To become a mechanical engineer one should have
a graduate degree (B.E / B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) or at least a
diploma in mechanical Engineering.
The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent examination,
with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After the bachelor's one can go in
for a post graduate degree. The postgraduate course generally offers specialized
training in thermal engineering, design, and production engineering. Post
graduate degrees are essential for most teaching posts and positions in management
and an additional degree in business administration is desirable for management
positions. There is also the Associate Membership Examination of the Institute
of Engineers (AMIE), which enables working people in the private and public
sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's engineering degree through
distance education. A three year BEng degree course entitled Mechanical Engineering
is also available. This course is also accredited with the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers for Chartered Engineer status.
Selection : Selection to the graduate courses
( BE / B.Tech ) is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of
10+2 and through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through JEE'
(Joint Entrance Exam) and for other major institutions through AIEEE (All
India Engineering/Pharmacy/Architecture Entrance Examination) OR their own separate
entrance exams and other state level and national level exams.
Duration
: BE / B.Tech courses are of 4 years' duration. The diploma courses in polytechnics
are of 2-3 years' duration.
Fees : In private colleges fees
range from approx Rs.1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh annually for a bachelors degree. In
IIT's it varies between Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- per year.
Personal
Skills : Mechanical engineering technicians need to have excellent mechanical
engineering skills, as well as technical drawing and computer skills for designing
machines and equipment. It requires IT, design and analytical skills together
with an ability to conceptualize structures. They must have numeric skills as
math's is an important tool, an inquisitive and logical mind to make connections
between ideas and handle abstract concepts, creative and innovative ideas to find
solutions to problems which may need a new perspective, good practical skills
to apply math's and science to real problems. Organising ability, practicality,
ability to get on well with people of all types, ability to keep calm under pressure
and flexibly to work in a multi disciplinary area are an asset in the field.
