Quick Summary
Automobile engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on designing, manufacturing, and operating vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles. It combines different areas of study, including mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering, to develop and maintain transportation systems. This field includes creating everything from the engine systems to the vehicle structure, with increasing attention on electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and self-driving technology.
Automotive Engineering is a broad field and several other programs are also included under it such as fluid mechanics, safety engineering, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, fuel emission, control systems, etc. The automobile engineering scope is great. Students holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in automotive engineering can work in automotive industries, manufacturing factories, and also in the supply chain of vehicles, etc.

Automobile Engineering, a branch of mechanical engineering, focuses on designing, manufacturing, testing, and repairing vehicles. It offers great career opportunities, covering installation, quality analysis, and safety engineering. Graduates can pursue higher studies like MTech, PhD, or an MBA for better career prospects and higher salaries.
Automobile Engineering offers vast career opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, research, design, and maintenance. With the growing demand for advanced and eco-friendly vehicles, this field continues to expand.
Automobile Engineering courses are available at different levels. To gain admission, students must meet the eligibility requirements set by various colleges. To ensure that candidates fulfill these criteria, the following guidelines have been established. It is important to note that the specific requirements may differ based on the course level, type, and institution. The general eligibility criteria for Automobile Engineering courses after 12th grade are outlined below:
| Automobile Engg Course Levels | Automobile Engg Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Automobile Engineering | Candidates should have completed Class 10 with decent marks in Science subjects. |
| Certificate in Automobile Engineering | Completion of Class 10 or Class 12 with PCM subjects with at least 50 to 60 percent marks. |
| BTech Automobile Engineering/B.E. in Automobile Engineering/BTech in Automotive Design Engineering | Candidates must have completed their Class 12 from a recognized national or state-level education board.They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects.They must have secured a minimum of 50 to 70 percent marks in the board exams. |
| MTech in Automobile Engineering | Candidates who have completed a Bachelor degree in Automobile Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 55 percent marks. |
| Ph.D. in Automobile Engineering | Candidates must have completed MTech in Automobile Engineering or a relevant field with at least 55 to 65 percent marks. |
Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
In general, admission to Automobile Engineering courses depends on the entrance exam scores from JEE Main, JEE Advanced, KCET, MHT CET, COMEDK UGET, SRMJEEE, GATE, and others, as well as the grades students received in their previous academic exams. Students can find a basic overview of the Automobile Engineering admission process below:
| Steps | Parameters | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Check Eligibility | Check the eligibility criteria for the desired college and make sure one meets the same. |
| Step 2 | Application Forms | Fill out the exam/college application forms before the last date. |
| Step 3 | Entrance Exams | Prepare for relevant Automobile Engg. entrance exams. Several private colleges also give admission to students based on Class 12 board exam scores. |
| Step 4 | College Counselling | Attend college counseling sessions meant for seat allotment based on entrance exam results. |
| Step 5 | Final Admission | Get hold of the final seat by paying the course fees and getting documents verified. |
Note: Be sure to crosscheck the admission process as it may vary for each college.
Automobile Engineering courses are available at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral levels in India. Students can choose from various options. A bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 years to complete, while a master’s degree requires 2 years. For those interested in research or teaching, pursuing a PhD in Automobile Engineering or a related field, which takes 3 to 5 years, is an option.
Here is a list of some popular Automobile Engineering courses after the 12th grade, along with a few top colleges offering these courses and their tuition fees:
| Automobile Engineering Courses | Popular Colleges | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| B.E./B Tech Automobile Engineering | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | INR 10 lakh – 10.54 lakh |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 11.2 lakh | |
| Chandigarh University | INR 6.48 lakh – 8.64 lakh | |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 11.5 lakh – 13.04 lakh | |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | INR 4 lakh | |
| M.E/M Tech in Automobile Engineering | IIT Delhi | INR 3 lakh |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | INR 3.2 lakh – 3.49 lakh | |
| IIT Roorkee | INR 20,000 | |
| Jadavpur University | INR 48,000 | |
| Chandigarh University | INR 2.4 lakh | |
| Diploma in Automobile Engineering | Integral University, Lucknow | INR 1.35 lakh |
| Centurion University of Technology and Management | INR 1.95 lakh | |
| Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology | INR 72,000 | |
| Parul University | INR 2.49 lakh | |
| Kanpur Institute of Technology | INR 90,450 | |
| PhD in Automobile Engineering | Amity University, Noida | INR 3 lakh – 3.02 lakh |
| NIMS Institute of Engineering and Technology | INR 6 lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Students generally find a lot of information about B.Tech. and M.Tech. in Automobile Engineering courses. Interestingly, there are over 750 colleges that offer automobile courses at the diploma level. A diploma in Automobile Engineering in India typically lasts three years. It focuses on designing, manufacturing, and maintaining automobile products and components. Students get hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare for entry-level jobs in Automobile Engineering.
Foundational Subjects: Automobile Materials, Automotive Engines, Automotive Estimation and Costing, Auto Repair and Maintenance, and Modern Vehicle Technology.
Eligibility: Pass Class 10 or Class 12 in the Science stream with at least 50 percent marks.
Admission Process: Merit or Entrance-Based.
Since the Auto Engineering diploma course is shorter than a full degree, it lets students start their careers early and gain financial independence. Additionally, diploma programs are more affordable and accessible, making them good options for students from various backgrounds.

There are certain skills that an automobile engineer must have, you can develop these skills over time and make yourself an eligible choice for your future employers.
Along with working on machines and motors, automobile engineers have to work on computers too. They need to use various software and computer-aided design applications and much more for the testing. That’s why it’s important to have in automobile engineering to have computer skills.
The task of automobile engineers is to design and develop the different parts of automobiles. For this, they need to be creative in a way that they can create new designs and meet the safety, performance, technical, and other criteria.
To work on mechanical parts and understand the workings of automobiles, engineers need to have technical knowledge. The technological skills are the ones that will get you hired and that you will be using the most in your job.
An automobile engineer has to have great problem-solving skills. Because in automobile engineering one may face several problems during the design development process, for which you need to develop problem-solving skills.
Having mathematical skills is necessary for automobile engineers as they need to do accurate calculations of power, strength, and other aspects of the machines they design.
There are several reputed and lucrative job roles that one can opt for after completing automobile engineering. Here are some of them.

The main role of the vehicle designer is to design the body, interface, components, and parts of different types of vehicles such as buses, cars, bikes, etc. Besides that, the designer is also involved in developing the electrical, mechanical, technical, and safety parts of the vehicles.
An automobile designer has to work on designing, developing, and reviewing automobiles. They have to create designs as per the client’s needs, and after they have the designs created, they need to be reviewed and then production work is started.
With the rising demand for comfortable, secure, and luxurious automobiles, the need for automobile designers is also increasing. So, one can pursue a career as an automobile designer without any doubt.
The average salary of an automobile designer in India is INR 5 LPA.
The Automobile engineer generally deals with the hardware components that include manufacturing, designing as well as operating vehicles. They are involved in developing the exterior as well as interior parts of the vehicles.
As an automobile engineer, your task is to develop Prototypes of the hardware component of automobiles, design the product, and check for any faults after production.
The automobile engineer scope is vast, one can work in service stations, automobile manufacturing industries, private companies, state or government transport production plants etc.
On average, an automobile engineer earns INR 2 LPA in India.
Automobile companies are producing a huge number of vehicles every year. This has led to increasing demand for bike and car mechanics. A bike or car mechanic is a professional who repairs any fault and replaces faulty parts with new ones.
As a bike or car mechanic, your work will be to diagnose defects, dismantle and disassemble defective parts, scrap carbon from cylinders, fix dents and bents and run tests after all repairing.
Bike and car mechanics are always in demand, and with growing automobile numbers this job title can be said one of the career options after completing automobile engineering.
The average salary of a car mechanic in India is INR 1 LPA.
Automotive sales engineers are professionals who have in-depth knowledge of various products and technologies developed by the company. They use this knowledge and their sales and communication skills to explain the company’s product to general customers and generate more sales.
The work of an automotive sales engineer is to make technical presentations to explain company products, do research about the needs and demands of customers, identify communication barriers between customers and the company, train other sales members about the technical aspect of the product, and much more.
This is an in-demand career option that one can choose after automobile engineering. Every automobile company needs professionals who can explain the features of their products to customers generate leads and increase sales.
The average salary of an automotive sales engineer is INR 1 LPA in India.
A quality engineer is a professional who is in charge of monitoring the quality of manufactured products. The person is responsible for developing quality tests, implementing systems, and ensuring that every product meets safety standards.
As a quality engineer, one has to work on establishing and implementing quality standards, monitor workflows, and processes products, create quality documentation, and test and inspect the products and processes that meet the set standards.
Quality engineering is one of the best career options after automobile engineering. It’s not only a lucrative career but also has a high demand. Almost every automobile company needs a quality engineer to ensure that only the best quality products reach customers.
On average a quality engineer earns 2 LPA in India.
This is another great automobile engineering scope one can choose. The senior production engineers work in the factories and manufacturing units, looking over the various facets of production. They work closely with engineers and the production team to ensure that company goals are met and quality products are manufactured on time.
The responsibilities of a senior production engineer are supervising production work, improving production plans, and identifying risk factors at any level of production. Senior production engineer also has to communicate with the other managers, stakeholders production teams, etc.
There is tremendous scope in this job opportunity, as a senior product engineer you can apply automobile production industry, IT industry, food processing companies, construction industries, refining, and many other industries.
The average salary of a senior production engineer in India is INR 5 LPA.
Mechanical design engineers are professionals who use the principles of physics and engineering to design systems and devices. They design and develop new engine models along with working on the improvement of older ones.
Mechanical engineers have to meet with clients to know their mechanical requirements, research the mechanical designs, plan execution using CAD, CAM, and 3D CAD programs, run virtual tests and computer simulations to refine designs, and do other activities.
Yes, choosing to become a mechanical design engineer after automobile engineering is a great choice. There is always a huge demand for skilled mechanical design engineers in the aerospace industry, automobile industry, robotics, and machine industries.
The average salary of a mechanical design engineer is INR 4.8 LPA in India.
Read more: Best Sample Mechanical Engineer Fresher Resumes
If you want a versatile career option after completing your automobile engineering then you can positively become an automotive service advisor. An automotive service advisor works as a liaison between the customer and the automobile technicians. They are people, customers communicate with first when they bring a car to the service center, as advisors identify and advise the right servicing for your automobile.
Greet and meet customers, and set a serving schedule aligning with customer and mechanics’ time. It is also their task to support dealership goals to generate more sales and inform new buyers about warranty and service schedules and much more.
There is good scope in this career choice too as most of the dealership shops require a professional who can communicate with customers and inform them about various products and services.
On average an automotive service advisor earns INR 2 LPA in India.
Marketing engineers are professionals who have knowledge of both, the automobile and marketing. They use their knowledge to market the mechanical products of the company in front of people to increase sales.
As a marketing engineer, your task will be to collect data on customer reviews related to products. Make strategies to promote and increase demand for the products.
There is a lot of scope for an automobile engineer in the marketing field. As an engineer knows better about the technical aspects of the product. They can create better marketing strategies and present the product accurately to clients.
The average salary of a marketing engineer in India is INR 3 LPA.
The future of automobile engineering is driven by innovation:

To get a job in the automobile industry the candidate must possess a valid UG or PG degree in automobile engineering. Various top-notch companies conduct campus drives and visit colleges and universities to recruit freshers. Besides that, you can also apply in off-campus recruitment drives whenever the companies advertise the vacancy.
Some top automotive engineering recruiters
With the rise in the demand for quality automobiles among people, the need for skilled, creative, and knowledgeable automobile engineers is also increasing. Choosing automobile engineering would be a great choice without any doubt.
Furthermore, you get various choices of job titles that you can choose as per your interests and skills. Some of the best career options have already been discussed in the article. So, start your career journey as an automobile engineer today.
Automobile engineering offers vast career opportunities for those passionate about vehicle design, manufacturing, and technology. With a strong foundation in mechanical principles, electrical systems, and safety regulations, automobile engineers play a crucial role in the automotive industry. Their expertise is essential in improving vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and sustainability, making them valuable in various sectors.
The demand for skilled professionals in automobile engineering continues to grow with advancements in technology and innovation. Graduates can explore careers in automotive industries, manufacturing units, and research organizations. Pursuing automobile engineering ensures a promising future, contributing to the ever-evolving world of transportation and mobility.
An automobile engineer helps design and improve cars. They make vehicles safer, faster, and more efficient.
Example: Working on a new electric car’s battery system.
Tip: Stay updated with new technology like EVs and self-driving features. This field evolves quickly!
In Chennai, an automotive engineer earns:
Freshers: ₹1.8–3 LPA
2–4 years: ₹3–5 LPA
Experienced: ₹6–8+ LPA
Tip: Skills in EV or CAD tools can boost your salary.
Best course for automobile:
B.Tech/B.E. in Automobile Engineering
Covers vehicle design, engines, and systems
Needs 10+2 with PCM
Tip: Pick a college with good labs and industry ties for better job chances
Yes, automobile engineering can be a good career, especially if you’re passionate about vehicles and technology.
Pros:
Jobs in design, testing, manufacturing, and R&D.
Opportunities in electric vehicles (EVs) and smart cars.
High demand in India and abroad.
Tip: To grow faster, learn modern skills like EV tech, CAD tools, or automation.
Automobile Engineers, design and develop the overall vehicle.
Mechanical Engineers, focus on engines, brakes, and other moving parts.
Electrical/Electronics Engineers, handle wiring, sensors, and onboard electronics.
Design Engineers, work on the car’s look and ergonomics.
Software Engineers, program smart features like navigation or self-driving technology.
Tip: Modern cars need a mix of mechanical and software skills; both are in demand!
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.