What is Automation Engineering? Why does it matter in 2025? Full form, Duration and Criteria (Automation Engineering)

Last Updated on : 13 Oct 2025 03:14PM

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.

Automation Engineering Highlights 

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

What is Automation Engineering?

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. 

Top Automation Engineering Specialisations 

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

Automation Engineering Syllabus 

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

Automation Engineering Eligibility Criteria 

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.  

How to apply for Automation 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.

Automation Engineering Entrance Exam 

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

Top Automation Engineering Colleges in India

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:

Automation Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering

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

 

FAQ's
Automation Engineering focuses on designing and managing automated systems, robotics, and industrial processes.
For UG programs, candidates need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. For PG programs, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is required.
Applications are mostly submitted online through the official college or university website. Some programs require entrance exams.
UG courses usually take 3–4 years, PG courses 1–2 years, and diploma/certificate courses 6 months–1 year.
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