What is Aerospace Engineering?
The branch of engineering known as aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering or astronautical engineering, is concerned with the design, development, construction, testing, and operation of vehicles such as missiles, aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles operating in the Earth's atmosphere or in space.
Also Read: Aeronautical Engineering , Aviation Courses , BBA in Airport Management
Aerospace Engineering is a four-year undergraduate degree.
The eligibility criteria for an aerospace engineering degree is that a candidate should have cleared 10+2 or its equivalent in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are mandatory subjects) with a minimum of 60% marks (General) or 55% marks (SC/ST/OBC).
Aerospace Engineering admission is done on both merit and entrance based and some of the top entrance exams in this course are: JEE Main, LPUNEST, MET, GATE and JEE Advanced.
The approximate fees for an aerospace engineering degree in India is INR 8 - 14 LPA.
Aerospace Engineering top colleges are Lovely Professional University, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, Amity University and Manipal Institute of Technology.
The various job profiles in this course are Aerospace Engineers, Astronomical Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers and Aerospace Design Checker. Aerospace engineer salary ranges from INR 5 – 12 LPA after the completion of the course.
Top recruiters of aerospace engineering in India are Indian Space Research Organisation, Antrix, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, SpaceX and Civil Aviation Department.
Further Reading: Top Engineering Colleges in India
Aerospace Engineering: Course Highlights
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | Aerospace Engineering |
Course Level | Undergraduate |
Course Duration | 4 Years |
Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 or its equivalent in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are mandatory subjects) with a minimum of 60% marks (General) or 55% marks (SC/ST/OBC). |
Aerospace Engineering Entrance Exams | |
Aerospace Engineering Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based |
Aerospace Engineering Course Fees | INR 8 - 14 LPA |
Aerospace Engineering Top Colleges | Lovely Professional University, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur and Manipal Institute of Technology. |
Aerospace Engineer Salary | INR 5 - 12 LPA |
Aerospace Engineering Job Profiles | Aerospace Engineers, Astronomical Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers, Aerospace Design Checker and Aeronautical Mechanical Engineers |
Aerospace Engineering Top Recruiters | Indian Space Research Organisation, Antrix, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, SpaceX, Civil Aviation Department, Indian Air Force and National Aerospace Laboratories |
Why Should you pursue Aerospace Engineering?
Industry Expansion: The government has made significant investments in programmes like the "Make in India" campaign and the National Civil Aviation Policy, which have helped the aerospace sector in India expand quickly. This indicates that the field has a lot of job opportunities.
Worldwide Demand: There is growing need for aeronautical goods and services, and India is well-positioned to dominate this industry. A career in aerospace engineering will give candidates the golden chance of working in cutting-edge initiatives on a global scale.
Employment Opportunities: After graduating with a degree in aerospace engineering, candidates have various employment opportunities such as research and development, commercial aviation, space exploration, and defence.
Who Should pursue Aerospace Engineering?
Individuals who have a strong aptitude for mathematics, science, statistics, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for aviation and space technology are best suited for Aerospace Engineering in India.
Aerospace Engineering: Admission 2023
It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their high school examinations and prepare well for the entrance examinations as both these factors play a major role in getting an admission to a good aerospace engineering college in India.
The admission process for an aerospace engineering degree in India may vary slightly from university to university. However, here is a general outline of the admission process a candidate can expect:
Application Procedure: The first step is applying to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10thand 12thCertificates, Aadhar Card, Photographs etc.) in hand.
Merit Lists and Counselling: Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant. Candidates must attend the counselling or orientation organised by the institution for further details, if selected from the merit list.
Document Verification and Payment of Fees: The next step would ideally be document verification which helps the college in verifying a candidate's credentials. Once the documents have been confirmed, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admission process will be complete.
Further Reading: Top Engineering Colleges in India 2023 Ranked
Aerospace Engineering: Eligibility Criteria
Aerospace Engineering is one of the toughest branches of engineering and requires candidates to have a strong interest in the field of space, aerospace and aviation apart from fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Given below are the eligibility criteria a candidate must fulfil in order to pursue this course.
- 10+2 or its equivalent in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are mandatory subjects) with a minimum of 60% marks. (General)
- 10+2 or its equivalent in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are mandatory subjects) with a minimum of 55% marks. (SC/ST/OBC)
- There is no age limit specified for admission to Aerospace Engineering programs in India.
- Candidates with a 3 – 4 year degree in Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Science, Computer Applications and Statistics are also eligible.
Aerospace Engineering: Entrance Exams 2023
Given below are the names and dates for the aerospace engineering entrance exams in India:
Entrance Exam Name | Entrance Exam Details | Counseling Dates |
15 May 2023 - 19 May 2023 | August 2023 | |
2 Jul 2023 - 3 Jul 2023 | July - August 2023 | |
11 Jun '23 | July 2023 | |
5 May '23 - 4 Jun '23 | 7 Jul 2023 - 24 Aug 2023 | |
18 Jun 2023 - 5 Jul 2023 (Registration) 8 Jul 2023 - 9 Jul 2023 (Exam) | July - August 2023 | |
12 May 2023 - 14 May 2023 | July – August 2023 | |
COMEDK UGET 2023 | 28 May 2023 | August 2023 |
10 Jun 2023 | 20 Jul 2023 - 23 Jul 2023 | |
27 May 2023 - 28 May 2023 | 21 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023 | |
HPCET 2023 | 14 May 2023 | 30 Jun 2023 - 1 Jul 2023 |
July 2023 | 9 Jun 2023 - 2 Jul 2023 | |
1 Jul 2023 (Third Phase) | July 2023 | |
25 Jun 2023 | July 2023 | |
18 Jun 2023 - 22 Jun 2023 | 2 Jun 2023 - 26 Jun 2023 | |
6 Apr 2023 - 15 Apr 2023 | 19 Jun 2023 - 30 Jun 2023 | |
4th June 2023 | 19 Jun 2023 -28 Jun 2023 |
Aerospace Engineering: Entrance Exam Syllabus 2023
The entrance exam syllabus for Aerospace Engineering may vary slightly depending on the college and exam. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the entrance exam syllabus:
Subjects | Topics |
Mathematics | Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Complex Numbers and Vector Calculus. |
Physics | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics and Modern Physics. |
Chemistry | Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. |
Engineering Mechanics | Statics, Dynamics, Kinematics and Kinetics. |
Aerodynamics | Basic Concepts, Airfoil and Wing Theory, Compressible Flow, Incompressible Flow and Boundary Layer Theory. |
Flight Mechanics | Aircraft Performance, Stability and Control. |
Aircraft Structures | Stress and Strain Analysis, Material Properties and Structural Analysis. |
Propulsion | Basics of Jet Engines and Rocket Propulsion. |
Space Science | Orbital Mechanics and Spacecraft Technology. |
Manufacturing and Materials | Material Science and Manufacturing Processes. |
Computer Science | Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms. |
General Knowledge | Current Affairs, General Science, Technology and Aerospace-related Developments. |
English Language | Grammar, Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension. |
Aerospace Engineering: Syllabus
The syllabus for Aerospace Engineering in India will vary from university to university and the course level. However, given below is an overview of the syllabus of Aerospace Engineering.
Aerospace Engineering Subjects | Sub Topics |
Mathematics | Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability, and Statistics 2 |
Physics | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, and Waves |
Manufacturing and Materials Science | Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Composite Materials, and Structural Mechanics |
Computer Science | Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms |
Aerospace Engineering Core | Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Propulsion, Aircraft Design, Control Engineering, and Avionics |
Humanities and Social Sciences | Communication, Ethics, Economics, and Management |
Aerospace Engineering: Subjects
There are various subject's students learn in their four years of this course. The year wise Aerospace Engineering subjects are given below:
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 1st Year | |
Basic Civil Engineering | Engineering Mathematics II |
Basic Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Studies |
Basic Aerospace Engineering | Engineering Physics |
Basic Electronics Engineering & Information Technology | Engineering Mechanics |
Basic Thermodynamics | Engineering Graphics |
Basic Strength of Materials | Elements of Aeronautics |
Basic Strength of Materials Lab | Fluid Mechanics |
Engineering Mathematics I | Fluid Mechanics Lab |
Economics and Communication Skills | Mechanical Workshop |
Aerospace and Civil Workshop | - |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 2nd Year | |
Engineering Mathematics II | Gas Dynamics |
Engineering Mathematics III | Propulsion I |
Basic Strength of Materials | Aerodynamics I |
Basic Strength of Materials Lab | Aircraft Structure I |
Fluid Mechanics Lab | Aerospace Technology and Machines |
Economics and Communication Skills | Structures Lab |
Fluid Mechanics | Propulsion Lab |
Basic Thermodynamics | Elements of Aeronautics |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 3rd Year | |
Engineering Mathematics IV | Aircraft Structure II |
Principle of Management | Heat Transfer |
Computer of Programming | Theory of Vibration |
Avionics | Flight Dynamics I |
Experimental Aerodynamics | Aerodynamics II |
Elective I | Propulsion II |
Wind Tunnel Lab | Heat Engines Lab |
Propulsion Lab II | Aero Engines lab |
Aerospace Engineering Subjects: 4th Year | |
Computational Fluid Dynamics | Rocket Missiles |
Experimental Stress Analysis | Introduction to space technology |
Aircraft Design | Air Transportation and Aircraft maintenance |
Flight Dynamics II | Elective III |
Aircraft System and Instrumentation | Elective IV |
Elective II | Aerodynamics Lab |
Experimental Stress Analysis Lab | Project |
Vibration Lab | Viva Voce |
Seminar | Project |
Aerospace Engineering: Courses
There are various courses available for pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering in India. Given below are the details of the same:
Aerospace Engineering Courses: Undergraduate
Aerospace Engineering Course Name | Aerospace Engineering Course Duration |
BE/B Tech in Aerospace Engineering | 4 Years |
BS/BS (Honours) in Aeronautical Engineering | 4 Years |
B Tech in Avionics | 4 Years |
BSc Aeronautics | 3 Years |
Aerospace Engineering Courses: Postgraduate
Aerospace Engineering Course Name | Aerospace Engineering Course Duration |
MS in Aerospace Engineering | 2 Years |
ME/MTech in Aerospace Engineering | 2 Years |
MSc in Aeronautics | 2 Years |
ME in Aeronautical Engineering (Honours) | 1 Year |
Aerospace Engineering Courses: Doctorate
Aerospace Engineering Course Name | Aerospace Engineering Course Duration |
PhD in Aerospace Engineering | 3 - 5 Years |
PhD in Aeronautics | 3 Years |
Top Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India
Given below is a list of some of the top colleges that offer Aerospace Engineering in India along with their course fees and location:
Aerospace Engineering College Name | Aerospace Engineering College Location | Average Course Fees |
Kharagpur | INR 82,070 | |
Kanpur | INR2,15,600 | |
Bombay | INR 2,28,000 | |
Madras | INR 75,116 | |
Manipal | INR 3,35,000 | |
Jalandhar | INR 1,68,000 | |
Chennai | INR 2,29,500 | |
Noida | INR 3,11,000 | |
Dehradun | INR 16,04,500 | |
Bhubaneswar | INR 4,29,000 |
Further Reading: Top Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India
Aerospace Engineering: Jobs
There are various job profiles for an Aerospace Engineer graduate in India. Given below are the names of the job profiles, their description and average salaries:
Aerospace Engineering Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Aerospace Engineering Salary |
Aerospace Engineer | An aerospace engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. | INR 7.7 LPA |
Aerospace Designer | An aerospace designer is a professional who specializes in designing the components and systems of aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. | INR 7 LPA |
Mechanical Design Engineer | A mechanical design engineer is a professional who is responsible for creating and designing mechanical products, systems, and components. | INR 3.45 LPA |
Aircraft Production Manager | An aircraft production manager is a professional who is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process of aircraft. | INR 4.2 LPA |
Related Articles: How to Become a Pilot in India , Air Hostess Course , Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Course
Aerospace Engineering: Salary
Aerospace Engineer salary depends on various factors such as job location, company, experience, and qualifications. On average, the starting salary of an Aerospace Engineer in India ranges between INR 3-6 lakhs per annum.
Given below is a rough estimate on an aerospace engineer salary:
Aerospace Engineer Level | Years of Experience | Average Aerospace Engineer Salary |
Entry-level Aerospace Engineer salary | 0 - 3 | INR 3 - 6 LPA |
Mid-level Aerospace Engineer salary | 4 - 8 | INR 7 - 15 LPA |
Senior-level Aerospace Engineer salary | 9 - 15 | INR 16 - 25 LPA |
Top Level Aerospace Engineer salary | 15+ | INR 30 - 50 LPA
|
Aerospace Engineering: Top Recruiters
Given below is a list of top recruiters in Aerospace Engineering and the average salary they offer to graduates:
Aerospace Engineering Top Recruiters | Average Salary |
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) | 9 LPA |
Antrix | 6 – 30 LPA |
Indian Air Force | 9 – 26 LPA |
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited | 2 – 12 LPA |
SpaceX | 60 – 80 LPA |
Civil Aviation Department | 2 – 17 LPA |
National Aerospace Laboratories | 4 – 8 LPA |
National Aeronautical Laboratory | 4 – 8 LPA |
Air India | 26 LPA |
Larsen & Toubro | 9 – 11 LPA |
Aerospace Engineering: Books
There are several books available in India for Aerospace Engineering that students must go through for further knowledge. Some of the popular ones along with the authors name are given below:
Aerospace Engineering Book Name | Author |
Introduction to Flight | John D. Anderson Jr |
Aircraft Structures for Engineering Students | T.H.G. Megson |
Aerodynamics for Engineers | by John J. Bertin and Russell M. Cummings |
Introduction to Aerospace Engineering | Vinay Kumar and Rohit Kandakatla |
Aerospace Propulsion | P. Rathakrishnan |
Flight Stability and Automatic Control | Robert C. Nelson |
Introduction to Finite Element Method | K. N. Seetharamu and S. R. Shiva Shankar |
Principles of Space Instrument Design | A.C. Walker |
Introduction to Space Dynamics | William T. Thomson |
Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics | Brij N. Agrawal and Robert W |
Aerospace Engineering: Scope in India
After completing an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering in India, there are several options available for further studies. Given below are some of the options available to graduates in the field:
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering: A master's degree in aerospace engineering helps to specialize in a particular area such as, Aircraft Design, Space Systems Engineering, Aerodynamics, or Propulsion Systems.
- Master's degree in related fields: After pursuing an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering, graduates can opt for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science.
- MBA in Aviation Management: An MBA in Aviation Management helps in developing business skills and knowledge essential for managing aerospace projects and organizations.
Top MBA in Aviation Management Colleges in India
- PhD in Aerospace Engineering: Pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering enables graduates to conduct advanced research in the field and make significant contributions to the development of the industry.