What is Aerospace Engineering? Why does it matter in 2025? Full form, Duration, Colleges, and Criteria (A.E)

Aerospace Engineering is a very advanced type of engineering. It is the process of designing, building, and testing flying objects such as planes, spaceships, drones, and defence systems. 

You will learn about aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, avionics, and space technology. This course combines mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to help students develop exciting concepts for flying and exploring space.

It is becoming a popular field of study in India in 2025 because organisations like ISRO, DRDO, HAL, and even some private space companies are expanding. 

The Aerospace Engineering scope is broad that including career opportunities in both the government and private sectors. 

Aerospace Engineering Highlights 

What is Aerospace Engineering?  

Well, it is the most common question asked by students: “What is Aerospace Engineering ?” It is a branch of engineering that concentrates on the design, development, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft.

Top Aerospace Engineering Specialisations 

Aerospace Engineering has various focus areas that allow students to specialise in aviation and space technology. Here are the top aerospace engineering specialisations for 2025:

• Aerodynamics

• Propulsion Engineering

• Flight Mechanics

• Aerospace Structures

• Avionics and Control Systems

• Space Technology and Satellite Engineering

Aerospace Engineering Syllabus 

The Aerospace Engineering syllabus offers classroom instruction and hands-on training in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and avionics. This course is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students preparing for competitive exams also study the GATE syllabus for Aerospace Engineering.

Let's have a look at the latest syllabus: 

Aerospace Engineering Eligibility Criteria 

To study aerospace engineering, you'll need to meet some basic requirements that are the same standard across the country. 

You usually need to have passed your 10+2 exams in maths, physics, and chemistry from an officially recognised board to pursue an Aerospace engineering bachelor's degree. 

If you're planning to do a postgraduate course, you'll need a B.Tech or BE degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or something similar. And for the Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, you'll typically need a master’s degree in engineering or science and a solid academic record.

How to apply for Aerospace Engineering? 

The application process is straightforward and mostly based on the course level. Admission tests, merit lists, and counselling are all part of the Aerospace Engineering admissions process.

To apply for Aerospace Engineering admission in 2025, you need to follow these steps:

1.  Check if you meet the requirements for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs.

2. You need to register on the official site of the university or exam organisation, like JEE, GATE, or institute portals.

3.  Upload school records, ID, and current photos.

4. Pay the application fee online.

5. Sit for exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or GATE.

6. Go to counselling sessions or interviews at the schools.

7.  Save your spot by paying the fee and verifying your documents.

Aerospace Engineering Entrance Exam 

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at top institutes such as IITs, NITs, and IISc admits students mainly through national-level exams. These exams help to assess knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for undergraduate courses. Let's have a look at the main entrance exams for Aerospace Engineering 2025:

Top Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India 

This course is offered at all levels by colleges, and students can participate in placement and internships. Below we have mentioned the list of top Aerospace Engineering colleges in India 2025: 

• IIT Bombay – Department of Aerospace Engineering

• IIT Kharagpur – Department of Aerospace Engineering

• IIT Kanpur – Department of Aerospace Engineering

• IIT Madras – Department of Aerospace Engineering

• IISc Bangalore – Aerospace Engineering Division

• MIT Manipal – Aerospace Engineering Department

• Amity University, Noida – Aerospace Engineering

• Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science, Chennai

• Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab

• Anna University, Chennai – MIT Campus

Aerospace Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace and mechanical engineering both use fundamental concepts such as thermodynamics, mechanics, and materials, but in different ways. 

Here's a closer look at how they compare: