To become a mechanical engineer one should have a graduate degree (B.E
/ B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) or at least a diploma in mechanical
Engineering.
The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or equivalent
examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After the bachelor's
one can go in for a post graduate degree. The postgraduate course generally
offers specialized training in thermal engineering, design, and production
engineering. Post graduate degrees are essential for most teaching posts
and positions in management and an additional degree in business administration
is desirable for management positions. There is also the Associate Membership
Examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE), which enables working
people in the private and public
sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's engineering degree
through distance education. A three year BEng degree course entitled Mechanical
Engineering is also available. This course is also accredited with the
Institution of Mechanical Engineers for Chartered Engineer status.
Selection : Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech )
is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and
through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through JEE
(Joint Entrance Exam) and for other major institutions through
AIEEE
(All India Engineering/Pharmacy/Architecture Entrance Examination)
OR their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national
level exams.
Duration : BE / B.Tech courses are of 4 years' duration. The
diploma courses in polytechnics are of 2-3 years' duration.
Fees : In private colleges fees range from approx Rs.1 lakh to
Rs. 2 lakh annually for a bachelors degree. In IIT's it varies between
Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- per year.
Personal Skills :
Mechanical engineering technicians need to have excellent mechanical
engineering skills, as well as technical drawing and computer skills for
designing machines and equipment. It requires IT, design and analytical
skills together with an ability to conceptualize structures. They must
have numeric skills as math's is an important tool, an inquisitive and
logical mind to make connections between ideas and handle abstract concepts,
creative and innovative ideas to find solutions to problems which may
need a new perspective, good practical skills to apply math's and science
to real problems. Organising ability, practicality, ability to get on
well with people of all types, ability to keep calm under pressure and
flexibly to work in a multi disciplinary area are an asset in the field.
