[sad:)]

In my view there is nothing like : you do a BE in automotive engineering and you will be leading the rest of your life following your passion at work. My personal opinion, is to do a practical selection of engineering which you think will bring a good security and future. the passion can be followed, irrespective of what degree you hold. I mean, now a days automotive is just a combination of Mechanical + Software + Electronics + ..and so on. so that is always a connect which you can make to automobile later.

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by Radiator

But, my parents are sceptical regarding the 'scope' in AE. They say that electric cars will make IC cars completely obsolete hence requirement for an Automobile Engineer will be second to none.Their recommendation is Mechanical engineering.

I was in the same dilemma in 2013 being a part of an FSAE club during my undergraduate university days and working on engine optimization. In 2016, I chose to do Masters in Industrial Engineering as IC engine research is clearly on the decline. I started my Masters in Industrial Engineering in 2017 and now work as a Supply Chain Business Analyst in an Electronics Manufacturing industry. I'd say follow your parents advice. The curriculum in mechanical engineering is much more versatile.

Are you looking to do a Masters after your undergraduate education? If yes, another option is do electrical engineering with a focus on robotics. An MS in Robotic perception engineering with a focus on computer vision will give you opportunities to work in the self-driving space. Feel free to ping me for more information.

[Theyota]

IC engines are only a tiny part of any automotive engineering program. So if you and your parents think automotive engineering is all about obsolete IC engines, you are all wrong.

No matter what course you go to, you have to fight to be successful in your field of passion. This is especially true in India where majority of the general public thinks that being a software engineer or a doctor is the only way to be successful. Yes it is relatively easier to make a living as a so called software engineer or a doctor. But 10 out 100 software engineers are doing stuff that does not need a college degree (no offense against them, I would do it too if I was in their situation).

So if you are truly passionate about something, good at it and you think you have the zeal to struggle for a few initial years, then go for it, no matter what it is. If you are not sure and want to play it safe, learn some software tools and become a software engineer which also requires you to keep updating your skill sets every 2-3 or else you will become obsolete way way faster than IC engines. At the end, it is like buying a Maruti and playing it safe as everyone else does.

Unfortunately, there are no good automotive engineering programs in India that I am aware of. The ones that exist are just a hodgepodge of everything with no good faculty.

[v1p3r]

Originally Posted by humyum

Don't waste your time on Automobile engineering, the job market is bleak and so is the industry and this is coming from someone who is an Automotive Engineer and an MBA after that, both from Coventry University.

I went there as well. Just the engineering bit, though.

[bsdbsd]

So many thoughtful inputs by thoughtful people. Huge respect to all of you.

Coming to the original question, the world is now moving on with the traditional concept of automobiles. Its a more of a software product these days.

My suggestion is to pursue your passion and hobbies by holding a job that has high demand and pays you handsomely. Accordingly I advise you to pursue computer science engineering with specialization in Machine Learning and AI. Read Elon Musk's latest post on the same.

[Aditya2703]

Oh I understand your dilemma my friend, but here is what I will advise and I know some of it is not very pleasant but I am sure you will thank me later.

See the problem we have out here is that "being passionate" about something and finding that passionate place in the industry are not necessarily the same, although it should be that way.


So before we get too ahead of ourselves in the decision making and trying to save the world, simplify your passion, narrow down a little bit. Think about it or talk to your friends, try and find out what you mean by being passionate about cars. Which aspect excites you? Is it driving the cars or the car body designs or do you actually enjoy working in a workshop? I strongly suggest that you do an "aptitude test" which will give you a more tangible and scientific opinion than the random suggestions thrown around by people. Then you can combine your opinion with the test results and make a slightly more informed decision about your career.

Few more things, if engineering as a learning path excites you, it doesn't matter if you do B.E/B.Tech in automobile or mechanical, cause it's essentially the same core with few selective subjects. Also, while I do agree that foreign universities offer better curriculum, Indian universities aren't trash either. So choose wisely and don't burn a big hole in your parent's pockets unless you are rock sure about it.


Keep this in the back of your mind, there are various work areas in the industry, read about it a bit and narrow down on one or two you find most interesting and focus on that. Design, testing, manufacturing, sales & marketing, quality are some of them, each having specialized subjects.

I know it's a tough decision but do it with more of rationality and less of emotion. All the best.

Originally Posted by Radiator

But, my parents are sceptical regarding the 'scope' in AE. They say that electric cars will make IC cars completely obsolete hence requirement for an Automobile Engineer will be second to none.Their recommendation is Mechanical engineering..

It's funny isn't it that they feel since EVs are coming requirement for auto engineer will be none, yet they feel mechanical engineer will continue to have "scope". This is a dangerous word thrown around, "scope"..! I am sure corona-virus has scope, I am not sure if anything else has. Can anyone be so sure of anything?

So my friend, a vehicle has many more things than the "prime mover", which I am sure you already know and an automobile engineer can contribute in these other aspects as well. I do agree that a mechanical engineer will have avenues outside the auto industry, but that's another discussion. Take care.

[shankha007]

Originally Posted by Radiator

Greetings everyone,
I am currently in a huge dilemma regarding my future. I am very passionate about automobiles and how they work and want to pursue Automobile Engineering(AE) for my Bachelor's degree from a decent private college.

Hello "Radiator"!

Imagine you have four fuel hoses marked as regular petrol, regular diesel (your core branches), petrol with additives, and diesel with additives (your specialisations). There is a vehicle (your life, your passion, and your peace of mind) which you need to fill with the correct fuel, and you don't know what type of fuel it uses. You are not allowed to start it. However, you are allowed to pop the hood and inspect. You do a thorough inspection, find out the type of engine it has, go ahead with refuelling, and phew! It was the correct choice. That makes you happy, but not entirely. At the back of your mind, you are still not sure, which fuel would have been apt, the regular one or the one with additives!

You have started thinking, right when it is needed. It happens to a lot of people, and when they end up realising their mistake, there is no going back. But no matter which path you choose, at the end of the day you might always feel that the grass is greener on the other side. At least you'll have some grass and not a barren land, if you think before making a move.

I would request you to go through the following link, before proceeding further with my post.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/intro...ml#post4743344 (Been idling since 2015, finally in 'D' in 2020)

It was easy for me! I went ahead with what i wanted to become. Was it wise? Both yes, and no.

Yes, because i never got bored with what i was taught in college (barring Chemistry and Value & Ethics), however, the first five semesters were identical to Mechanical Engineering. In the final three semesters, i got to learn a lot more about Automotive technology, compared to what I would have learnt, had i been in Mechanical. Even after a bad start, i did not doubt my decision of not choosing Mechanical instead of Automobile. I held on. That is important, but is a gamble at times.

No, because whatever extra i learnt in Automobile Engineering, was not enough to sustain in the industry. Yes, for specific Automotive things, i would have an initial edge over my Mechanical colleague, but eventually, as one undergoes the organisation's trainings, both end up in the same playing field. Now when i might get my next call from another Automobile company, my colleague from Mechanical might get a call from a company which specialises in aviation, or may be furnaces, or may be windmills, or may be Automobile, and the options are endless.

One more thing, condition of placements is pathetic, so you really need to be good, score well, and have the patience to undergo post-graduation for specialisations, or an MBA to help climb the ladder a little faster (only if it is from a good institution). I did not have the patience, and my choices were different.

Super happy to see that you love to get your hands dirty and that gives you a head start already!

If you only want a peaceful life and want to earn money, work hard for Government exams. Then again, "peace" is very relative, and i do not think your peace lies there.

Just remember, going fast in a vehicle with a bigger engine is easier, compared to going fast in a similar vehicle with a smaller engine. It is always safe to go ahead with the core branches and you'll never go wrong.

All the best!

[dailydriver]

Has Automobile Engineering ever been worth pursuing?

The problem with technical education in India is that the trend and opportunities witness a cyclical change every few years. While Computer Science and Electronics Communication are preferred during a certain phase, the focus shifts to Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in the immediate aftermath. Civil Engineering sees a steady demand and therefore, in typical campus lingo, is the evergreen branch.

Whichever way the wind blows, automobile engineering is rarely a choice branch. Very few students opt for it because of passion and whenever they do, they are almost always in the company of students who are in the class purely because they couldn't get themselves accommodated anywhere else.

So, in the absence of quality peer group, even a die hard auto enthusiast is forced to academics of mediocrity. This is further accentuated by the sad truth that a majority of teachers themselves aren't practically knowledgeable in the subject/s. They can beautifully illustrate concepts on the black board, reel out theories and principles and talk at length on everything auto; but when it comes to holding a simple spanner, they fail miserably. Even the instructors and workshop staff are often untrained; that is when they are available - which is in itself a rarity these days.

The eternal confusion between Mechanical & Automobile can be compared to the Milk - Curds phenomenon. The former can become the latter but vice versa isn't possible or at least very less feasible.

In 2001, a close friend got into Automobile Engineering in a reputed private college in Karnataka. His CET rank could get him entry only there. Within a few days, he decided to switch and joined Mechanical Engineering in a then unknown institute.

