How to Become an Aerospace Engineer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary

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Every year, more than 3,50,000 aspirants pursue the degree in Aerospace Engineering and Operation Technicians in India. And the number is increasing by 4%- 6% every year in India. Every year, approx. 50 candidates become professional aerospace engineers in India.

To become an Aerospace Engineer and Operation Technician, the students should BTech Aerospace Engineering and move to MTech Aerospace Engineering degree program. Admissions to these programs are mainly based on entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, SRMJEE etc.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians colleges include IIT Madras; University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur etc. The course fee ranges between INR 2- 8 lakh per annum.

Indian Aerospace industry is growing faster in India. The aerospace industry of India will grow approx. USD 70 billion by 2030 and the growing rate is at 5% CAGR. It is also expected that the market of aerospace engineering will become the 3rd largest job market by 2023-24 

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer: Quick Facts

Industry Aerospace
Eligibility B Tech in Aerospace Engineering
Average starting salary INR 6- 15 lakh per annum
Job opportunity Aerospace Industry, Scientific Research & Development Industry, Communication Equipment Manufacturing Industry

What does an Aerospace Engineers do

  • Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians have to work in a challenging environment.
  • Their task is to ensure the safety of the key parts of the aircrafts and spacecraft and its systems.
  • The technicians have to install, run, operate and maintain the equipment used in aircrafts.
  • They have to design, develop, manufacture the aerospace products and test the quality of equipment whether the equipment is working well or not.
  • The operation technicians are responsible for monitoring the work platforms and maintaining the plant integrity and also to work with the engineers and construction teams.

Steps to Become an Aerospace Engineer

An aerospace engineer aspirant must have some skills and eligibility and also a license to be an aerospace engineer and operation technologist. The steps that are required to become an Aerospace Engineering and Operation Technician have been discussed below:

Decision Making

If you are fascinated by space and spacecrafts or design aircrafts and satellites then you should aim to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer and operation technician in India. There are no external factors involved which can impact your decision making process to opt for this career until one does not have an interest from a very young age.

Subject Choices

Subject choice is important to become an aerospace engineer and operation technician. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in 12th grade are must to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering. After the 10+2, pursue Diploma or Degree in Aerospace Engineering to pursue the dream.

Entrance Exam Preparation

To pursue the B. Tech, M. Tech or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, entrance exam is a must. The entrance exams are BITSAT, KEAM, JEE Advanced, JEE Mains, VITEEE, WBJEE, etc. Take help of coaching classes, mock tests to prepare for the entrance exam. Refer to some good study materials and also previous year question papers to prepare for the examination.

Selecting Colleges

Selecting a good college or institute is a must to pursue this career. After passing the national level or state level entrance examination, apply into a good college to pursue the degree or diploma in aerospace engineering and operation technician.

After Qualifying Exam

After qualifying the exam, apply to a good college and complete your degree or diploma course in aerospace engineering. Minimum 60% marks in HS examination is must to pursue the degree or diploma course.

Types of an Aerospace Engineers

The most common types of Aerospace Engineers and Operation Technicians have been discussed below.

Industrial Engineers

The prime responsibility of an Industrial Engineer is to check and maintain the effectiveness of equipment and stability in the manufacturing systems. They also work the manufacturing processes and audit assembly lines for smooth running of the equipment.

Aircraft Production Manager

Their jobs are to work in a project assisted by the senior engineers and plan and manage the production schedules. They have to ensure the safety and quality of aircraft products. They are in charge of supervising the activities related to construction, production and operations.

Mechanical Design Engineers

The mechanical design engineers are responsible to create, develop and test mechanical and technical equipment and products and to solve the problems related to machines using applied principles or physics, chemistry and mechanics. They also supervise the manufacturing process of the aircraft products.

Assistant Technical Officers

The assistant technical officers are responsible for work in a technical environment such as, designing, manufacturing, developing of products and providing technical help and support to the customers, employees in a manufacturing industry.

Aerospace Design Checker

The aerospace design checkers are responsible for designing and oversee the design parameters, codes and standards of spacecraft and if there are any visible mistakes, then the design checkers have to solve those issues.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer in India

To become an aerospace engineer and operation technician, you have to start your preparation from after the board examinations. We have discussed a few steps which would guide you to pursue this as a career.

  • School Level Preparation
    • Candidates with a certificate of 10th board exam pass, are eligible to take science stream
    • Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are must to study aerospace engineering degree or diploma courses after the Higher Secondary exam
    • An aspirant must score minimum 60% at 10+2 exam, to apply for the engineering degree or diploma courses
    • The candidates have to sit for an entrance exam in order to take the diploma or degree in engineering or aerospace engineering, such as, JEE Advanced, JEE Mains, AME CET, etc.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer after 12th

After the 12th exam, take admission in a good college which offers BTech or Postgraduate Diploma in aerospace engineering program.

UG Level Preparation

  • At the under-graduate level of education, take aerospace engineering as specializations to pursue the career in aerospace engineering.
  • Minimum 50% marks is required to pursue BTech or post-graduate degree in the aerospace engineering courses.
  • The programme involves practical sessions and lab related programmes.

PG Level Preparation

  • After completing the Bachelor’s degree, students can pursue MTech or Phd course to study in aerospace engineering.
  • There are entrance exams for both Master’s and PhD courses.
  • A PhD programme is considered crucial for research related activities.

Aerospace Engineering Courses

The courses that need to be pursued to become an Aerospace Engineer and Operation Technicians have been discussed below.

BTech in Aerospace Engineering

BTech Aerospace Engineering is a 4 year engineering degree program which focuses on fundamental areas of designing and development and operating of spacecraft, aircraft and launch vehicles etc. In this course, the syllabus is prepared in a way so that the students can get familiar with how to develop and design spacecraft and aircraft. According to the syllabus, there will be a training course for the students so that they can learn the things theoretically as well as practically.

Admission Process

  • Admission is purely based on the entrance exams JEE Main, JEE Advanced etc. Some colleges grant admission based on merit as well.
  • After the entrance exam, the counseling session is conducted to study bachelor degree courses.
  • There are several other examinations conducted by different colleges for granting admission to BTech Aerospace Engineering courses.

Eligibility

Candidates wishing to seek admission to BTech Aerospace Engineering need to match undermentioned eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates need to pass 10+2 examinations with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects with an aggregate of 60% marks.
  • Students also need to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination conducted by IITs between January to May. 
  • Students seeking admission to non-IIT colleges will need to apply for the entrance exams.

BTech in Aeronautical Engineering

BTech Aeronautical Engineering is a 4 year duration (total 8 semesters) program which mainly focuses on planning, designing, developing, aerodynamics, streamlined features and frameworks related to spacecraft. The course approaches the most recent adaptations of numerous analysis and design packages.

Admission Process

  • BTech Aeronautical Engineering admissions is based on the performance in entrance examinations such as JEE Main and JEE Advanced. There are other state level exams and University level exams such as BITSAT, WBJEE, SRMJEE etc which are conducted for the admission process.
  • Some colleges also accept admissions through quota.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for BTech Aeronautical Engineering aspirants are not complicated and are as follows. It must be noted that the eligibility criteria will differ from institute to institute.

  • Candidates must have cleared their 10+2 level examinations with physics, chemistry and mathematics subjects.
  • The qualifying aggregate score required in 10+2 levels is at least 50% and above.
  • Candidates who have a diploma in mechanical or in allied sciences, done after class 10th, are also eligible for admission.

MTech in Aerospace Engineering

MTech Aerospace Engineering is a 2 year post-graduation degree program which studies the manufacturing, designing, operating and maintenance of aerospace engineering and also other components related to aeronautical engineering and science. It's a primary field that deals with building or constructing tools and machinery to develop high end space technology and aircrafts of all kinds.

Admission Process

Admission in MTech Aerospace Engineering is mainly given through entrance tests such as GATE but some colleges do give admission based on merit.

  • Candidates are also expected to have qualified the GATE exam to secure seats in top most colleges of India. 
  • Successful candidates who qualify the GATE exam are advised to fill the online admission formalities of their respective college's by checking their eligibility criteria and uploading important documents and information/ payment of fees etc.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for MTech Aerospace Engineering is given below:

  • Candidates are required to have a BTech/BE in aerospace engineering or related subjects.
  • Minimum 50% from a recognized board of certification.
  • Candidates are also required to have qualified an entrance exam called GATE to secure admission in the MTech program.

Diploma in Aerospace Engineering

Diploma in aerospace engineering is a 3 year duration diploma course, which can be pursued after a 10+2 exam. The course mainly focuses on theoretical as well as practical knowledge on spacecraft and aircraft. The course studies only about the main topics of aerospace engineering such as, aircraft system, structure, instrumentation system, servicing lab, maintenance management, civil aviation regulation etc.

Admission Process

  • Admission will be done on the basis of marks of 10th and HS examination and entrance exam.

Eligibility

  • Aspiring candidates must score a minimum 45% in their 10th board exam to pursue the course. 

Course Admission: Important Tips

Here are some important points to be remembered by the candidates during applying for the exam and during the preparation for the exam.

How to Apply for the Exam?

  • To apply for the entrance exam, candidates must have to visit the official website.
  • And then, search for the online application link and click on the link to apply for the exam.
  • Register your name with your personal details along with a mobile number and e-mail ID.
  • Then upload your documents and pay the fee for the exam.
  • Then click on the submit button to keep a print out of the application form for future references.

How to Prepare for the Exam?

  • Engineering entrance exams are one of the toughest exam and there is a vast of candidates who applies for the exam, see the exam syllabus before proceeding to preparation
  • According to the syllabus, write and prepare notes and study materials like books, question papers, mock test papers etc.
  • Study regularly and don’t skip any part of the syllabus.
  • Practice the mock test series papers and if needed then take help from the coaching classes.
  • Solve the problems and improve your time management skills.
  • Drink more water to stay hydrated and take healthy food, try to avoid spicy and oily foods.

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer Abroad

To become an aerospace engineer and operation technician in foreign countries you must have a valid educational qualification in this discipline and also VISA and working experience in the field. Some facts and figures have been discussed below regarding the admission requirements in various countries.

  • There are a total of 53 institutions offering degrees in aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering in the UK. The courses available are BE in Aerospace Engineering, BSc Aeronautics, B Tech in Avionics etc. The average salary in the UK is INR 53,49,193 per annum for the aerospace engineer and operation technicians
  • There are a total 55 colleges and universities in Canada which offer degrees in aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering. The courses offered are Diploma in Aviation Technician, BE in Aerospace Engineering etc. The Average salary for the aerospace engineers and operation technicians in Canada is INR 32,81,282 per annum.
  • There are a total 45 colleges and universities in the USA which are offering Degree and Diploma in Aerospace Engineering. Some of the courses offered are BSc in Aeronautical Science, M Tech in Aerospace Engineering etc. The aerospace engineers can earn around INR 46,74,783 per annum in the US.

UK

Colleges Name Fees (INR)
University of Bath INR 23,00,000
University of Glasgow INR 22,70,000
University of Nottingham INR 24,60,000
University of Southampton INR 17,6,000
University of Cambridge INR 28,60,000
University of Bristol INR 27,40,000
Imperial College of London INR 32,80,000
University of Strathclyde INR 20,00,000
University of Leeds INR 19,60,000
University of Sheffield INR 21,52,000

Canada

US

Benefits of Career as an Aerospace Engineer

The Aerospace Engineers and Operation Technicians is an emerging field in developing economies like India. The career yields many benefits certainly to the individual as well as to the country too. Some of which have been discussed below.

Salary

The salary of an Aerospace Engineer and Operation Technicians is on a par compared to other careers in the same field. They earn about INR 4- 6 lakh from this occupation and the mid-level employees also earn INR 6- 12 lakh in this career.

Job Security

The Aerospace Engineers and Operation Technicians who have more technical and mechanical skills and a work experience, have safety and job security in this career. The market growth of this industry is immense and is developing rapidly in India after ISRO’s recent success and untapped potential in the aviation industry.

Positive Impact of the Career

The workers have to work in a challenging environment. They have to oversee the designing, testing, manufacturing of aircrafts, launch vehicles and spacecraft. They help in research and development in the aerospace industry. It has a huge positive impact on the economy of a nation as well as the career of an individual as space exploration is the new frontier for mankind.

