Space science or Space Technology

Space science or Space Technology is the branch of science (or engineering) that deals with the study of the Universe, "excluding the Earth" and "outside the Earth's atmosphere". Originally, all of these fields were considered part of astronomy. However, in recent years the major sub-fields within astronomy, such as astrophysics, have grown so large that they are now considered separate fields on their own. The various sub-branches of Space Science are Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Stellar Science and Planetary Science etc.

In India, the recently established institute - Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) offers bachelors and masters programs in space science and related fields. Apart from IIST few other institutes including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) also offer specialization programs (M.Tech) in Space Technology, Astrophysics, Aerospace engineering etc.

Courses & Eligibility

Admission into Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is made on the basis of ranks obtained in the Joint entrance Examination conducted by IITs. All the candidates who are placed in the extended list of IIT JEE are eligible to apply in the first phase. The candidates who are qualified with an IIT JEE Rank will be eligible to apply in the second phase (after the completion of IIT seat counseling), provided they have not selected an IIT seat. A combined merit list, using the above, will be generated for counseling for admission.

The minimum education qualification for joining bachelor programs in Space Science at IIST is + 2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths. For details about IITJEE, 

After completing a degree course in Mechanical Engineering from IIT, one can do Masters' in Space Science and Technology. One who has the desire to study further can pursue Ph.D.

Job Prospects

Engineers with space science or technology qualification can be absorbed in Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) or can be employed with DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) or NAL (National Aeronautical Laboratories) etc.

Institutes/Universities

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
E-Mail : iist@isro.gov.in
Website : http://iist.ac.in
Courses Offered : Bachelor of Technology with specialization in Avionics, and Aerospace Engineering (4 year), Integrated Masters in Applied Science (5 year)

Indian Institutes of Technology

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Birla Institute of Technology
Mesra, Ranchi 835215
Phone : 0651-2276249 / 267 / 432 / 2275444 / 868,
Fax : 0651-2275351 / 401
Website : http://www.bitmesra.ac.in/ 
Courses Offered : Master of Engineering in Space Engineering & Rocketry, Rocket Propulsion (2 yrs.), Aerodynamics

Rubber Engineering

Rubber is a natural product which is, produced by various techniques to make it useable by various industries for production of different end products. The most essential end product is tyre, right from high tech aircraft tyre and formula 1 car racing to tyre for bicycles. Rubber is processed and then moulded into the required shape. Treated or processed rubber is also used by various other end products like those used in various industries like car decoration etc. 

The branch of engineering that deals with the processing of latex, natural rubber or synthetic rubber to transform them into useful products is known as Rubber Technology.

This subject of study includes the types of rubbers, their properties and descriptions of formulation of rubber compounds.

There are few people in India who are aware of this emerging career option. The country has now about 6,000 rubber units. With the increasing number of automobiles and increasing use of rubber in industries, rubber technology is becoming a lucrative career option for students. 

Courses & Eligibility

The minimum qualification for pursuing B.E./BTech in Rubber Technology is +2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths or Biology. There are several institutions in the country including the IITs, offering BTech/MTech in Rubber Technology. The selection is generally made on the basis of entrance examination conducted either through IITJEE or through various other engineering entrance examinations at state level.

Job Prospects

Rubber technologists/engineers can find jobs in both private and public sectors. In India the demand for trained personnel are soaring high in the recent times. Students of Rubber Technology are generally absorbed in tyre companies like Apollo Tyres Ltd, Jayashree Polymers group, L.M.Fibres Ltd, Ceat Tyres Ltd, Mumbai, Hi Tech Carbon Ltd, St Gobain Industries, MRF Ltd, TVS Motors Ltd. etc. 

As rubber is an important part of the semi conductor industry huge recruitments are also taking place here. Other industries like those making waterproof wares e.g. Duckback (Kolkata) also recruit students from this field. Public sector undertakings including Gas Authority of India Limited and Haldia Petrochemicals also hire trained rubber technologists.

One can also find jobs abroad too. International tyre companies and industries are tapping talents from India. Rubber processing units of the western countries like France, U.K and U.S are also recruiting trained professionals from India. 

Pay-Package

Rubber technologists/engineers are generally paid higher salary. The pay is much higher in foreign companies compared to those of the Indian companies. The candidates with bright academic career and experience are offered handsome Salary with other benefits and the relocation package and bonus. The average starting salary ranges between Rs 2.5 Lakhs - Rs 3.5 Lakhs per annum.

Institutes/Universities 

Madras Institute of Technology
MIT Campus, Anna University,
Chromepet, Chennai 600 044
Tamil Nadu, India
Phone : (91)44 22232403 22235046(R)
Website : http://www.mitindia.edu
Course (s) Offered : B.Tech in Rubber Technology

Cochin University of Science and Technology
Kochi - 682022
Phone : +91 0484 2575396, 2577550
Website : http://www.cusat.ac.in/
Course (s) Offered : B.Tech. Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, M.Tech. Polymer Technology and Phd

Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Course (s) Offered : MS (Rubber Technology), M.Tech. - Rubber Technology, Ph.D. (Rubber Technology)

Rubber Research Institute of India
Rubber Board PO Kottayam - 686 009
Kerala, India
Phone : 91-481-2353311-20 (10 lines)
Fax : 91-481-2353327
E-mail : info@rubberboard.org.in
Website : http://rubberboard.org.in
Course (s) Offered : Research work in rubber technology

LD College Of Engineering
Opposite Gujarat University, Navrangpura - 380015
Ahmedabad, Gujarat India
Course (s) Offered : B.Tech in Rubber Technology

Hindustan College of Engineering
Campus: Old Mahabalipuram Road,
Padur, Kelambakkam - 603 103.
Phone : 044 - 2747 4262 / 2747 4385 / 2747 4395
Fax : 044 - 2747 4208
E-mail : hetc@vsnl.com
Website : http://www.hindustancollege.com/rubber_technology.html 
Course (s) Offered : B.Tech in Rubber Technology 

Polymer Engineering

Polymer Engineering uses the theory and knowledge of chemical engineering to solve various problems involving the production and use of polymers. Polymer engineers use the principles of plant design, process design, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena to develop new products.
Polymer engineers also supervise the production process of plastics and other polymers. Under their supervision, plastic moulders and technicians carry out the shop floor manufacturing processes.

In recent times, Polymer has become the most rapidly growing sector of the materials industry. As polymer production has grown, so has the number of people who work in this field. It has been estimated that about 50 percent of the chemical engineers and chemists in the United States work in the polymer industry. Also in India the demand of polymer engineers is increasing with opening of more and more new polymer industries.

Courses & Eligibility

Individuals who have completed +2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths will be eligible for pursuing B.E./BTech in Polymer Engineering/Plastic Technology or some other related fields. The selection is made on the basis of entrance examination at state and national level. After successful completion of BE/B.Tech in Polymer Engineering one can directly be absorbed as an engineer in Polymer manufacturing units and research labs.

The eligibility criteria for doing M.Tech in Polymer engineering/plastic technology is a B.Tech /BE degree in polymer engineering or plastics and rubber technology or mechanical engineering. Candidates with an MSc degree in chemistry or physics are also eligible for the M. Tech programme in polymer engineering. Candidates who have qualified in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam will find it as an advantage for admission to the M.Tech courses in most of the elite institutions.

Career Prospects

Graduates find opportunities in a variety of careers in polymer manufacturing and user industries as a production supervisor, quality control inspector, production planner, mould designer etc. They can also take up career posts in the public and private sectors in: plastics, automotive, electronic, aerospace, power transmission and other related manufacturing industries.

In the public sector, polymer engineers / technologists/scientists may find employment in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas, Oil and Natural Gas Commission, and Oil India Laboratories, petrochemicals engineering plants, Indian Institute of petroleum, polymers corporations of different states, petroleum conservation Research Association of India, Petrofiles Cooperative Limited and other such organizations.

Polymer engineers are also involved in research and development, processing, quality control, technical support and sales, design and manufacture of molds, training, management and related activities. The opportunities for polymer engineers are available both in private and public sectors.

In India, the polymer and petrochemical sectors have been identified as ‘high Priority’ sectors, owing to the fact that polymers play important roles in providing the basic necessities for everyday use, while conserving the scarce natural resources.

The industry has enormous growth potential; as of now, polymer use in India is far below the world level. With increasing competition in the world market and the constant drive to improve our living standards, the scope for use of plastics and polymers will be automatically increased.

Pay-Package

Polymer engineers are offered with high competitive salary, increment apart from other perks and benefits. The average salary of a fresh polymer engineering graduate depends on the type of employer – government or private. The starting salary of a B.Tech holder varies somewhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000 per month excluding other allowances.

Working experience, qualifications, ability are important factors in determining the pay level. Those who are working in the private sector are paid more than the public sector. Senior Polymer engineers/scientists with more than five years of working experience can earn anywhere in between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month.

Institutes/Universities

These are the names of few elite institutions in India offering courses in Polymer Engineering. You can also check state-wise list of engineering colleges that may be offering courses in Polymer engineering. 
• IITs 
• NITs 
• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra 
• Hindustan College of Engineering 
• Faculty Of Technology, Cochin University Of Science & Technology, Thrikkakara Campus, Cochin-682022, (Kerala) 
• Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), S.No.124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune 411038, (Maharashtra) 
• Sant Longowal Institute Of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Sangrur-148016, (Punjab) 
• Sri Jayachamarajendra College Of Engineering, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570006, (Karnataka) 
• SSE (Shri Shivaji Education) Society's College Of Engineering & Technology, Near Shivaji Park, Akola-444003, (Maharashtra) 
• University College Of Engineering, Thodupuzha-685584, (Kerala) 
• VRS & YRN College Of Technology, Department of Oil Technology, Prakasam Dt. Chirala- 523157, (Andhra Pradesh)

Plastic Technology Engineering

Plastic has become a part of our every day life. It has brought luxury and convenience in our life. There has been a consistent rise in the demand of plastic due to its low price, versatility, variety and durability. In fact today after steel, plastic is the most widely used material. Plastic is increasingly being used as a substitute to materials like rubber, wood, glass and paper in packaging industry and metals in other industries.

Making a career in Plastic Technology or Plastic Engineering is perhaps a right option as the Indian plastic industry is offering enormous opportunities for growth. The programs are offered at various levels - diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate. Aspiring individual can start his/her career right after his schooling.

Courses & Eligibility

Aspirants of Plastic Technology can join B.Tech program in plastics/polymer technology, or can take up an M.Tech in plastic technology after M.Sc in chemistry or physics. You could also do a B.Tech in chemical engineering, rubber technology or mechanical engineering. In either case you would need to have completed 10+2 with science for entering this field.

The B.Tech course in plastic technology is of four years duration, while the M Tech / ME program is of one and a half to two years or in some cases of two years duration.

There are also a number of long and short-term diploma courses in plastic technology at the post-graduate level.

Those entering the management and marketing areas in the plastics industry would need a management degree after a B.Sc in chemical / plastics / rubber engineering.

For research work, a masters or PhD would be essential.

Scope for Education

Among the prominent institutes offering courses in plastic technology and polymer sciences are the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, Cochin University, Department of Chemical Technology, University of Bombay, the Maharashtra Institute of Technology Pune, LD College of Engineering Ahmedabad, University College of Science and Technology (Calcutta University) and the Nirma Institute of Technology, Ahmedabad.

M.Tech and Post-graduate diploma courses are offered by the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET), at Chennai under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Govt. of India. The institute with extension centres at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Imphal, Lucknow, Mysore, Patna, Haldia and Guwahati conducts six long-term courses leading to Diploma, Post Diploma and Post Graduate Diploma in various disciplines of Plastics Engineering & Technology.

Govt. polytechnics, diploma engineering schools and ITI/ATI/CTI in all States offer courses viz. Diploma in plastic Engineering and Plastic Processing Operator courses which are of 3 years and 2 Yrs of duration respectively.

Job Prospects

Plastic technologists and professionals are in great demand in today’s ever growing plastic industrial sector. Both public and private sectors offer tremendous job opportunities to plastic technologists and professionals.

The public sector organizations including Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Oil India Limited, polymer corporations of different states, petro-chemical research laboratories, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Chemicals offer several jobs to plastic professionals in their various positions. Others regularly recruit chemical engineers and plastic technologists.

Moreover, there are large petrochemical engineering plants and various private companies dealing with the production and marketing of plastics commodities which offer attractive employment opportunities. Over the last decade, plastics technology and polymer sciences have attracted multi-crore investments from some of the biggest industrial houses in India. Companies like Reliance, Spic, Nocil, Finolex and others have set up plants to produce raw materials as well as research laboratories to develop new products.

Today, the plastic industry is playing a significant role in the growth and development of key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, through plasticulture, packaging for processed foods, telecommunications and information technology sector .

Pay-Package

There are enormous opportunities for plastic engineering fresh pass outs and skilled professionals in the manufacturing and Design related industries. In India there are many global manufacturing and Designing centres which give perfect recognition to the rightly trained plastic professionals.

The average salary starts from minimum of Rs.5000. The salary increases with experience of the candidate. With in the span of 2 to 3 years professionals get salaries between Rs.15000 to Rs.25000.

Institutes/Universities

Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology (CIPET)
CIPET Corporate Office
T.V.K. Industrial Estate
Guindy, Chennai - 600 032
Email : cipethq@vsnl.com
Tel No. Direct: +91-44-22253040
Tel No. Office : +91-44-22254780/83/84/85
Fax : +91-44-22254787
Courses Offered at its various branches: M.Tech (PE), Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma level courses at select centre across the country

Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University,
Department of Rubber and Plastic Technology
Chromepet, Chennai,Tamil Nadu,
Pin code : 6000 44, India
Telephone : +91 44 22230850 / 222373777 / 22237276 Extn.: 207/238
Fax : +91 44 22232403
E-mail : rptmit@annauniv.edu
Website : http://collinfo.annauniv.edu:6060/mit/
Course Offered : B.Tech Rubber and Plastic Technology Engineering

Nirma Institute of Technology
Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway,
Post : Chandlodia, Via : Gota,
Ahmedabad - 382 481
Gujarat, India
Courses Offered : Diploma in Plastic Engineering

University College of Science & Tech, Calcutta University
92, Acharyya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata - 700 009
Phone : 2350 1397 / 6396 / 6387/ 8386
Website : www.pstunical.org
Course Offered : B.Tech/M.Tech Polymer Science and Technology

LD College of Engineering, Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad 380 015 India
Phone : (91) (79) 26302887, 26303190
Website : http://www.ldceahd.org/
Course Offered : B.E. Plastic Technology

SSE College of Engg & Tech.
Babhulgaon (Jh), N.H. No. 6, Nagpur Road,
District – Akola, Maharadhtra
Phone - Fax : 0724 – 2259024
Website : www.coeta.org
Course Offered : B.E. Polymer

Indian Plastic Institute (IPI)
30, Sarvodaya Industrial Estate, 1st Floor
Near Paper Box Factory, Off Mahakali Caves Road,
Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400093, INDIA
Phone : 91-22-56950347 / 56962601 / 28313870
Fax : 91-22-56950348
E-mail : ipi@vsnl.com
Website : http://www.inplasin.org/ 
Course Offered : Diploma of Indian Plastic Institute, other short term courses, courses through distance mode.

Harcourt Butler Technological Institute
Nawabganj, Kanpur (U.P.) – 208 002
Phone : +91-512-2534001-05
Fax : +91-512-2533812
Pin : 200 009
Course Offered : B.Tech. (Plastic Tech.), M. Tech (Plastic Tech.)

Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
Course Offered : M. Tech Polymer Science and Technology

North Maharashtra University
P.O. Box. 80, Umavi Nagar,
Phone : +91-257-2258428 to 2258438
Fax : +91-257-2258403, 2258406
Email : info@nmu.ac.in
Course Offered : B.Tech. (Plastic Tech)

Central Polytechnic, Chennai
Tharamani, Chennai 600113
Phone : (44) 22541786
Course Offered : PD Tool Design (PT) 2 Yrs

Shri Bhagubhai Mafatlal Polytechnic
Vile Parle (W), Mumbai 400056
Tel: 26142250, 26140022
Fax : 26110117
Email : - sbmp@sbmp.org
Course Offered : Diploma in Plastic Engineering 

Central Institute of Tool Design (CITD)
Hyderabad
Course Offered : ME- Tool Design 2 Yrs, PD Tool Design 1 Yr 

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering is a recent development in the field of technical education which is becoming very much popular among young masses. Petroleum engineers are involved in the exploration and production activities of petroleum which is an upstream end of the energy sector. The study covers a wide range of topics, including economics, geology, geochemistry, geomechanics, geophysics, oil drilling, geopolitics, knowledge management, seismology, tectonics, thermodynamics, well logging, well completion, oil and gas production, reservoir development, and pipelines etc.

With the development of new technology, Petroleum engineering has become very much useful in the extraction process. Improvements in computer modeling, materials and the application of statistics, probability analysis, and new technologies like horizontal drilling and enhanced oil recovery, have also improved the toolbox of the petroleum engineer in recent decades.

