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Mechanical Engineering is the second most popular engineering stream after Computer Science, with lakhs of students enrolling for this course every year at several educational institutes in the country.

Mechanical Engineering is one of the most versatile and in-demand Engineering courses across India. (Representational/Getty)
Engineering, especially Mechanical Engineering, is widely considered a highly sought-after and popular course in India, offering diverse career paths and job prospects, particularly in the automobile and manufacturing industries. It is the second most popular engineering stream after Computer Science, with lakhs of students enrolling for this course every year at several educational institutes across the country.
What Is Mechanical Engineering?
In simple terms, Mechanical Engineering involves understanding how things work, from the smallest microparticle to the largest spacecraft, including the human body — one of the most complex machines. Mechanical engineers use Physics, i.e., the principles of motion, energy, and force, to ensure that designs are safe, efficient, and reliable, all at a competitive cost.
As a Mechanical Engineer, you can work in several industries, including automotive, aerospace, biotechnology, computers, electronics, microelectromechanical systems, energy conversion, robotics and automation, and manufacturing.
If you are planning to pursue Mechanical Engineering in 2025, here are the details of the admission process, fee structure, entrance exams, and top colleges.
Admission Process:
The eligibility criteria for applying for a basic Mechanical Engineering course include at least 50 to 60 per cent marks in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as main subjects. However, it may vary depending on the institute.
Additionally, students must appear for B.Tech Mechanical Engineering entrance exams like JEE Main and JEE Advanced, TNEA Counselling, MHT CET, KCET, COMEDK UGET, TS EAMCET, or GUJCET, depending on the preference of the college.
Fees:
The average fees for Mechanical Engineering courses in India range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 Lakh per year, depending on the institute.
Entrance Exams:
To apply for Mechanical Engineering in India, here is the list of top entrance exams:
- JEE Main and JEE Advanced: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this is one of the most prestigious exams for B.Tech aspirants aiming to secure admission into top IITs, NITs, and other government-funded technical institutions.
- VITEEE: Candidates aiming for admission to the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) must appear for the VITEEE entrance examination.
- BITSAT: Conducted by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, this exam is for admission to its campuses in Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad.
- MHT CET: A state-level entrance examination conducted for admission to engineering colleges in Maharashtra.
- WBJEE: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) is conducted for admission to engineering colleges in West Bengal.
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Top Colleges:
- IITs: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) are the top educational institutes for B.Tech courses. As per the NIRF 2024 rankings, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIT Bombay are ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively, for Mechanical Engineering, with a total course fee of around Rs 8 Lakh.
- NITs: The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy, is one of the best institutions for Mechanical Engineering, known for its academic standards and strong placement record.
- BHU Varanasi: The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi holds an NIRF ranking of 10 and is considered one of the top choices for Mechanical Engineering.
- VIT: Despite being a private institute, the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is among the most preferred institutes for Mechanical Engineering aspirants.
- DTU: The Delhi Technological University (DTU), a state-funded public university, has secured the 27th rank in the Engineering category as per the NIRF ranking.
Apart from these, several other government and private institutes in India offer high-quality education in Mechanical Engineering.