Aeronautical Engineering Course

Aeronautical engineering course is perfect for candidates interested in designing, developing, researching, constructing, maintaining, or renovating flying objects like spacecraft and aircraft. Those who are interested in this field can enrol themselves in diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD courses. Online courses are also available in this field. Aeronautical engineering covers the study of aerodynamic elements of aircraft. 

The aeronautical engineering syllabus and subjects include aerodynamics, thermodynamics, aircraft maintenance, etc. Students of this course can learn to design and maintain helicopters, aeroplanes, jet machines, military aircraft, jet machines, and satellites. The aeronautical engineering course duration is 3 years for a diploma course, 4 years for an undergraduate course (BTech Aeronautical Engineering), 2 years for PG (MTech Aeronautical Engineering), and 3-6 years for a PhD. 

Interested candidates should check out if they are eligible for the aeronautical engineering courses after 12th. The eligibility requirements involve clearing Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects and a minimum of 60% aggregate. They must also check the entrance exams accepted by universities and institutions for admission. The aeronautical engineering entrance exams for admission include AME CET, JEE Advanced, JEE Main, GATE, LPUNEST, etc.

While the fees for this course range from INR 5-10 lakhs, the aeronautical engineering salary starts from INR 6 Lakhs per annum and goes up with experience. Additionally, there’s a rising demand for aircraft and aircraft engineers in and around India. Thus, the return on investment and future prospects of this course are good. On this page, aspiring candidates can find all the details they need to pursue an aeronautical engineering course.

Aeronautical engineering is a specialised field of engineering and scientific research concerned with designing, manufacturing, and maintaining various aircraft and their components. This course is an ideal study option for those interested in aeroplanes and their mechanisms. Aeronautical engineering subjects include aerodynamics, celestial mechanics, thermodynamics, and propulsion, among others. 

For all the latest details regarding the different aeronautical engineering courses that are available in India, eligibility criteria, top recruiters, average salary, etc.,  the candidates must go through the table below-

Also Check, Top Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India

If you’re wondering what are the benefits of aeronautical engineering and its scope, the rapidly expanding aviation industry in India is the reason. India is now the third-largest market for civil aviation in the world, with the potential to overtake China. With 'n' career possibilities in both the public and commercial sectors in India, the need for aeronautical engineers is growing daily.

As students get practical experience in aircraft manufacture, mechanics, and engineering, these courses aid applicants in becoming air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians. Due to it being a technical talent, aeronautical engineering demands individuals with excellent observational and mathematical abilities. To advance professionally, aeronautical engineering can also be studied at the postgraduate or doctoral levels.

Aeronautics is a booming business, especially in sectors like commercial travel and military industries. Aeronautical engineers are being hired by military contractors to assist in the development of specialised military aircraft.

Also Read: How Good is an Aeronautical Engineering Career?

What Is The Scope Of The Aeronautical Engineering Course?

The following are the major reasons that make aeronautical engineering a prospective career option for now and for future. 

Growing Aero Sector

The Aeronautical Engineering sector has been growing rapidly since the beginning of the 20th century. As the requirement for more aeroplanes and aircraft for travelling and cargo purposes will increase, the sector will undoubtedly expand. With the advancement of technology around the world, the work sectors of aeronautical engineers are expanding. The trained candidates are generally required by all government and private aviation companies, as well as aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing and testing units

Increase in Employment Opportunities

According to a recent estimate, the employment of aerospace engineers is predicted to increase by 6% between 2016 and 2026 therefore, the job opportunities will rise. Passenger traffic in emerging nations such as India is now expanding at a pace of more than 15% per year, resulting in the construction of new airplanes to meet the needs of flying firms, and providing work opportunities for aeronautical engineers. Aeronautics and aerospace provide many job opportunities in research, design, and vocations directly related to the operation and maintenance of aircraft

Create a Better Environment

Aircraft are being redesigned to reduce noise pollution and improve fuel efficiency, which will necessitate additional research and development which is bringing a plethora of career opportunities for aeronautical engineers.

Earn Good Money

In India, the starting salary of an aeronautical engineer is INR 500,000 on average, and it escalates to INR 10,00,000 - INR 12,00,000 on average or even more depending upon your skills and experience. Aeronautical engineers are employed by nations including the US, UK, France, and Germany. There are also many Indian aeronautical engineers working for NASA.

Travelling Opportunites

 As an aeronautical engineer, you may be able to travel around the world without having to pay for it because your firm will. 

Who Can Pursue Aeronautical Engineering Course?

Individuals who have passed class 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics), become eligible to pursue Aeronautical Engineering courses. Some institutions may also consider candidates with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) but this is less common.

• Persons with a strong liking for science and mathematics, specifically physics, are very important.
• An enthusiasm for aviation and aircraft accompanied with the curiosity to know how they operate is necessary for staying motivated and achieving success in this course.
• This field will be appealing to those who are analytical and skilled at solving problems.
• While there isn't a specific age limit, most candidates begin this program between the ages of 17 and 20.
• Candidates having commendable spatial reasoning and visualization abilities will do well in comprehending aircraft designs. 

In short, anyone with the necessary academic qualifications, a passion for aeronautics, and strong analytical skills can join Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India.

Also Read: Is it worth doing Aeronautical Engineering?

An Aeronautical Engineering Online Course is designed for candidates who want to pursue the course through distance learning. We will discuss the entire structure of an aeronautical engineering online course here.

Aeronautical Engineering Online Course Structure: Aeronautical Engineering Online degree programs are offered especially via online platforms, qualifying candidates to access the course material, lessons, projects, and exams through the Internet. The online mode of education provides flexibility to candidates with work or individual responsibilities,  who cannot choose on-campus courses.

Course Curriculum: Aeronautical Engineering Online Course Curriculum is similar to that of on-campus courses. It imparts courses in mathematics, computer science, physics, aerospace systems, engineering principles, and several technical concepts associated with aeronautics.

Aeronautical Engineering Online Course Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that the program complies with mandatory standards. Also, it gives an assurance that the curriculum is updated according to the current trends. It is important to choose an accredited course to ensure quality of education and recognition of the Aeronautical Engineering Online Degree over several work fields.

Aeronautical Engineering Online Specialisations: The specialisations that fall under the free online certificate courses in Aerospace Engineering are aircraft design, propulsion systems, avionics, or aerospace materials.

Aeronautical Engineering Career Opportunities: A graduate from online courses in aeronautical engineering can seek employment in the aerospace and aeronautical industries. Such graduates can work with research organisations, airlines, aircraft manufacturing companies, government agencies, and so on.

Eligibility Criteria for Online Aeronautical Engineering Courses: The eligibility criteria of most of the colleges for admission to the Aeronautical Engineering Online course is a high school diploma or its equivalent, with subject combinations in mathematics and science.

Many candidates get confused between Aeronautical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. Aeronautical Engineering involves designing aeroplanes, helicopters, and aircraft. Whereas Aerospace Engineering focuses on building both spacecraft and aircraft. There is a major difference between these two engineering programs and to get a clear idea go through the table given below. 

There are several types of aeronautical engineering courses online and offline. These courses cover several disciplines such as development, design, and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace systems. The types of courses available may be different from institution to institution depending on the scope. Below are some types of aeronautical engineering courses in India you can enrol yourself in:

Aerodynamics: The principles of flight and related phenomena, such as lift and drag forces and the study of airflow over plane surfaces, are the focus of aerodynamics. Within this broader field, some subtopics delve into the design of airfoils and experimentation in wind tunnels.

Aircraft Structures: The design and analysis of aircraft structures are covered in this course, which explains the principles of aircraft structural integrity, material application in aircraft construction, and stress analysis.

Aircraft Propulsion Systems: Propulsion Systems for Aircraft: In this course, jet and piston engines are studied by students. Thermodynamics, engine design, and efficiency of propulsion systems may all be covered.

