Aerospace Engineering (AE)
Aerospace Engineering courses teach students how to design, test and manufacture aircraft, satellites and spacecraft. The Aerospace Engineering field is a mix of Aerospace Engineering and Astronautical Engineering.
Aerospace Engineering courses are offered at Aerospace, MTech, BE, ME, PhD, Diploma and Certificate levels. For eligibility, candidates should clear Class 12 with PCM subjects but it also depends on course level. There are many colleges that offer Aerospace courses like NIT Delhi, SRM Institute of Science & Technology,IIT Dharwad and more. Colleges like these require entrance exam scores. Popular entrance exams for Aerospace engineering are JEE Mains, CUET, etc.
Aerospace Engineering offers multiple job options after graduation like Aerospace Structural Engineers, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Functional Safety Engineers, and more. The average salary of an Aerospace Engineer is 11.9 LPA, according to ambitionbox.
Candidates can see the general outline of the eligibility below:
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Course Levels |
Eligibility Criteria |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering |
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M Tech in Aerospace Engineering |
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Diploma in Aerospace Engineering |
Class 10 with Science and Mathematics subjects. Minimum aggregate of 50% (may vary by institute). |
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Aerospace Engineering Certificate |
Class 12 with at least 50 to 60% marks in their Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects. |
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PhD in Aerospace Engineering |
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Aerospace Engineering courses provide detailed knowledge to the students about the planning, analysis, building, and operational testing of flightworthy machines, including both aircraft and spacecraft. The Aerospace Engineering subjects covered in the classes primarily lay emphasis on the scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles to develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related machinery.
Some important Aerospace Engineering subjects taught in the classes include Aero Engineering Thermodynamics, Aircraft Materials and Production Techniques, Aircraft Structures, Rocket Propulsion, Space Mechanics, Aircraft Stability and Control, Flight Testing, Aeroelasticity, etc.
The Aerospace Engineering syllabus is planned out in such a manner as to give as much knowledge to the students as possible, including core subjects and various interesting electives, along with hands-on training via lab work, informative workshop sessions, internship programs, and a final-year research project.
The Aerospace Engineering subjects list helps students gain important skills, including analytical skills, computer and technology aptitude, mathematical and mechanical proficiency, knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion, and operations analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students can even choose a particular subject from the B Tech Aerospace Engineering syllabus and earn a specialization at the postgraduate level, such as Space Technology, Avionics, Propulsion, Structural Dynamics, Aerodynamics, and Flight Mechanics and Control.
The Aerospace Engineering syllabus is structured according to the course level and the college offering the course. Interested students may read this article further to know everything about the semester-wise Aerospace Engineering subjects.
Aerospace Engineering Subjects (In Detail)
This section talks in detail about the general Aerospace Engineering syllabus for the diploma, BTech, MTech, and PhD levels in India.
Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects
Students can go through the basic Diploma in Aerospace Engineering syllabus in the table given below:
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Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 1 |
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Engineering Mathematics - I |
Engineering Chemistry |
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Engineering Physics |
Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
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Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 2 |
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Engineering Mathematics - II |
Materials Science |
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Aerodynamics |
Aircraft Structures |
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Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 3 |
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Aircraft Instrumentation |
Environmental Science |
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Theory of Machines |
Computer-Aided Drafting |
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Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 4 |
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Elements of Avionics |
Aircraft Safety and Management |
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Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhauling |
Spacecraft Power Plant |
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Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 5 |
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Flight Instruments |
Advanced Propulsion Systems |
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Manufacturing Technology |
Aircraft Systems Testing |
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Diploma Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 6 |
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Aircraft Operation and Maintenance |
Advanced Aerodynamics |
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Aviation Regulations and Safety Management |
Industrial Training & Final Project Work |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects
The B Tech Aerospace Engineering syllabus includes both core and elective subjects that give insights about the planning, designing, and building of aircraft and spacecraft systems and machinery. Students must complete practical lab work and research projects to rightfully grasp the important fundamental concepts that fall under the field.The B Tech Aerospace Engineering subjects are given in the table below for students’ reference:
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 1 |
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Calculus |
Physics - I |
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Introduction to Aerospace Engineering |
Basic Electrical Engineering |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 2 |
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Computer Programming |
Engineering Graphics |
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Materials Science and Metallurgy |
Basic Electronics Engineering |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 3 |
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Introduction to Engineering Design |
Introduction to Electrical and Electronics Circuits |
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Solid Mechanics |
Differential Equations |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 4 |
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Introduction to Numerical Analysis |
Thermodynamics |
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Fluid Mechanics |
Aerospace Structural Mechanics |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 5 |
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Control Theory |
Propulsion |
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Aerodynamics |
Structures Laboratory |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 6 |
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Flight Mechanics |
Spaceflight Mechanics |
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Engineering Design Optimization |
Rocket Propulsion |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 7 |
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Aircraft Design |
Manufacturing Technology |
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Heat Transfer |
Aerospace Structures |
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B Tech Aerospace Engineering Subjects – Semester 8 |
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Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity |
Final Project Work |
M Tech in Aerospace Engineering Subjects
The M Tech in Aerospace Engineering syllabus provides an in-depth understanding to students about aerospace structural mechanics, flight vehicle dynamics, advanced computational fluid dynamics, etc. Students can also choose to specialize in any of the elective subjects like Avionics, Propulsion, Space Technology, and Flight Mechanics and Control according to their interests.
