Compare three-year diploma, four-year undergraduate, two-year postgraduate, certificate and doctoral timelines.
Automobile Engineering Course Duration
The duration depends on the qualification level and mode of entry.
| Course | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Certificate course | A few weeks to approximately one year |
| ITI-related automobile trade | Usually one to two years, depending on the trade |
| Diploma in Automobile Engineering | Three years after Class 10 |
| Lateral-entry diploma | Commonly two years where permitted |
| BE/BTech Automobile Engineering | Four years |
| Lateral-entry BE/BTech | Usually three years |
| Integrated programme | Usually five years, where available |
| ME/MTech Automobile Engineering | Two years |
| PhD | Commonly three to six years or more |
A four-year undergraduate degree is generally divided into eight semesters. The early semesters cover basic sciences and engineering foundations. Specialised automotive subjects become more prominent in the middle and later semesters.
Diploma course structure
A diploma curriculum generally balances theoretical learning with workshop-oriented education. Students may study engineering drawing, applied mathematics, automotive engines, vehicle systems, manufacturing, electrical equipment, maintenance and workshop practice.
The final year can include industrial training, vehicle diagnosis, project work and advanced automotive subjects. Diploma programmes are suitable for students who want practical technical education after Class 10 or intend to enter a degree through lateral admission later.
Undergraduate course structure
A BE or BTech generally progresses through four stages:
First year: Mathematics, physics, chemistry, communication, programming, engineering drawing, workshops and basic electrical or mechanical engineering.
Second year: Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials, manufacturing, materials science, machine drawing and basic automotive systems.
Third year: Engines, vehicle dynamics, transmission, automotive electronics, chassis systems, design, testing, emissions and related laboratories.
Fourth year: Electives, electric and hybrid vehicles, advanced automotive technologies, internships, seminars and a major project.
The actual semester placement of subjects varies among universities.
Postgraduate course structure
An ME or MTech programme normally includes advanced subjects, electives, computational or experimental work, research methodology and a dissertation. Students may specialise in:
- Automotive systems
- Vehicle dynamics
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Internal-combustion engines
- Automotive electronics
- Powertrain engineering
- Computational engineering
- Alternative fuels
- Manufacturing and materials
- Vehicle safety
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Course at a Glance
- Course AreaCore Engineering Disciplines
- Study PathwaysDiploma, B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, certificate and doctoral pathways
- Primary FocusVehicle design, engines, electric drivetrains, transmission, chassis, dynamics, electronics, safety, manufacturing, diagnostics and testing.