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Manavta
11 December, 2024
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“If birds can glide for a long period, then… why can’t I?” Orville Wright, a clever bicycle mechanic who invented the aeroplane, made this statement. Imagine you could also explore these unattainable heights from your own designed and produced aircraft. Aerospace engineering offers limitless possibilities.
“Engineering is transforming ideas into groundbreaking realities and where imagination meets innovation. It’s the art of building dreams, solving problems, and shaping the future—one invention, one design, one code, at a time.” So here is your chance to develop leading-edge technologies by integrating them into aerospace vehicle systems. Explore the world of aerodynamics, propulsion, and vehicle dynamics. In this blog, you will learn about the top 7 institutes for aerospace engineering in India and gain some other insights. Besides, you shall also learn about the daily tasks of an aerospace engineer, top recruiters, and some top job roles.
Aerospace engineering includes ideation, formulation, development, and production of spacecraft and aircraft. Aeronautical engineering initially evolved into aerospace engineering. With flight technology advancing into the realms of outer space, this broader term of ‘aerospace’ came into use. In this programme, you shall learn to navigate the challenges of aerodynamics.
From seamless TV experiences to transportation, communication, defence, and exploration, aerospace engineering is existing everywhere. Any satellite currently orbiting in space was also thought of and designed by an aerospace engineer. As an aerospace engineer, you would be responsible for designing advanced technology and using it for aerospace vehicle systems.
They are also responsible for testing and designing aerospace products to meet optimal standards. Proficient aerospace engineers demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of aerospace engineering subjects, including aerodynamics, materials science, structural engineering, propulsion systems, etc. Their expertise is crucial in pushing the limits of aerospace technology and promoting innovation within the field.
Check out the list of the top seven colleges for aerospace engineering.
| Colleges/Institutes | NIRF, 204 | Academic Fee (in INR) |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Madras | 1 | N.A. |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay | 3 | INR 1,07,350 per semester |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur | 4 | INR 8,00,000 (excludes additional charges) |
| Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | 5 | INR 33, 000- 1,00,000 per semester (excluding miscellaneous and food and accommodation fees) |
| Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur | 49 | INR 22,500-52,000 (1st semester) || INR 19,500 for subsequent semesters, |
| Hindustan Institute of Technology, Chennai | 101-150 (Rank Band) | N.A. |
*Please cross-check the fees once using the institute’s official websites. The fees may vary depending on the academic session.
Also read: Aeronautical Engineer: Roles, Responsibilities, Salary, Interview Questions
With an NIRF rank of 1, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, is one of the most prestigious colleges in India. Pursue your dream programme in aerospace engineering from IIT-M. Their Department of Aerospace Engineering focuses on scientific and social impact in the country. The institute offers programmes such as a B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc., and a PhD. The main areas of research are:
Aerodynamics
Flight Mechanics
Aerospace Propulsion
Aerospace Structures
Find the best educational facilities and excellent teaching faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. With the NIRF rank of 3, the institute is preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Here is your chance to design objects that fly or remain in the air. The institute fosters an atmosphere of creativity and research. IIT Bombay provides B.Tech, M.Tech, and dual degree programmes in the aerospace department. The main areas of research are:
Aerodynamics
Dynamics and Control
Propulsion
Structures
Systems Design and Engineering
The NIRF ranked IIT Kanpur at number four in 2024. The aerospace department has a legacy of 40+ years. The department aims to strike a balance between hardware development and other computational aspects. You can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. IIT Kanpur primarily focuses on teaching and research. Many of its research programmes are funded by organisations such as DRDO, ISRO, NAL, etc.
In 1965, the Department of Aerospace Engineering came into existence. The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Mechanical Department, holds an NIRF rank of 5, making it one of the most prestigious colleges for aerospace engineering. The institute offers a range of programmes such as B.Tech, dual degree, M.Tech, and some doctoral programmes. You can also participate in research projects sponsored by DRDO, ISRO, DRDL, DST, etc. Here is a list of some of the research areas:
Aircraft Structures
Aerospace Structures
Rocket Propulsion
Collision Avoidance
Missile Guidance
Established in 1856, IIEST is the third oldest engineering college in India. This institute has an NIRF rank of 49. Since 2010, the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics has started offering undergraduate programmes in aerospace engineering. You can also pursue a 5-year dual degree and postgraduate programmes from this institute.
The UGC Act established this deemed university in 2007. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), under the Department of Space, Government of India, set it up. A fun fact: this is Asia’s first space university. The institute offers high-quality education at undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. IIST encourages the development of future technologies and applications for space research. The institute has an NIRF rank of 51. Here is the list of some of the research areas offered at the institute:
Aerodynamics
Fluid Power Control
Propulsion and Combustion
Fluid Mechanics
Multiphase Flow
The Department of Aerospace Engineering came into existence in 1996. The NAAC has graded it A+, and UGC, NBA, AICTE, and the Institute of Engineering and Technology have accredited it. It has one of the most comprehensive and industry-specific engineering programmes. You can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the field of aerospace with HIT Chennai. This institute offers numerous opportunities for real-time experience and practical learning in this particular domain.
Here is the list of the common subjects you would be taught during this four-year programme. We divide the core subjects into two semesters for a deep understanding. Please note that this is a sample curriculum from the ‘Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram’. The curriculum might differ depending on the university:
| Semester I | Semester II |
| Calculus | Vector Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations |
| Physics I | Physics II |
| Chemistry | Materials Science and Metallurgy |
| Introduction to Aerospace Engineering | Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| Communication Skills | Engineering Graphics |
| Physics Lab | Chemistry Lab |
| Basic Engineering Lab | Data Structure and Algorithm |
| Computer Programming and Applications |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Linear Algebra, Complex Analysis and Fourier Series | Integral Transforms, PDE, and Calculus of Variations |
| Engineering Thermodynamics | Aerodynamics |
| Mechanics of Solids | Heat Transfer |
| Fluid Mechanics | Applied Dynamics and Vibration |
| Materials Processing Techniques | Machining Science and Technology |
| Introduction to Economics | Introduction to Social Science and Ethics |
| Machine Drawing | Thermal and Fluid Lab |
| Strength of Material Lab | Metrology And Computer-Aided Inspection Lab |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Probability, Statistics, and Numerical Methods | Manufacturing Processes Lab |
| Compressible Flow | Air-Breathing Propulsion |
| Atmospheric Flight Mechanics | Aerospace Structures |
| Spaceflight Mechanics | Elective I |
| Automatics Control | Elective II |
| Aerodynamics Lab | Principles of Management System |
| Theory of Elasticity | Aerospace Structures Lab |
| Modeling and Analysis Lab | Elective III |
| Semester VII | Semester VIII |
| Optimisation Techniques in Engineering | Comprehensive Viva-Voce |
| Rocket Propulsion | Project Work |
| Aerospace Vehicle Design | |
| Environmental Science and Engineering | |
| Elective IV | |
| Institute Elective | |
| Flight Mechanics and Propulsion Lab | |
| Instrumentation and Control System Lab | |
| Summer Internship and Training |
Also read: Aerospace Engineering: Learn about the fundamentals of aerospace engineering through the course
There are two types of exams that you can undertake for admission to these top institutes. One is conducted at the national level by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and another is in-house admissions exams. Please note that these entrance exams are specifically for the abovementioned institutes. Find the list of these exams with their tentative dates:
| Entrance Exam | Tentative Dates |
| JEE Main |
|
| JEE Advanced | May 2025 (tentatively) |
| HITSEE | April 2025 (tentatively) |
Initiate your career with some of the top space research-based organisations. You would get a diverse range of opportunities at these organisations. Let’s take a look at the list of these organisations:
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
Civil Aviation Department
Tata Advanced System
Air India
Mahindra Aerospace
Taneja Aerospace
L&T
Samtel Avionics
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
Remember looking at aeroplanes as children and thinking, Who makes it fly or maybe what makes it fly? As kids, we have so many questions but some of the curious souls find their way to this field. After pursuing engineering in the aerospace industry, you can pursue a diverse range of job opportunities. Here are some of the top career prospects with their pay scale. Please note that this pay scale is subject to experience, education, organisation, location, and more.
| Career Prospects | Pay Scale (In INR) |
| Aerospace Engineers | INR 1.8 LPA – INR 33.0 LPA |
| Materials Engineer | INR 2.0 LPA – INR 14.9 LPA |
| Data Processing Manager | INR 3.9 LPA – INR 19.6 LPA |
| Aviation Manager | INR 0.8 LPA – INR 18 LPA |
| Structural Engineer | INR 2.0 LPA – INR 11.0 LPA |
| Propulsion Engineer | INR 2.9 LPA – INR 17.9 LPA |
| Materials Engineer | INR 1.9 LPA – INR 14.7 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
Aerospace engineering could be a suitable career choice for you if you enjoy pushing boundaries and exploring new things. To get into these top institutes is a test of your resilience, dedication, and hard work. If you have unlocked admission to any of these colleges, then congratulations. These institutes are your best guide for a career in aerospace engineering.
It is your chance to overcome the impossible. These institutes will open a gateway to some of the top research-based institutes, such as ISRO, HAL, and DRDO. But remember, you need to perform consistently well to achieve what you deserve. So what are you waiting for? Spread your wings, fly away!
