ARE CORE ENGINEERING CAREERS IN INDIA STILL IN DEMAND?

With diverse career options available today and the spotlight on IT and Automation, the relevance of core engineering is under scrutiny.

If you’re contemplating a career in engineering, you might wonder: ‘Is Engineering still a good career choice?‘

In this insightful blog post, we explore the resurgence of core engineering disciplines amidst the prevailing dominance of IT and Automation. We will discuss the foundations, relevance, and potential of core engineering fields, helping you determine if the path of an engineer is right for you. But first….

What is Engineering?

At its core, engineering is about applying scientific principles and mathematical concepts to solve real-world challenges. It involves the design, development, and testing of machines, structures, and processes aimed at addressing complex problems faced by society.

Engineers are visionary problem solvers, playing a vital role in shaping our world, whether by designing innovative structures, developing cutting-edge technology, or optimizing industrial processes.

Now, let’s explore the essence of engineering through its core branches:

Exploring the Core Branches of Engineering

Among the foundational branches are Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Chemical engineering, each with its unique set of scientific and mathematical foundations, and these core branches have paved the way for the development of numerous specialities over time.

1.CIVIL ENGINEERING:

Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and water systems. Their work shapes communities and improves quality of life, ensuring safe and efficient transportation and infrastructure for society.

Foundation of Civil Engineering

1.Physics: Understanding principles like mechanics, dynamics, and materials science for designing structures that can withstand various forces and loads.
2.Mathematics: Relying on mathematical concepts such as calculus, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry to analyze and solve problems related to structural design, fluid dynamics, and land surveying.
3.Statics and Dynamics: Understanding and analyzing forces and motion, for designing stable structures and predicting how they will behave under different conditions.
4.Fluid Mechanics: Knowledge of fluid behaviour for designing hydraulic systems, water distribution networks, and drainage systems.
5.Geology: Understanding geological principles to assess site conditions, soil stability, and potential hazards like landslides or earthquakes.
6.Environmental Science: Consideration of environmental factors when designing infrastructure projects to minimize their impact on ecosystems and natural resources.
7.Computer Science and Programming: Increasingly, civil engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software and programming languages for modelling, simulation, and data analysis in their projects.

2.ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING:

Electrical engineers design, test, analyze, and manufacture electrical components used in diverse applications. They work across industries like research, manufacturing, and telecommunications, playing a crucial role in developing advanced technologies.

Foundation of Electrical Engineering:

1.Physics: Understanding principles such as electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic fields for designing electrical systems and devices.
2.Mathematics: Mathematical concepts like calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and complex analysis to model and analyze electrical circuits, signals, and systems.
3.Circuit Theory: Knowledge of circuit theory, including Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, and network analysis, for designing and analyzing electrical circuits.
4.Electronics: Understanding semiconductor physics, digital and analog electronics, and device behaviour for designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits and systems.
5.Control Theory: Principles of control theory, including feedback systems and stability analysis, for designing and optimizing control systems in applications like robotics and automation.
6.Signal Processing: Understanding signal processing techniques for analyzing and processing signals in applications such as telecommunications, audio processing, and image processing.

3.MECHANICAL ENGINEERING:

Mechanical engineers design, develop, construct, and test various systems. They handle everything in motion, including components, machinery, and even the human body (medical devices, prosthetics, or equipment used in healthcare settings). They help to shape the technology and infrastructure essential for driving our modern world across a wide range of applications and industries.

Foundation of Mechanical Engineering:

1.Physics: Understanding principles such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics for analyzing and designing mechanical systems.
2.Mathematics: Mathematical concepts such as calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and statistics for modelling and analyzing mechanical systems and processes.
3.Materials Science: Knowledge of materials properties and behaviour to select suitable materials for mechanical components and understanding their performance under different conditions.
4.Statics and Dynamics: Understanding and analyzing forces and motion, for designing and analyzing structures and mechanical systems.
5.Mechanics of Materials: Understanding how materials behave under load and designing structures to withstand forces.
6.Thermodynamics: Principles of heat transfer and energy conversion for designing and analyzing thermal systems, such as engines and HVAC systems.
7.Fluid Mechanics: Understanding the behaviour of fluids for designing systems involving fluid flow, such as pumps, turbines, and HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and Air conditioning) systems.

4.CHEMICAL ENGINEERING:

Chemical engineers enhance manufacturing processes in industries like chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and renewable energy. They focus on efficiency and quality control while designing and improving product manufacturing.

Foundation of Chemical Engineering

1.Chemistry: Understanding chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and kinetics essential for designing and optimizing chemical processes.
2.Physics: Principles of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer to analyze and control processes involving gases, liquids, and solids.
3.Mathematics: Mathematical concepts such as calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and statistics to model and simulate chemical processes, analyze experimental data, and optimize process efficiency.
4.Biology: Knowledge of biology is increasingly relevant for chemical engineers working in fields such as bioprocessing and environmental engineering.
5.Materials Science: Understanding the properties and behaviour of materials for selecting suitable materials for equipment and understanding their performance in chemical processes.

Now that we have a better understanding of the core engineering fields, let’s examine their relevance in today’s context.

The rising demand for Core Engineering fields in India today.

Recent statistical data from a study conducted by Statista shed light on the employability trends among Indian engineering graduates. In 2024, the employability rate surged to approximately 64 percent, marking a significant increase from 57 percent in the previous year.

This upward trend in employability is further supported by a report published by the Times of India on March 17, 2024. The report highlights a surge in campus placements for core engineering branches such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and electronics. Notably, 40% of students from Anna University’s campuses in Chennai secured placements in core sector companies, emphasizing the strong demand for skilled engineers.

Industries across automotive, manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure management are actively seeking talent, with many offering sponsorships for postgraduate studies and international opportunities.

Furthermore, as global companies continue to establish R&D and manufacturing units in India, coupled with the emergence of Global Capability Centers (GCC), the demand for core engineering talent is poised to grow, presenting opportunities for aspiring engineers across various disciplines.

The Indian Government’s increasing emphasis on “Make in India” further amplifies the relevance of core engineering fields, especially in the Manufacturing sector. The vision is to transform India into a Global Manufacturing hub, stimulating growth in industries such as automobiles, textiles, ports, and aviation.

The debate on “Engineering vs IT: Which is better?” will continue. While IT presents exciting opportunities, it’s crucial to recognize that core engineering fields serve as the foundation for innovation. With the growing emphasis on tackling issues like climate change, renewable energy, efficient waste management solutions, and sustainable development, the need for skilled engineers in core engineering fields cannot be overstated.

Notably, India’s significance in the global engineering and research and development (ER&D) market is on the rise. According to NASSCOM, India’s share in the ER&D market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12-13% to reach US$ 63 billion by 2025. This growth trajectory emphasizes the healthy demand for engineering talent in India, further solidifying the relevance and potential of core engineering careers in the country.

In conclusion, with a strong foundation in Core Engineering disciplines, individuals can unlock promising futures with diverse career paths and the ability to contribute significantly to the advancement of society.

At Elysian, we engineer your path to progress. The best career counselling in Chennai is just a phone call away. Call us now!