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

Petroleum Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the exploration, extraction, production, and management of oil and natural gas resources. It combines geology, physics, chemistry, and engineering to identify safe energy sources.

This subject can be studied in college, graduate school, and even for a Ph.D. It is offered at many good schools in India and other countries. A bachelor's degree typically takes four years, whereas a master's degree requires two years.

Students will learn about reservoir engineering, drilling, well logging, oil production, fluid mechanics, and energy. The course also includes laboratory work, factory training, and real-world field projects.

Petroleum Engineering Highlights 

What is Petroleum Engineering? 

Petroleum Engineering involves the study of exploring, extracting, and producing oil and gas. Students find out how to make the best use of resources in a safe and good way. The Petroleum Engineering scope is vast that offering many opportunities to the students. The students get a chance to work in various fields related to this branch and get opportunities both in India and worldwide. 

Top Petroleum Engineering Specialisations 

This branch of engineering has many specialisations that help to focus on advanced skills. It is related to gas and oil production and helps to increase career opportunities. Let's take a look at the famous Petroleum Engineering Course specialisations - 

• Reservoir Engineering

• Drilling Engineering

• Production Engineering

• Petroleum Geology

• Offshore Engineering

• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Petroleum Engineering Syllabus 

The course has core and advanced subjects that help students study both. It will help them to become skilled in oil and gas exploration, drilling and production. The Petroleum Engineering syllabus covers theory and practical training. 

Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria 

You'll need certain qualifications to study petroleum engineering. For a B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering, you should have completed high school with physics, chemistry, and maths. For a master's degree, a bachelor's in petroleum, mechanical, chemical, or a related engineering field is usually needed. 

Some colleges also require entrance exam scores and minimum grades. If you meet these requirements, you should be ready for the technical and career-related parts of learning about oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production.

How to apply for Petroleum Engineering? 

The process of applying is easy, which needs to be followed by a general step. The application process is very important to enrol in any university. Let's have a look at the basic steps you need to get into the Petroleum Engineering course - 

• It depends on the level you choose, such as B.Tech or B.Tech for M.Tech. 

• After deciding the level, you need to research the college or university. 

• Then appear for the exam like JEE Main/Advanced, GATE, or university-specific tests.

• You also need to complete the application form online/offline on the college website.

• And attach all the required documents, such as mark sheets, certificates, and identity proof. 

• At last, pay the application fee by any mode. 

Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exam 

The Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exam helps to check students' knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Maths for entry into top colleges. If you pass these tests, then you can secure a career in oil, gas, and energy. Students are better able to prepare and select the appropriate college when they are aware of these tests.

Top Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

There are some excellent universities in India for people who wish to become petroleum engineers. They offer good classes, updated labs, and chances to learn about the field. Picking the right school can really help your job chances and build your skills. It can be helpful for students to know which petroleum engineering colleges are the best.

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Dhanbad

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee

• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy

• Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar

• University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun

• ONGC Academy, Dehradun

• Amity University, Noida

• PDPU School of Petroleum Management, Gandhinagar

Petroleum Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering

The comparison of petroleum and mechanical engineering helps students choose the best path. It depends on what they like, what jobs are out there, and what industries are in need. These are both core branches of engineering, but the focus, subjects, and job types are not the same. Learning how they compare can help with career planning.