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How to Become an Automotive Engineer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

Senior Content Specialist

An Automotive Engineer's job entails testing and designing brake systems, fuel technologies, and gearboxes in conjunction with a vehicle, engines, and other components. They use software programs and other tools to test automotive designs for applicable vehicles. 

Automotive Engineers are in charge of innovating and implementing new technology into vehicles that customers can purchase at their local dealerships. These professionals are assigned to duty to keep a check on the problems in the designs and work towards solving the same along with overseeing the manufacturing of automobiles. 

Some of the most reputed colleges offering Automobile Engineering Courses include COEP Pune, SRM University Chennai, VIT Vellore, Delhi Technological University, BITS Pilani and much more. The average course fee of Automobile Engineering Courses in India ranges between INR 2-7 lacs (approx.).

India is one of the fastest-growing automobile engineering sectors. At the successful completion of the course, the professionals may get a chance to find lucrative employment opportunities in areas like Honda, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra and so on. The average initial pay for such position jobs usually ranges between INR 2-7 lacs (approx.).

Industry Automobile Industry
Eligibility The applicant must hold a degree of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. The basic
Average Starting Salary INR 2-7 lacs (approx.)
Employment Opportunity Development Engineer, Product Engineers, R&D Executive, Automobile Dealers, etc.

Table of Contents

  1. What does an Automotive Engineer Do
  2. Steps to Follow to Become Automotive Engineers
  3. Types of Automotive Engineers

3.1 Manufacturing Engineer

3.2 Test Engineer

3.3 Design Engineer

3.4 Automotive Engineering Technician

3.5 Automotive Designers

  1. How to be an Automotive Engineer in India

4.1 School Level Preparation

  1. How to Become an Automotive Engineer after 12th

5.1 UG Preparation

5.2 PG Preparation

  1. Courses to Become an Automotive Engineer

6.1 BTech Automobile Engineering

6.2 BE Automobile Engineering

6.3 MTech Automobile Engineering

6.4 MTech Automotive Engineering

  1. Course Admission: Important Tips

7.1 How to Apply for the Exam 

7.2 How to Prepare for the Exam

  1. How to Become an Automotive Engineer Abroad

8.1 USA

8.2 UK

8.3 Canada

8.4 Australia

  1. Benefits of Career as an Automotive Engineer
  2. Skills Required for an Automotive Engineer
  3. Salary of Automotive Engineers in India

11.1 Average Annual Salary

11.2 Specialisation Wise Salary

11.3 Experience-wise Salary

  1. After Becoming Automotive Engineer

12.1 Higher Education

12.2 Start Job 

  1. How to Become an Automotive Engineer FAQs

What does an Automotive Engineer Do?

An Automotive Engineer's job entails testing and designing brake systems, fuel technologies, and gearboxes in conjunction with a vehicle, engines, and other components. They often make usage of software programs and other tools to test automotive designs for applicable vehicles. 

These professionals are assigned to duty to keep a check on the problems in the designs and work towards solving the same along with overseeing the manufacturing of automobiles. Automobile engineering has a lot of potential in India. 

This is one of India's fastest-growing engineering sectors. It includes the basic qualification, an estimate of the salary of automobile engineers, and a list of schools that offer automobile engineering courses. 

Steps to Follow to Become Automotive Engineers

The various steps to be followed for becoming an Automotive Engineer have been listed below for further reference:

  • Step 1: If a student wishes to pursue a career as an Automotive Engineer, they must make their decision early. Because it is such a tough task, it necessitates the specialists' whole focus and undivided attention. As a result, candidates must assess if they are capable of handling such a rigorous position.
  • Step 2: You must be extremely focused when choosing institutions, as this is a critical factor in your becoming an Automotive Engineer. You must review all of the colleges that offer Automotive Engineering or related courses, as well as their pricing, to verify that they match your needs. You should also look into the college's ratings, connections, approvals, and grades.
  • Step 3: There are certain specific entrance exams held for admissions to several Automotive Engineering and related courses. Therefore, the students must prepare well to get through these entrances to get into a reputed institute or college offering the course. 
  • Step 4: Those who pass the entrance tests for the respective colleges are then called to personal interviews and counselling sessions to get admission to the college of their choosing.

Types of Automotive Engineers

The following is a list of the various types of Automotive Engineer:

Manufacturing Engineer

These professionals are assigned the duty to develop the manufacturing process for the vehicles along with the optimization of the process so that the work takes place effectively and efficiently. 

Test Engineer

Such Engineers are given the work of coordinating with the quality and design engineers for the validation and prototype phases of development. Environmental, stress, and performance testing will be performed by test engineers to determine whether the components or fully assembled vehicles meet the design requirements.

Design Engineer

Design Engineers are responsible for working in the design phases of automotive designs. They are even responsible for the conceptualisation of the vehicle itself. Design engineers collaborate with CAD designers to create the bill of materials and drawings that serve as blueprints for the construction of an automobile.

Automotive Engineering Technician

These professionals are responsible for assisting the engineers in establishing the feasibility of suggested product design changes and planning and carrying out performance, durability, and efficiency testing on experimental test devices or equipment

Automotive Designers

Automotive Designers are responsible for making use of their technical knowledge on mechanics, production, materials with artistic talent to bring about improvements for style, aerodynamic, appearance and ergonomic designs of automobiles.

How to be an Automotive Engineer in India?

If you wish to become an Automotive Engineer, then you must decide well in time about choosing your career in this field. This choice begins from your Class 12th level when you have to make sure what are your next plans if you have decided to become an Automotive Engineer.

School Level Preparation

  • If you have decided to pursue a career in the field of Automobile Engineering, your preparation for the same begins while you are in your 10+2 level. 
  • It is necessary to have studied with a science stream if you desire to become an Automotive Engineer. Candidates must have studied subjects in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics to build a career as an Automobile Engineer. 
  • The 10+2 degree so availed should be from a recognised board like CBSE or ICSE. Also, while preparing for your Board Exams you must check for the courses available in this field at the Undergraduate Level along with the Entrance Exams. 
  • Most of the colleges offering undergraduate quality engineering courses conduct the admissions based on a merit-based system so perform well in your board exams to clear the cut-off set by the respective colleges.
  • Candidates can also prepare by taking a certificate in an auto shop class. Candidates can also work on their drawing and communication skills during their schooling. 

How to Become an Automotive Engineer after 12th?

To become an Automotive Engineer in India after completing the 12th grade, students must follow a set of procedures that will bring them to that goal. The following steps are listed below for your convenience:

UG Level Preparation

  • Students can take up UG courses in the field of Automobile Engineering if they wish to become Automotive Engineers. Through an undergraduate degree, the candidates officially enter a path through which they will turn up to be efficient Automotive Engineers in the future. 
  • The students can learn the basic syllabus of Automotive/Automobile Engineering. This makes them more employable.
  • Candidates can take part in internships in the relevant field while studying the subject as this allows them to obtain significant work experience in a real-world setting.

PG Level Preparation

  • Post-graduation in any particular field is more like a specialisation on the specified subject. 
  • After securing the basic knowledge about Automotive Engineering at the Undergraduate level, students may take up specialisations of the course to excel further. 
  • These advanced degrees will improve your ability to come up with better solutions to Automotive Engineering problems. 
  • Through the PG courses, candidates can work with more serious companies and gain further industry experience. 

Courses to Become an Automotive Engineer

BTech Automobile Engineering

BTech Automobile Engineering is a 4-year bachelor degree course that focuses on the expertise of developing the latest procedures and concepts, manufacturing process and design in the field of Automobiles, to formulate new models and update the existing ones. 

The course also examines the development of important components and elements utilised in the construction of vehicle structures, as well as the assembling and testing of critical components before they are released for sale on the market. 

Admission Process

The admissions to the course are mostly done through an Entrance-Based. Candidates applying must have a minimum mark to apply. 

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria prescribed for admissions to BTech Automobile Engineering courses are as follows:

  • The admissions to this particular course require the students to hold a 10+2 degree with at least 50% marks at an aggregate. 
  • They must have compulsorily studied the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at the intermediate level.
  • The degree so obtained shall be from a recognised school or institute.

BE Automobile Engineering

BE Automobile Engineering is an undergraduate degree of 4 years that focuses on the concepts of manufacturing and designing, operations of various types of automobiles such as Bus, Car, Truck and likewise. 

The course provides students with a piece of in-depth knowledge about the technical areas of industry and automobiles. Apart from this, students also learn about the vehicle or machine design to manufacturing.

Admission Process

The admissions to the course are Merit and Entrance-Based. 

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria prescribed for admissions to BE Automobile Engineering courses are as follows:

  • The admissions to this particular course require the students to hold a 10+2 degree with at least 50% marks at an aggregate. 
  • They must have compulsorily studied the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at the intermediate level.
  • The degree so obtained shall be from a recognised school or institute.

MTech Automobile Engineering

MTech Automobile Engineering is a postgraduate degree of 2 years that majorly focuses on manufacturing, designing and operating automobiles.

Admission Process

The admissions for MTech Automobile Engineering is done through merit or entrance based.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria prescribed for admissions to MTech Automobile Engineering courses are as follows:

  • The admissions to this particular course require the students to hold an undergraduate degree with at least 50% marks at an aggregate in the same field or any relative field.
  • They must have compulsorily studied the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at the intermediate level.
  • The degree so obtained shall be from a recognised college or institute.

MTech Automotive Engineering

MTech Automotive Engineering is a postgraduate degree of 2 years that focuses on providing students with extensive knowledge about the inner mechanisms of automobiles and engines. It majorly deals with the building, testing, designing and maintenance of automobile engines.

Admission Process

The admissions for MTech Automotive Engineering is decided based on merit or entrance exams

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria prescribed for admissions to MTech Automotive Engineering courses are as follows:

  • The admissions to this particular course require the students to hold an undergraduate degree with at least 50% marks at an aggregate in the same field or any relative field.
  • They must have compulsorily studied the subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at the intermediate level.
  • The degree so obtained shall be from a recognised college or institute.

Course Admission: Important Tips

How to Apply for the Entrance Exam?

The application procedure has been mentioned below for the aspirants for their convenience:

  • To begin, go to the official website of the exam conducting organisation. 
  • To get the most up-to-date information on the application procedures.
  • Visit the official website and click on either the "Admissions" or the "Apply Now" pull-down options.
  • Fill out the application by completing the required information and attaching the documents as directed by the application form.
  • Candidates must attach a scanned copy of their photo (jpg/png 1 MB) and a signature (jpg/png 1 MB).
  • Pay the application fee online.
  • For future reference, make a copy of the application form and payment receipt.

How to Prepare for the Entrance Exam?

If you wish the clear your entrances with good marks, you can take up the following suggestions:

  • To prepare for your schedule, you can divide the topics for your entrance exam and make a fixed schedule. As per the schedule, finish the syllabus, part by part on time.
  • Make sure you refer to valid resources for your entrance exam. Research well and choose the best resources that provide you with accurate information about whichever topic you study.
  • Revise material to ensure that you are comfortable with it. And try not to go for new topics right before the final exam as this might cause you to panic.

How to Become an Automotive Engineer Abroad?

Given below are details regarding colleges and courses taught abroad in countries like UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

USA

Students who wish to pursue their career in Automobile Engineering in the USA, surely have an opportunity to gain knowledge from the respective courses about brake systems, fuel technologies and transmissions with a vehicle, engines and so on.

