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Are you a Science student looking to pursue a career in Engineering? If yes, then you must have come across the options of full-time degree programs and entrance exams. But what if you don’t have the resources or time for a full-time degree? Well, you can still kick-start your career with a diploma in civil engineering. This course can be pursued after completing either 12th or 10th grade and offers a similar syllabus to the full-time degree program. Additionally, the job options and salary packages are also comparable. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the diploma in civil engineering course, job opportunities, and salary prospects.
What is a Diploma in Civil Engineering?
A diploma in Civil Engineering is a popular three-year undergraduate program that teaches the basics of the field. It is primarily aimed at students who have completed their 10th-grade studies, but some colleges also accept 12th-grade graduates and degree holders. The course covers topics such as designing and constructing large structures like transportation systems, roadways, railways, and environmental protection systems.
Admission process for a Diploma in Engineering
Admission to the diploma program is mainly through an entrance examination and counseling round. Popular entrance tests include Delhi CET, Punjab PET, and Odhisha DET, and applicants must have a minimum aggregate score of 55% to 60% to be eligible for admission.
After completing the course, graduates can work in junior-level positions in both the private and public sectors. The average salary range for diploma holders in civil engineering is between INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 LPA. With further education and experience, diploma holders can expect to climb up the ladder and earn higher salaries.
Scope and Career Path after Diploma in Engineering
Civil engineers have the best scope out of most Engineering disciplines. The first choice of job is that of an entry-level Civil Engineer.
This is a junior position where one would be working in planning, designing, constructing, and maintenance of projects. Work is available in several industries like schools, universities, Government, and the private sector as well on a contractual or full-time basis. With time and experience, the junior-level position transforms into a mid-senior-level position.
On the other hand, after a diploma in civil engineering, individuals are eligible for higher education options as well. Depending on the previous degree, one can either choose a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in the same concentration.
Eligibility Criteria for a Diploma in Civil Engineering
The Diploma in Civil Engineering program is specifically tailored for students who have successfully completed their Class 12 examinations. This course is particularly chosen by individuals who may face constraints in terms of resources or time to pursue a full-time Engineering degree. In addition to this, the eligibility criteria for enrolment include:
- Class 12th stream: Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- Eligibility: Minimum aggregate score of 50%.
- Reserved category: 5% relaxation in the required aggregate score.
- Specific subject requirements and minimum aggregate scores beyond Class 12th.
- Practical aspect: Ideal for those with time or financial constraints.
- Alternative path: Provides an option for those unable to pursue a full-time Engineering degree.
- Purpose: Highlights the diploma as a practical and academic choice.
- Stress on criteria: Emphasises meeting educational and aggregate score requirements for admission.
Admission
Admission to a diploma in civil engineering is similar to the process for full-time degree programs, involving entrance exams and merit-based considerations contingent on meeting minimum aggregate score requirements.
Universities typically administer entrance exams, with popular examples including Delhi CET and MP PPT. Renowned institutions such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Galgotias University, Lovely Professional University, and Chandigarh University provide diploma courses in civil engineering. The application process, along with the entrance test, is entirely conducted online, streamlining the procedure for prospective students.
The entrance test’s syllabus encompasses not only Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) questions but also delves into general knowledge. Post the written test, shortlisted candidates progress to subsequent admission rounds, including counselling sessions. This multi-stage process ensures a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ aptitude and suitability for the civil engineering diploma program.
Syllabus for Diploma in Civil Engineering 2024
To get a better grasp of all information about civil engineering, one should also look at the syllabus. The syllabus for the diploma in civil engineering is shorter and also does not include some extra subjects the full-time degree has.
For reference, the following is a sample three-year syllabus for the diploma course with some subjects. Besides these subjects, there is also project work and lab work to be done.
| First Year | Second Year | Third Year |
| Applied Chemistry | Thermal Engineering | Earthquake Engineering |
| Applied Mathematics | Concrete Technology | Civil Engineering Drawing |
| Applied Mechanics | Hydraulics | Irrigation Engineering |
| Building Materials | Strength of Materials | Estimating, Costing, and Valuation |
| Building construction and maintenance engineering | Environmental Pollution and Control |
Jobs after Diploma in Civil Engineer
After completing a diploma in Civil engineering, individuals typically start in junior or assistant positions, often working alongside senior engineers. Many jobs initially offer contractual positions, with the opportunity to transition to full-time employment over time. Here are the top five job options available after completing a civil engineering diploma.
1. Civil Engineer
Job Description: Most students wonder what to do after civil engineering diploma and their first choice is usually Civil engineering. Civil Engineers are responsible for large-scale infrastructure projects such as, building roads, railways, airports, bridges, water systems, etc. These projects are available for both the private and public sectors.
Skills Required: Knowledge of CAD or a similar engineering software.
Annual Salary: INR 3,10,403 LPA.
Also, read: 16 Best Jobs after Civil Engineering in India 2024
2. Structural Engineer
Job Description: Structural Engineers specialise in the sub-discipline of Civil Engineering, focusing on the construction of the essential framework of buildings, often referred to as the “bones” of structures. They are responsible for designing and creating the internal support systems that ensure the stability and rigidity of buildings, making them resilient to environmental challenges and disasters.
Skills Required: In-depth knowledge of various construction materials and techniques. Collaborating with construction teams, as well as public and private agencies, is a key aspect of their role.
Annual Salary: INR 5.7 LPA
3. Transportation Engineer
Job Description: Transportation Engineers specialise in the subfield of Civil Engineering that focuses on transportation systems, crucial arteries that sustain the functionality of cities. Their primary goal is to ensure the smooth operation of railways, metro lines, highways, oil pipelines, space transportation, and traffic control systems. Transportation Engineers work collaboratively in a team to design and construct transportation infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of a city.
Skills Required: Expertise in designing and constructing transportation systems.
Annual Salary: INR 5 LPA
4. Construction Engineer
Job Description:
Construction Engineers orchestrate complex construction projects, developing building plans, overseeing development, managing inventory, ensuring safety compliance, and recording construction progress. They lead regular meetings with upper management to ensure project alignment.
Skills Required:
Strong leadership, time management, and clear communication skills are essential for Construction Engineers.
Annual Salary: INR 5.5 LPA
5. Environmental Engineer
Job Description: Environmental Engineers focus on projects with environmental impact, such as water treatment plants, air pollution control facilities, waste disposal, and public health initiatives. Their goal is to reduce pollution and prevent the spread of harmful substances. They handle planning, construction, and maintenance within their projects, ensuring compliance with national and state regulations.
Skills Required: Environmental Engineers typically require a diploma in the field, along with expertise in project planning, construction, and adherence to environmental laws.
Annual Salary: INR 4.0 LPA.
Gateway to Civil Engineering
As evident, Civil Engineering has a wide scope in India today. Diploma in civil engineering holders no longer have to lag behind their full-time degree counterparts. With a little bit of research, students can work a full-time high pay job in no time. In the meantime, one can brush up on their studies and get any doubts cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A diploma degree in civil engineering is the perfect option for students who wish to start working immediately but do not have the finances for it. Graduates can start working as a Junior engineer and then over time work up to a full-time position. Thereafter, the diploma holder can earn a bachelor’s and also a master’s to build up the resume and look for higher-ranking jobs.
Most of the subjects in the Civil Engineering diploma are the same as in the B.Tech degree version. Barring a few communications and also personality development classes most other classes are the same. Students even have laboratory work and also fieldwork in the diploma degree. For example, some subjects one can expect in the course are Applied Chemistry, Thermal Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Concrete Technology, and Civil Engineering Drawing.
Diploma courses in any subjects are of shorter duration than the normal courses. In this case, the civil engineering diploma course is of generally two to three years in duration. The actual duration will, in truth, differ from university to university.
Yes. How easy or hard a course is, diploma or otherwise depends completely on the individual pursuing it. There is always a level of difficulty in Engineering courses. Especially in civil engineering as there are advanced subjects. There is even laboratory work to complete in between. Universities and colleges have plenty of time to students to get their doubts cleared by teachers. One can even head to online websites like Chegg to get homework help or have subject experts answer their questions.
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