Three are few institutions in India, offering BTech/MTech programs in Petroleum Engineering. The courses are taught by professionals from petroleum industries including ISM, ONGC, IOC and also academicians and researchers from several global centres dealing with petroleum technology and research.

Courses & Eligibility

The courses in Petroleum engineering are offered both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Like the degree program of any other engineering branches, the B.Tech program in Petroleum Engineering also requires a minimum + 2 qualification in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Maths with high percentage of marks in aggregate.

M. Tech (Petroleum Engineering) is offered by Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad. The course is open to Petroleum, Petrochemical, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering graduates. Non Petroleum Engineering graduates have to undergo some introductory papers.

One can also pursue PhD program after completing post-graduation studies. The research career is tough but rewarding.

Career Prospects

Petroleum engineering, being a rare field of engineering study, offers quite good job opportunities to the graduates. Freshers may find ample scope in public undertakings as well as in corporate sector that deal with petroleum exploration and extraction.

A Petroleum engineer’s work involves bringing oil or gas from the reservoir to the surface economically, safely and with minimum damage to the reservoir and facilities. Other activities include management of material resources and contractor relationships and also supervising drilling personnel. They work in multidisciplinary teams alongside other engineers, scientists, drilling teams and contractors.

Despite the low number of potential job openings for petroleum engineers, the field is always in short supply of qualified entry level professionals. The world continues to demand safe, affordable energy sources and that will always make a degree in petroleum engineering a valuable investment. And the rewards for such a career are going to be long-term. There are many challenges in this field; however, petroleum engineers apply their technical skills and knowledge to solve these engineering challenges.

Apart from opting for professional career, one can also do research work for further development of the field. He/she may join research labs as scientists or research fellow to carry out the R&D processes.

Pay-Package

Petroleum engineers are among the highest paid professionals in recent times. The reason for the high remuneration is due to relatively low number of qualified workers in the industry. Almost all graduating petroleum engineers go on to find employment. In India Petroleum engineers are paid monthly salary between Rs.25, 000 and Rs.40, 000 apart from other perks and benefits. The average starting salary of petroleum engineers in developed countries is about $50,000, and the mean annual salary is more than $80,000.

Institutes/Universities

Here is a list of top institutions offering courses in Petroleum Engineering and technology. You can also check list of vast number of engineering colleges located in various states and major cities of the country which might be offering courses in Petroleum engineering. 
• Dept. of Petroleum Engineering, Indian School of Mines University 
• Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University 
• Institute of Petroleum Technology, Gandhinagar 
• Institute of Petroleum Management, Gandhinagar (IPMG) 
• Research & Innovation Centre, Gandhinagar 
• Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun - 248 005

Mining Engineering

Mining engineering is one of the most interesting branches of engineering which studies general engineering course followed by professional mining classes in drilling and blasting, materials handling, rock mechanics, mine health and safety, mine ventilation, mine cost engineering, ore reserve analysis, operations analysis, mine planning and minerals processing.

Mining engineers are needed in mineral extraction and other fields where the earth's crust is utilized. The construction industry, with its requirements of developing roads, railroads, tunnels, and underground chambers, and the hazardous waste disposal industry are examples of such applications. These are rapidly expanding needs with a shortage of competent people; the mining engineer is well qualified to meet these needs. The importance of ecological and environmental planning is recognized and given significant attention in all aspects of the mining engineering curriculum.

The main function of mining engineers is to put the knowledge of scientific theories, engineering fundamentals and developed technologies to discover and recover natural resources in a profitable manner.

Courses & Eligibility

Mining engineering courses are offered at various levels of study viz. diploma, undergraduate (like BE and B.Tech), postgraduate (like MTech) and research like PhD.

There are many engineering colleges and universities in India offering courses in Mining Engineering, to name a few are the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), ISM, Dhanbad, Institute of Technology, BHU, Banaras and National Institutes of Technology.

A candidate aspiring for BE/BTech in mining engineering should have completed +2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Admission to any of the colleges is made on the basis of engineering entrance examination like IITJEE in case of IITs and several other entrance examinations at state level.

Mining engineers require a strong background in Mathematics, computer application, Economics, Physics as well as Chemistry.

Career Prospects

Career in mining engineering is tremendous. Mining engineers are responsible for locating and safely extracting natural reserves like petroleum, minerals etc. The duties of mining professionals also include designing, planning, excavation of minerals and their transportation, maintenance of mines, air circulation and removal of toxic gases from the mines. There are some specialized branches like Mining Electronics, Mining Machinery and Mineral Mngineering that mining engineers can opt for.

Mining engineers find employment opportunities both in government as well as private sector. Companies like the ONGC, Coal India, Geological Survey of India, HCL, IPCL, Neyvelli Lignite Corp., NALCO, TISCO, TELCO, Reliance and MNCs like British Gas and Schlumberger recruit graduates directly from the top campuses like ISM and IITs.

The National Institute of Rock Mechanics, Kolar Gold Fields (Kar), recruits mining graduates/postgraduates as Project Fellows.

Diploma-holders in mining engineering with a Mines Foreman's Certificate of Competency from DGMS are recruited as Sr Operative Trainees. Companies like NALCO pay a decent stipend for the duration of training (18-mth). 

Pay-Package

Starting salaries of mining engineers is among the highest in the engineering profession. The starting pay-package for a fresh pass put from any average engineering college ranges between Rs.15, 000 and Rs.25, 000. The salary increases with skills and experience. Fresh graduates from IITs and NITs get more salary as compared to other engineering colleges.

Institutes/Universities

These are some elite institutions in India offering courses in Mining Engineering. You can also check state-wise list of engineering colleges that may be offering courses in mining engineering. 
• Indian Institutes of Technology 
• National Institutes of Technology 
• Jadavpur University, Kolkata 
• Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University 
• Indian School of Mines (ISM) 
• Bengal Engineering College

Metallurgical Engineering

Metallurgical Engineering is an important branch of engineering that deals with the study of the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their inter-metallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. The branch can simply be called as the technology of metals.

Metallurgical engineering can be broadly divided into three categories - physical metallurgy, extractive metallurgy, and mineral processing. Physical metallurgy needs problem solving skills. In this case a metallurgical engineer prepares the sorts of metallic alloys needed for different types of manufacturing and construction works. Extractive metallurgy involves extracting metal from ore. Mineral Processing deals with the technology of processing mineral products after it is extracted from the earth crust in impure form.

All metallurgical engineers learn the fundamental principles of all three fields including basic engineering in general. The work of metallurgical engineers is similar to the work of metallurgical scientists. Metallurgical engineers use complex equipment, including electron microscopes, X-ray machines, and spectrographs. They use the latest scientific and technological findings in their work. Metallurgical engineers are often assisted by metallurgical technicians.

Courses & Eligibility

The minimum requirement for becoming a metallurgical engineer is a bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech) which is usually of four years duration. Candidates who have completed +2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths can pursue Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical engineering.

One can also go for M.Tech after completing B.Tech or M.Sc in Chemistry for which he/she has to qualify the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Entrance Examination. Candidates with zeal to study further can take up PhD in Metallurgical engineering to perform research work.

BE/BTech in Metallurgical Engineering is offered by many institutions in India including the IITs. Admission is generally made on the basis of entrance examination like IITJEE in case of IITs and other state level joint entrance examinations of various states.

Career Prospects

Metallurgical engineering is a diverse field and it provides wide variety of career opportunities to young people who have an interest in technology, science and engineering. Metallurgical engineers are required in every industry and enterprise that produces, buys, sells refines or manufactures metals or metallic products. In India young metallurgical graduates can expect some exciting career opportunities in government undertakings as well as in private companies.

Apart from opting for industrial jobs one can also join as a research fellow or an associate or a scientist or professor in various labs and universities located in India and abroad.

Pay-Package

Starting salaries of metallurgical engineers is among the highest in the engineering profession. The starting pay-package for a fresh pass put from any average engineering college ranges between Rs.15, 000 – Rs.25, 000. The salary increases with skills and experience. Fresh graduates from IITs and NITs get more salary as compared to other engineering colleges.

Institutes/Universities

These are few elite institutions in India offering courses in Metallurgical Engineering. You can also check state-wise list of engineering colleges that may be offering courses in metallurgical engineering. 
• Indian Institutes of Technology 
• National Institutes of Technology 
• Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University 
• Indian School of Mines (ISM) 
• Bengal Engineering College 
• Bihar Institute of Technology, Sindri Institute-828123, Dhanbad, Jharkhand