Admission Requirements 

The admission requirements for Automobile Engineering courses provided in the USA have been listed below:

  • Students must submit their qualifying exam scores from 10+2.
  • Students applying for Postgraduate courses in Automobile Engineering must have a Bachelor's degree in the same field.
  • They must take TOEFL or IELTS tests to demonstrate their English competence.
  • Recommendation Letters

Top Colleges

Name of Institute Fees
University of Wisconsin INR 20 lacs (approx.)
Lawrence Technological Institute INR 51,32,171 (approx.)
University of Tennessee INR 47,60, 275 (approx.)
Ohio State University INR 76,90, 819 (approx.)
Clemson University INR 34,21, 447 (approx.)
Minnesota State University INR 33,45, 144 (approx.)
University of Michigan INR 38,65, 640 (approx.)

Top Courses

  • MS in Automotive Engineering
  • General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (AAAS)
  • Associate in Arts Degree in Automotive Technology
  • BSc in Automotive Systems
  • Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology

UK

Automotive Engineering Courses in the UK allow students to study a diverse curriculum, ensuring students are extremely well prepared for employment in the industry once they complete their degree.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements listed out for Automotive Engineering courses provided in the UK have been listed below:

  • Students are required to include their 10+2 qualifying exam results.
  • Language Test
  • Recommendation Letters

Top Colleges

Name of Institute Fees
University of Leeds -
Swansea University INR 3,89,999
Loughborough University INR 20,74,642
University of Bath INR 19,41,848
Brunel University -
Oxford Brookes University INR 13,84,891
University of Hertfordshire INR 11,91,588
Cranfield University INR 17,65,316

Top Courses

  • BE Automotive Engineering
  • ME Automotive Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering Foundational Course
  • BSc in Automotive Systems
  • Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Canada

Canada is also a very popular destination for students who wish to go for study abroad options if they are willing to pursue a career in Automotive Engineering/Automobile or Vehicle Engineering. 

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements listed out for Automotive Engineering courses provided in Canada have been listed below:

  • An Ontario Secondary School Diploma or an equivalent degree 
  • Language Test
  • Grade 12 English and Grade 12 Maths Credits
  • Recommendation Letters

Top Colleges

Name of Institute Fees
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology CAD $18,522
Georgian College CAD $20, 051
Sault College -
Red River College CAD $17,480
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology CAD $16,400
Centennial College CAD $16,531
Northern Lights College CAD $3,267
George Brown College CAD $15,190

Top Courses

  • Diploma in Automotive Service Technology
  • BBA in Automotive Management
  • Certificate in Motive Power Fundamentals: Heavy Equipment and Truck Repairs
  • Certificate in Automotive Technician
  • Diploma in Automotive Power Technician

Australia

Students can study a wide curriculum on these courses in Australia, ensuring that they are well prepared for employment in the industry once they finish their degree.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements listed out for Automotive Engineering courses provided in Australia have been listed below:

  • 10+2 degree from any recognised college or institute
  • IELTS Score f 5.5
  • Recommendation Letters

Top Colleges

Name of Institute Fees
Kangan Institute A$ 8,400
Edith Cowan University A$ 31,500
TAFE Queensland A$ 9,300
CQ University A$ 8,935
Adelaide Hospitality and Training School A$ 6,900
Sunraysia Institute of TAFE A$ 15,000
Baxter University -
Menzies Institute of Technology A$ 9,000

Top Courses

  • Certificate in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
  • Certificate in Automotive Servicing Technology
  • Certificate in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling

Benefits of Career as an Automotive Engineer

The job of an Automotive Engineer undoubtedly has certain advantages that entice applicants to apply for the position. Some advantages are listed below:

  • High Salary: Candidates hired as Automotive Engineers are initially given an annual pay of about INR 2-7 lacs per year. With an increase in work experience and skills, this salary tends to increase even more.
  • Job Security: The job of an Automotive Engineer is in the Automobile Industry. They may find employment in Honda, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra and so on. Working anywhere in the world, they would surely have job security as Automotive Engineers.
  • Unique Experience: While studying their respective Automotive Engineering courses, the students may gain a unique experience of working in shows or studios to get practical knowledge of the field.

