma holders or individuals who have gained relevant skills through vocational training programmes.
4. What are some skills required to excel in the automotive engineering field?
Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, teamwork skills, and creativity are essential traits for success in the field of automotive engineering.