The Automation Engineering course teaches the design, programming, and management of automated systems and industrial processes. It's a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to create efficient systems for industries.
Students will study robotics, control systems, sensors, PLC programming, industrial automation, and the uses of AI. The course gives practical training with tools and software, so students can gain skills.
This course is good for students targeting careers in manufacturing, robotics, automotive, electronics, and process industries. It also gets them ready for advanced study and research in automation, AI, and industrial engineering.
Particulars |
Details |
Course Name |
Automation Engineering |
Course Type |
Undergraduate / Postgraduate / Diploma (depending on institution) |
Duration |
3–4 years (UG), 1–2 years (PG / Diploma) |
Eligibility |
10+2 with Science/Mathematics (UG), Bachelor’s in Engineering (PG) |
Focus Areas |
Robotics, PLC Programming, Control Systems, Sensors, AI in Automation |
Mode of Study |
Regular / Online / Distance (varies by institution) |
Career Opportunities |
Robotics Engineer, Automation Engineer, Process Control Engineer, R&D |
Skills Gained |
Problem-solving, Technical Expertise, Programming, System Design |
It is a branch of engineering that helps to concentrate on designing, controlling, and managing automated systems. The Automation Engineering scope is vast and offers many opportunities to students.
The course offers many specialisations that help students focus on a specific area. These Automation Engineering specialisations are -
Industrial Automation
Robotics Engineering
Control Systems Engineering
Embedded Systems
Mechatronics
Artificial Intelligence in Automation
Process Automation
The Automation Engineering syllabus gives students both practice and theory in industrial automation, robotics, and control systems. It includes core engineering subjects, programming, and in-person lab work.
Semester |
Subjects / Topics |
1st |
Mathematics, Physics, Basic Electrical Engineering, Introduction to Automation |
2nd |
Mechanical Engineering, Computer Programming, Circuit Theory, Electronics Basics |
3rd |
Control Systems, PLC Programming, Sensors and Actuators, Industrial Safety |
4th |
Robotics Basics, Microcontrollers, Embedded Systems, Industrial Automation Concepts |
5th |
Process Automation, Mechatronics, AI in Automation, Instrumentation |
6th |
Advanced Robotics, Automation Project, Industrial Internship, Elective Subjects |
Elective / Optional Subjects |
Focus Area |
Artificial Intelligence in Automation |
AI applications in industrial processes |
Advanced PLC Programming |
Complex PLC logic, ladder diagrams |
Industrial IoT (IIoT) |
Connecting machines and sensors for smart automation |
Machine Vision & Robotics |
Vision systems, robotic automation |
Renewable Energy & Automation |
Automation in sustainable energy systems |
Who can enrol in an Automation Engineering course depends on the level you want to enrol.
If you're interested in an undergraduate B.Tech or B.E. degree in Automation Engineering, you generally need to have finished your 10+2 schooling with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised board.
For the postgraduate M.Tech or M.E. in Automation Engineering, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in a field like engineering, electronics, or mechanical engineering.
Those wanting to study Automation Engineering should first see if they meet the requirements for the program they want. Usually, undergraduate programs ask for a 10+2 diploma with Science and Maths, and graduate programs need a relevant bachelor’s degree.
To apply, people usually send in their forms online through the college's site. Applicants need to fill out the form, upload documents such as grade reports and ID, and pay a fee.
After checking everything, students will get confirmation that they're accepted, and they can begin their Automation Engineering studies.
For entry into the Automation Engineering course, applicants need to take the entrance exams. These tests check skills in maths, physics, chemistry, and basic engineering ideas. Some colleges in India require you to clear the national or state-level engineering entrance exam.
Entrance Exam |
Conducting Body / University |
JEE Main / JEE Advanced |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
GATE (for M.Tech / PG programs) |
Indian Institute of Science / IITs |
BITSAT (BITS Pilani) |
Birla Institute of Technology and Science |
WBJEE (West Bengal) |
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board |
VITEEE (VIT University) |
Vellore Institute of Technology |
University-Specific Exams |
Respective Universities |
In India, a number of leading colleges provide Automation Engineering programs. These institutions offer good teaching, practical training, and experience with industry. Students have options among bachelor's, master's, and diploma-level programs.
Some of the best Automation Engineering Colleges are:
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani
PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore
Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi
Automation Engineering centres on automating industries, robots, and intelligent systems. Mechanical Engineering covers machines, manufacturing, and mechanics. Comparing them allows students to pick the best path based on what they like and what they want to do after college.
Feature / Course |
Automation Engineering |
Mechanical Engineering |
Focus Area |
Industrial automation, robotics, PLCs, AI |
Machines, thermodynamics, manufacturing |
Practical Skills |
Robotics, sensors, PLC programming |
Machine design, CAD, manufacturing |
Career Opportunities |
Automation Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Process Control Engineer |
Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer |
Industry Relevance |
Smart factories, Industry 4.0, robotics |
Manufacturing, automotive, and heavy industries |
Required Background |
Physics, Math, Basic Engineering |
Physics, Math |