What is Aerospace Engineering
The engineering branch, Aerospace Engineering inculcates the skills and knowledge to design, manufacture and maintain spacecraft, missiles and weapons systems. Aerospace Engineering deals with two major and overlapping branches- Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautical Engineering. However, Avionics Engineering deals with the electronics side of aerospace engineering. A large part of aerospace engineering consists of mechanical engineering covering a wide range of topics, including computer applications, structure, mathematics, physics, drafting, electricity, robotics, aeronautics etc. As per the students review, Aerospace Engineering is considered one of the toughest branches of engineering. However, if studied with dedication and focus, the branch gives the best result to the students. Students opting for Aerospace Engineering can make their bright career in the air force as a flight engineer, in the aviation industry as an aircraft engineer as well either private or with the national carrier. While remuneration in India for Aerospace Engineering graduates varies depending upon the region and the experience students have. Read on, to know in detail about Aerospace Engineering, its highlights, career and more.
Career Opportunities in Aerospace Engineering
- Maintenance of Aircraft or Missiles
Aerospace Engineers test new aerodynamic and aviation systems, and maintain them.
- Aircraft Designer
Aerospace Engineers specializing in this field deal with designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and space crafts. They may conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture.
- Aviation Engineers
Aerospace Engineers in this field deal with the airspace development, airport design, aircraft navigation technologies, and aerodrome planning.
- Satellite and Space research
Aerospace Engineers in this field deal with navigation systems, radars and other communication networks.
- Defense
Aerospace Engineers in this field deal with creation, maintenance and deployment of defense aircrafts such as fighter jets, choppers, bombers, etc. Also the job requires to be able to handle such aircraft at necessary times.
How to Pursue a Career in Aerospace Engineering
| Stream | Graduation | After Graduation | After Post Graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Clear Class XII with Science Stream with Maths | Pursue B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering for 4 years | Pursue M.Tech for 2-3 years | Pursue PhD for 2 years |
| Path 2 | Clear Class XII with Science Stream with Maths | Pursue B.Tech + M.Tech (Dual Degree)in Aerospace Engineering for 5 years | – | Pursue PhD for 2 years |
Scope of Aerospace Engineering in India and Abroad
Students opting for Aerospace Engineering have a bright future both in India and Abroad. With a number of private companies and progress entering into aerospace technology, the opportunities are getting bigger and better. Following are the job prospects for an aerospace engineer:
- Most of the aerospace engineers are hired by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
- Also candidates are offered jobs in prestigious companies like- National Aeronautical Laboratory, Civil Aviation Department, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Defence Research and Development Laboratory.
- Jobs are available with the national, international, public and private Airlines Services as well as aircraft manufacturing units.
Course Subjects
Aerospace Engineering Subjects & Syllabus
Mentioned below is the course and syllabus of Aerospace Engineering.:
Syllabus for Diploma in Aerospace Engineering
- Aircraft instrumentation system
- CAR (civil aviation regulation)
- Aircraft maintenance and practice
- Aircraft system
- Aircraft structure
- Avionics and aircraft radio system
- Aircraft structures servicing lab
- Maintenance management
- C- Programming lab
- Avionics lab
- Aircraft system servicing lab
- Project work (working model)
- Aircraft electrical system
- Aircraft instrument system lab
- Aircraft materials
- Applied mathematics
- Applied science
- Basic aerodynamics
- Basic computer skills lab
- Basic electrical and electronic engineering
- Basic electrical and electronic engineering labs
- Basic workshop practicals
- Computer aided engineering graphics
- Engineering graphics (conventional)
- English communication
- Fluid mech and pneumatics lab
- Industrial visit
- ISAP lab
- Jet engine lab
- Jet engine theory
- Materials testing (NDT) process lab
- Organizational management
- Piston engine lab
- Piston engine theory
- Fluid mech and pneumatics aircraft inspection and documentation
Syllabus of B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering
Semester 1
- Engineering Mathematics I
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Chemistry and 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 Workshop
Semester 2
- Engineering Mathematics II
- Economics and Communication Skills
- Fluid Mechanics
- Basic Thermodynamics
- Elements of Aeronautics
- Basic Strength of Materials
- Basic Strength of Materials Lab
- Fluid Mechanics Lab
Semester 3
- Engineering Mathematics II
- Economics and Communication Skills
- Fluid Mechanics
- Basic Thermodynamics
- Elements of Aeronautics
- Basic Strength of Materials
- Basic Strength of Materials Lab
- Fluid Mechanics Lab
Semester 4
- Engineering Mathematics III
- Gas Dynamics
- Propulsion I
- Aerodynamics I
- Aircraft Structure I
- Electrical Technology and Machines
- Structures Lab
- Propulsion Lab
Semester 5
- Engineering Mathematics IV
- Principle of Management
- Computer of Programming
- Flight Dynamics I
- Aerodynamics II
- Propulsion II
- Wind Tunnel Lab
- Propulsion Lab II
Semester 6
- Avionics
- Experimental Aerodynamics
- Aircraft Structure II
- Heat Transfer
- Theory of Vibration
- Elective I
- Heat Engines Lab
- Aero Engines lab
Semester 7
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Experimental Stress Analysis
- Aircraft Design
- Fight Dynamics II
- Aircraft System and Instrumentation
- Elective II
- Experimental Stress Analysis Lab
- Vibration Lab
- Seminar
- Project
Semester 8
- Rocket Missiles
- Introduction to space technology
- Air Transportation and Aircraft maintenance
- Elective III
- Elective IV
- Aerodynamics Lab
- Project
- Viva Voce
Syllabus for M.Tech in Aerospace Engineering
Semester 1
- Introduction to Space Technology
- Engineering Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics++
- Elements of Gas Dynamics & Propulsion++
- Airplane and Aerospace Structures++
- Laboratory I
- PG Elective
Semester 2
- Laboratory II (Str. Lab)
- Aerodynamic Design
- Elective I
- Elective II
- Elective III
- Elective IV
Semester 3
- Project
- Structural Design
- Elective V
- Elective VI
- Elective VII
Semester 4
- Project
Certifications for Aerospace Engineering
Certificate in Aeroelasticity
Certificate in FEA and ANSYS
Certificate in Gas Turbine Engineering
Certificate Linear & Non linear Modeling
Computational Fluid Dynamics & Training Certificate
Professional Simulation Engineer
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
An aerospace engineer designs, analyzes, tests, troubleshoots and develops advanced technology in spacecraft, defence systems and aviation. They develop the standards for quality control and design processes, identify issues for products that are not working properly and try to find solutions to fix those issues.Following is the list of job profile a Aerospace Engineer can opt for:
| Job Profile | Job Description |
| Aerospace Designer Checker | Their job is to research, analyze and create structural engineering specifications using metallic and non-metallic components. |
| Aircraft Production Manager | Responsibilities include supervising and coordinating efficient aircraft production lines and making sure that the aircrafts are as per industry and safety standards. |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | They review specification and other related data to develop mechanical layouts. They also measure physical dimensions for machinery and observe production lines. |
| Assistant Technical Officer | Work responsibilities include cleaning and maintenance of aseptic units and equipment on a daily or weekly or monthly basis. |
| Aerospace Engineer | They research different ways to make fuel efficient parts and engines. They carry out ground level testing and estimate project cost with time scales. |
Top Recruiters
- Air India
- Defense Research and Development Laboratories
- Civil Aviation Department
- Aeronautical Development Establishment
- National Aeronautical Lab (NAL)
- Pawan Hans
- Helicopter Corporation of India
- Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd (HAL)
- Private Airlines
- Indian Air Force
Duties and Responsibilities of Aerospace Engineers:
- Assess proposals and design requirements
- Determine if projects are technically and financially feasible
- Go over budgets, timescales and specifications with clients
- Do theoretical and practical research
- Ensure design meet customer requirements
- Direct, coordinate, produce and implement design, manufacture and test procedures
- Measure and improve performance of aircraft, systems and components
- Provide technical advice
- Analyze and interpret data
- Work towards completion dates and deadlines
Average Salary
An aerospace engineer earns a good sum of income, however, the salary amount may increase with experience and expertise in skills. Mentioned below is the list of job profiles and their average salary:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Aerospace Designer Checker | Rs. 30 lakhs – Rs. 50 lakhs per annum |
| Aircraft Production Manager | Rs. 30 lakhs – Rs. 35 lakhs per annum |
| Mechanical Design Engineer | Rs. 30 lakhs per annum |
| Assistant Technical Officer | Rs. 35 lakhs per annum |
| Aerospace Engineer | Rs. 35 lakhs – Rs. 40 lakhs per annum |
Leading Institutes
Top Aerospace Engineering Institutes in India
| College | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology | Multiple Locations | www.iitd.ac.in |
| Birla Institute of Technology | Pilani, Mesra | www.bits-pilani.ac.in |
| National Institute of Technology, Calicut | Calicut | www.nitc.ac.in |
| National Institute of Technology, Silchar | Silchar | www.nits.ac.in |
| National Institute of Technology, Surathkal | Surathkal | www.nitk.ac.in |
| National Institute of Technology, Bhopal | Bhopal | www.manit.ac.in |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology | Thiruvananthapuram | www.iist.ac.in |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Vellore | www.vit.ac.in |
| Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad | Dhanbad | www.ism.ac.in |
| Sri Ramaswamy Memorial University (SRM) | Multiple Locations | www.srmuniv.ac.in |
| Pandit Deen Dayal Petroleum University | Gandhinagar | www.pdpu.ac.in |
| Acharya Institute of Technology | Bangalore | www.acharya.ac.in |
| M.V.J. College of Engineering | Bangalore | www.mvjce.edu.in |
| SASTRA University | Tamil Nadu | www.sastra.edu |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University | Kakinada | www.jntuk.edu.in |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering | Bangalore | www.dayanandasagar.edu/dsce |
| Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT) | Bangalore | www.nmit.ac.in |
| International Institute of Information Technology | Hyderabad | www.iiit.ac.in |
| Maharashtra Institute of Technology | Pune | www.mitpune.com |
| Anna University | Chennai | www.annauniv.edu |
| Madras Institute of Technology | Chennai | www.mitindia.edu |
| Hindustan Institute of Technology | Chennai | www.hiet.in |
| School of Aviation Science and Technology | Delhi | www.delhiflyingclub.org/about-sast.html |
| Indian Institute of Aeronautics | Patna | www.biapatna.co.in |
Top Aerospace Engineering Institutes in the World
| Institution | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | United States | www.web.mit.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | United States | www.gatech.edu |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | United States | www.umich.edu |
