Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering: Eligibility, Syllabus, Courses, Colleges, Career & Offered Salary

What is Aeronautical Engineering?

There is a high demand for engineers in these modern days because the world is developing at a fast pace. There is a need for engineers in every sector of the economy. Engineers are, of course, nation-builders. We all know for a fact that engineering is categorized into many disciplines. A few of the most important of all disciplines are Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, and Aeronautical Engineering. Many of these are developing at a breakneck pace. We all are living in a world where transportation has become very important in our daily lives. It is so because of the growing global network all around the world. Owing to this fact, Aeronautical Engineering is developing at a fast pace. 

Aeronautical Engineering is a category of Aerospace Engineering. It is concerned with the aircraft building and its internal systems. It is a field for those students who take an interest in airplanes and their mechanisms. As the field is growing, there is much need for aeronautical engineers in the modern era. There is a constant demand for aeronautical engineers in defense services also. The salary package of aeronautical engineers is reasonably high, owing to the importance of the field. However, a candidate can only pursue studies in aeronautical engineering if he is highly interested in the field. The syllabus is vast and the IQ required is high. This article will guide you through a plethora of topics related to aeronautical engineering such as courses available, eligibility, colleges, and average salary package offered.

Eligibility for Aeronautical Engineering

Aeronautical Engineering courses are offered at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The minimum eligibility required for the undergraduate programs is that the candidate should have completed his intermediate with Physics and Mathematics as required subjects. The candidates belonging to General and OBC category are required to score at least 75% marks whereas the candidates belonging to SC or ST category are required to score at least 65% marks at the intermediate level. Along with this, the candidate should have secured an eligible rank in JEE Mains for admission in NITs or JEE Advanced for admission in IITs. For admission to private colleges, a candidate must have qualified JEE.

For the postgraduate programs, candidates must have completed graduation in Aeronautical Engineering. They could have pursued B.E or B.Tech in Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering or related courses or passed both sections A and B of AMAeSI from a recognized college or university. 

For the doctoral programs, the candidates must have completed post-graduation in Aeronautical Engineering. They could either have pursued M.E or M.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering from a recognized college or university. Also, the applicant should have a valid GATE score.

Apart from the above-mentioned educational qualifications, there is a specific skill-set required. The candidate must have the spirit of leadership, aptitude, ethics, manual skills, discipline, and ability to complete the work in time. All these qualities are required to ensure efficiency in the aviation sector. The candidates should keep in mind that the aviation industry is a highly-dignified one. It holds respect in transportation as well as the defense field. Thus, they should ensure that they keep up the virtues of aeronautical engineering.  

Syllabus of Aeronautical Engineering

Undergraduate Level:

The syllabus of Aeronautical Engineering at the undergraduate level aims to train the students in every aspect of aeronautics. The syllabus is as follows:

  • Engineering Physics
  • Engineering Chemistry & Environmental Studies
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Engineering Graphics
  • Basic Civil Engineering
  • Basic Mechanical Engineering
  • Basic Electrical Engineering
  • Basic Electronics Engineering & Information Technology
  • Mechanical Workshop
  • Electrical and Civil Workshops
  • Economics and Communication Skills
  • Basic Thermodynamics
  • Elements of Aeronautics
  • Basic Strength of Materials
  • Fluid Mechanics Lab                        
  • Aircraft Structures 
  • Electrical technology & Machines
  • Engineering Mathematics 
  • Principles of Management
  • Computer Programming
  • Flight Dynamics
  • Aerodynamics 
  • Wind tunnel Lab
  • Avionics
  • Experimental Aerodynamics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Theory of Vibration
  • Heat Engines Lab
  • Aero Engines Lab
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Experimental stress analysis
  • Aircraft design
  • Aircraft systems and instrumentation
  • Experimental stress analysis Lab
  • Vibration Lab
  • Rockets & Missiles
  • Introduction to space technology
  • Air transportation & Aircraft maintenance

Postgraduate Level:

The syllabus of Aeronautical Engineering at the postgraduate level comprises the following topics:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Finite Element Methods
  • Introduction to Aerospace Vehicles & Systems
  • Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics
  • Solid Mechanics
  • Introduction to Avionics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics & Wind Tunnel Testing
  • High-speed Aerodynamics
  • Aircraft Systems
  • Aerospace Propulsion
  • Aircraft Structure
  • Aircraft Navigation systems
  • Airframe Structural Design
  • Helicopter Aerodynamics
  • Flight Vehicle Design                         
  • Engine Testing & Performance Evaluation
  • Fatigue & Fracture Mechanics
  • Production Planning and Control
  • Aircraft Materials & Manufacturing process
  • Aircraft Dynamics & Automatic flight Controls
  • Advanced Topics in propulsion

Courses available in Aeronautical Engineering

Various courses are available in Aeronautical Engineering. Students may apply to any of the courses as per their wish. The courses offered in Aeronautical Engineering in India are:

Polytechnic Diploma Course – The course altogether is of 3 years. The candidates can apply to this course after having completed their intermediate.

Undergraduate Courses – The undergraduate courses are mostly for 4 years. The students may apply to the undergraduate courses after completing their 12th standard. The minimum percentage required for admission to undergraduate courses varies from 55% to 80%, depending on the college. It also varies from category to category. However, for IITs and NITs, at least 75% marks are required for the General and OBC category and 65% marks are required for SC and ST category. The aeronautical engineering courses offered at the undergraduate level include B.E (Bachelor in Engineering) and B.Tech (Bachelor in Technology).

Post-Graduate Courses-The postgraduate courses are generally for 2 years. The course contains 4 semesters in total. The candidate should have completed their graduation in Aeronautical Engineering before they apply for post-graduate courses. The qualification required for post-graduate courses also varies from college to college and person to person. The courses offered at the post-graduate level include M.E. (Masters in Engineering) and M.Tech (Masters in Technology) in Aeronautical Engineering and Avionics. 

Doctoral courses – The doctoral courses in Aeronautical Engineering can be completed only after post-graduation in the field. After completing the doctoral course, the candidates are officially claimed to be a doctor in Aeronautical Engineering. 

Colleges that offer Aeronautical Engineering

There are many colleges in India and abroad that offer Aeronautical Engineering at all three levels. Few of the best colleges available are:

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthpuram (IIST) – IIST, Thiruvananthpuram is a government-aided institution for Aeronautical Engineering. The institute’s main focus is on space science and technology as the name suggests. It is a premier institute for studying Aeronautical Engineering in India. The educational facilities are excellent and the campus spreads over an area of 100 acres. The total fee per semester for UG Programmes is INR 48000, INR 19650 for PG programs, and INR 12150 for Ph.D. which are subject to revision.

Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal (MIT) – Manipal University ranks fourth among various private engineering colleges. The placement rate is very high. The university has many technical and non-technical clubs. It also has abroad study programs. The total fee is INR 1626000 for regular, and INR 1285000 for lateral.

Acharya Institute of Technology, Bangalore The Acharya Institute of Technology aims at four main motives – information, community, guidance, and experiences. This Aeronautical Engineering institute ensures all-round development of students. The total fees for B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering is INR 856175.

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai – Popularly known as HITS, the institute is popular in India for its advanced educational facilities. The Aeronautical Engineering department is the best among all its departments. The fee for B.Tech is INR 2.66 lakhs per year and INR 1.19 lakhs for M.Tech.

Career opportunities in Aeronautical Engineering

The need for aeronautical engineers in India is increasing day by day. There are many posts where one can be recruited to. The reason behind this is the development of the aviation industry and globalization. An aeronautical engineer can be recruited in the following fields:

  • Airlines and Private Aviation Companies
  • Flying Clubs
  • Air Services owned by Government
  • Aircraft Manufacturers
  • Aeronautical Laboratories
  • Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)

Also, after once completes his M.E/M. Tech or Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering, he can become a professor or lecturer in recognized universities. The aeronautical engineers are highly-respected in society for their knowledge.

Salary paid to Aeronautical Engineers

The salary offered to Aeronautical Engineers in India varies from INR 6 lakh to INR 12 lakhs per annum. However, if one is lucky enough to be recruited in an MNC or foreign aviation industry or NASA, he gets a better pay scale.

  • Aeronautical Engineer- INR 7 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs per annum
  • Software Engineer in aeronautics- INR 5 to 8 lakhs per annum
  • Design Engineer- INR 4 to 7 lakhs per annum
  • Data Analyst-INR 3 to 6 lakhs per annum
  • Aeronautical Engineer in NASA- INR 70 lakhs to INR 80 lakhs per annum

FAQs related to Aeronautical Engineering

Q1) What is the educational qualification required to pursue B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering?

The minimum educational qualification required is 10+2 with at least 75% marks for General/OBC category and 65% marks for SC/ST category. You should also have cleared JEE Mains or JEE Advanced.

Q2) What are the companies which hire Aeronautical Engineer?

The companies include Aviation Companies, ISRO, and even NASA if you are talented enough. Aviation Companies include Jet, Indigo, Boeing, Airbus, etc.

Q3) Can I pursue B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering with PCB in my intermediate?

No, one can only apply if one has studied Physics and Mathematics at the intermediate level. Students from any other stream cant apply for any course in Aeronautical Engineering.

Q4) What is the average salary offered to an Aeronautical Engineer in India?

The average salary offered to Aeronautical Engineers in India is around INR 9 lakhs per annum. It varies with the field as well as the company to which one is recruited.

Q5) What is the salary of an Aeronautical Engineer working in NASA?

The salary of an individual working as an Aeronautical Engineer in NASA is around INR 75 lakhs per annum.

Written by
Shivendra Rawat
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