Skills Required for an Automotive Engineer

The various skills required for becoming an Automotive Engineer have been mentioned below: 

Technical Knowledge Problem Solving Skills
Logical Ability Ability to work in shifts
Commercial Awareness Patient
Calm Attitude Teamwork Creativity

Salary of Automotive Engineers in India

Automotive Engineer’s salaries rise over time as they complete successive levels of training and experience in the field. The following salary ranges are provided for Automotive Engineers and other related job roles:

Average Annual Salary

Job Profile Average Annual Salary
Manufacturing Engineers INR 2 - 4 lacs (approx.)
Test Engineers INR 3-7 lacs (approx.)
Design Engineers INR 2.5 - 6 lacs (approx.)

Specialisation Wise Salary

Job Profile Average Initial Salary
Manufacturing Engineers INR 2 lacs (approx.)
Test Engineers INR 3 lacs (approx.)
Design Engineers INR 2.5 lacs (approx.)

Experience Wise Salary

Job Profile Salary of a Fresher Salary of an Experienced Professional
Manufacturing Engineers INR 2 lacs (approx.) INR 4 lacs and above
Test Engineers INR 3 lacs (approx.) INR 7 lacs and above
Design Engineers INR 2.5 lacs (approx.) INR 6 lacs and above

After Becoming Automotive Engineer

Higher Education

If you have completed your undergraduate degree and have worked in the field of Automotive Engineering, you stand out as an eligible candidate to go for higher education in the same field. You may opt for a masters degree in Automotive Engineering to further gain knowledge, experience and specialize in the field of Automotive Engineering.

Start a Job

It is very much evident that a career in the field of Automotive Engineering provides the students with commendable employment opportunities both in India as well as abroad. Automotive Engineers are in high demand in today’s market. 

At the successful completion of all the necessary degrees and studies in Automotive Engineering, you may find lucrative employment opportunities in areas such as Honda, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra and so on.

How to Become an Automotive Engineer FAQs

Ques. What are the duties of an Automotive Engineer?

Ans. An Automotive Engineer is given the responsibility to test and design brake systems, fuel technologies and transmissions with a vehicle, engines and so on. They often make usage of software programs and other tools to test automotive designs for applicable vehicles.

Ques. What knowledge should an Automotive Engineer surely have before they start to work?

Ans. To perform their job as Automotive Engineer efficiently, the professionals must have knowledge about brake systems, fuel technologies and transmissions with a vehicle, engines and so on.

Ques. How can I get an Automotive Engineer job?

Ans. According to the prescribed eligibility criteria for Automotive engineers, candidates must have passed class 12th in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with a Bachelor or Postgraduate degree in Automotive Engineering to get jobs in reputed areas.

Ques. What is the average initial salary for an Automotive Engineer?

Ans. The average initial salary for an Automotive Engineer ranges between INR 2-7 lacs (approx.). The salary increases with the experience you gather. 

Ques. Who will benefit from taking a course in Automotive Engineering?

Ans. This is an excellent choice of course for students who have an academic background in Automotive Engineering, have a fascination with the Automobile Industry and want to pursue it as a career.

Ques. What are the best companies to look for work as an Automotive Engineer?

Ans. They may find lucrative employment opportunities in areas such as Honda, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra and so on.

Ques. What are the main skills required for Automotive Engineer jobs?

Ans. The most specific skills required for Automotive Engineer jobs in India include Technical Knowledge, Problem Solving Skills, Logical Ability, Commercial Awareness, Creativity and so on.

Ques. If a candidate belongs to Commerce Stream, can he/she pursue Automotive Engineering Courses?

Ans. No, Commerce Stream students can’t become Automotive Engineers as it requires the compulsory knowledge of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

Ques. Is automotive engineering hard?

Ans. The course can be hard, but it pays back fairly. It involves designing, building and testing features of automobiles.

Ques. What tools do Automotive Engineers use?

Ans. Automotive Engineers make use of various tools such as Air Compressors, Chemical Absorption Gas Analyzers, Digital Cameras, Bandsaw Wheel, and much more.

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