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Author :
Aakash |
Engineering courses taken after the 12th grade open pathways to careers in the rapidly expanding technology sector in India. This includes newer disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotics. These fields are transforming various sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing. India’s AI market is projected to reach $7.8 billion and IoT is expected to add 1.9 million jobs by 2026. Studying Artificial Intelligence engineering, IoT engineering, or Robotics engineering trains students in intelligent systems, automation, and connectivity, guaranteeing several top-tier positions such as AI engineer and robotics specialist (INR 7–20 LPA). This blog covers the emerging engineering disciplines including eligibility criteria, premier institutes, syllabus, and top engineering courses after 12th.
AI, IoT and Robotics align with Industry 4.0 and its focus on intelligent systems and automation. The objectives of new-age branches of engineering AI integrate human-like decision-making skills in machines, IoT engineering interlinks devices for data transfer, and Robotics engineering designs fully autonomous robots for wide-ranging functions. Such engineering courses after 12th have high ROI (between 2–10 lakh in fees) and international prospects with companies such as Google, Amazon, and ISRO. India has over 670 colleges for AI and robotics is emerging, which makes new-age engineering branches accessible.
In the following table, the most popular engineering courses following 12th grade, their duration, and fees for the year 2026 are presented:
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
Top Colleges |
B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence & ML |
4 years |
4–10 lakh |
IIT Hyderabad, VIT Vellore |
B.Tech in IoT & Cyber Security |
4 years |
3–8 lakh |
SRM Chennai, LPU Jalandhar |
B.Tech in Robotics & Automation |
4 years |
4–9 lakh |
IIT Delhi, VIT Bhopal |
B.Tech in AI & Data Science |
4 years |
4–10 lakh |
Bennett University, Shiv Nadar University |
B.Tech in Mechatronics (Robotics Focus) |
4 years |
3–7 lakh |
Manipal Institute, Amrita University |
Brief Summary: The B.Tech AI/ML program trains students in aspects of machine learning, deep learning and data analytics with the aim of designing sophisticated systems such as self-driving cars and chatbots. The course is available in more than 300 colleges.
Job Titles: AI Engineer, Data Scientist (7–15 LPA)
Top Companies: Microsoft, Amazon, Deloitte
Brief Summary: Focused on the interconnection of devices through their sensors and networks, enabling smart devices and cities, IoT engineering (B.Tech IoT) is one of the more modern engineering branches. Its popularity is expected to rise with the advent of 5G networks.
Job Titles: IoT Developer, Network Engineer (6–12 LPA)
Top Recruiters: Cisco, Intel, TCS.
Overview: The field of robotics engineering (B.Tech Robotics/Automation) encompasses mechanical, electrical, and AI disciplines for the purpose of creating robots for use in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. It is a unique niche engineering branch with a postgraduate demand from students after their Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination (12th).
Career Roles: Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist (INR 8–20 LPA).
Eligibility: Minimum of 50–60% in 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized educational board. There are a few colleges that consider Computer Science as well.
Entrance Exams: JEE Main, JEE Advanced, VITEEE, SRMJEEE, CUET, or LPUNEST for engineering after 12th grade for other colleges.
Admission: Visit college websites or the centralized portal (for JEE, jeemain.nta.ac.in) for applications. Post submission, a rank-based counseling is conducted. The application timeline is expected to be April–July 2026.
Core engineering and specialized emerging sectors are incorporated in the syllabus for new-age engineering.
Focused Branches:
Subjects: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Python, Data Structures, Neural Networks, Computer Vision.
Tools: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Jupyter Notebook.
Focus: Automation and prediction through AI model development.
Subjects: Embedded Systems, Sensors, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Wireless Communication.
Tools: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, AWS IoT.
Focus: Creation of interlinked intelligent systems.
Subjects - AI, Mechatronics, Automation, Robot Kinematics, and Control Systems are robotics engineering subjects.
Tools: ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB, and CAD.
Focus: Developing autonomous robots.
The new-age engineering branches AI and IoT offer diverse roles for students after completing their 12th grade:
AI Engineer: INR 7–15 LPA (Google, Accenture).
IoT Developer: INR 6–12 LPA (Bosch, Reliance Jio).
Robotics Engineer: INR 8–20 LPA (NASA, Tech Mahindra).
Data Scientist: INR 8–18 LPA (Amazon, IBM).
Global demand for robotics is predicted to increase by 9% by 2026, and AI is forecasted to grow at a 36.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2030.
To excel in Artificial Intelligence engineering, IoT engineering, or Robotics engineering, follow these strategies:
Master Entrance Exams: Make use of NCERT and H.C. Verma for JEE Main prep, and aim for over 95th percentile for IITs and NITs.
Build Technical Skills: For modern engineering fields, learn Python, C++, or Arduino through Coursera or Udemy.
Practice Projects: Build AI (Kaggle), IoT (smart bulb), or robotics (line follower) models to enhance your portfolio.
Join Coaching: For JEE, join Aakash, FIITJEE, or use Unacademy.
Stay Updated: NASSCOM and IEEE for trends in engineering post 12th.
Network: Access college insights from top alumni on LinkedIn.
The rising engineering domains of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Robotics, post 12th grade, are aligned with Indo-tech progress and initiatives like Make in India. Pursuing new age engineering branches comes with earning an interdisciplinary education, a high starting salary, and international career opportunities. With greater flexibility, students can create a head start through online certifications, such as Google’s AI course, or Coursera.
To learn more about the new age engineering fields, 12th grade entrance examinations, or to receive more personalized assistance with career planning, reach out to our teams through the Enquiry button on our website. Start your career as an Artificial Intelligence engineer, IoT engineer, or Robotics engineer in 2026.