Fire and Safety Engineer
Designs buildings and equipment to minimise fire risk and to fight a fire effectively if one starts.
Overview
Fire Safety Engineers work on the architecture and design of a structure to minimise the risk posed by fire. They also determine what fire protection equipment a structure needs to effectively battle a fire in the event of one.
Where they work
- Government fire services
- Industrial locations such as factories and manufacturing plants
- Airports
- Stadiums
- Research laboratories
- Colleges and universities
- High-rise buildings among others
Work environment
You will work usual office hours – 10 to 5, but may work longer if you are working on, or travelling to and from, a project site. You may conduct inspections, investigate fires, or provide training.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to work in teams
- You like to have clear instructions to follow
- You pay attention to details
- You like trying to help people solve their problems
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
- 2Complete Bachelor's in Fire and Safety/Fire Safety and Hazard Management/Fire & Industrial Engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Pursue a Diploma in the similar field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's and then pursue an MBA in Fire and Safety Management.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Engineering. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- National Fire Service College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala
- Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat
- National Institute of Fire & Safety Management, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Darbhanga College of Engineering, Darbhanga, Bihar
- Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh
- Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Mubarakpur, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- OPJS University, Sadulpur, Rajasthan
- Sandip University, Nashik, Maharashtra
- Galgotias University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Medi-Caps University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- JS University, Shikohabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Fire Operator
- 2Leading Fire Man
- 3Fire Prevention Officer
- 4Asst. Divisional Officer
- 5Divisional Officer
- 6Dty. Chief Fire Officer
- 7Chief Fire Officer
Expected income
₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Health, Safety and Environment Officer
Promotes and maintains workplace health and safety, and compliance with environmental law.
Civil Engineer/Structural Engineer
Designs, builds and maintains buildings, water systems, airports, roads and bridges.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to building.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Harshini Kanhekar — India's first female firefighter who joined an all-male college to fulfil her dream. She graduated from the National Fire Service College (NFSC) in Nagpur. Her job kept her away from home for months, but she won against all the hardships.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 485 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/fire-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune — a deemed university under the Ministry of Defence — is printed under private institutes on this card and is therefore not repeated in the government list here. The profile's printed link begins mid-address without a scheme; the full address is given.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.