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