Do you know the Automobile industry is at the forefront of innovating the next generation of hybrid cars? Self-driven cars and Electronic Vehicles (EVs) shall soon be a reality! Tesla’s Autopilot or self-driving cars and many more are the latest examples of advancement in the automotive industry. Do you also want to be a part of this revolution in the automobile industry? Then understand what an Automobile Engineering degree has to offer!
This comprehensive article will inform you of everything about Automobile Engineering, what Automobile engineers do, and how to become one, what are the courses available, and much more.
Topics covered
What is Automobile Engineering?
Automobile Engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering which deals with the designing, manufacturing, and maintenance of vehicles such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, and their other engineering subparts. Automobile Engineering also includes the modification of an existing vehicle and also optimizing new or advanced technologies within them.
From designing, developing, fabricating, and testing vehicles and its components to the final stage of production, Automobile Engineering requires intensive research and direct application of mathematical principles and models.
So, what does an Automobile Engineer do?
Automobile Engineers research, design, and develop vehicles and their subparts. They use mechanical, electrical, structural software, and safety engineering and highly sophisticated technologies to develop passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles.
As an Automobile Engineer, you may be involved in one or more of the following:
- You will be designing new vehicles and their components or modifying the existing ones.
- You will be involved in troubleshooting and optimizing technology to solve engineering problems
- You will be planning and designing the entire production process.
Is Automobile engineering for you?
Now that you know what Automobile Engineering is all about, do you want to become an Automobile Engineer? Are you sure you have it in you to pursue a career in automotive engineering?
You must know that to become an Automobile Engineer, technical knowledge and experience is the basic requirement. Moreover, incorrect calculations or imprecise application of models could lead to major technical errors in both the design and production process and impact the safety of drivers. Therefore, accuracy and precision are core competencies including the following:

Imagine a student having high aptitude and interest in mechanical engineering who chooses a course that does not match his/ her overall academic potential. Do you think one should risk his/her career just because one doesn’t have the right resources to make important career decisions? We don’t think so too! So what is the solution?
Students now have a pool of career options to choose from as new and interesting fields of study are advancing. With the right approach and correct information, students are making informed career choices with the help of expert career counselors. And you can do it too. Talk to career experts now and be future-ready for a career that matches your potential.
How to become an Automobile Engineer?
To become an Automobile Engineer, students can follow any one of the following career pathways:
Pathway 1: Pursue B.E. / B.Tech in Automobile Engineering after class 12th

- You must have completed higher secondary education in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects.
- You must apply for and clear the different national and state level entrance exams such as Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test- BITSAT, Vellore Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Exam -VITJEE etc conducted by universities and colleges. A Joint Entrance Exam Mains -JEE Main and JEE Advanced is conducted by Indian Institutes of Technology IITs for admission to B.E. / B.Tech courses.
Pathway 2: Pursue M.E. /M.Tech in Automobile Engineering after graduation

- You must have completed higher secondary education in Science Stream with physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects.
- Apply for and clear entrance examinations to be eligible for B.E. / B.Tech course in Automobile Engineering.
- After completing B.E. / B.Tech in Automobile Engineering, students can pursue higher degree such as M.E. or M.Tech in similar field.
Pathway 3: Pursue a Diploma in Automobile Engineering after class 10th

- Students must have passed class 10th with Mathematics and Science from a recognized Board/University.
- Apply for Diploma in Automobile Engineering course in colleges/ universities. (List of colleges offering Diploma in Automobile Engineering mentioned below).
- The duration is three years for a diploma in this discipline.
- Diploma in Automobile Engineering is suitable for those who want to upgrade their skills and are looking for employment in design and development, manufacturing, maintenance, and servicing industries.
- After completing the diploma, students can also take a 2nd Year Lateral Entry into a 4-Year B.E. /B.Tech in Automobile Engineering.
List of Automobile Engineering courses
Take a look at the various Automobile Engineering courses available at diploma, Undergraduate and Post Graduate level:
- Diploma in Automotive Engineering
- Diploma in Advance Automobile Technology
- Polytechnic Diploma in Automobile Engineering (3 years)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) Automobile Engineering
- B.Tech. in Automobile Engineering
- Bachelor of Electrical and Automation Engineering (BEng)
- B.Tech – Mechanical with specialization in Automotive Engineering
- B.Sc. Automotive Engineering
- B.Sc. Automotive Mechatronics
- B.Tech Automotive Design Engineering
- B.Tech. Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology
- Master of Engineering (ME) in Automotive Engineering
- Master of Technology (M.Tech.) in Automotive Engineering
- M.Tech. (Automotive Engineering and e-Manufacturing)
- M.E. (Automation and Control Power System)
- M.Tech. Automotive Hybrid Systems Engineering
- PhD Automobile Engineering
List of Colleges for Diploma in Automobile Engineering
Take a look at the following list of colleges offering a Diploma:
- Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
- Kerala University
- Baba Saheb Ambedkar Polytechnic – BSAP
- AIIPPHS University
- Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Polytechnic College, Fatehgarh Sahib
- Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal
- National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru
- State Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, Odisha
- Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Chandigarh
- West Bengal State Council of Technical Education, Kolkata
- G.B. Pant Institute of Technology
- KMCT Polytechnic College, Kozhikode
- Guru Tegh Bahadur Polytechnic Institute – GTBPI
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
- State Council For Technical Education, Assam
- State Board of Technical Education, Bihar
- Board of Technical Education, Delhi
- Board of Technical Education, Goa
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra
- Institute of Engineering And Rural Technology, Allahabad
- Sri Jayachamarajendra Occupational Institute, Bangalore
- Baroda and Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering
List of Colleges for B.E. /B.Tech in Automobile Engineering
Take a look at the following list of colleges that are offering a B.E. / B.Tech in Automobile Engineering:
- Vellore Institute of Technology VIT, Vellore
- D.Y Patil University, School of Engineering Academy, Pune
- Anna University Tiruchirappalli Campus
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
- Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai
- S.C.T College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram
- Sree Narayana Institute of Technology Theppupara
- Christ University
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology University
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunrise University, Alwar
- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
- Malnad College of Engineering
- Lakshmi Narain College Of Technology Indore
- Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT)
- Malwa Institute of Technology
- Maharishi Markandeshwar University Mullana
- Parul Institute of Technology, Parul University
- Shankara Institute of Technology
- Srinivas Institute of Technology, Mysore
- Basaveshvara Engineering College, Karnataka
- Dhole Patil College of Engineering, Maharashtra
- Al Azhar College of Engineering and Technology
- B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
- SCMS School of Engineering and Technology
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Galgotias University
- Department of Automobile Engineering, Acharya Institute
- Manipal University Jaipur
- MVSR Engineering College, Hyderabad
- University Institute of Technology, Jhabua
- Rama University, Delhi
- Lingaya’s University
- Indus Institute of Engineering and Technology
- Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Bidar
- LJ Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ahmedabad
- M.H. SabooSiddik College of Engineering
- PRIST University, Tamil Nadu
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology
- Thiruvalluvar College of Engineering and Technology, Tamil Nadu
- Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai
- Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu
- Cochin Institute of Science and Technology, Kerala
- Pinnacle School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala
- K L N College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu
- KMCT College of Engineering, Kerala
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Andhra Pradesh
- ITM University Gwalior
- Cochin College of Engineering and Technology, Kerala
- Malabar College of Engineering and Technology
- Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering
- College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar
List of Colleges for M.E. / M.Tech in Automobile Engineering
Take a look at the following list of colleges offering a M.E. / M.Tech degree:
- National Institute of Technology Patna
- National Institute of Technology, Warangal
- National Institute of Technology, Agartala
- PES Institute of Technology, Karnataka
- Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai
- VIT University Vellore Campus
- VeermataJijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai
- Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai
- Ajeenkya DY Patil University School of Engineering, Maharashtra
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
- AISSMS College of Engineering, Maharashtra
- Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Maharashtra
- L. D. College Of Engineering, Ahmadabad
- Gujarat Technological University
- M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Karnataka
- Visvesvaraya Technological University
- PSG College of Technology, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Tamil Nadu
- KR Mangalam University
- Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering
- Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai
- The Oxford College of Engineering, Bengaluru
- Parul Institute of Engineering & Technology, Parul University
- Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
- Singhania University, Rajasthan
- Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education
- Shivaji University, Kohlapur
- Lovely Professional University
Eligibility Criteria for Automobile Engineering Courses:
For Diploma in Automobile Engineering:
Candidates looking for the eligibility criteria to get admission to Bachelors in Automobile Engineering courses must look at the following eligibility requirements
- Candidates must have passed class 10th with Mathematics and Science from a recognized Board/University.
- Candidates must secure at least 50% or more aggregate in class 10th to be eligible for the course
- Must have secured the required marks in the entrance examination.
For BE/ B.Tech. Courses:
- Must have passed class 12th in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minimum aggregate of 55% from a recognized board.
- Candidates must apply for and clear entrance examinations conducted at the national and state levels by colleges and universities to be eligible for B.E. / B.Tech course in Automobile Engineering.
- The list of entrance exams conducted for admission to Undergraduate courses is mentioned below.
For M.E. / M.Tech courses:
- Candidates must have a graduate degree in B.E/B.Tech. Degree in Mechanical / Automobile / Production / Manufacturing Engineering or Mechatronics or any equivalent degree any recognized University/Institute with a minimum aggregate of 60% or first division
- Candidates appearing for their final degree exam / final semester exam in the current year are also eligible to apply.
- The list of entrance exams conducted for admission to Postgraduate courses is mentioned below.
List of Entrance Examinations
For BE/ B.Tech.
To be eligible in colleges offering Automobile Engineering courses at undergraduate level, students must apply for and qualify national/ state conducted entrance examinations. There are various entrance exams conducted both by government and private institute for Bachelor of Engineering [BE] course. Some of the entrance exams are listed below:
- JEE Main – Joint Entrance Exam Main
- JEE Advanced – Joint Entrance Exam Advanced
- KIITEE – KIIT Entrance Examination
- BITSAT – Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test
- VITEEE – VIT Engineering Entrance Exam
- APEAMCET – Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test
- UGET- Under Graduate Entrance Test for Engineering Courses
- MHTCET – Maharashtra Common Entrance Test
- UPSEE – Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Exam
- TS EAMCET – Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Common Entrance Test
- IPU CET – Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test
- TNPCEE- Tamil Nadu Professional Course Entrance Examinations
- ASSAM-CEE- Combined Entrance Examination
For M.E. /M. Tech.
To be eligible in colleges offering Automobile Engineering courses at Post Graduate level, students must apply for and qualify national/ state conducted entrance examinations.
- For admission to M.E. /M.Tech Automobile Engineering in Indian colleges, candidates must apply for and qualify Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) entrance examination.
- To be eligible for GATE, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/ Technology (4 years after 10+2 or 3 years after B.Sc./Diploma in Engineering/Technology).
- For admission to M.E. /M.Tech Automobile Engineering for universities abroad, candidates must apply for and qualify Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Along with a good score in GRE, universities abroad require proof of English Language proficiency test for which candidates have to submit score of any one of theses: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc.
Syllabus
The course curriculum for diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate in Automobile Engineering is listed below. Students must check the following at tables to get an overview of the subjects in Automobile Engineering in various colleges/ Universities in India.
Take a look at the following tables for a semester-wise breakup of Automobile Diploma syllabus:
Semester I | Semester II |
Mathematics I | Mathematics II |
Applied Science I | Applied Science II |
Elements of Engg. | Circuits & System |
Fundamentals of Computer | Environmental Sciences |
Communication Practice | Engg. Measurements |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Applied Mathematics | Thermal Engineering |
Thermal Engineering | Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Machines |
Manufacturing Process | Strength of Materials |
Applied Mechanics | Automobile Engine – I |
Mechanical Engineering Materials | Basics of Automobile Components |
Machine Drawing |
Semester V | Semester VI |
Automobile Engine – II | Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repairs |
CAD of Automobile Components | Motor Vehicle Technology-II |
Garage Organization & Supervisory Management | Motor Vehicle, Act, Regulation & Standard |
Motor Vehicle Technology-I | Quality Control |
Total Quality Management |
Take a look at the semester-wise breakup of subjects in Automobile Engineering for B.E./B.Tech:
Semester I | Semester II |
Technical English | Technical English-II |
Mathematics | Mathematics II |
Engineering Physics | Material Science |
Engineering Chemistry | Environmental Science and Engineering |
Engineering Graphics | Engineering Mechanics |
Fundamentals of Computing | Electrical Engineering |
Production Processes |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Mathematics III | Numerical Methods |
Engineering Fluid Mechanics | Theory of Machines |
Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering | Automotive Diesel Engines |
Solid Mechanics | Automotive Chassis |
Electronics and Instrumentation | Automotive Electrical Systems |
Automotive Petrol Engines | Measurements and Metrology |
Semester V | Semester VI |
Machine Components Design | Vehicle Design |
Automotive Transmission | Electronic Engine Management Systems |
Two and Three Wheeler Technology | Vehicle Body Engineering |
Automotive Materials and Production Techniques | Computer control of vehicle systems |
Automotive Pollution and Control | Elective I |
Microprocessor application in automobiles |
Semester VII | Semester VIII |
Engineering Management | Elective – IV |
Vehicle Dynamics | Elective – V |
Vehicle Maintenance | |
Computer Simulation of IC Engine Processes | |
Elective II | |
Elective III |
List of Electives for B.E. / B.Tech. In Automobile Engineering
List of Electives |
Finite Element Method |
Automotive Aerodynamics |
Automotive Safety |
Combustion Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer |
Advanced Theory of IC Engines |
Rubber Technology for Automobiles |
Professional Ethics and Human Values |
Total Quality Management |
Fundamentals of Nanoscience |
Vehicle Air-Conditioning |
Manufacturing Process Planning and Cost Estimation |
Advanced Production Processes for Automotive Components |
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems |
Theory and Design of Jigs and Fixtures |
Hydraulic and Pneumatic systems |
Alternate Fuels and energy systems |
Special Types of Vehicles |
Tractor and Farm Equipments |
Fleet Management |
Take a look at the semester-wise breakup of subjects in Automobile Engineering in M.E. / M.Tech:
Semester I | Semester II |
Automotive Engineering | Vehicle Body Engineering |
Computational Methods in Thermal Engg. | Vehicle Dynamics |
Mechanical Vibrations | Elective-3 |
Advanced Internal Combustion Engines | Elective-4 |
Elective-1 | Elective-5 |
Elective-2 | Elective-6 |
Automotive Engineering laboratory |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Comprehensive Viva – Voce | Dissertation – Part B |
Dissertation – Part A |
List of Electives in Semester I and Semester II
Electives in Semester I | Electives in Semester II |
Automotive Electronics | Noise, Vibrations & harshness |
Alternate Fuels & Emissions | Vehicle Testing & Instrumentation |
Combustion and Emission control | Engine Management Systems |
Enterprise Resource Planning | Automotive Safety & Maintenance |
Manufacturing Management | Design of Heat Transfer Equipment |
Soft Computing Techniques | Energy Systems and Management |
Analysis and Synthesis of Mechanisms | Renewable Sources of Energy |
Mathematical Methods in Engineering | Mechatronics and Robotics |
Advanced Metal Forming | Fluid Power Systems |
Precision Manufacturing | |
Project Management | |
Computer Aided Design | |
Reliability Engineering |
Expenses
- Automobile Engineering course expenses and tuition fee for various colleges/ universities at undergraduate level differ and may range around Rs.2, 00, 000- 15, 00,000. Whereas for M.E./ M.Tech in Automobile Engineering may range around 4, 00, 000- 20, 00, 000
- Candidates are required to check the official website of college/ university they are applying to for details on tuition fee and other expenses.
Career scope of an Automobile Engineer
- According to India Brand Equity Foundation, the Automobile industry in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.05 % during 2016-2026. Moreover, India is expected to become a top leader in shared mobility by the year 2030 opening doors for electric and autonomous vehicles.
- Moreover, a Forbes article states that the rate at which the technology is advancing personal transportation which predicts the early arrival of hybrid cars and other smart vehicles. The article lists a number of advanced technologies that are set to enter the automobile industry.
Following the predictions in the Automobile industry, graduates in Automobile Engineering may find exciting job opportunities in the upcoming times as well. Automobile Engineering graduate may find work with:
- Leading equipment, vehicles, automotive manufacturers / R & D Organizations like Tata, Hyundai, Larson & Turbo, Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, Ford, Hyundai, Daimler AG, Caterpillar, Maruti, TVS, Renault-Nissan, GE Transportation, Mahindra and Mahindra, ARAI etc.
- Aeronautical manufacturing companies like Airbus, Boeing, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) etc.
- Automobile Engineering department of all IITs and Engineering and Technology colleges in various capacities such as Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department, and Dean.
Salary of an Automobile Engineer
- According to Pay Scale India, an automobile engineer can earn anywhere between Rs. 2, 50,000, and Rs. 600,000 per annum including average bonuses and commissions received on the job.
- A division head with 15 years’ or more experience can earn a salary ranging from Rs. 25, 00, 000 to Rs. 30, 00, 000 per annum.
Conclusion
In this article, we dived deep into a career in Automobile Engineering. We also discussed in detail about the list of colleges offering Automobile Engineering courses, the course curriculum, and much more. Now that you have a fair idea of this field of mechanical engineering, you must be wondering whether you should pursue your studies in this field or not.
To help you make the perfect career choice, our expert career counselors are just a call away! Make the most of this opportunity and pave a pathway for an exciting future.
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Shruti Verma has an experience of around 2+ years in research and analysis of careers, jobs, and industries. She has a knowledge of diverse fields spanning from career counselling, management consulting, engineering, and technology to science, finance, and humanities.
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