Higher Studies

The students after finishing the BTech can go for higher studies in the field. There are many scopes and sub fields for the aerospace engineer graduates which they can study such as MTech in Aerospace Engineering and PhD for research related options.

Unique Experience

The life of aerospace engineer and operation technicians is related to designing, operating and manufacturing of the missiles, spacecraft and aircrafts. It is a unique experience compared to other professions. Their task is to build and solve the issues related to aircraft equipment and explore the unknown.

Skills required for an Aerospace Engineer

An aerospace engineering graduate should have some extra skills to pursue the career. Without the skills the graduates can’t become successful in this career. Here are those skills they must earn to become aerospace engineering and operation technicians.

Scientific skills Problem solving skills
Interpersonal skills Critical thinking ability
Analytical skills Mechanical and technical skills
Team working skills Good communication
Motivational skills Leadership skills
Time Management Social Orientation

Salary of an Aerospace Engineer in India

The salary varies according to the level of work, their job roles and industries.

Average Annual Salary

The average annual salary for the government as well as private sectors for Aerospace Engineers and Operation technicians in India has been mentioned below.

Organization Average Annual Salary
Govt. INR 12,24,996
Private INR 9,64,356

Salary Trend Graph

Average Annual Salary

Specialization Wise Salary

The Average salaries as per their specializations has been discussed below.

Specializations Average Salary (monthly)
Aircraft Production Manager INR 66,500
Mechanical Design Engineers INR 32,250
Aerospace Engineering and Operation Technicians INR 61,858
Aerospace Design Checker INR 71,852
Assistant Technical Officers INR 40,197

Salary Trend Graph

Specialization Wise Salary

Salary Trend Graph

Gender Wise Salary

Experience Wise Salary

The experienced workers always earn more than the fresh candidates. To earn more one must have skills and several years of experience in this field. Here are the salary data of fresh and experienced workers.

Experience Average Annual Salary
Fresher INR 6,00,000
2-5 years of experience INR 10,00,000
5- 10 years of experience INR 15,00,000

Salary Trend Graph

Experience Wise Salary

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer: FAQs

Ques. What is the fee for an aerospace engineering course in India?

Ans. The students need to spend a total of INR 2- 10 lakh for the course.

Ques. Which industries recruit graduates of aerospace engineering and operation technicians in India?

Ans. In India, the top recruiting companies are- Indian Air Force, Air India, Indian Space Research Organization, Defense Research and Development Organization, Tata Advanced Systems, etc.

Ques. How much an aerospace engineer and operation technician can make in the present date?

Ans. The average salary of the aerospace engineering and operation technicians is INR 6- 12 lakh per annum.

Ques. Which course is best for aerospace engineering?

Ans. There are many engineering courses for aerospace engineering, like, B Tech aerospace engineering, B E aeronautical engineering, Diploma in aerospace engineering, M Tech in aerospace engineering, BSc aviation technology, etc.

Ques. Do we have to sit for any entrance examination to pursue the degree of aerospace engineering?

Ans. Yes. You must have to clear the entrance examination to pursue the course.

Ques. Can I pursue the aerospace engineer degree in foreign countries and which country will be the best for the course?

Ans. Yes. You can go to the UK, the US, Russia, Australia etc. foreign countries to pursue the course. And Russia is best for the B Tech or BE Degree in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering course.

Ques. Is there any scope in the Aerospace and Aviation industries in India?

Ans. Yes. The career has a vast scope and every year the graduates from aerospace engineering get opportunities in this career.

Ques. Can Aerospace Engineers get well paid?

Ans. Aerospace Engineers and Operation Technicians can earn a good amount of salary from this occupation. In India, an aerospace engineer earns around INR 3,00,000 – 9,00,000 per annum.

Ques. Which technical skills are required in aerospace engineering and operational technician occupation?

Ans. An aerospace engineer and operations technicians must have the following technical skills.

  • Technical expertise
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Speed and accuracy and concern for safety
  • Mathematical and mechanical abilities
  • Interested in aviation or aircraft designing and developing

Ques. What is the salary of B Tech Aerospace Engineers in the US?

