Aerospace Engineering Course - Admission 2024, Eligibility, Exams, Fees, College, Scope. Career Prospects

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering involved with the development of aircraft and spacecraft. It has two significant and conjoining departments: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Avionics engineering is a parallel side of aerospace engineering but concerned with the electronics aspect of aerospace engineering. Candidates can pursue an aerospace engineering course after completing their Class 12th from the science stream from a recognized board. To pursue aerospace engineering candidates must have scored a valid percentage in class 12th and pass the entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, SET, etc. 

Some of the top aerospace engineering recruiters are HAL, ISRO, DRDO, Airbnb, etc. The aerospace engineering courses are available in online and offline mode and are offered at the diploma level, bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral levels. Some of India's top aerospace engineering colleges are IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, Manipal Insitute of Technology, IIT Kharagpur, etc. And, the aerospace engineering fees in India range from INR 60,0000 LPA to INR 5,00,000 LPA for a bachelor’s degree. 

Quick Facts about Aerospace Engineering

• As flight technology made progress in containing vehicles working in outer space, the more comprehensive term "aerospace engineering" has been used. Aerospace engineering, specifically the astronautics branch, is conversationally referred to as "rocket science". 
• Aerospace engineering graduates can find career opportunities with governmental organizations, manufacturing companies, the International Space Station, or airlines.
• After pursuing Aerospace Engineering, one can work as an Aerospace Engineer or Production Specialist in various private firms dealing with spare parts and production.
• Aerospace Engineering is a superficially specialized technical field that requires overall excellence in calculative, mathematical, and observational skills.

Read More -Aeronautical Engineering vs Aerospace Engineering – Find out the Better Option

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Aerospace engineering is concerned with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineering emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Candidates who are planning to pursue aerospace engineering can go through the highlights about it given below and get an idea about the course. 

With the advancement in the space sectors, the countries are growing their air force and looking forward to making their mark in space. There is a great need for space crafts, satellites, airspace instruments, etc. To cater to these needs several aerospace engineers are required making aerospace engineering a prospective profession. The following are the major reasons that you must choose an aerospace engineering course to study. 

Equip you with Skill

Aerospace Engineering will provide you with practical skills that are immediately applicable to the space sector and job. Because the aerospace sector is somewhat closed-off, a degree like this will provide you with the contacts and connections you need to establish your career.

Jobs Opportunities

Aerospace Engineering is a solid choice for a high-paying job since graduates are in great demand. Making planes and spaceships is a large industry, and employers are keen to acquire people with practical expertise. Graduates of this programme have a wide range of options for employment. Joining the RAF, Navy, or Army Air Corps, or developing vehicles for private corporations are just a few of the alternatives available.

Aid in Changing World

Aerospace Engineering is at the cutting edge of current technology, and a degree in this field might allow you to transform the world. 

Opportunity in ISRO

The ISRO, India's primary space agency, ranks fifth in the world with a budget of more than 1.5 billion dollars and a record of launching the most satellites in a single mission. It is not the end; numerous satellites, rockets, missiles, and other systems will be launched in the future, raising the ISRO's international profile and expanding job options subsequently opening several aerospace engineering jobs. 

Quick Link: Taking up a career as an aerospace engineer

Online aerospace engineering programs use virtual learning environments where students can access course materials, lectures, assignments, and interactive content through online platforms. These programs offer flexibility in scheduling, which is helpful for individuals with work or other commitments. 

The curriculum covers various topics related to aerospace engineering, including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials and structures, avionics, flight mechanics, and space systems engineering. Some programs also use virtual labs and simulations to provide hands-on experience in aerospace engineering concepts. Interactive learning tools, discussion forums, collaborative platforms, and access to faculty members through online communication channels, email, video conferencing, and discussion forums are provided to facilitate student engagement and interaction. 

Project work or capstone projects may be included in many aerospace engineering programs, including online ones, where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world engineering problems. Evaluation methods consist of online quizzes, exams, project submissions, and other assessments conducted through the online platform.

Some of the top online aerospace engineering courses have been listed below.

Many students are perplexed by the distinction between Aerospace Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering.  Aerospace Engineering, on the other hand, is concerned with the construction of both spacecraft and airplanes. Aeronautical engineering is concerned with the design of airplanes, helicopters, and aircraft.  There is a significant difference between these two engineering specializations, and the table below will help you understand why.

Quick Link: JEE Advanced eligibility criteria

Aeronautical and astronomical engineering are the two areas of specialization for aerospace engineers. An aeronautical engineer works on aircraft and the parts that make them up. An astronomy engineer focuses on technologies connected to spacecraft.

Aerospace Engineering Certification Courses

As the Aerospace Engineering sector makes new advancements frequently, certificate programs are specially designed to train the candidates with additional skills. These courses are appropriate for those workers who are required to proceed with their functions alongside learning extra capacities or abilities that can assist them with taking care of complex issues. Some of the Aerospace Engineering Certification Courses have been listed in the table below.

Diploma Aerospace Engineering Courses

Diploma Aerospace Engineering Courses offer precise knowledge contrasted with explained education in full-time bachelor and master degrees. Just like certificate programs, diploma courses also give candidates the flexibility to choose from a huge set of specializations. Diploma Aerospace Engineering Courses are also preferred by candidates who want to join the job sector soon, rather than earmarking long years to intricate education.

Bachelor Aerospace Engineering Courses

Candidates willing to devote full time to the field of Aerospace Engineering and make a long-time career should opt for the BTech in Aerospace Engineering, rather than going for diploma courses. Admission to most of the institutes is done through entrance exams at the national as well as state level. 

Master Aerospace Engineering Courses

Master Aerospace Engineering Courses refine a candidate's skills and prepare them with capabilities to unravel complicated problems. Admission to Master Aerospace Engineering Courses is done through some entrance examinations.

Doctorate Aerospace Engineering Courses

The table below highlights the Doctorate Aerospace Engineering Courses.

Quick Link: MTech aerospace engineering colleges in India

If you are fascinated by how airplanes and aircraft are made and developed, as well as what the mechanism of flying airplanes is, aerospace engineering is the profession for you.  Engineers in the aerospace industry work on planes, space shuttles, satellites, and even weapons. To become an aerospace engineer, you should fulfill the following eligibility criteria 

Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria for Diploma 

To get admitted to the diploma in the aerospace engineering programme, the candidate must have a minimum of 50% in your class 10th test, with science and math as mandatory courses

Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Degree

Passing higher secondary or Class 12 with a minimum of 60% (55.5% for SC/ST) in Science is the minimum qualifying condition for pursuing a B.Tech Aerospace Engineering (Physics, Chemistry, and Maths)

Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria for Master’s Degree

The majority of degree programmes in aerospace engineering are given at the post-graduate level. For this, the candidate must have a Bachelor's degree (BE/B Tech or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% (55 % for SC/ST).

GATE scores are necessary for entrance to postgraduate and doctoral programmes, as well as research.

Candidates with a three-four year engineering degree, a technical diploma, a five-year architecture degree, and a postgraduate degree in mathematics/science/statistics/computer applications are also qualified to study Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria for NASA

If you want to work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States (US), you should know that NASA recommends a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, Optical Engineering, and Oceanography. 

Quick Link: JEE Main eligibility criteria

Skills Required for Aeronautical Engineering Course

Aerospace engineering is a highly specialized technical degree that necessitates a high level of mathematical, calculative, and observational abilities. Because research in this discipline takes years to complete, perseverance and tenacity are essential. To be a successful Aerospace Engineer, you must have the following qualities/skills:

1. Excellent academic credentials in the Science fields
2. Proficient Analytical and quantitative abilities 
3. Product design creativity and innovativeness
4. Attention to detail
5. Ability to operate under pressure and for lengthy periods
6. Scientific knowledge
7. Physical endurance
8. Capability to operate in a team and lead a team

Quick Link: BSc Aeronautics colleges in India!

Admission to aerospace engineering courses is done mostly via the entrance examination. Candidates who want to pursue a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering are required to sit for the entrance exam and qualify with flying colors scoring the required cutoff to get admission into the college. Some of the major aerospace engineering entrance exams are 

JEE Main

JEE Main is a computer-based online test administered by the National Testing Agency for students wishing to pursue an undergraduate degree at India's premier engineering colleges in various disciplines of engineering. 

JEE Advanced

The JEE Advanced, also known as the Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced), is the second stage of the IIT JEE main exam. Every year, one of seven Zonal IITs administers the test on behalf of JAB (Joint Admission Board). Candidates who pass both the JEE Main and Advanced will be admitted to the prestigious Indian Insitute of Technology (IITs) in India to study B.Tech in aerospace engineering.

GATE

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) is a national test that is approved and administered in eight districts across the country. The GATE Committee, faculty members from IISc, and seven other IITs administer the test on behalf of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, the National Coordinating Board, and the Department of Education. 

Apart from these popular aerospace engineering entrance exams, there are several other entrance exams also conducted to offer admission to candidates like 

Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering Entrance Exam

CEE (Combined Entrance Examination, Delhi University)

SLIET SET (Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology Entrance Exam)

IISAT (Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Admission Test)

IPU CET

SRMJEEE

Aerospace Engineering Entrance Exam Schedule

Candidates can check the table below for the details about the Aerospace Engineering specializations.