| Purdue University | United States | www.engineering.purdue.edu |
| California Institute of Technology | United States | www.caltech.edu |
| University of Maryland-College Park | United States | www.umd.edu |
| The University of Illinois | United States | www.illinois.edu |
| The University of Texas at Austin | United States | www.utexas.edu |
| Virginia Tech | United States | www.vt.edu |
| Stanford University | United States | www.stanford.edu |
| University of Bristol | United Kingdom | www.bristol.ac.uk |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | www.cam.ac.uk |
Aerospace Engineering Entrance Exams
Undergraduate
| College | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) | April | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, | www.jeemain.nic.in |
| Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced) | May/June | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, | www.jeeadv.ac.in |
| National Engineering Aptitude Test (NEAT/NAT) | June | Mathematics/Biology Physics, Chemistry, | www.srde.org |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission (BITSAT) | May | Mathematics/Biology Physics, Chemistry, Logical Reasoning English | www.bitsadmission.com/bitsatmain.aspx |
| Education Promotion Society of India National Admission Test (ENAT) | April/May | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English | www.epsfi.org |
| Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE) | April | Mathematics/Biology Physics, Chemistry, English | www.vit.ac.in |
| University of Delhi Combined Entrance Exam (DU-CET) | June | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, | www.dtu.ac.in |
| Consortium Medical, Engineering & Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) | May | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, | www.comedk.org |
| Admission Test for ICFAI Science & Technology (ATIT) | May | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English | www.icfaiuniversity.in/atit/btech_program.html |
| Indian Institute of Space & Technology Admission Test (ISAT) | June | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, | www.iist.ac.in/admissions/undergraduate |
| Combined Written Admission Test (CWAT) | May/June | Botany Zoology Physics, Chemistry, | www.acds.co.in |
| SRM University Engineering Exam (SRMUEE) | April | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | www.srmuniv.ac.in |
| Manipal University Online Entrance Exam | March/April | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | www.manipal.edu |
| Indraprastha University Common EntranceTest (IPUCET) | May | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, | www.ipu.ac.in |
Postgraduate
| Institution | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) (Postgraduate) | Jan/Feb | All Branches of engineering | www.gate.iisc.ernet.in |
Work Description
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircrafts or aerospace systems or equipments
- Plan or coordinate activities concerned with investigating into and resolving customers’ reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles
- Coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, modifying, or testing of aerospace products
- Evaluate product data or design for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards
- Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates
- Participate in aerospace research and development programmes
- Review aerospace engineering designs to determine how to reduce negative environmental impacts
Pros & Cons of a Career in Aerospace Engineering
Pros
- Job satisfaction is high
- Work not limited to only space crafts and aircrafts
- Is rewarding in terms of money
Cons
- May have to move to locations where work is available
- Can be a stressful job
- Is a difficult and extensive subject to study
FAQs Regarding Aerospace Engineering
How can I become an aerospace engineer?
Students need to pass class 12 with PCM subjects and then do a course in B.Tech aerospace engineering to become aerospace engineer.
What is the duration of course in aerospace engineering?
The duration of bachelor course in aerospace engineering is four years.
What subjects are required in class 12 to become aerospace engineer?
Students need to have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in class 12 to become aerospace engineer.
Which college is best for aerospace engineering?
IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabadm MIT Pune are some of Indian Institute of Astrophyiscs are some of the best institutes for aerospace engineering.
Can I join ISRO after doing aerospace engineering?
For joining ISRO, students have to qualify the exam which is conducted every year. The recruitment for aerospace engineer in ISRO is also through entrance test.
What are the jobs for aerospace engineer?
Aerospace engineer can work as Aircraft or space craft designer/engineer, military aerospace engineer, aerospace technician, mechanical engineer.
Which is better in Aeronautical and Aerospace engineering?
If you want to work in the aircraft building industry then aerospace engineering is the right course for you. However, if you look forward to work in the space industry, then aeronautical engineering is the right branch.
Is aerospace engineering a good career?
Aerospace enginering is a good career option. Students can work with the ISRO, NASA, DRDO, HAL, NAL, MRO, etc. and the salary pay scale for the Aeronautical Engineer is too good.
What is the fees for aerospace engineering?
The fees for doing course in aerospace engineering vary from colleges to colleges and may range between Rs 3 lakh to 5 lakh per year.
Do aerospace engineer fly the flights?
No, aerospace engineers are not pilots and flights are made to fly only by the pilots.
How difficult is aerospace engineering?
The course in aerospace engineering is of four years/ eight semesters and include subjects of Physics and Maths.
