Which is the best engineering branch in India? How to choose?

Ankita Katdare · 2015-07-28T20:06:53+00:00

My uncle who is a successful civil engineer came to me with that day's newspaper. He wanted to show me an advertisement for the local college. The college's ad had a breakdown of branch-wise cut-off for that year. We were in Mumbai at the moment around 3 months back. Before showing me, he wanted to know my thoughts about what I thought students were choosing. He asked, "Which engineering branch according to you is given the most preference these days?" Without a thought, I said, "Computer Science, closely followed by Electronics." Boy was I wrong! The college ad showed statistics that Civil Engineering was the most preferred option and the cut-offs for entrance were the highest for Civil engineering. That was closely followed by Mechanical and then came Computer Science. Much to my surprise and contrary to popular belief, electronics had taken a back seat. My uncle said he kept a close watch on the trends of engineering college admissions and what was or wasn't the 'popular' thing. On CrazyEngineers, hundreds of students come looking for the answer to the question, "Which engineering branch should I choose?" or "Which engineering branch is the best?" This is quickly followed by "Which one has the most scope?" or "Which branch is best for getting good salary?". Well, if you have googled with these questions, chances are that you landed up on various discussions on CE. But if truth be told, the answer to that question is not very straightforward. Simply because, there are too many factors playing the role when a student goes for selecting his/her engineering domain during those tedious CAP rounds after 12th class. As a student with a lot of dreams, you need to first understand that each engineering branch comes with its own set of perks and problems. If you have decided to become an engineer, you shouldn't be about the latter part as that's what you are going to solve as an engineer throughout your life. If you have seen the current trend, you will note that apart from the core branches, there are many, many sub-categories to these branches exist. For instance, Instead of Mechanical Engineering, today you can choose Mechatronics and instead of plain Electronics, you can choose a specialised branch such as Embedded Systems Engineering or Power Electronics/Nano Engineering. The options presented to you are too many and therefore it is okay to be a little confused. My first and foremost advice to you is - Think about what you want to become. 'I want to be an engineer' is a very generalised statement. You need to really get into the specifics and think about the kind of job, role, part you want to play when you are 25 or 40 or 60. Most engineers become engineers because they've seen someone among their circles (Be it family or friends or neighboUrs) become an engineer. NOTE: I think it is a great idea to go ahead and chat with an engineer you know about: what kind of job they do, how much it pays, how difficult it was for him to get a job when he was a fresher, what are the current trends in the industry they're working in, how influential were their graduation studies, college and branch in getting where they're now at. By getting answers to above questions, you will essentially get the most-correct, up-to-date, first-hand information. Now the question remains of how to choose which is the best engineering branch for you? The search has to start with you. Scope wise, Salary wise, the best engineering branch can change from time to time and person to person. There are IT engineers earning to the tune of Rs. 10L per month and there are mechanical engineers having salary package of Rs. 80L per annum. Also, it is important to note that even if you choose your favorite engineering branch, you also need to strive to get into the best college where the faculty for that particular branch's subjects is good. Students generally go for the college's website and placement record and I won't say it is wrong to do so. However, those two shouldn't be your only factors to be considered while taking a decision. Go for the college where campus placements are healthy over the years if you want to go for a job immediately after graduation. If you have post-graduation plans on your mind, you may want to have in-depth knowledge of the subjects you've chosen and therefore you also need proper guidance from the college faculty. What according to you is the best engineering branch at this time? Share your views in replies below.

Which is the best engineering branch in India? How to choose?

Ankita Katdare

Administrator

Updated: Oct 27, 2024

Views: 2.2K
My uncle who is a successful civil engineer came to me with that day's newspaper. He wanted to show me an advertisement for the local college. The college's ad had a breakdown of branch-wise cut-off for that year. We were in Mumbai at the moment around 3 months back. Before showing me, he wanted to know my thoughts about what I thought students were choosing. He asked, "Which engineering branch according to you is given the most preference these days?" Without a thought, I said, "Computer Science, closely followed by Electronics." Boy was I wrong!

The college ad showed statistics that Civil Engineering was the most preferred option and the cut-offs for entrance were the highest for Civil engineering. That was closely followed by Mechanical and then came Computer Science. Much to my surprise and contrary to popular belief, electronics had taken a back seat. My uncle said he kept a close watch on the trends of engineering college admissions and what was or wasn't the 'popular' thing.

On CrazyEngineers, hundreds of students come looking for the answer to the question, "Which engineering branch should I choose?" or "Which engineering branch is the best?" This is quickly followed by "Which one has the most scope?" or "Which branch is best for getting good salary?".

Well, if you have googled with these questions, chances are that you landed up on various discussions on CE. But if truth be told, the answer to that question is not very straightforward. Simply because, there are too many factors playing the role when a student goes for selecting his/her engineering domain during those tedious CAP rounds after 12th class.

As a student with a lot of dreams, you need to first understand that each engineering branch comes with its own set of perks and problems. If you have decided to become an engineer, you shouldn't be about the latter part as that's what you are going to solve as an engineer throughout your life.

If you have seen the current trend, you will note that apart from the core branches, there are many, many sub-categories to these branches exist. For instance, Instead of Mechanical Engineering, today you can choose Mechatronics and instead of plain Electronics, you can choose a specialised branch such as Embedded Systems Engineering or Power Electronics/Nano Engineering.

The options presented to you are too many and therefore it is okay to be a little confused.

My first and foremost advice to you is - Think about what you want to become.
'I want to be an engineer' is a very generalised statement. You need to really get into the specifics and think about the kind of job, role, part you want to play when you are 25 or 40 or 60.

Most engineers become engineers because they've seen someone among their circles (Be it family or friends or neighboUrs) become an engineer.

NOTE: I think it is a great idea to go ahead and chat with an engineer you know about:
- what kind of job they do,
- how much it pays,
- how difficult it was for him to get a job when he was a fresher,
- what are the current trends in the industry they're working in,
- how influential were their graduation studies, college and branch in getting where they're now at.
By getting answers to above questions, you will essentially get the most-correct, up-to-date, first-hand information.

Now the question remains of how to choose which is the best engineering branch for you?
The search has to start with you.

Scope wise, Salary wise, the best engineering branch can change from time to time and person to person. There are IT engineers earning to the tune of Rs. 10L per month and there are mechanical engineers having salary package of Rs. 80L per annum.

Also, it is important to note that even if you choose your favorite engineering branch, you also need to strive to get into the best college where the faculty for that particular branch's subjects is good.

Students generally go for the college's website and placement record and I won't say it is wrong to do so. However, those two shouldn't be your only factors to be considered while taking a decision. Go for the college where campus placements are healthy over the years if you want to go for a job immediately after graduation. If you have post-graduation plans on your mind, you may want to have in-depth knowledge of the subjects you've chosen and therefore you also need proper guidance from the college faculty.

What according to you is the best engineering branch at this time? Share your views in replies below.
0

Replies

Howdy guest!

Dear guest, you must be logged-in to participate on CrazyEngineers. We would love to have you as a member of our community. Consider creating an account or login.

Replies

vishnu tej

Member • Jul 28, 2015

In my point of view each and every branch of engineering has its own importance and essential for better society to live and makes our lives comfortable.
But in India, we are having more number of service based companies than product based companies. When it comes to china, they are having product based too. This is the issue why many of our engineers are preferred to IT companies irrespective of their branches.
But This situation should change, every engineer should have equal opportunities to prove them in their respective fields.

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Ashraf HZ

Member • Aug 2, 2015

*cough*networking*cough* 😁

Frankly, it would be a good idea as an aspiring "engineer", to be aware of whats going on in our world and beyond. Research on historical discoveries, read up on current events, and find out what future concepts humans have dreamed of . It's within all these that you will find your inspiration on what field you want to pursue and contribute to.

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Vignesh Ananth

Member • Aug 2, 2015

Based on my view.... a person who choose a field in engineering should notice... whether he/ she being capable to be an engineer. because now a days , there are lots of engineering graduates. And in those numbers a minimum is said to be a perfect engineer. and rest of are being simply a degree graduates.

And while chosing a stream in engineering.... one should have a basic ideas of that course. I mean if a person has basic knowledge in computer...and also he is interested to choose computer science, then it opt to be a right choice.

If a person interested in automobile...he may choose either mechanical or automobile...

Likewise one should also analyse about its future scope. after 5 to 10 years, whether the choosen stream has job opportunities , about the level of the field and also the market value about the chosen field..

And to my view campus placement may occupied by students belonging to urban areas and urban based clg students. But students like me belonging to rural areas should go out in search for jobs.

So according to my point....never trust on campus placements.....just develop knowledge and move out in search of jobs..... develop the required skills such as communication and self-confidence.

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Ankita Katdare

Administrator • Oct 19, 2015

Inviting more opinions on this. 😒
Tagging #-Link-Snipped-# #-Link-Snipped-#

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Anoop Kumar

Member • Oct 20, 2015

If you are confidence in your subject you can fetch any salary from you core company. It applies for all the branches CS/IT/Electronics/Civil....
As far as, concern of average student, who probably just want a job after B.Tech., because they are not sure why they did with particular graduation. I recommend Non-IT/CS branch as these guys can go to Big_Rat_Race of Indian IT industry as well as their core companies. While IT/CS students are not eligible for it. Also, there are less jobs in PSU's and govt. for IT/CS students.
But these things comes after student completed B.Tech.

For students who are going to choose a branch, select the one which you are interested it. What kind of work you are aspiring to do in you career. Surely interest may change with time but first, choose what you really want.
Sure you do the placement record check for a college but also consider the college atmosphere and how good is your branch department (professors, lab etc.).
If you are blank, look for odd branches in top colleges like Food Technology, Biochemial, Plastic, Paint etc.
Link to top college of Uttar Pradesh: #-Link-Snipped-# , Kanpur
As far I know, Most of students from this college get the job, because of good academics, atmosphere and study practices.

PS: Interest can change over time but at time of admission, if you really don't know what kind of career you want to pursue and just want to do engineering because jobs are there, Are you really ready for engineering?

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Anoop Mathew

Member • Oct 20, 2015

Few tips. Engineering is changing and I hope there are more niche fields of engineering that get students more "job ready" rather than "theory buffs".

Big Data, IoT, ICT are some terms you might want to check out if you're into technology.

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Anoop Mathew

Member • Oct 20, 2015

ash
*cough*networking*cough* 😁
Seconds the cough *ICT* 😁😁

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
silversatya

Member • May 22, 2016
based on demand
Discover what types of engineers will be needed in the future
Turnover in engineering is expected as many older engineers begin retiring. Employers will seek the best and brightest new engineers entering various fields.

Outlook for chemical engineers
- Approximately 31,000 chemical engineers were employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Chemical engineers are expected to have average employment growth though 2014
- Among manufacturing industries,pharmaceuticals may provide the best opportunities for jobseekers. However, most employment growth for chemical engineers will be in service industries such as scientific research and development services, particularly in energy and the developing fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology
Outlook for biomedical engineers
- Approximately 14,000 biomedical engineerswere employed in 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Biomedical engineers are expected to have 21 percent employment growth through 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- The aging of the population and the focus on health issues will drive demand for better medical devices and equipment designed by biomedical engineers. Along with the demand for more sophisticated medical equipment and procedures, an increased concern for cost-effectiveness will boost demand for biomedical engineers, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing and related industries. A graduate degree is recommended or required for many entry-level jobs.
Outlook for civil engineers
- Approximately 237,000 civil engineers were employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Civil engineers are expected to see average employment growth through 2014
- Spurred by general population growth and an increased emphasis on infrastructure security,more civil engineers will be needed to design and construct safe and higher capacity transportation, water supply, and pollution control systems, as well as large buildings and building complexes. They also will be needed to repair or replace existing roads, bridges, and other public structures
Outlook for sustainability design and environmental engineers
- Approximately 54,000 sustainability and environmental design engineers were employed in 2006.
- The fields of sustainability and environmental design are separate but have a significant cross-over. They are expected to have 25 percent employment growth through 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- More environmental and sustainability engineers will be needed to comply with environmental regulations and to develop "green" methods and buildings as we progress into the next decade. A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns resulting from population growth, are expected to spur demand for sustainability and environmental engineers. Because of this employment growth, job opportunities should be good even as more students earn degrees.
Outlook for computer software engineers
- Approximately 675,000 computer software engineers were employed in 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Computer software engineers are in great demand. This field will be one of the fastest growing through 2012
Outlook for electrical and electronics engineers
- Approximately 299,000 electrical and electronics engineers were employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Electrical and electronics engineers should have favorable employment opportunities through 2014
- Prospects should be particularly good for electrical engineers working in engineering services firms providing technical expertise to other companies on specific projects
- Photonics is a specialized, but rising area of opportunity due to increased uses for laser technology in both the military and commercial communications and computer industries
Outlook for mechanical engineers
- Approximately 226,000 mechanical engineers were employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Through 2014, employment of mechanical engineers in manufacturing should increase as the demand for improved machinery and machine tools grows and as industrial machinery and processes become increasingly complex. Also,emerging technologies in biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology will create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers
- Additional opportunities for mechanical engineers will arise because the skills acquired through earning a degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied in other engineering specialties
Outlook for Environmental Engineers
- Approximately 49,000 environmental engineers were employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Employment of environmental engineers is expected to increasemuch faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. More environmental engineers will be needed to comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up existing hazards
- A shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those that already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns, also will spur demand for environmental engineers
Outlook for Materials Engineers
- Approximately 21,000 materials engineers were employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Materials engineers will be neededto develop new materials for electronics, biotechnology, and plastics products. Growth should be particularly strong for materials engineers working onnanomaterials and biomaterials
- As manufacturing firms contract for their materials engineering needs, employment growth is expected in professional, scientific, and technical services industries
Outlook for Aerospace engineers
- Approximately 76,000 aerospace engineerswere employed in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
- Although increases in the number and scope of military aerospace projects likely will generate new jobs, increased efficiency will limit the number of new jobs in the design and production of commercial aircraft. Even with slow growth, the employment outlook appears favorable for aerospace engineers through 2014
Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Ankita Katdare

Administrator • May 31, 2016

I believe gone are the days when Computer Science and IT used to rule the roost. Then there was a phase in between, when everyone aimed for Electronics and Telecommunications, because it was supposed to be the middle ground between computer-based branches and core branches. I knew quite a few people who opted for Electronics thinking, "What if I don't get placed in IT companies? I need to have a shot at the other companies." I know, you are thinking - that's totally not the right attitude. But alas! Our education system has forced people to think this way.

I feel that, nowadays the inclination is slowly shifting towards the core branches. Somehow, I see people opting for mechanical and civil, not out of pressure, but out of pleasure. It's more by choice that people are opting for Robotics engineering or Industrial engineering. The awareness has started spreading. You don't need to be a mute mule and follow the herd. You can choose the subjects that you really want to study and build a beautiful career out of it.

I'd like to invite more opinions on this.

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel
Ankita Katdare

Administrator • Oct 4, 2016

I think it's just these 3 that still get placements better than other branches in college across India.

1. Computer Science /IT
2. Electronics & Telecom
3. Mechanical / Chemical

Are you sure? This action cannot be undone.
Cancel