If you are wondering How to Get Admission in Aerospace Engineering? You are in the right place. The aerospace engineering admission is done based on Class 12th score and performance in engineering entrance examinations like JEE Main, AIEEE, SET, etc. Many colleges offer direct admission to aerospace engineering courses based on merits. 

• Candidates must have 50% marks in their class 10+2 examination. There are quite a few colleges that give weightage to the 10+2 percentage for admission to engineering courses (Merit Based Admission).
• Admission to aerospace engineering courses is mainly done based on entrance tests. Candidates must start preparing for their engineering entrance tests with sufficient time in hand. 
• It is advisable to the candidates that they take all the necessary steps to prepare well for the entrance tests, refer to the right books, and take proper coaching if required. Candidates should always commence their preparations at least a year before the date of the entrance test.
• They should find out whether the college they are willing to apply for is good enough or not. Therefore they should properly check the internet for ratings and reviews from alumni and other individuals to get a clear idea about what the students have got to say about that particular college.
• Candidates will have to obtain details about the placement scenario of the institute because engineering is mostly about good placements. It is to be thoroughly checked whether the placement package they have offered in the past is good enough compared to the course fees.
• The candidates must be additionally careful while they are filling up the application form for the entrance exam suppose JEE Main. 
• Consult your elders and discuss the necessary details that are required to know. Visit the college authorities if possible or they can refer to the official website also for any doubts.
• Clearing DGCA examinations is required for obtaining a license in aircraft maintenance engineering.
• After passing the GATE test, one can pursue a Master's degree in Aerospace at premier institutes like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)

Quick Link: B.Tech aerospace engineering colleges in India

Some colleges and universities allow direct admission to their Aerospace Engineering programs based on your previous academic record. If you have scored well in your high school or previous undergraduate studies, you might be eligible for direct admission.

Another way to secure admission is through merit-based scholarships. If you excel in your academics and meet the scholarship criteria, you might get a seat in the Aerospace Engineering program without an entrance exam. If you are already enrolled in a related program or have completed some college coursework, transfer programs might work for you. These programs allow you to transfer into an Aerospace Engineering program after meeting certain educational requirements.

Your extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation can also play a significant role in your admission process. 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. Your statement or essay can be a powerful tool in showcasing your dedication and enthusiasm for Aerospace Engineering. It could be the deciding factor for some institutions. Although rare, some colleges might conduct interviews during the admissions process for Aerospace Engineering. If you get an interview opportunity, take it as a chance to showcase both your qualifications and passion for the field.

Finally, some institutions offer fast-track programs for students who have already completed a relevant undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field. These direct entry programs can help you save time and get you on the path to your dream career in Aerospace Engineering faster.

The aerospace engineering fees mainly depends upon the type of colleges you are opting for. If If you are pursuing an aerospace engineering course in India then fees will be low and if you are opting to study the programme abroad the fees will be relatively higher. Moreover, if you are eligible for any scholarship then your aerospace engineering cees will be lowered. To help you get an idea about the approx fees, we have provided details below.

Note- The aerospace engineering course fees given above are just a rough estimate and vary from college to college. 

For more convenience for the candidates, we have mentioned the maximum and minimum aerospace engineering course fees based on the degree (UG, PG, Diploma and Doctoral)

Quick Link: Scholarships offered by the top IITs

Aeronautical engineering has a lot of opportunities in India and overseas because it is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors as each country wants to mark its flag in space and wants to excel in space missions. The progress of technology in this area has boosted the demand for competent aeronautical engineers. To get admission into top aerospace engineering colleges abroad you should have passed class 12th and cleared international exams like IELTS, SOP, LORs, etc. Here are some of the perks of studying aerospace engineering in abroad mentioned

• Career Prospect:  If you can afford to study aerospace engineering courses will bring you a lot of career prospects from earning a lucrative salary to working in international companies like Airbus, Boeing, NASA, etc
• Top Class Education Facility: In international universities, excellent education is offered with a focus on class lessons as well as practical skills building, and the university also emphasizes building the overall personality of students. 
• International Exposure: Along with that, you will get the opportunity to meet people with different backgrounds which will give you exposure to different views and ideas on aerospace engineering also

Quick Link: PhD in aerospace engineering colleges in India

Aerospace Engineering Colleges Abroad

An international degree in aerospace engineering is considered reputable across the globe and will offer you various job prospects when you return to India. If you are opting to study aerospace engineering abroad here are some of the top international aerospace engineering colleges listed below with the specialization offered. 

Quick Link: Things to keep in mind while selecting engineering colleges in India

Aerospace engineering is defined as a subset of engineering that focuses on the abilities required to design, construct, and repair airplanes and other spacecraft. It also covers weapons systems and missiles. As Aerospace Engineering is primarily concerned with mechanical elements, it likely overlaps with the mechanical engineering area. Aerospace Engineering, although covering a wide range of subjects, also incorporates computer science, physics, and mathematics applications. Therefore, students will become proficient in subjects like physics, mathematics, and science while studying the aerospace engineering syllabus. 

Electricity and robotics are two more topics that candidates will study in the Aerospace Engineering course. Aerospace Engineering also encompasses aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering classes. As a result, it is often regarded as the most difficult branch of engineering among students. 

Quick Link: JEE Main syllabus

The aerospace engineering syllabus consists of core subjects and elective subjects. Mechanics (Solids and Fluids),  Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Materials Science are all part of the aerospace engineering syllabus. There are additional optional subjects available to assist in strengthening and broadening the knowledge foundation. There have been no significant modifications to the AE course syllabus. 

Aerospace Engineering Syllabus for Different Specializations

An aerospace engineering degree consists of a wide range of different specializations. Candidates get various aerospace engineering specializations to choose from and make careers in that particular field. Given below is the aerospace engineering syllabus for different specializations. 

Quick Link: Top B.Tech colleges in India

In India, there are around 50 BTech Aerospace Engineering colleges, with almost 90% being private and more than 10% being government. Many institutes offer Aerospace Engineering as a full-fledged field of study, while others offer it as an optional course. Listed below are some of the aerospace engineering colleges in India -

Top Government Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India

Some of the top government colleges for pursuing Aerospace Engineering courses have been provided in the table along with their locations and course fee.

Top Private Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India

Some of the private colleges including Deemed-to-be Universities as well as other autonomous engineering institutes providing Aerospace Engineering courses have been listed in the following table. Candidates can also check the course fee and location along with it.

Candidates can check the list of top colleges providing direct admission to Aerospace Engineering courses in India from the table below.

Aeronautical engineering has a strong future in India due to the rising number of firms in the aviation industry. Sectors concentrating on rocket construction, pace research, freight shipping, traveling aircraft, drone services, chopper services, and so on are some of the leading recruiters of aerospace engineers in India.

An aerospace engineer can work for any rocket-building company, such as NASA, ISRO, or SpaceX

Aerospace engineers can work in the defense industry as aircraft technicians, pilots, and so on

Many MNCs engage aerospace experts primarily for helicopter-based projects.

These engineers have a wide range of opportunities in both the public and commercial sectors

 They can work in aviation organizations, air turbine manufacturing plants, design and research areas, aircraft ventures, management corporations, aircraft industrialized divisions, and teaching/coaching institutions

Quick Link: Career as a Flight Engineer

Some of the aerospace engineering job options include:

The job scope for Aerospace engineering graduates runs parallel in both governmental and private sectors. Some of the Aerospace Engineering Job Profile along with the job description and salary have been listed in the following table.

Quick Link: Career as an airforce officer

Aerospace Engineer Job Profile

An aerospace engineer is responsible for the following duties:

When working on a project, aerospace engineers make sure that the finished airplane and component parts will be secure

They ensure that the projects adhere to the necessary quality standards and design method acceptance requirements

Aerospace engineers evaluate product designs to make sure they follow technical guidelines, consumer needs, and environmental consideration

Aerospace engineers examine faulty or damaged goods to determine the cause of problems and offer suggestions for potential fixes

They develop cutting-edge technologies for use in aerospace, defense, and space exploration. Aerospace engineers are experts in a variety of fields, including robotics, propulsion, combustion, guidance, and structural design

The building of aircraft, as well as the installation of instruments, engines, and other hardware, is under the control of aerospace engineers

Quick Link: Is it worth doing aerospace engineering

Aerospace Engineering Salary

In India, an average graduating aeronautical engineer may make roughly INR 45,000, with postgraduate aeronautical engineers earning more.  With a few years of expertise, the salary can rise to INR 8,00,000 per year and continue to rise to INR 15,00,000 per year and beyond, based on your experience and talents. To get an idea check the aerospace engineering salary offered by the top recruiters below. 

Major Recruiters for Aerospace Engineering

TAS, Airbus, and ISRO are just a few of the major recruiters for aerospace engineers. With a big number of aviation manufacturers, India presently has a very high potential for good aeronautical engineer postings.  Some of the major aerospace engineering recruiters are as follows: 

Quick Link: How good is an aeronautical engineering career

We hope that this post on aerospace engineering was helpful and informative to you. 

The courses offered after the conclusion of Aerospace Engineering can be done at B.Tech degree and MTech (Master of Technology.

• BTech in Aerospace Engineering or B.E in Aerospace Engineering
• MTech in Aerospace Engineering or ME in Aerospace Engineering
• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
• Integrated B.Tech. + M.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering