Aeronautical Engineering: Careers, Colleges, Salary & Best Courses in 2023

Table of Contents

Aeronautical Engineering is one of the frontier branches of engineering that studies the principles and technology to design, manufacture and maintain highly sophisticated products such as aircraft, missiles and space satellites.

It encompasses various specialized branches, including fire engineering, nuclear engineering, and petroleum engineering. Fire engineering plays a crucial role in ensuring aircraft safety by devising advanced fire suppression systems and materials. Nuclear engineering explores potential propulsion technologies, while petroleum engineering investigates alternative fuels for aviation, aiming to make flight more environmentally sustainable. These interdisciplinary approaches fuel innovation and drive the progress of aeronautical engineering, shaping the future of air and space travel.

The specializations in aeronautical engineering include the areas like structural design, navigational guidance and control systems, instrumentation and communication or production methods or it can be in a particular product such as military aircraft, passenger planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets etc.

The qualified professionals may work in areas like design, development, and maintenance as well as in managerial and teaching posts in institutes. The demand for aeronautical engineers in airlines, aircraft manufacturing units, and air turbine production plants is generally high. Some of the top aerospace engineering IIT colleges in India include IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kharagpur.

Individuals aspiring for this field should be highly talented, self-motivated, excellent team players, innovative and lateral thinkers. They should also have the capacity for highly technical and analytical thinking.

Aeronautical Engineering

What is Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of flight-capable machines. This includes aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.

Aeronautical engineers use their knowledge of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to design aircraft that are safe, efficient, and reliable. They also work on improving the performance of existing aircraft and developing new technologies for future aircraft.

Some of the specific tasks that aeronautical engineers perform include:

  • Designing the aerodynamic shape of an aircraft
  • Calculating the forces and moments acting on an aircraft in flight
  • Selecting the materials and structures for an aircraft
  • Designing the propulsion system for an aircraft
  • Testing and evaluating aircraft prototypes
  • Maintaining and repairing aircraft

Aeronautical engineers work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, defence, and transportation. They may be employed by aircraft manufacturers, government agencies, or private companies. Aeronautical engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering or a related field.

Here are some of the skills that are important for aeronautical engineers:

  • Strong math and science skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Design skills
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork skills

Why choose Aeronautical Engineering in 2023?

  • Challenging and rewarding: Aeronautical engineering is a very rewarding field that allows you to work on cutting-edge technologies and make a real impact on the world.
  • High-paying: Aeronautical engineers are in high demand and command high salaries. 
  • Variety of career opportunities: Aeronautical engineers can allow you to find a career that fits your interests and skills.
  • Opportunity to travel: Aeronautical engineers often travel to work on projects or to attend conferences.
  • Fast-paced: The aerospace industry is constantly evolving, so you will never be bored.
  • Global: The aerospace industry is global, so you may have the opportunity to work abroad.

Who can pursue Aeronautical Engineering?

  • Students who have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as their core subjects.
  • Students who have scored a minimum of 50-55% marks in aggregate in PCM in Class 12.
  • Students who are passionate about aviation and engineering.
  • Students who have strong math and science skills.
  • Students who are good at problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Students who are able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Students who are willing to learn and adapt to new technologies.

If you meet these criteria, then you may be a good candidate for a career in aeronautical engineering.

Aeronautical Engineering Careers in 2023

Aeronautical engineering is a challenging and rewarding field that offers a variety of best careers in Engineering with opportunities. Here are some of the most in-demand careers in 2023:

  • Aircraft Designer: Aircraft designers are responsible for the conceptual design, development, and testing of aircraft. They work with a team of engineers to create aircraft that are safe, efficient, and reliable.
  • Flight Test Engineer: Flight test engineers are responsible for testing the performance of aircraft in flight. They collect data on the aircraft’s performance, troubleshoot any problems, and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Aerodynamics Engineer: Aerodynamics engineers study the forces that act on aircraft in flight. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics to design aircraft that are aerodynamically efficient.
  • Propulsion Engineer: Propulsion engineers design and develop the engines that power aircraft. They work with a team of engineers to create engines that are powerful, efficient, and reliable.
  • Structures Engineer: Structures engineers design and analyze the structures of aircraft. They ensure that the aircraft’s structures are strong enough to withstand the forces of flight.
  • Control Systems Engineer: Control systems engineers design and develop the systems that control aircraft. They work with a team of engineers to create systems that keep the aircraft flying safely and smoothly.

Top Entrance Exams for Aeronautical Engineering 2023

Entrance NameRegistration DetailsExam Details
JEECUP 2023

6 Mar ’23 –  31 May ’23

1 Jun ’23 – 5 Jun ’23

UPESEAT 2023

24 Nov ’22 – 31 May ’23

3 Jun ’23 – 4 Jun ’23 (Phase II)

BVP CET 2023

30 Jan ’23 – 1 Jun ’23

11 Jun ’23
TNEA 2023

5 May ’23 – 4 Jun ’23

7 Jul ’23 – 24 Aug ’23 (Counselling)

SAAT 2023

7 May ’23 – 5 Jun ’23

9 Jun ’23 – 12 Jun ’23

SRMJEEE 2023Second Phase till 5th June 202310th-11th June 2023
CGPET 2023

18 May ’23 – 8 Jun ’23

25 Jun ’23
BITSAT 2023

24 May ’23 – 12 Jun ’23(Session II)

18 Jun ’23 – 22 Jun ’23

JEE Advanced 202330th April-4th May 20234th June 2023

Here are some additional information about the entrance exams for aeronautical engineering:

  • The JEE Main and JEE Advanced are the most popular entrance exams for aeronautical engg. in India.
  • The GATE is a national level exam that is used for admission to postgraduate programs in aeronautical engineering.
  • The AME CET, IISAT, and IIAE Entrance Exam are all conducted by specific institutions.

Aeronautical Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Level of StudyEligibility Criteria
Undergraduate (UG)10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects, and a minimum aggregate of 50-55% marks in PCM in Class 12.
Postgraduate (PG)Bachelor’s degree in AE or a related field with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks (50% marks for SC/ST).
Diploma10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects, and a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in PCM in Class 12.

Here are some additional information about the eligibility criteria for aeronautical engineering:

  • Some institutions may require candidates to have taken additional subjects, such as Engineering Drawing or Computer Science, in high school.
  • Some institutions may also require candidates to have taken the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam.
  • The eligibility criteria for aeronautical engineering programs in foreign countries may be different.

Aeronautical Engineering Courses In India 2023

Here’s the list of Aeronautical Engg in India 2023, along with their eligibility requirements:

Course Duration Eligibility
B.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering
4 years
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects. Minimum aggregate of 60% in 10+2. Valid score in the entrance exam such as JEE Main, GATE, or KCET.
M.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering
2 years
M Tech Aeronautical Engineering Eligibility varies from institute to institute but generally requires minimum aggregate of 60% in B.Tech. Valid score in the entrance exam such as GATE.
Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering
3-5 years
Ph.D. Aeronautical Engineering Eligibility varies from institute to institute but generally requires minimum aggregate of 60% in M.Tech. Valid score in the entrance exam such as GATE.
Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
3 years
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects. Minimum aggregate of 50% in 10+2. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Common Entrance Test (AME CET).

Aeronautical Engineering Syllabus in 2023

SemesterSubjects
Semester 1
Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Mathematics I, Physics I, Chemistry I, Aeronautics and Aviation, Communicative English, Practical Lab
Semester 2
Engineering Mathematics II, Mechanics of Solids, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Aircraft Component Drawing, Aircraft Systems and Instruments, Flight Dynamics, Heat Transfer, Total Quality Management
Semester 3
Aircraft Structures, Aerodynamics, Aircraft Propulsion, Aircraft Design Project, Avionics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, CAM and Manufacturing Laboratory, Experimental Stress Analysis, Numerical Methods
Semester 4
Aircraft Systems Laboratory, Aircraft Structures Laboratory, Propulsion Laboratory, Aerodynamics Laboratory, Flight Integration Systems and Control Laboratory, Mechanics of Machines, Wind Tunnel Techniques, Vibrations and Elements of Aeroelasticity, Rockets and Missiles, Combustion Engineering, Theory of Plates and Shells, Computer-aided design and analysis, Automatic Control System, Spacecraft technology, Aircraft Materials
Semester 5
Advanced Aerospace Structures, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Advanced Propulsion Systems, Fundamentals of Combustion, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Civil Aviation Requirements, Renewable Energy for Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Design Project, Electives
Semester 6
Electives, Seminar, Project Work

Aeronautical Engineering Fees in 2023

These are some of the best Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India which offer world-class education and training at affordable fees. These colleges have excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong placement records.

InstitutionLocationFees (INR)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)Mumbai
4.5 lakhs – 12.5 lakhs
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)Chennai
3.5 lakhs – 10.5 lakhs
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)Delhi
4 lakhs – 11 lakhs
Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)Thiruvananthapuram
4 lakhs – 11 lakhs
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy)Tiruchirappalli
2.5 lakhs – 8 lakhs
Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS Pilani)Pilani
5.5 lakhs – 13.5 lakhs
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)Vellore3 lakhs – 9 lakhs
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT Manipal)Manipal
4 lakhs – 10 lakhs

Top Government Colleges for Aeronautical Engineering in India 2023

Below down is the list Government Colleges offering Aeronautical Engineering in India with fees structure. These colleges have excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong placement records. Also Check About Top Engineering Colleges in Dubai.

CollegeTotal Course Fees in INR
Bikaner Technical University2 lakh
Dr. Ambedkar Institute Of Technology (AIT), Bangalore2 lakh
Feroze Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology2 lakh
IIST – Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology1- 5 lakh
Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University50K- 2 lakh
PES College of Engineering2 lakh
Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh73 K- 7 lakh
Punjab State Aeronautical Engineering College3 lakh
Rajasthan Technical University2 lakh
Visvesvaraya Technological University12 K- 1 lakh

Top Private Colleges for Aeronautical Engineering in India 2023

Aeronautical and aerospace engineering is a highly demanding field that requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. There are many aeronautical and aerospace engineering colleges in India that offer aeronautical and aerospace engineering courses, including some of the top IIT colleges such as IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kharagpur. These colleges offer m tech in aeronautical engineering in India, programs in aeronautical engineering, as well as undergraduate courses in aeronautical science.

Other top aeronautical engineering IIT colleges in India include AIT Bangalore, Sathyabama University, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Lovely Professional University, Amrita School of Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, and SASTRA University. These are the best aeronautical engineering colleges in India offer a variety of courses in aeronautical engineering, including aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and avionics.

Now lets check out the list of top private aeronautical engineering colleges in india:

InstituteTotal Average Fees
Amity University, Noida3- 12 lakh
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science2- 13 lah
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education4 lakh
Kumaraguru College of Technology2 lakh
Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar7 lakh
Manipal Institute of Technology10- 13 lakh
Manav Rachna University5- 6 lakh
Parul University1- 3 lakh
SASTRA (Deemed to be University)5 lakh
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R and D Institute of Science and Technology2- 10 lakh

Aeronautical Engineering Job profiles with salary in 2023

Job Profile
Salary Range (INR)
Aerospace Engineer
4-17 lakhs per annum
Aircraft Designer
6-20 lakhs per annum
Aircraft Test Engineer
5-15 lakhs per annum
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
3-10 lakhs per annum
Spacecraft Engineer
7-25 lakhs per annum
Launch Vehicle Engineer
8-22 lakhs per annum
Aerospace Scientist
10-30 lakhs per annum
Aerospace Consultant
15-40 lakhs per annum
    • Jobs are available in aircraft-manufacturing units.
    • The Defence Industry and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) happen to be two major employment providers in India.
    • Aeronautical engineers often get employment in organizations such as Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd, Defense Research and Development Laboratories, National Aeronautical Lab, Aeronautical Development Establishment, Civil Aviation Department and other places as well.

Aeronautical Engineers Salary Package in 2023

The average start-up Aeronautical Engineering salary in this field ranges from 1.5 lakhs to 3.0 lakh per annum. The salary depends on academic excellence and the skill set of individuals. The gross salary of a skilled and experienced aeronautical engineer varies between Rs 40,000-1.25 lakh per month.

The Increment or hike in AE salary is relative to the employer, current position and one’s performance. Generally in government sector the salary hike is not much. But, in a private sector you may be offered better positions through which salary may be higher. Also check about Ocean Engineering Salary & Colleges.

 

Designation
Salary Range (INR)
Aerospace Engineer
5.0 Lakhs – 12.0 Lakhs
Senior Aerospace Engineer
10.0 Lakhs – 18.0 Lakhs
Principal Aerospace Engineer
15.0 Lakhs – 25.0 Lakhs
Aerospace Engineering Manager
20.0 Lakhs – 35.0 Lakhs
Director of Aerospace Engineering
30.0 Lakhs – 50.0 Lakhs

Top Colleges/Institutes in Aeronautical Engineering in India 2023

Here’s the list of top institutes and top IIT colleges for aeronautical engineering, which are renowned for their excellence in aerospace education and research:

RankCollege/InstituteState
1IIT BombayMaharashtra
2IIT KanpurUttar Pradesh
3IIT KharagpurWest Bengal
4IIT MadrasTamil Nadu
5PEC University of TechnologyChandigarh
6Bengal Engineering and Science UniversityWest Bengal
7Manipal Institute of TechnologyKarnataka
8Amrita Institute of Technology and SciencesTamil Nadu
9Sathyabama UniversityTamil Nadu
10Acharya Institute of TechnologyKarnataka

Top Aeronautical Universities in india 2023

Here are some of the top Aeronautical Engineering Universities in India:

University

Address

Duration

Fees

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

4 years

INR 1.4-2.52 lakh

AIT Bangalore

Bangalore, Karnataka

4 years

INR 3-4 lakh

Sathyabama University

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

4 years

INR 2-3 lakh

Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT)

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

4 years

INR 1.5-2 lakh

Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT)

Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu

4 years

INR 2-3 lakh

Lovely Professional University (LPU)

Jalandhar, Punjab

4 years

INR 3-4 lakh

Amrita School of Engineering

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

4 years

INR 3-4 lakh

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT)

Manipal, Karnataka

4 years

INR 4-5 lakh

SASTRA University

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

4 years

INR 2-3 lakh

These universities offer a variety of aeronautical engineering courses, including B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs. They also have strong research facilities, which allow students to conduct cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering.

If you are interested in studying aeronautical engg, I recommend that you consider applying to one of these aeronautical university in india. You will receive a high-quality education that will prepare you for a successful career in the aerospace industry.

Admission Procedure of Aeronautical Engineering Colleges

Here are the steps involved in the admission procedure for Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India in 2023:

  1. Check the eligibility criteria: The first step is to check the eligibility criteria of the colleges you want to apply to. This includes the minimum educational qualification, the required percentage in the qualifying exam, and any other specific requirements.
  2. Choose the entrance exam: There are a number of entrance exam in india that you can take to get admission to an Aeronautical Engineering College. Some of the popular exams include JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, and VITEEE.
  3. Register for the entrance exam: Once you have chosen the entrance for aeronautical engineering , you need to register for it. The registration process usually involves filling out an application form and submitting the required documents.
  4. Take the entrance exam: The entrance exam is usually held in the month of May or June. The exam is a multiple-choice question paper with a total of 300-350 questions.
  5. Wait for the results: The results of the entrance exam are usually announced in the month of July or August.
  6. Apply to the colleges: Once you have the results of the entrance exam, you can apply to the colleges you want to get admission to. The application process usually involves filling out an application form and submitting the required documents.
  7. Attend the interview: The shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. The interview is usually conducted by a panel of professors from the college.
  8. Get admission: The college will select the candidates based on their performance in the entrance exam and the interview.

Difference Between Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

Feature Aerospace Engineering Aeronautical Engineering
Scope
Broader
More specialized
Focus
Aircraft, Spacecraft, and Missiles
Aircraft
Typical Careers
Aerospace Engineer, Astronautical Engineer, Missile Engineer
Aeronautical Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Flight Test Engineer
Typical Skills
Knowledge of Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Structures, and Control Systems
Knowledge of Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Structures, and Flight Mechanics

FAQS

Aeronautical engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and manufacture of aircraft. Aeronautical engineers use their knowledge of math, physics, and engineering principles to design aircraft that are safe, efficient, and reliable.

Aeronautical engineers work in a variety of industries, including airlines, defense, and spacecraft manufacturing. They may specialize in one or more areas of aeronautical engineering, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, or avionics.

Yes, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India do offer aerospace engineering programs. These prestigious institutions are renowned for their comprehensive and cutting-edge engineering courses, and aerospace engineering is one of the prominent disciplines they cater to. Aspiring students interested in pursuing a career in aerospace engineering can find specialized programs and research opportunities at various aerospace engineering colleges in india iit. The aerospace engineering IITs department equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the exciting field of aerospace engineering.

Aeronautical, aerospace, and hardware engineering are a few of the many sub-disciplines of mechanical engineering that take place at NASA.

Yes, IIT offers aeronautical engineering.

Yes, aeronautical engineering is available in IIT. Here are the top 4 IIT aeronautical engineering colleges in india:

  • IIT Bombay
  • IIT Kharagpur
  • IIT Madras
  • IIT Kanpur

These IITs offer a 4-year undergraduate program in Aeronautical Engineering. The program covers a wide range of topics, including aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and control systems.

Yes, Aerospace engineers get job in ISRO.

The fees for IIT aeronautical engineering vary from institute to institute. However, the average fees for a B.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering at IIT is around INR 4.5 lakhs per year.

List of Best IIT For Aerospace Engineering College in IndiaNIRF Ranking
IIT Madras1
IIT Bombay3
IIT Kanpur4
IIT Kharagpur5

So, If you are looking for a best IIT for aeronautical engineering, then one of the IITs mentioned above is a good option.

Avionics engineering in India is a rapidly growing field, with a high demand for skilled engineers and there are many avionics engineering colleges in India which offer wide range of courses and specializations. Here are some of them:

  • Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS)
  • Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Hyderabad (IAE)
  • Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS Pilani)
  • Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
  • Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE)
  • Sathyabama University
  • Anna University Chennai
  • PSG College of Technology Coimbatore
  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

The cost of Aeronautical Engineering in India varies depending on the institute and the course. However, the average cost of a B.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering is around INR 3 lakhs to 7 lakhs. The cost of an M.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering is around INR 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs.

Here are some of the best institutes for aeronautical engineering in india:

  • MIT Manipal – Manipal Institute of Technology.
  • Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore.
  • Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore.
  • Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology.
  • Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Erode.

Some of the best aeronautical science colleges in India include:

  • Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
  • AIT Bangalore
  • Sathyabama University
  • Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT)
  • Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT)
  • Lovely Professional University (LPU)
  • Amrita School of Engineering
  • Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • SASTRA University

There are many great aviation engineering colleges in India, but some of the most popular and well-respected include:

  • Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
  • Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)
  • Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur)
  • SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur
  • Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
  • SASTRA University, Thanjavur
  • Amity University, Noida

The eligibility criteria for IIT Aeronautical Engineering vary from institute to institute. However, general eligibility criteria include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
  • A minimum of 60% aggregate in the qualifying degree.
  • A valid GATE score.

The minimum package of Aeronautical Engineering IIT was Rs 6.5 lakh per annum and the maximum package in 2021-22 was Rs 46 lakh per annum.

Articles Updates:

29/07/2023: Content update, Interlinking 

29/07/2023: Added Faq and infographic