How Can I Become a Mechanical Engineer?

A Bachelor's degree in engineering (B. Tech) is the basic requirement to become a mechanical engineer. The postgraduate course generally offers specialized training in thermal engineering, design, and production engineering. Post graduate degrees are essential for most teaching posts and positions in management and an additional degree in business administration is desirable for management positions.

There is also the Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers (AMIE), which enables working people in the private and public sector, or diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's engineering degree through distance education. A three year engineering degree course entitled Mechanical Engineering is also available. This course is also accredited with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for Chartered Engineer status.

Some of the popular exams to study mechanical engineering include:

• All India Tests:
• AIEEE
• IITJEE
• State Level Tests:
• MHT CET
• KCET
• WBJEE

Click here to know about other tests.

Salary
Starting salaries range between Rs 1.2 lakhs to 1.5 lakhs annually. With experience (mid-level) mechanical engineers can earn up to 8 – 9 lakhs and at senior levels, it can go upto 18 lakhs. Appraisals and hikes would depend on your performance and additions skills acquired on-the-job. Having said that, a lot depends upon the company you are working for.

Skills

• Able to solve problems using both logic and creative/innovative approaches
• Numerate and highly computer literate, with excellent analytical skills
• Able to plan and prioritise, work to deadlines and under pressure
• Capable of careful attention to detail, exercising good judgment and accepting responsibility
• Able to communicate with others and work in multidisciplinary teams