Aircraft Design: Performance, safety, and fuel efficiency are all factors that must be considered in the process of designing an aircraft, as explored in the course Aircraft Design. Additionally, this course includes project-based work opportunities.

Aircraft Systems and Avionics: Communication, navigation, and control systems are all thoroughly examined by students enrolled in Aircraft Systems and Avionics, while avionics courses will delve into electronic flight control systems, navigation aids, and radar.

Flight Mechanics and Dynamics: This course studies the behavior of aircraft in different flight conditions through mathematical models. It focuses on flight dynamics and mechanics, which encompass the stability and control of aircraft.

Aerospace Materials: In the study of Aerospace Materials, one must gain knowledge of the various components in aircraft construction, how to choose the fitting materials relative to each component, and the properties of these materials.

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair: Throughout their operational life, aircraft must be maintained and repaired to remain airworthy. That's what you'll learn in the Aircraft Maintenance and Repair course - a comprehensive program that covers inspection procedures, maintenance practices, and repair techniques to keep aircraft in top condition. Whether it's a small fix or a major one, the Aircraft Maintenance and Repair course will guide you through the strategies you need to maintain flying safely and smoothly.

Experimental Aerodynamics: Acquire field knowledge in aerodynamics by pursuing courses that involve hands-on work with experimental aircraft and wind tunnels. 

Spacecraft Engineering: For those seeking to explore space and create satellites, spacecraft engineering is an ideal area of study. This involves designing, operating, and constructing spacecraft and their components. Some courses may even cover topics related to aircraft as well.

Aerospace Systems Engineering: Including the integration of various subsystems in aircraft and spacecraft, Aerospace Systems Engineering offers a broader perspective on aerospace systems.

Aeronautical engineering courses are available at UG, PG, and doctorate levels.  One can start with a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering and pursue a master's and doctorate degrees if they want to. The course's basic criteria are that the candidate must have a strong understanding of mathematics, physics, and chemistry. After completing Class 10+2 science with a decent grade, students have the option of choosing this engineering field.

In India, there are four types of Aeronautical Engineering courses.

• Polytechnic diploma course: It is a diploma program of two years. Candidates who have completed class 10 or 12 are eligible to apply for it. 
• Undergraduate degree course: Candidates can pursue bachelor's programs like BE, and Bachelor of Technology (BTech), which are 4 years long. Candidates should have completed class 10 + 2 with related subjects to be eligible for it.
• Postgraduate degree course: Candidates can also opt to pursue a master's in Aeronautical Engineering with an ME or Master of Technology (MTech) program. To be eligible for it candidates should have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field or specialisation.
• Doctoral degree courses: There are doctoral PhD programs also available in Aeronautical Engineering that candidates can pursue after completing their master's degree. 

Aeronautical Engineering Courses Certifications

Candidates can also study Aeronautical Engineering certification courses in India. These courses will enhance a candidate's skills and also build up a strong resume for them. The best Aeronautical Engineering certification courses that candidates can opt to study include: 

• Certification in aircraft maintenance
• Certification in aerodynamics
• Certification in aerospace structures and materials
• Certification in applied aerospace manufacturing
• Certification in aviation maintenance
• Certification in the technical engineering program
• Certification in guidance and control
• Certification in astronauts and human space flight

Aeronautical Engineering Online Courses

Candidates who are not able to pursue Aeronautical Engineering offline courses can refer to online or distance courses that serve the same motive. The duration of these courses varies from institute to institute. In the table below, we have highlighted the best aeronautical engineering online courses along with the offering institute, duration, and course fee.

Candidates before applying for the Aeronautical Engineering course must make sure they fulfil all the factors of the eligibility criteria like educational qualification, minimum marks, entrance exams, etc. Candidates should make sure they fulfil the given Aeronautical Engineering Eligibility in India:

What Skills Are Required To Pursue The Aeronautical Engineering Course?

An aeronautical engineer must be well-versed with several skills. The skills that will make you the best aeronautical engineer are:

Analytical, Reasoning, and Problem-solving skills: The aeronautical engineering skills and responsibilities include high-level problem-solving, to drive fast and efficient conclusions while working on any aircraft. He should have strong reasoning ability skills to make quick decisions with positive outcomes. 

Technical Skills: Aeronautical graduates should have basic technical knowledge in their field. They should be well versed in the technological subjects given here to get hired by any organisation.

• Aerodynamics
• Propulsion Systems
• Structural Analysis and Design
• Materials Science
• Control Systems
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Simulation and Testing
• Thermodynamics
• Instrumentation and Measurement

Interpersonal skills:  Engineers in this field should also have good interpersonal skills to get hired by any reputable company.

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Abilities
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Time Management

Getting admission to aeronautical engineering courses requires passing entrance exams that are conducted at the national, state, and university levels. To pass these exams, students need to study their subjects well. Here is the list of entrance exam for aeronautical engineering after 12th along with their dates.

The main purpose of aerospace engineering is to develop technologies that are useful in aviation, spacecraft, and defence systems. Thus, these engineers study aerodynamic fluid flow, propulsion, instrumentation and communication, guidance, navigation, control, etc. Therefore, the branches of aeronautical engineering are divided into the following specialisations:

1. Aircraft Design and Development
2. Robotics
3. Aircraft Propulsion
4. Aerodynamics
5. Ground Vehicle Systems
6. Avionics
7. Materials and Structures
8. Aircraft Transportation Systems
9. Flight Mechanics, Navigating, Guidance, and Control Systems
10. Aircraft Systems Engineering
11. Rotorcraft Engineering
12. Fluid Dynamics
13. Spacecraft Engineering
14. Aerospace Research and Development
15. Communication Instrumentation
16. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or Drone Technology
17. Human Factors and Safety Engineering
18. Electronic Systems
19. Air Traffic Management
20. Environmental Engineering
21. Flight Simulation and Training 

Aeronautical Engineering Bachelors Courses 

The list of popular aeronautical engineering courses after 12th and their durationfor candidates are:

Aeronautical Engineering Courses Under PG

The postgraduate aeronautical engineering course duration is provided below:

Aeronautical Engineering Courses At Doctorate Level

Candidates after completing a master's in Aeronautical Engineering can also opt to do the following doctorate courses:

Apart from the aforementioned Aeronautical Engineering courses programs, candidates can also opt to pursue dual and joint bachelor, master, and Ph.D. degree combinations. Dual degrees, on the other hand, combine two or more disciplines, such as a BTech in engineering and management, and are offered in collaboration with multiple universities. Additional education options include an integrated Ph.D. and a Ph.D. after completing a BTech.

Aeronautical Engineering Admission is done via an entrance test. To get admission to the BTech Aeronautical Engineering course candidates should pass the Class 12 examination with a minimum of 70 to 75% percent marks with physics, chemistry, and mathematics as core subjects.  Follow the aeronautical engineering admission process given below

Step 1: Select the college to which you want to take admission.

If you are planning to study aeronautical engineering in India, then first you should shortlist some engineering colleges in which you want to take admission. Go through the admission prospectus of that college. Check how they admit students in aeronautical engineering courses.

Step 2: Sit for an Entrance Exam

If you are taking admission into IIT, IIIT, NITs, or GFTIs the gateway is the engineering entrance exam. JEE Main and JEE Advanced are the two most popular engineering exams conducted for aeronautical engineering admission. You should fill out the application form of these entrance exams and sit for the exam. After clearing these Aeronautical Engineering entrance exams and securing a rank, candidates become eligible for the bachelor's program. 

Candidates must note that different colleges of Aeronautical Engineering accept separate entrance exams. And they should sit for the entrance exam according to the college they want admission to. In addition, many engineering colleges offer aeronautical engineering admissions based on merits. 

