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

Last Updated on : 13 Oct 2025 02:39PM

Environmental engineering is a field that helps to protect the environment and public health. It focuses on managing air, water, and soil pollution, managing waste, and promoting sustainability. 

Students learn to create systems and solutions to environmental problems using scientific, technological, and engineering methods.

Students also learn to conduct research, observe the environment, and follow rules. The Environmental Engineering scope is wide and offers various career paths. These include government, consulting, research, NGOs, and industry. 

Graduates can also pursue advanced studies, research positions, or start new companies focused on environmental technology.

Environmental Engineering Highlights 

Feature

Details

Course Name

Environmental Engineering

Level

Undergraduate / Postgraduate

Duration

UG: 4 years, PG: 2 years

Eligibility

UG: 10+2 Science, PG: B.Tech / B.E. in relevant field

Entrance Exam

JEE Main / State Engineering Entrance / GATE for PG

Key Subjects

Water Treatment, Air Pollution, Waste Management, Renewable Energy

Skills Gained

Environmental Analysis, Project Design, Research, Sustainability

Career Opportunities

Environmental Consultant, Waste Management Expert, Researcher, NGO

Environmental Engineering Scope

Government, Industry, Research, NGOs, Higher Studies, Entrepreneurship

Mode of Study

Regular, Online, Distance (in some institutes)

What is Environmental Engineering? 

Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on protecting the environment and human health. It controls pollution of water, air, and soil, along with waste and sustainable answers. Students who complete an Environmental Engineering degree are prepared for careers in government, business, research, and consulting.

Top Environmental Engineering Specialisations 

The Environmental Engineering course has various specialisations that centre on different aspects of environmental protection and sustainability. Students can select a specialisation based on their interests and career aspirations. These are - 

  • Water Resources and Treatment Engineering

  • Air Pollution Control Engineering

  • Solid and Hazardous Waste Management

  • Environmental Biotechnology

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainability

  • Environmental Impact Assessment

  • Climate Change and Environmental Policy

Environmental Engineering Syllabus 

This is an overview of the topics covered in the Environmental Engineering syllabus. It is broken down by semester, and it includes both fundamental ideas and more advanced topics.

Semester

Subjects / Topics Covered

Semester 1

Environmental Science, Chemistry for Engineers, Mathematics, Basics of Ecology, Introduction to Environmental Engineering

Semester 2

Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Environmental Microbiology, Water and Wastewater Engineering, Environmental Chemistry

 

Semester

Subjects / Topics Covered

Semester 3

Air Pollution and Control, Solid Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment, Instrumentation and Environmental Monitoring

Semester 4

Environmental Biotechnology, Renewable Energy Systems, Environmental Laws and Policies, Climate Change Studies

 

Semester

Subjects / Topics Covered

Semester 5

Advanced Water Treatment, Hazardous Waste Management, Industrial Pollution Control, Environmental Project Management

Semester 6

Project Work / Internship, Research Methodology, Environmental Auditing, Emerging Technologies in Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering Eligibility Criteria 

The criteria depend on the course you choose. We have mentioned a basic criterion that is required to gain admission to the desired level. 

To be eligible for the UG program, students must complete their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised board. Then they can join a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering Technology. 

Postgraduate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline. They can enrol in the M.Tech in Environmental Engineering, which focuses on advanced research. 

How to apply for Environmental Engineering? 

The application process for the Environmental Engineering course is the same as the other courses. You need to follow these steps to confirm your spot. 

  • You must decide whether you want to pursue an undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma program.

  • You need to prepare for the required entrance exams. GATE, state CETs, JEE Main, or university-specific exams are acceptable.

  • Complete the online application on the college or university site. Upload documents such as transcripts, ID, and photos.

  • Pay the application fee as instructed and keep a record of the transaction.

  • After being chosen, confirm your enrolment to start studying environmental engineering.

Environmental Engineering Entrance Exam 

Students must pass the required entrance exams to be admitted to the Environmental Engineering program. We have mentioned below a list of key entrance exams and the groups that conduct them: 

Entrance Exam

Conducting Body / Organisation

JEE Main

National Testing Agency (NTA)

State CET (e.g., TS EAMCET, AP EAMCET)

State Education Boards / Government

GATE (Environmental / Civil Engineering)

IITs / National Coordinating Board

TS ICET / TS CPGET

Telangana State Council of Higher Education

UPSEE / Other State PG Exams

Respective State Technical Universities

Top Environmental Engineering colleges in India

India has many excellent colleges with knowledgeable instructors and assistance with job placement for students interested in environmental engineering.

Have a look at some top colleges- 

  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur

  • National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy

  • Anna University, Chennai

  • Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani

  • Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad

  • Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore

Environmental Engineering vs Civil Engineering

Environmental and civil engineering have a close relationship. Both fields focus on infrastructure, water resources, and biological systems, but their primary concerns differ. 

Environmental engineering focuses on pollution control, waste management, and sustainability. Civil engineering is primarily concerned with construction projects, structural integrity, and infrastructure growth.

Here's a basic comparison of the Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering

Feature

Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering

Focus

Environmental protection, waste & water management

Construction, buildings, roads, bridges

Key Subjects

Water Treatment, Air Pollution, Waste Management

Structural Analysis, Geotechnical, Hydraulics

Career Opportunities

Environmental Consultant, Research, Sustainability Expert

Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Structural Engineer

Scope

Growing demand due to environmental awareness

Stable demand in infrastructure development

Degree

B.Tech / M.Tech in Environmental Engineering

B.Tech / M.Tech in Civil Engineering

Skills Gained

Environmental Analysis, Project Management, Sustainability

Structural Design, Construction Management, Planning

 

FAQ's
Apply online through the college or university website, fill out the form, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
To appear in the Environmental engineering major exams include JEE Main, State CETs for UG, and GATE for PG programs.

Fees for Environmental engineering start from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 per year, depending on the college and program.

 
Students can work as environmental consultants, waste management experts, researchers, or sustainability specialists
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