Today, he is in the core team that worked closely with NASA & ESA in the Solar Orbiter Mission: he even featured in the newspapers and television a few days ago. I am not saying that he couldn't have achieved this being an automobile engineer, but it surely would have been a bit more difficult.

An intelligent automobile engineer has way too less profitable and / or challenging employment opportunities in India. So, you are beginning with a big disadvantage. That the curriculum is nothing to write home about and is generally immune to the changing market requirements and sentiments is also an issue that is seldom addressed by our colleges and universities.

So, choose wisely.

[Arwin07]

I am from healthcare industry. But my brother is an Automotive engineer in the USA. He studied B.E Mechanical Engineering in India and went on to do M.E Automotive engineering in the USA.

These are my observations based on my interactions with my brother and my personal searching job portals for him:

(Percentages are only rough values based on my anecdotes and not scientific. Only to give you an idea).

1. Only 30% of engineering jobs in automotive industry (so not including Finance, Pure Managerial, HR, Accounting etc.) are Mechanical or Automobile engineering jobs. These jobs are in Chassis, braking, Powertrain, Steering, NVH, Production, Quality control, Mechanical design, Aerodynamics etc.

45% jobs in Automobile industry are Electrical engineering jobs- Embedded systems, infotainment, Power control, battery management etc.

20% are Computer science jobs- Autonomous driving, Big Data, Machine learning, Computer vision, Infotainment etc.

Other 5% jobs are in Automotive design/ materials. Either MS Automotive design after Engineering or Arts majors specialising in Automotive design. Mechanical design Engineers design using CAD, arts majors/materials engineers design clay, composite models.

As far as location, 75% of Automotive R&D jobs are based on USA. 25% in Germany, UK and Japan.

If you are into Motorsports engineering, 60% jobs are based on UK, 30% in USA and rest 10% in Italy, & Germany.

To get these jobs, people who studied in respective countries are preferred. Big Automobile companies in USA don't sponsor for H1B visa these days.

If you have noticed, very negligible R&D happens in India. Even the R&D centres in India of foreign Automobile divisions are just reverse engineering, applying Western R&D to Indian cars. So not much opportunity in India except as Manager.

Hope you find these inputs helpful. All the best.

[docmoya2007]

I refrained myself for making a post on this thread, but seeing most of the posts, I started to think 'This guy needs to follow his dreams'. So here is my advice: Go for Automobile Engineering, if that is what your heart wants. Go for your passion, you will never regret it. If the Automobile Engineering course in India is not good enough, you can always better that with additional foreign degree. And keep doing the practicals you have been doing, and more in your Friendly Neighbourhood Garage. Keep learning new things everyday. That's what make Life interesting. Good Luck. And let us all know your final decision on this very thread.

[philipmathen]

Hi Radiator, the way i see it, you have got the right advice from your parents in terms of mapping out a sustainable career/future. Any bachelors degree in our current system however, only sets the base. I am a B.Com/MBA who always thought he would end up being involved in someway with cars or maybe become a doc because i loved biology in school. Instead i ended up in a bank, trading bonds and other things.

Important point is, you need to prepare yourself for the realisation that, somewhere down the line, you may actually need to switch to something else, simply because your gut tells you that is what you actually want to do.

However, if you are dead certain about AE, don't waver for a second. In my experience, that is when people tend to influence your view of what you want to do. How that plays out in the future is anybody's guess.

Brilliant thing is, you can find a lot of bachelors courses in different countries, because, based on what an ex-automobile engineer turned entrepreneur told me, the college system here does not necessarily give you the skills you actually need. And societal pressure usually nudges us in the direction of safety and comfort(and that is not something to turn up your nose at, to be honest). Like many have posted before, a bachelors in mechanical from a good institute is a great starting point. But do a bit of research. I heard that Norway for example, does not charge you for tuition at college, you just need to be able to cover your living expenses for the duration of your course. I am sure there are many more options.

Sit down, try and see what exactly about AE or the industry draws your attention. Probably reach out online to someone here in our community or elsewhere and understand what skills you would need to get to where you want to be. Self-evaluate to see if you have the urge to see it through, and what that entails. Sometimes, even the smallest thing can derail plans. My friend i mentioned earlier, called quits on an advanced course because he could not handle the loneliness, he had been away from family for more than 5 years studying/working abroad. He came back and started his own business in a totally different industry, because he was tired of automobiles at the end of it all.

As far as the EV debate goes, let's be honest, although i hate it, EVs will eventually creep in and take over mobility. So maybe someone who is good at electric motors will do well, or maybe battery technology will see huge interest(it already has). Point is, if you can sort of guess/predict what is going to be relevant in terms of a skill set when you complete your studies, you get more time to work toward and prepare for that target. Nobody wants to be obsolete when they step out of school. But, the ICE is not going to fade out for the next 10 years or so. And if our charging infrastructure and general government execution is anything to go by, maybe 10 years will stretch another 20.

My advice- do absolutely only what makes you happy. It might seem ludicrous/selfish at that point in time, but it will save you from having to feel it's a chore later on. I admit it is easy to sit back and give someone advice, and i can only imagine what an important decision this is for you, and the trepidation you currently have. But important thing is, at your age, you simply cannot have all the answers and cover all your bases.

Take a moment to reflect, and let your instincts guide you. They are almost always right. As long as you do enough research and have enough information, you will make the right decision.

[Clayton Crasto]

Hello Radiator,

Some of the members here have already given you great tips and advice so mine is about the same as theirs.
I too was considering taking up Automobile Engineering. My mother convinced me to opt for Mechanical Engineering instead, which I did and never regretted my decision.
Here's why:

1) Automobile Engineering, as the name goes, is specific to Automobiles only, whereas Mechanical Engineering teaches you so much more about power plants, engines, mechatronics, hydraulics, refrigeration, and so on. Therefore, your chances of getting a job elsewhere is much higher (with companies that are into all sorts of manufacturing, maintenance, etc.) when compared to an Automobile Engineer.

2) During my time of choice (2009), I was advised that the key topic of an Automobile Engineer is to learn Automobile Design. There aren't very good colleges in India offering that in their syllabus. One of the best places to study A.E is Germany. Now, you haven't specified exactly if you are interested in studying in India or abroad, but if it's a place like Germany or anywhere in Europe, the fees + accommodation are pretty high.

3) The Automobile sector is down in India as of now. The scenario may change by the time you complete your course but you always have that element of risk of low chances of placements.

I would suggest M.E., since it is a very diversified line and has a great scope. You will definitely get placed if you have a good average score.

Whatever your decision, I wish you all the best in your career.

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Originally Posted by Radiator

Greetings everyone,
I am currently in a huge dilemma regarding my future. I am very passionate about automobiles and how they work and want to pursue Automobile Engineering(AE) for my Bachelor's degree from a decent private college.
So if anyone from the industry could clear my doubt regarding future in AE, I would be extremely grateful.

Hi Radiator, It seems I need to add my 2 cents of Ethylene Glycol to your system.

You need not study Automobile Engineering to work in the Automotive industry. I've had colleagues with Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Arts, Language background work with me in the industry.

I did my Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from India, then a Masters in Automotive Engineering from Aachen, Germany. Worked with companies like BMW, Mercedes, AMG, MAN, Bosch, Mahindra etc., so please believe me.

In 2012, I got the queens scholarship from the British Council to do a Masters from Cranfield / Coventry (Motorsports Engineering), I left that and went to Germany to study a course that interested me more. Tuition fees those days in Germany were around 20% of what people these days pay for their kids in Kindergarten!

1. Don't listen to what people say, choose and study a course which interests YOU.

2. If you follow point 1 above, make sure you give your best and become very good at what you do.

3. If you follow point 1 and 2 above, no one can stop you, either in India or Abroad.

P.S.- I want to save the IC engine from dying.

Electric cars also have cooling systems, so you will have enough scope for work there too!

Viel Glück und Erfolg!

Spike

PS- forget studying abroad, no one in my family had ever travelled outside India, so you see what background I came from. :-)

[gadadhar]

This post is on behalf of my Jr who is an automobile enthusiast and is aiming a career in automobile industry.

I have been following the thread on AE vs ME, and for various reasons have decided AE may not be the best choice in India for UG and can plan to do a specialization later in automobile. But we are still confused on making a choice between Mechanical VS Mechatronics. Considering new age cars are driven by electronics than mechanical, will it be a wise choice to pick Mechatronics over ME? Another factor to consider is Mechatronics is not offered by many colleges (Manipal and PSG being the best choices, getting a seat may not easy in both the places).

He is appearing for his 12th board exams now and would need to make a choice in next couple of months.

Thanks to all in advance

[nileshdias]

It’s a shame India does not have well defined career paths with apprenticeships. It would be excellent for someone like OP who are certain of what they want from a career.

I live in UK and have hired people for apprenticeships which allow them work full time while pursuing a degree. They join straight from school (after A levels here) and work for 4 days a week then do their course for 1 day. At the end of 4 year program, they get a degree and would have established themselves in the firm. By then they are higher in the pecking order than someone joining via an internship after full time Uni.

One of my report’s Dad is a shining example of this. He joined an automotive company as an apprentice without going to Uni, worked his way up in the industry and is now CEO of Aston Martin!