To keep track of important events of the aeronautical engineering entrance exam click on the links given below. 

Step 3: Appear in Further Admission Rounds

After clearing the entrance exam, many exams conducting bodies conduct counselling and seat allotment based on which candidates are granted seats. In addition, certain colleges conduct group discussions and personal interviews to judge candidates' caliber after they clear the entrance exam. 

Also Read: BTech Admissions 

The direct admission process to Aeronautical Engineering has been given below as instructions.

• Direct Admission Based on Academic Performance:  Some institutions may offer direct admission to aeronautical engineering programs based on academic performance in high school or previous undergraduate studies. A candidate can be eligible for direct admission if they possess a commendable score in class 12 or the latest qualifying exam.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Numerous institutions offer merit-based scholarships during direct admissions. When a candidate has excellent academic performance and satisfies the scholarship criteria, they might secure a seat in the aeronautical engineering program without an entrance exam.
• Transfer Programs: When the candidate is enrolled in a related program or has already completed some college coursework, they can consider transfer programs. In such a case, these programs allow transfers into aeronautical engineering programs after meeting certain requirements.
• Recommendations and Extracurricular Activities: Sometimes a strong record of extracurricular activities related to aeronautics or engineering and impressive letters of recommendation can make up for the absence of entrance exam scores.
• Personal Statement: This written piece can be a powerful tool in showcasing your enthusiasm for aeronautical engineering and dedication to the industry. It would be a major deciding factor for some institutions.
• Interviews: Participating in an interview as a part of the admissions process for aeronautical engineering,  is a good opportunity to showcase talents.  Use any opportunity, to flaunt both your qualifications and passions for the field.
• Direct Entry Programs: Few institutions offer direct entry or fast-track programs for students who have already completed a relevant undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field.

The aeronautical engineering course syllabus in India includes various core and elective subjects. Through these subjects, aspirants learn to manufacture and handle aircraft mechanisms. Along with regular exams, candidates must finish the project work and practical courses. The insights into the aeronautical engineering subjects are as follows:

Our team has shortlisted the top 10 colleges for Aeronautical Engineering in India under the government with the help of the NIRF ranking 2024 engineering.

One can easily get into numerous private engineering colleges in India. Here, according to the NIRF rankings provided recently, we have furnished a list.

Candidates can find the below list of best aeronautical engineering colleges in India through direct admission.

The Aeronautical Engineering degree will provide you with several professional prospects in various industries that will help you grow and make a successful career. 

Aeronautical Engineering Jobs

Candidates can choose either of the Aeronautical Engineering job profiles:

Apart from these, the other aeronautical engineering career options are 

• Aerospace Medicine Expert
• Research Assistant
• Lecturer/Professor
• Aircraft Technician
• Aerodynamicist
• Technical Officer
• Structures and Materials Engineer
• Acoustic Experts
• Stress Analyst
• Aircrash Investigation Expert
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Airworthiness Engineer

Candidates who have done aeronautical engineering are offered jobs in government as well as private companies. The scope of aeronautical engineering is rising day by day. Candidates get a lucrative salary after concluding the course. Some of the top recruiters who hire aeronautical engineers are:

Air India: The national carrier of India, owned by Air India Limited. It is a government-owned company that runs a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft that serve several local and international destinations.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA as it is called, is an agency of the Ministry of Civil Aviation that controls civil aviation. It is responsible for the regulation of air transport services, the enforcement of civil aviation legislation, air safety, and airworthiness standards. It also coordinates all regulatory concerns and norms with International Civil Aviation Organizations.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL): A state-owned aerospace and defense business overseen by the Ministry of Defence, HAL is responsible for the design, production, development, repair, and overhaul of airplanes and helicopters. Its services also include engines and related equipment like avionics, instrumentation, and accessories.

Indian Air Force: The Indian Air Force is the Indian Armed Forces' air arm. Its complement of people and aircraft assets ranks fourth among the world's air forces. Its major role is to protect Indian airspace and perform aerial combat during times of war.

