How to Become a Mechanical Engineer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Skills, Salary

Qualifications to Become a Mechanical Engineer

The following qualifications must be fulfilled by candidates looking to become a Mechanical Engineer in India.

• Candidates must clear class 12 in PCM with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised board.
• They should possess a degree in Mechanical Engineering like BE or BTech. Candidates can also pursue master’s courses for improved employability.
• Candidates should possess various necessary skills required to effectively execute their tasks. 

Eligibility to Become a Mechanical Engineer

The general eligibility criteria to become a Mechanical Engineer in India are as follows.

• Candidates must hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering. There are many courses at different levels that candidates can consider.
• They must have a deep knowledge of the specialisation in which they want to pursue a career. 
• Candidates have to qualify for entrance exams if they are targeting top colleges for education in Mechanical Engineering. 

Types of Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical Engineers can specialise in various areas based on their interests and career goals. Some common types of Mechanical Engineers include.

• Design Engineer - Create and develop new products and systems using software like CAD.
• Manufacturing Engineer - Works on optimising production, selecting efficient methods and improving product quality. 
• Material Engineer - Develop materials with specific properties for use in mechanical systems.
• Electrical Engineer - Design, develop and maintain electrical systems and devices for various applications and industries.
• Maintenance Engineer - Ensure the proper functioning, repair and upkeep of machinery, equipment and systems to prevent downtime and maximise efficiency.

Steps to Become a Mechanical Engineer

To become a Mechanical Engineer, candidates have to follow a specific career path. The general steps are as follows.

• Candidates have to clear class 12 with PCM from a recognised board.
• After completing class 12, candidates have to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. There is also an option for a master’s degree for improved career prospects.
• Candidates looking for admission to top colleges have to appear in entrance exams.
• Candidates also have to develop practical skills and gain real-world knowledge through internships.
• After completing education and gaining the necessary skills, candidates can start applying for Mechanical Engineering jobs.

Mechanical Engineering Courses

There are different Mechanical Engineering courses that candidates can pursue at various educational levels. The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.

Entrance Exams

Candidates targeting top colleges for Mechanical Engineering education have to appear in entrance exams to get admission. The details for some of the top exams are mentioned in the following table.