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After completing higher secondary school in the science stream, candidates usually look for several options for pursuing a degree. But, with a clear idea, Most of them often need clarification about what to choose or where to start. Here you will get to know the two essential career choices for those wanting to pursue a career in electronics. Is there a minute difference between Electrical and Electronics Engineering? Both are specialized branches related to science. But these courses impose various overviews, job profiles, and career scopes.
Electrical Engineering studies applications of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The electronic engineering course provides a deep understanding of different electrical components.
This blog will provide a detailed overview of Electrical vs.Electronics Engineering courses. Learn the job scopes, too, these two domains offer.
What is the Difference Between Electrical and Electronics Engineering Degree
Before deciding to make a career in engineering, you must understand the difference between electronics and electrical degrees. Candidates must understand the goal of these two courses. This section will discuss a few points on these two courses’ objectives.
Why Choose Electrical Engineering?
Electrical Engineering is a vast field with several prospects. The Electrical Engineering segment deals with electricity and electromagnetism. It offers a huge scope for broadening your technical knowledge and expertise. There has been a huge demand for high-skilled electrical engineers as the technical industry continuously expands. Companies are searching for professionals that can meet their specific requirements to take their market to a new level.
If you choose Electrical Engineering, you can have a lucrative career offering more global opportunities. Therefore, it has become one of the most sought-after jobs in India. Also, the best part is that you can earn handsome annual remunerations and work in different giant MNCs and corporate sectors. Furthermore, as Electrical engineering is not a desk job, there will be no room for boredom. Also, as the course deals with the technical stuff, the demand for Electrical engineering will never end, making it one of the best recession-proof options.
Who Can Pursue Electrical Engineering?
A candidate who completed their higher secondary in science can pursue Electrical Engineering. The candidates should have Mathematics in their Higher Secondary course. Then, they can apply for BTech in Electrical Engineering. After completing BTech, the candidate has to appear for GATE. Then they can further study MTech in Electrical Engineering.
The Domain of Expertise for Electrical Engineers
After completing the Electrical Engineering course, graduates can pursue higher studies. They can even enter the academic profession. They can also be a part of private companies or government projects.
They play the job role of Project Engineers, Controls Engineers, test engineers, and Design Engineers. Circuit Breakers, Magnetic Starters, Panel Boards, and transformers are examples of Electrical devices. Such engineers can design these spare parts for different telecommunications systems.
Why Choose Electronics Engineering?
Modern-day information technology is based on Electronics Engineering. Many electrical devices examples: such as mobile phones, computers, satellites, and Wi-Fi, are part of this engineering. Electronics engineering is a popular choice amongst candidates. They can brighten their career by joining IT companies. They even develop consumer electronics goods and excellent products. It is another lucrative career option that you can choose if you have an innovative and fresh mind.
After becoming an Electronics engineer, you can easily apply to many giant MNCs that deal with advanced electronic products. As this field is a progressive one, you will never become bored. Every day you get to work on different interesting technical things that make people’s life easy. The best part is that Electronics Engineering promises the highest-paying jobs worldwide.
Who can pursue Electronics Engineering?
Candidates pursuing this course should have cleared 10+2 in the science stream. They also must have Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry as compulsory subjects. With a minimum 45% marks, they must have passed from a reputed education board. Also, candidates must crack the entrance exams like JEE Advanced and JEE Main with a good score and high ranking. It is crucial to secure a seat in the NITs and IITs.
Domain of Expertise
This domain offers vast and promising career opportunities. Candidates can work in various sectors. They can work in Government organizations, Healthcare industries. There are Life-saving interventions.
Difference Between Electrical and Electronics- Syllabus
Check the syllabus of these two courses. Understand the difference between electrical and electronics engineering. These courses’ structures are great for providing candidates with a deep understanding. They can gain knowledge of extensive categories of electric and electronics subjects. Find the difference between the subjects in the syllabus.
Electrical Engineering Syllabus According to Semester Basis
| Semester | Subjects |
| Semester 1 | Mathematics- I Mechanics or English for communication Electrical Technology – Introduction to Programming and Data Structures Basics Of the Manufacturing Processes |
| Semester 2 | Mathematics- II Components of Electrical Engineering Different Electronic components and devices Introduction of IT |
| Semester 3 | Basic Introductions of Material Science and Engineering Basics of BioScience and Technology Knowledge On Signal and Systems Basics On Electronics Lab |
| Semester 4 | Basic Knowledge On Signal Processing and Communication Systems Environmental Science Technology and Management Network Theory Digital Electronic Circuits |
| Semester 5 | Biomedical Systems Radiating Systems and Electromagnetic Waves Digital Communication Systems Microprocessor and Microcontroller |
| Semester 6 | Satellite Communication Engineering Digital Signal Processing Knowledge On Control Systems VLSI Design |
| Semester 7 | Environment and Energy Studies Thermal and Hydraulic Prime Movers Fundamentals of Electrical Power System Analysis of Electrical Power System Power System Operation and Control |
| Semester 8 | Electrical Workshop Practices Electrical Engineering Materials Fundamentals of Power Electronics Power Electronic Converters Electrical Machine Design |
Electronic Engineering Syllabus According To Semester Basis
| Semester | Subjects |
| Semester 1 | Applied Mathematics Applied Physics Applied Chemistry Mechanics of Engineering Basic Electrical Engineering |
| Semester 2 | Applied Mathematics(II) Applied Physics(II) Applied Chemistry(II) Engineering Drawing aspects Programming Approach |
| Semester 3 | Applied Mathematics Electronics and Circuits Digital System Design Circuit and Networks Laboratory Digital System |
| Semester 4 | Applied Mathematics(IV) Linear Engineering Control Systems Laboratory Design Laboratory Microprocessors |
| Semester 5 | Communication Engineering Laboratory Micro controls and Processing Linear Integrated Circuits Digital Communication Laboratory Digital Technology |
| Semester 6 | VLSI Design Instrumentation Systems Power Electronics Computer Organization Digital Signal Processing |
| Semester 7 | IC Technology Power Electronics(II) Elective Embedded System Design Project |
| Semester 8 | Microelectromechanical Systems Industrial Automation Industrial Organisations and Management Major Project II |
Difference Between Electrical and Electronics- Career Prospects
Do you know that the Electrical Equipment Market size is projected to reach USD 3393.5 billion by 2029 globally at a CAGR of 11.1%? Can you believe how much scope these domains can provide you in the coming years? In this section, you will know the career options and job profiles. Find out electrical engineering vs. electronics engineering salaries for the eligible professionals.
| Designation | Average Salary |
| Electronics Engineer | INR 2.5 Lakh per annum |
| Technical support engineer | INR 72,222 Thousands per annum |
| Electronics system engineer | INR 10 Lakh per annum |
| Network planning manager | INR 12.1 Lakh per annum |
| Instrument manager | INR 12.9 Lakh per annum |
| Designation | Average Salary |
| Electrical engineer | INR 3 .2 Lakh per annum |
| Control System Engineer | INR 6.2 Lakh per annum |
| Research and Developer engineer | INR 4.2 Lakh per annum |
| Electrical Maintenance Engineer | INR 3.81 Lakh per annum |
| Electrical site engineer | INR 3.18 Lakh per annum |
Electronics Vs. Electrical Engineering: What’s Best for You
Both electrics and electronics engineering are superior fields, along with excellent career opportunities. But, extensive research and comparison between these two fields is necessary. This could help you identify which domain will be the best for you.
Interests in Subjects
Whether you want to become an Electrical or Electronic Engineer, you must learn more about their dynamic area. As both fields are vast, you must be familiar with them first by evaluating the syllabus of both fields. Then, you must find out your weaknesses and strengths to find out what is more suitable for you. You can ask questions to yourself to pick any one of them.
Do you find power systems and electrical circuits great? Do you prefer dealing with control systems, wiring, and automobiles? Then the electrical engineering domain is ideal for you.
Do you want to become an Electronics engineer? Do you have a strong background in mathematics and physics? If you prefer dealing with electronic circuits, you can become an Electronics engineer.
Skills Needed to be an Electrical Engineer
Before deciding to take Electrical Engineering, you must evaluate what skills you need to become one. If you have the following skills, you can become an Electrical Engineer.
- Knowledge of how the electrical power systems work.
- Knowledge of buildings’ electrical systems.
- Mathematical skills for calculations.
- Capability to work with a team of engineers, architects, and other professionals.
- Detailed knowledge of designing systems.
- Communication skills to plan a design.
- Deep understanding of how the systems work with electronics.
Skills Needed to Be an Electronic Engineer
If you want to become an Electronic Engineer, then you must acquire some skills. The required skills for becoming an Electronic Engineer generally include a blend of programming proficiency and software knowledge. The basic skills are listed below.
- Skills to handle Complex and critical electronic devices.
- Power of thinking to deal with a device.
- Knowledge of maths.
- Good communication skills for dealing with and solving complex electronic devices.
- Knowledge of CAD and skills in designing on computers.
- Hardware knowledge.
- Testing knowledge.
Career Aspirations
Electrical engineers use different principles of mathematics and physics. They design, develop, and assess. They develop different complex electrical and electronic equipment. If you want to take on project management responsibilities or become a consultant or contractor, you can go for electrical engineering.
Electronics engineers deal with IoT, robotics, and telecommunications. If these things interest you, you can choose electronics engineering. Becoming such, you can design, develop and test different components. You can even check devices, systems, or equipment that run on electricity.
Kick-start Your Career By Choosing Between Electric and Electronics
While electrical engineering focuses on the generation, transmission, and utilization of power on a large scale, electronics engineering delves into electronic devices, their design, and their integration into our daily lives. In this guide we have provided you with detailed information on the differences between the two fields, domain of expertise, the semesterwise subjects and the career prospects for each field.
You are now ready to make a well informed decision between electronics and electrical engineering. Whichever path you choose, there lie endless opportunities for innovation and creativity and for you to contribute to the ever-growing landscape of technology
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Large-scale machinery production, industrial machines, and manufacturing come under Electrical Engineering. Operating in different power plants and handling small hardware is also a part of here. You can also understand the basics of Electronic engineering. This part focuses on designing and testing integrated circuits and small devices. Engineers even optimize and manage smaller circuits and devices.
Understand the difference between electrical and electronics with examples. Electrical devices include alternators, transformers, and generators. Different motors and circuit breakers. In this list, isolators are also there. Electronic devices include diodes, transistors, SCRs, microprocessors, integrated circuits, and logic gates. Computers, Digital cameras, Fans, blenders, Cell phones, Calculators, etc., are also on this list.
Electronics engineers handle specific circuitry and components found within the electrical systems. They are responsible for designing, maintaining, and developing electronic systems. Electrical engineers work in the construction and operational part of the electrical systems. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems. But, both domains offer many job opportunities and need specialized engineering knowledge.
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