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M Tech in Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 1 |
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Introduction to Flight |
Finite Element Methods |
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Aerospace Structural Mechanics |
Mathematical Methods for Engineers |
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M Tech in Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 2 |
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Flight Vehicle Aerodynamics |
Analysis and Design of Composite Structures |
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Aerospace Propulsion |
Elective - I |
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M Tech in Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 3 |
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Elective - II |
Elective - III |
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Propulsion Laboratory |
Project Work (Phase-I) |
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M Tech in Aerospace Engineering Subjects - Semester 4 |
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Project Work (Phase-II) & Seminar |
Viva-voce |
Aerospace Engineering Fees in India
- B.Tech / B.E. in Aerospace Engineering
- Government colleges: approximately ₹50,000–₹2.5 lakh per year
- Private colleges: approximately ₹1.5–₹4.5 lakh per year
- Total 4-year tuition: roughly ₹2–₹18 lakh, excluding hostel and other charges.
- Diploma in Aerospace Engineering
- Usually around ₹30,000–₹1.5 lakh per year
- Duration is generally 2–3 years, depending on the entry route and institution.
- M.Tech / M.E. in Aerospace Engineering
- Government institutions: around ₹20,000–₹1.5 lakh per year
- Private institutions: around ₹1–₹3 lakh per year
- Usually a 2-year program.
Aerospace Engineering offers career opportunities across aircraft, spacecraft, drones, defence systems, propulsion, avionics, manufacturing, testing, and research. The exact job depends on whether you specialize in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, avionics, manufacturing, or systems engineering.
Major Jobs in Aerospace Engineering
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Job Role |
What They Do |
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Aerospace Engineer |
Designs, develops, and improves aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace systems. |
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Aeronautical Engineer |
Works mainly on aircraft, including aerodynamics, structures, performance, and design. |
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Aerospace Design Engineer |
Creates and develops components and systems using engineering and CAD software. |
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Aerodynamics Engineer |
Studies airflow around aircraft, wings, rockets, and other aerospace vehicles to improve performance. |
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Propulsion Engineer |
Works on aircraft engines, rocket engines, turbines, and propulsion systems. |
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Avionics Engineer |
Develops and maintains electronic systems such as navigation, communication, sensors, and flight-control systems. |
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Structural Engineer |
Designs and analyzes aircraft and spacecraft structures to ensure strength, durability, and safety. |
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Flight Test Engineer |
Plans and analyzes tests to evaluate aircraft performance and safety. |
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Manufacturing Engineer |
Helps manufacture aircraft and aerospace components efficiently and accurately. |
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Systems Engineer |
Coordinates different aerospace subsystems and ensures that the complete vehicle works as an integrated system. |
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UAV/Drone Engineer |
Designs, develops, tests, and improves drones and unmanned aerial systems. |
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Rocket/Spacecraft Engineer |
Works on launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft structures, propulsion, and related systems. |
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Thermal Engineer |
Manages heat and temperature in aircraft engines, spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace systems. |
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Materials Engineer |
Develops and selects materials such as composites, alloys, and heat-resistant materials for aerospace applications. |
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Maintenance Engineer |
Works on inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and airworthiness of aircraft and aerospace equipment. |
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Research & Development Engineer |
Conducts research and develops new aerospace technologies, designs, and systems. |
Aerospace Engineering in Defence
Aerospace engineers can also work in the defence and military aerospace sector. Their work may involve:
- Fighter and transport aircraft
- Helicopters
- Missiles and launch systems
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Radar and aerospace electronics
- Propulsion systems
- Defence research and testing
- Aircraft structural design
- Simulation and flight testing
In India, aerospace graduates may find opportunities in organizations and companies involved in space, defence, aircraft manufacturing, aviation, and research.
Aerospace Engineering in the Space Sector
Another major career area is space technology. Engineers can work on:
- Satellites
- Launch vehicles
- Rockets
- Spacecraft
- Satellite propulsion
- Guidance and navigation
- Space structures
- Thermal systems
- Mission systems
- Ground-support systems
Private-Sector Opportunities
Aerospace engineers are also employed by private companies involved in:
Aircraft manufacturing → Aircraft components → Drones → Space technology → Defence → Aviation → Engineering services → Aerospace R&D
Career Growth
A typical career progression can look like:
Graduate Engineer → Junior Aerospace Engineer → Aerospace Engineer → Senior Engineer → Lead Engineer → Engineering Manager / Project Manager → Technical Specialist or Engineering Head
Students who pursue M.Tech, MS, or PhD can also move toward advanced R&D, research, teaching, and specialist engineering positions.
Skills That Help
Apart from the degree, employers commonly value knowledge of:
- CAD/3D modelling
- Aerodynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Aircraft structures
- Propulsion
- MATLAB/Simulink
- ANSYS/CFD
- Programming
- Simulation and testing
- Problem-solving and analytical skills