CSIR National Aeronautics Lab (NAL): The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India includes the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). It creates aeronautical technology and designs for small and medium-sized civil aircraft. It also assists in all national aerospace programs.

Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE): The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) that is responsible for the design and development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, as well as Aeronautical Systems and technologies. These cutting-edge vehicles and equipment will be used by the Indian Armed Forces. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, flight simulators, pilotless target aircraft, and flight control systems are some of the areas of competence.

Ministry of Civil Aviation: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is a government agency. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, and the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy are working under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The ministry also oversees affiliated Public Sector Undertakings such Airports Authority of India (AAI), National Aviation Company of India Ltd, and Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited. 

What does an Aeronautical Engineering do?

Aeronautical engineers design, develop, test, and build spacecraft, aircraft, and connected systems and equipment. Furthermore, they are involved in various activities, which require a combination of theoretical and practical skills. Some of the major responsibilities and tasks of aeronautical engineering are:

• Design and Development of Aircraft Design and CAD and Simulation.
• Testing and Analysis of Wind Tunnel Testing and Flight Testing.
• Manufacturing and Production involving Material Selection and Production Methods to meet design specifications and quality standards.
• Maintenance and Safety for the maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of aircraft and ensure that all designs and operations comply with national and international safety standards and regulations.

Top Recruiters of Aeronautical Engineering (Private Sector)

Private Airlines: Private airlines are privately owned by a person or group of individuals in partnership

Some of the other top aeronautical engineering recruiters are:

• Boeing
• Indian Space Research Organizations (ISRO)
• Navy
• Indian Army
• DGCA
• UPSE
• SpiceJet
• Airbus
• Civil Aviation Department
• Defence Industry
• NASA
• GoAir
• AirAsia
• IndiGo

Aeronautical Engineering Salary

Quick Link - Career as an airforce officer

Candidates after finishing BTech aeronautical engineering course have various career pathways to choose from. Following are the options to choose from after studying aeronautical engineering. 

Pursue a Master’s Degree

After studying BTech aeronautical engineering degree, candidates can go for higher education and pursue an MTech in aeronautical engineering or a PhD. Higher education can give more in-depth information, research possibilities, and pathways to higher careers in academia or R&D.

Start Working Professionally

After finishing the aeronautical engineering course, you can start working immediately. Many recruiters offer jobs to B Tech aeronautical engineering graduates. You can work in the Air Force, Army, NASA, ISRO, or even in private airline companies. 

Join Defence Sector

If you have a passion do something for the nation but you believe that by pursuing an engineering degree you won’t contribute to that, you are wrong. You can work in the defence sector and contribute to national safety by designing and developing military aircraft, drones, or missile systems. This industry provides difficult and high-tech projects with an emphasis on national security.

Join Space Industry

If you are interested in being part of space crafts and exploring space, then you can join the space industry after studying aeronautical engineering and working in NASA and ISRO. Though cracking a job in NASA and ISRO is tough, you can get it if you are qualified and skilled. You may work on satellite design and manufacture, space exploration missions, or spacecraft and launch vehicle development.

Start Your Own Business and Be an Entrepreneur

Starting your aerospace-related firm or joining a startup in the sector might be an exciting choice if you love innovation and want to bring your ideas to life.

Can I Pursue Aeronautical Engineering After Graduating In Mechanical Engineering?

If you are wondering whether you can pursue Aeronautical Engineering after completing BTech/BE Mechanical Engineering, you are in the correct place. Candidates who hold a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering can pursue Aeronautical Engineering from different fields-

• Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering with specializations
• Coursework and Skills Development in Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics concerning understanding the behavior of fluids and gases, essential for aerodynamics and propulsion systems, Structures and Materials, Propulsion Systems, Flight Mechanics, and Stability.
• Gain practical experience through Internships and Research Projects.
• Self-Study and Online Courses from Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy are also of great scope.