Ans. Average salary of a B Tech Aerospace Engineer in the USA is INR 169,000 – 4,000,000 per annum.

Master of Technology [M.Tech] (Aeronautical Engineering) : 5 answered questions

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Ques. What is the scope and future after getting an MTech in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Adwait Tejas on 18 Mar 23

Ans. There is a lot of scope and future after getting an MTech in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Bombay. If you're interested in pursuing Aerospace Engineering, you should know that IIT Bombay is the best institute in India for this field.  One of the best things about IIT Bombay is the flexibility it offers to students when it comes to choosing their course subjects. You can choose subjects that align with your interests, and only the core subjects are compulsory. This is beneficial for job opportunities since companies look at the subjects you've studied during your academic tenure. Regarding Aerospace Structure, the subjects offered in this specialization are quite similar to the machine design stream of the mechanical engineering department. The curriculum also includes state-of-the-art subjects related to composite materials. All the professors in this field are renowned experts in their respective areas. While only a few aerospace companies come for recruitment, students with a clear understanding of the subjects studied in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Bombay can easily secure jobs in both core and non-core industries. Apart from job opportunities, you can also opt for research work or pursue a Ph.D. in IITB itself or universities abroad. So, if you want to pursue Aerospace Engineering and build a strong foundation for your future, IIT Bombay is the perfect place for you.Read more
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Ques. What are questions asked in MS aerospace engineering interview in IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Raghav on 01 Jul 24

Ans. After clearing the written exam for the MS aerospace engineering admission, the candidates have to attend an interview at IIT Madras. The shortlisted candidates are informed via an email 15 days before the scheduled date of the interview.  The interview is based on technical questions. Candidates are asked undergraduate-level questions on topics such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, flight mechanics, structures, materials, and control systems. Some general questions that the interviewers usually ask are- Which college have you studied in? Why are you going into the research field if you are already working? What kind of work do you want to do in aerodynamics? What are your favorite core subjects of aerospace engineering? What are the recent developments in the field of aerospace engineering? The purpose of such questions is to assess the problem-solving skills and analytical thinking of a candidate.  I hope I could provide you with some relevant insight into the interview process for MS Aerospace Engineering admissions at IIT Madras. You must prepare your graduate-level topics well and showcase good analytical and problem-solving skills during the interview. Read more
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Ques. How are the placements for an MTech in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay? What is the scope of an aerospace engineer?

● Top Answer By Adwait Tejas on 20 Mar 23

Ans. The demand for Aerospace Engineering is gradually increasing and is recognized today by most universities and companies in and outside India. The job prospects after completing M.Tech are as follows Research work in India: If you are good at M.Tech, you can go for Ph.D. and then you can join any research center or teach in any reputed engineering college. Ph.D. from Abroad : Most students choose this option as they get recommendations from professors and are of great worth abroad. Moreover, with a good academic profile with decent research achievements, you can get a scholarship to top-ranked universities. Teaching within India : Once you have completed M.Tech. you can even join any college as an Assistant Professor. Work in India: Many design and analysis companies offer decent jobs that can be secured through LinkedIn. Entrepreneurship : In this age of startups even the Government is supporting entrepreneurship. So you can take this risk also.  Don’t fear taking a big step as only risks can lead to ultimate success.Read more
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Ques. Does IIT Dharwad offer Aerospace course?

● Top Answer By Nisha Rawat on 15 Jun 24

Ans. Yes, IIT Dharward offers a 2 years MS in Aerospace Engineering course. To be eligible to apply for IIT Dharwad aerospace engineering course, you must hav a BE/BTech or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution. A minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA/CPI of 6 is required.Read more
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Ques. What is the cutoff for Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur?

● Top Answer By Archita on 23 May 24

Ans. The cutoff for MTech Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur varies according to the category. I have made a list for the GATE 2023 cutoff for you below. MTech Specialisation General Cut-off 2023 EWS Cut-off 2023 SC Cut-off 2023 ST Cut-off 2023 OBC Cut-off 2023 MTech Aerospace Engineering 698 645 513 410 649Read more
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