Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Engineering is based on principles of nuclear physics taught through various technical colleges, Universities, departments and research institutes. Some universities and institutes term the course as Nuclear Engineering and Technology and Nuclear Science and Engineering. Students who study nuclear engineering are called nuclear engineers.

Nuclear Engineering & Technology provides knowledge about uses of nuclear fission, construction and design of nuclear reactors, invention of nuclear materials, and processing and management of nuclear reactors.  Academic programs offered through universities and research institutes in Nuclear Engineering and Technology focuses on all areas of nuclear energy including research, development and application. 

Coursework in nuclear engineering includes fissile material and fission systems, interaction and maintenance of nuclear fission system, nuclear reactors, nuclear power plants and nuclear war weapons. A student of nuclear engineering also learns about nuclear fusion, medical applications etc, nuclear safety, radiation, heat & thermodynamics transport, nuclear fuel, nuclear waste disposal, nuclear proliferation and the effects of radioactivity in the environment.

In India, course in Nuclear Engineering & Technology is offered by different university departments and research institutes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Research programs are also offered in Nuclear Engineering at doctoral and postdoctoral levels. Various research organizations of Government of India offers postgraduate and research program in Nuclear Engineering & Technology for graduate engineers and science postgraduates.

Courses & Eligibility

Nuclear Engineering & Technology is offered to undergraduate students at college level. Program duration is 4 years. On completion of the course Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree is awarded to the students. To study Nuclear Engineering program one needs minimum 10 + 2 level educational qualification or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English. Admission is offered on the basis of Entrance Examination.

To study nuclear engineering at postgraduate level, candidates needs to qualify Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Various research programs leading to the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and postdoctoral research are also offered through different research institutions.

Career Prospects

Nuclear Engineering & Technology makes an hot career option at undergraduate and postgraduate level among all engineering disciplines. Nuclear engineers find work opportunities as engineers and researchers in Research & Development organizations, Nuclear Power plants, and Nuclear Reactors. In academics nuclear engineers find employment as lectures, and professors and actively contributes to nuclear researches. Nuclear Engineers also get employment in government and private agencies dealing with environmental safety. Opportunities are unlimited for nuclear engineers. 

Pay Package

Nuclear Engineers are considered top-notch professionals. A nuclear engineer lives a comfortable life in financial terms, but always on the risk of exposure to nuclear hazards. A graduate in nuclear engineering normally earns Rs 20000 – Rs 25000 in the beginning of his career. Various other facilities like residence, T.A., D.A. are also offered. However, this is not the limit and earning raises manifold based on promotions, experiences and higher qualifications.      

Institutes / Universities

Nuclear Engineering & Technology courses are offered through following institutes / universities in India.

• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM)   
• SRM University, Chennai
• SASTRA University target blank
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU)