Mechanical Engineer
Designs, develops, builds and tests mechanical devices, tools, engines and machines.
Overview
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build and test all sorts of mechanical devices, tools, engines and machines in just about every type of industry.
Where they work
- Engineering services
- Research and development
- Manufacturing
Work environment
You will work in offices. You may have to occasionally visit worksites where a problem or piece of equipment needs personal attention. You have to work for 8/9 hours per day and for 5/6 days per week.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- Knowledge of Mathematics and Physics
- Creativity and innovation
- Project Management
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech./B.Sc./B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and pursue a Master's degree (M.Tech./M.Sc./M.E.) in Mechanical Engineering
Alternative route 3
- 1Completed 10th, Pursued Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Lateral Entry in Second Year of B.E/B. Tech. (4 Year Degree Course) in Mechanical Engineering based on Diploma certificate.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions, you must qualify entrance examination conducted at national level (JEE Main, JEE Advanced etc.) or state level (WBJEE, AP EAMCET etc.) or institute level (VET, IP etc.). Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
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 Mechanical Engineering. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Maharashtra
- College of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- LD College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Distance learning
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME)
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
- 1Assistant Engineer
- 2Mechanical Engineer
- 3Senior Mechanical Engineer
- 4Operations Manager
Expected income
₹20,000 – ₹80,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Automobile Engineer
Designs, develops, manufactures, tests and services automobiles and their systems.
Manufacturing Engineer
Designs and operates computer networks, robots, automated machines and material-handling equipment.
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
Lila Poonawalla — Padmashree awardee Lila Poonawalla is the first Indian woman to obtain a Mechanical Engineering degree from College of Engineering, Pune. She began her career as an apprentice at Ruston and Hornsby in England. She later joined Alfa Laval, a Swedish company, which deals in the production of specialised products and solutions for heavy industry, as a trainee engineer. She held several positions at the company and later was chosen as a chairperson.
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 507 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/mechanical-engineer-salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.