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Every product in the market today is manufactured or produced by an industry. Production Engineering is that branch of mechanical engineering that deals with processes, quality control and management of production. It is a combination of Technology and Science that aims to design and manage efficient systems to produce products. Throughout a production engineering degree, students learn various aspects of understanding and enhancing efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing process.
The production engineering syllabus available in most colleges and universities covers both core and advanced topics, including manufacturing technology, process optimisation, and industrial management. It also combines theoretical and practical learning to develop skills required in the manufacturing industry. Some of the important subjects include material science, thermodynamics, manufacturing processes, computer-aided design (CAD), and quality management.
The courses build an understanding from basic engineering to specialised subjects related to production engineering. It also blends traditional manufacturing methods with current technologies such as CNC machining, machine automation, and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
The B Tech Production Engineering Syllabus is a 4-year, 8-semester programme. It focuses on basic foundational subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and basic engineering. Students also study technical communication, engineering graphics and programming fundamentals in the earlier semesters.
Later semesters focus on key topics such as mechanics of solids, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material science and numerical methods. Advanced courses include metal forming, foundry and welding technology, CNC machines, engineering metrology, CAD analysis and mechatronics for automation.
The M Tech Production Engineering syllabus comprises a 2-year postgraduate programme that offers advanced specialisation. The focus of the syllabus is research, industrial problem-solving and advanced manufacturing techniques. Specialisations include quality engineering, supply chain management, product development and system analysis for students to choose from.
Most production engineering courses have a core curriculum and a few elective subjects. Core subjects are an essential part of the learning that students are required to complete. The core curriculum covers a range of subjects that are key to all aspects of production engineering. The elective subjects are based on student interests and career goals.
The core subjects list includes
The elective subjects list includes:
This list outlines the general list of subjects offered in production engineering by most engineering colleges.
For any student interested in production engineering, there are multiple pathways depending on the academic level at which they want to enter. B.Tech programmes are typically four-year, eight-semester courses. The eligibility for the course is a minimum of 60% marks in Class 12 with the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Admission is through exams like JEE Main, BITSAT, VITEEE, and SRMJEEE, and/or state-recognised entrance examinations like COMEDK-UGET or KCET in Karnataka.
For an M. Tech programme, the applicant needs a bachelor’s degree in engineering in a related field with a minimum of 50% marks plus cleared GATE or university-specific tests.
At JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), the Faculty of Engineering and Technology offers B.Tech programmes with over 35 engineering specialisations. The modern curriculum and industry-focused practical training prepare students well. The university also provides strong placement and research support.
An interest in mechanics, production, and manufacturing will help a student excel in Production Engineering and in a career as a production engineer. A strong foundation in Physics and Mathematics will be a required to pursue a career in this field. Preparing and performing well in state and national-level entrance exams is also essential if the aim is to gain admission to top universities. Hands-on experience, internships in reputed companies, workshops and training that boost job readiness are some of the aspects that enhance job prospects. Teamwork and effective communication are also important for succeeding in this field.
The manufacturing industry is a primary recruiter of production engineers. The pharmaceutical, large-scale textile, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and food & beverage industries need the skills of a production engineer to ensure smooth operations and maintenance. Production engineers oversee manufacturing operations, ensure quality compliance, improve processes and manage teams. Typical job titles include production engineer, process engineer, operations analyst, a quality control manager, and a plant production manager.
Companies like Hyundai, L&T, Reliance, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Power, Ashok Leyland, SAIL, BHEL, Godrej and ONGC are some of the leading employers in this sector. The scope for production engineers in government is not direct, but through Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) such as ONGC, BHEL, SAIL, NTPC, and AAI. Defence agencies also recruit production engineers at various levels.
With the growing market of AI and ML, the need for production engineers with expertise in technology and automation is increasing exponentially. With the right skills and experience, growth in the field can be highly rewarding for aspirants.
The pay scale for a production engineer varies based on skill, experience, industry and location. At the entry level, it ranges between ?2 - ?5 lakhs per year. Mid-level professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience earn ?6 lakhs to ?8 lakhs per year, while senior engineers make ?9 lakhs or more. Specialised roles like Principal Production Engineers can command even higher pay, with around ?28 lakhs per annum. A Production Operations Engineer can earn anywhere around ?30 lakhs per annum.
The rapidly growing manufacturing industry is one of the main reasons for the growth of production engineering in India. Government initiatives under the Make in India campaign have driven the industry as well as the demand for skilled production engineers in all sectors. Since most large manufacturing sectors rely on smaller industries that support them, the scope of self-employment has also seen a steady rise.
The scope of work for production engineers has been steady, with a need for production engineers in every industry. This includes consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronics manufacturing, automotive and aerospace industries. There has also been a steady increase in the research and development sector.
With a large scale of growth in smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence and sustainable manufacturing, the scope for production engineering is seeing the job market expand. The demand for production engineers who can adapt to new technologies is high in the future. Several multinational companies employ production engineers at entry and lower levels and train them in-house to expand opportunities and place them in units outside the country. With the right skill development programmes, communication skills and experience, graduates can grow into leadership positions in the industry of their choice.
In conclusion, Production Engineering is an in-demand field in the market. A course in B.Tech or M.Tech can help students develop the required skills in manufacturing processes, quality control, and automation. Graduates can also find stable jobs in these areas and increase their salary potential. Overall, this field offers a promising career scope and competitive salaries for interested professionals.
A1. Production Engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering that deals with processes, quality control and management of production. It is a combination of technology and science that aims to design and manage efficient systems to produce products.
A2. The eligibility criteria for Production Engineering include passing 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. The minimum required percentage is 50 to 60% (45% for the reserved categories). Admissions for Production Engineering courses require candidates to qualify for any one of the entrance exams like JEE, MHT CET, WBJEE, COMEDK UGET, BITSAT and VITEEE.
A3. Skills required for production engineering include manufacturing processes, CAD and software proficiency, quality management, process optimisation, and project management.
A4. The scope of production engineering is broad and expands to various industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, and the pharma industry. Hence, graduates find huge scope for job opportunities in all these sectors.
A5. At the entry level, the salary of Production Engineers ranges between ?2 - ?5 lakhs per annum. Mid-level professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience earn ?6 lakhs to ?8 lakhs per annum, while senior engineers make ?9 lakhs or more.
A6. Yes, graduates can find various opportunities after completing a Production Engineering course. Popular job roles include Production Engineer, Process Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Quality Control Engineer.
A7. Yes, Production Engineering is in high demand because of the rise in need for automation across industries. This allows production engineers to find opportunities in many modern careers such as AI, data analytics, and sustainable manufacturing. The field is expected to continue growing, with an increasing number of jobs anticipated in the coming years.