- Imagine you are going to buy a new car.
- You want the car to be safe, comfortable and easy to drive.
- The car needs good brakes, a strong body, a reliable engine and many other parts.
- Someone has to design all these parts and test them to make sure they are working properly.
- That person is called an Automobile Engineer.
- 👉 In simple words: Automobile Engineers design, test and improve the vehicles we use every day.
Automobile Engineer
What Do They Do?
🎓 How to Become an Automobile Engineer
You have two options:
-
Start early with a Diploma
After Class 10, you can choose a relevant diploma course. Complete the diploma and join the second year of an engineering course by applying through lateral entry. -
Finish Class 12
Complete Class 11 and 12, then you can do a B.Tech./B.E. in the relevant field.
These diploma courses help students learn vehicle design, automobile systems, engines, manufacturing, and maintenance technologies.
Diploma in Automobile Engineering
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: 10th Pass with Science and Mathematics (Minimum 35%–50% marks)
Entrance Exam: State Polytechnic Entrance Exams
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Duration: 3 Years
Eligibility: 10th Pass with Science and Mathematics (Minimum 35%–50% marks)
Entrance Exam: State Polytechnic Entrance Exams
Note: Many Automobile Engineers begin with diploma programs in Automobile or Mechanical Engineering and later specialize in vehicle design, automotive systems, manufacturing, testing, and electric vehicle technologies.
These undergraduate programs help students learn vehicle design, automotive systems, engine technology, manufacturing, testing, and electric vehicle engineering.
B.Tech / B.E. in Automobile Engineering
Duration: 4 Years
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) (Minimum 50%–60% aggregate)
Entrance Exam: JEE Main / JEE Advanced / State Engineering Entrance Exams / University Entrance Exams
B.Tech / B.E. in Mechanical Engineering
Duration: 4 Years
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) (Minimum 50%–60% aggregate)
Entrance Exam: JEE Main / JEE Advanced / State Engineering Entrance Exams / University Entrance Exams
📝 Exam Details
(Click on the exam name to see full details)
JEE Main JEE Advanced State Engineering Entrance Exams University Entrance ExamsNote: Most Automobile Engineers pursue Automobile or Mechanical Engineering and later specialize in vehicle design, powertrain systems, manufacturing, motorsports, or electric vehicle (EV) technologies.
These lateral entry programs allow diploma holders to directly enter the second year of engineering and specialize in vehicle design, automotive systems, manufacturing, and testing.
B.Tech Lateral Entry in Automobile Engineering
Duration: 3 Years (Direct admission into 2nd year)
Eligibility: 3-Year Engineering Diploma in a relevant stream (Minimum 45%–50% marks)
Entrance Exam: State Lateral Entry Entrance Tests (LET)
B.Tech Lateral Entry in Mechanical Engineering
Duration: 3 Years (Direct admission into 2nd year)
Eligibility: 3-Year Engineering Diploma in a relevant stream (Minimum 45%–50% marks)
Entrance Exam: State Lateral Entry Entrance Tests (LET)
Note: Diploma holders in Automobile, Mechanical, Production, or related engineering branches can enter the second year of B.Tech/B.E. through lateral entry and continue toward careers in automobile design, manufacturing, testing, and electric vehicle technologies.
These postgraduate programs help engineers specialize in advanced vehicle design, automotive research, electric vehicle technologies, manufacturing systems, and mobility innovation.
M.Tech / M.E. in Automobile Engineering
Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Automobile, Production, or Manufacturing Engineering (Minimum 50%–60% aggregate)
Entrance Exam: GATE / University Entrance Exams
M.Tech / M.E. in Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology
Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Automobile Engineering (Minimum 50%–60% aggregate)
Entrance Exam: GATE / University Entrance Exams
Note: Postgraduate studies help Automobile Engineers specialize in vehicle design, electric mobility, autonomous vehicles, automotive research, advanced manufacturing, and leadership roles in the automotive industry.
Note:
(Age limits, marks, and admission process may vary depending on the college or state.
Below are some colleges that offer these courses.
These courses are available in many colleges and universities across India. You can choose colleges based on your location, budget, and entrance exams.)
🏛️ Colleges offering these courses in India
(Tap on a college to view the details)
After Class 10
Government Polytechnic, Hyderabad, Telangana Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery PSG Polytechnic College, CoimbatoreAfter Class 12
Hindusthan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, Maharashtra Medi-Caps University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Tamil Nadu Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai, Tamil NaduAfter Diploma (Lateral Entry)
Lovely Professional University, Punjab Chandigarh University, Punjab CHRIST University, Bengaluru, Karnataka CUSAT,Kochi, KeralaAfter Graduation
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, Karnataka Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Tamil Nadu Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, Karnataka JAIN University, Bengaluru, KarnatakaSTEP 1
Imagine you are working as an Automobile Engineer.
STEP 2
Your team is designing a new car.
STEP 3
You help design the car and its parts.
STEP 4
You test the car to make sure it is safe and efficient.
STEP 5
The car you designed is manufactured and used by people every day.
STEP 6
If you enjoy vehicles, technology, and solving problems, this career may be right for you.
Where do Automobile Engineers work? (Job Roles + Growth)
Automobile Engineers work in : Automobile manufacturing companies, Automotive component companies, Electric vehicle companies, Vehicle testing centres, Automobile research centers, Vehicle service and maintenance companies, Motorsport teams, and Automobile design studios.
🟢 Beginner Roles
Junior Automotive Technician
(After Diploma)
Handles vehicle servicing and basic repairs.
Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET)
(After B.Tech)
Assists engineers in vehicle testing and design projects.
🔵 Mid-Level Roles
Automobile Engineer
(After B.Tech + Experience)
Designs and improves vehicles and their systems.
EV Powertrain Engineer
(After B.Tech EV Specialization + Experience)
Develops electric vehicle batteries and motors.
🟣 Advanced Roles
R&D Project Manager
(After M.Tech / Advanced Specialization)
Leads vehicle research and development projects.
VP of Automotive Engineering
(After Executive Program + Experience)
Leads automotive engineering teams and innovation.
Automobile Manufacturing Companies
Design and develop cars, bikes, trucks, and commercial vehicles.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Companies
Develop electric vehicles, batteries, and charging technologies.
Motorsports Companies
Design high-performance vehicles and racing technologies.
Automotive Component Companies
Design engines, brakes, transmissions, and vehicle components.
Research & Development Centers
Create safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicle technologies.
Global Automotive Companies
Work on vehicle projects and innovations around the world.
(Click Yes or No for each question)
1. Have you ever wondered who designs the cars and bikes we use every day?
2. Do you like to learn how cars and bikes work?
3. Would you like to know how cars are made?
5. Imagine you are working as an Automobile Engineer at a vehicle testing centre. A new motorbike is brought in for testing before it is sold to people. Your job is to test the motorbike and check its brakes, engine, and other important parts to make sure they work properly and safely. Would you enjoy doing this kind of work?
5. A car company is manufacturing a new car. Your are in a team who design the car, test its safety, and improve its performance. After the car is manufactured, it will be used by people every day. Does this sound exciting to you?