What is Mechanical Engineering? Why does it matter? Full form, Duration, Colleges, Criteria.

Mechanical Engineering is the oldest and most important branch of engineering. It focuses on the design, production, and operation of machines. In simple language, the mechanical engineering meaning is the study of how mechanical systems work.

You can pursue this field at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels at top universities and colleges in India.

In Mtech mechanical engineering, your focus is on specialisations such as thermal engineering, manufacturing, industrial engineering, robotics, and mechatronics.

The Mechanical Engineering course prepares students for careers in the automobile industry, aeroplanes, robotics, energy, and manufacturing. And graduates also go into research, start companies, and get advanced degrees overseas.

Mechanical Engineering Course Highlights 

Definition of Mechanical Engineering 

Mechanical Engineering is a field that focuses on creating and maintaining machines and mechanical systems. It applies physics, maths, and material science to design technology that improves people's lives.

The Mechanical Engineering scope is wide. It includes topics such as automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, manufacturing, and even AI-powered systems. 

Top Mechanical Engineering Specialisations 

The Mechanical Engineering course combines theoretical instruction with practical skills and research opportunities. It's a popular choice for students who want careers in design, manufacturing, robotics, and automation. Here are the popular specialisations - 

• Thermal Engineering

• Robotics and Automation

• Manufacturing Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Mechatronics

• Automobile Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

 Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 

The mechanical engineering syllabus is designed to give students theory and hands-on skills. It covers subjects with some electives and lab sessions. 

Though the syllabus varies from one university to another but the basic structure is generally the same for both B.Tech and BE programs in mechanical engineering. Have a look at the basic syllabus - 

If we discuss the B.Tech Mechanical Engineering syllabus and the BE Mechanical Engineering syllabus are similar in that they cover the same curriculum. 

Mechanical Engineering Eligibility Criteria 

The requirements to study mechanical engineering can be a bit different depending on whether you're going for a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D., but they're generally pretty similar.

If you want to get a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, you'll need to pass your 10+2 (or the equivalent) with physics, chemistry, and maths your main subjects. Universities also prefer that you have at least 50–60% of the possible points. 

The requirements for a BE in mechanical engineering are about the same. You'll need 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and math, as well as high scores on the entrance exams or grades.

How to apply for Mechanical Engineering 

You need to check the mechanical engineering admission guidelines of your chosen university. To gain admission to mechanical engineering, you must follow these general steps. 

• First, see if you're eligible for Mechanical Engineering programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral level.

• Next, pick the program and school you want, whether it's a B.Tech, BE, M.Tech, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

• Then, register online on the official site of the exam authority or university.

• Fill out the application with your personal info, grades, and contact info. Upload your photo, signature, and transcripts.

• Pay the application fee online using net banking, UPI, or a card.

• If there's an entrance exam you need to download your admit card before the test.

• Take the entrance exam or wait for the merit list if the school admits students. 

• After securing a seat, pay the admission fee to secure your spot.

Mechanical Engineering Entrance Exam 

Mechanical engineering admissions can be taken at the university, state, or national levels. These exams check your knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the undergraduate level, and then focus on core mechanical subjects at the postgraduate level.

Here's a list of key mechanical engineering entrance exams for 2025:

Top Mechanical Engineering Colleges in India 

India has some great mechanical engineering colleges. They're known for good teaching, modern labs, knowledgeable teachers, and job opportunities after graduation. Here's a list of the best mechanical engineering colleges in India:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati

• National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy

• National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal

• Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani

• Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi

• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore

• SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

• College of Engineering, Pune (COEP)

• Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Mechanical Engineering vs Electrical Engineering

Choosing between a mechanical and electrical engineering course can be tough. They're both popular fields with lots of job opportunities in India and other countries.

Mechanical engineering is primarily concerned with machines, design, manufacturing processes, heat sources, and robots. On the other hand, electrical engineering is concerned with power grids, electronics, and electrical devices.

Here's a quick look at how the two compare: