Aeronautical Engineering in India: Course details & Career scope

Last Updated on July 27, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Aeronautical Engineering is a branch that is popular mostly among male students in India. There are many Institutes out there, offering BE/B Tech Aeronautical Engineering programs. In this article, I’ve analyzed this Engineering discipline in detail. I’ve provided basic course details, important subjects taught during the program, eligibility criteria required to pursue this program, growth scope in this field and job opportunities available for Graduates after the program.

First of all, let us check out the basic course details. Let us see what Aeronautical Engineering is all about first.

What is Aeronautical Engineering all about?

Aeronautical Engineering can be said to be a part/section of Aerospace Engineering. Aerospace Engineering is all about manufacturing, planning, maintaining and designing Aircraft and Spacecrafts. Aerospace Engineering can be said to be made of two sections- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

Astronautical Engineering primarily deals with the design, manufacturing, maintenance and development of Spacecrafts, Satellites, Rockets and other man made structures that are capable of leaving the Earth’s atmosphere and travel to outer space. On the other hand, Aeronautical Engineering primarily deals with the design, manufacturing, maintenance and development of Aircraft, Helicopters and other Flying Devices that stays within the Earth’s atmosphere and are used for purposes such as- transportation, Defence, Surveillance etc.

A BE/B Tech program in Aeronautical Engineering is a 4 years long program. These 4 years are divided into 8 semesters, each lasting for a duration of 6 months.

During the entire program, students will be provided theoretical as well as practical knowledge on topics like- Aircraft Design, Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Engines etc. Come, let us take a look at some of the important subjects that are taught during BE/B Tech Aeronautical Engineering program-

BE/B Tech Aeronautical Engineering: Important subjects taught-

During the first year, common Engineering subjects are taught. Some important first year subjects are-

• Engineering Mathematics (1 and 2)
• Elements of Electrical Engineering
• Elements of Civil Engineering
• Engineering Graphics
• Engineering Physics
• Communication Skills
• Computer Programming Basics
• Elements of Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanics of Solids
• Environmental Science

The first year consists of semesters 1 and 2. From 3rd semester onwards, subjects focusing on the field of Aeronautical Engineering will be introduced. Some such subjects present in the 3rd semester are-

• Engineering Mathematics (3)
• Fluid Mechanics
• Introduction to Thermodynamics
• Basics of Aeronautics
• Strength of Materials
• Machine Elements

Now, let us check out some important subjects that one will come across in the 4th semester.

• Engineering Mathematics (4)
• Aircraft Structures (1)
• Aerodynamics (1)
• Propulsion (1)

Important 5th semester subjects-

• Aerodynamics (2)
• Propulsion (2)
• Flight Mechanics
• Aircraft Structures (2)

Important 6th semester subjects-

• Theory of Vibration and Noise Control
• Avionics
• Introduction to Control Theory

Important 7th semester subjects-

• Aircraft Design
• Theory of Heat Transfer
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Aircraft Systems and Instruments

Important 8th semester subjects

• Space Dynamics
• Rocket and Missile Design
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Control and Navigation

Those were some important subjects that one will come across, while pursuing BE/B Tech Aeronautical Engineering program. Please note that in case of some subjects, along with the theory part, students will also have to go through lab/practical sessions also. Further, in some semesters, students will also have to select an elective subject to pursue, which varies from one Institute to another!

Eligibility Criteria

12th Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects is required. Candidates who have cleared 12th board examinations are eligible to apply for this course.

To land a seat in a reputed college, they must also score well in National as well as state level common entrance tests.

Scope of Aeronautical Engineering in future

At the moment, the Aviation field is looking good. It was out of shape during the recession period and immediately after it. But more or less, the Industry has recovered well and is doing pretty well now.

Also read:

Top Engineering branches

Courses after 12th Science

Courses after 12th Science PCM

Aerospace Engineering

AME course

Aviation courses

More and more people are traveling by air now. This has resulted in number of new Private Airlines Services being introduced. These Airline services have brought with them numerous job opportunities for Aeronautical Engineers.

Job opportunities, career scope and salary after graduation

In case of Aeronautical Engineers, job opportunities are many. Jobs are available in Government as well as Private sectors! Talking about the Government sector, some notable recruiters are- HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization), AIL (Air India Limited), sections of the Armed Forces such as- IAF (Indian Air Force), Indian Coast Guard etc.

Starting salary is generally around 15-30k Rupees. This salary specification depends a lot on the quality of the Institute from which the Graduate has pursued the course as well as the profile of the employer. In case of Government job, salary will be fixed, as per the pay band.

Talking about the private sector, the prime recruiters are the well known private Airlines. Research and Development is also a field where Aeronautical Engineers may build a successful career in! If one follows up BE/B Tech Degree with ME/M Tech Degree, one may also land a teaching job, which is rewarding as well as reputable profession.

Summary

• Course name- Aeronautical Engineering
• Degree obtained- BE (Bachelor of Engineering)/B Tech (Bachelor of Technology)
• Course duration- 4 years (8 semesters)
• Eligibility criteria- 10+2 Science stream passed (with PCM subjects)

Vishnu Nambiar

I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.

I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.