A dual degree programme is not for dual majors, as many might consider it. Instead, such a programme allows students to pursue two degrees at the same time. The major benefits can be counted in the form of students completing their graduation in a shorter period of time as compared to those who pursue both degrees in succession, cost saving and above all, more high paying job options. A dual degree course gives students an option to complete the graduation and post graduation in the same stream (e.g. B.Tech+M.Tech) or study a combination of subject areas in line with their career aspirations. In the latter case, a student who wants to pursue a career in engineering sector might love to combine the course with MBA. Such a combination will help students get the practical skills indispensable to be successful engineers at one hand and acquire knowledge and expertise for the senior management positions in the same industry on the other.

The Need for Dual Degrees   

Now the next question you might ask is why dual degree is needed in engineering; and the answer to the question is simple too. Engineering is one of the hotly pursued and rewarding career options for students after 10+2. In this highly competitive field, a dual degree is in thing for students nowadays. The reason being, it gives students an option like never before – to specialise in an engineering field in less time or diversify term in two different degrees depending on their career choices. Even when dual degrees in engineering give students an option to build a better career in either field, diversifying it makes them more competitive and job ready. Hence, the need!

Dual Degrees in Engineering    

Since the dual degree courses are increasingly becoming a rage among the youth nowadays, engineering institutes across India realised the need for offering dual degree courses. Consequently, some of the leading institutes took the initiative to introduce the dual degree courses in engineering. Some of the prominent names in the list include, but not limited to, IITs in Bombay and Kharagpur, KIIT University, VIT University Vellore, BITS Pilani, Delhi Technological University, Delhi and Amity University Noida. Some of the popular dual degree programmes that engineering students can pursue include:

1. B.Tech + M.Tech
2. B.Tech + MS
3. B.Tech + MBA
4. M.Tech + PhD 

Benefits of Dual Degree Programmes

First of all, know that pursuing dual degree programme doesn’t necessarily mean that students have to bear the burden of double course load. The dual degree programmes in engineering are designed and structured in such a way that they don’t obstruct students from focusing and balancing between two-degree courses. In a nutshell, students bear nothing more than the normal course in any of engineering disciplines. Therefore, it is safe to say that there are probably no cons of pursuing a dual degree in engineering. Here are major benefits of having a dual degree.    

• Two of the most prominent benefits of pursuing a dual degree is that it’s time efficient and cost effective. Completing a degree in two subject areas in one go helps students save one good year of their career, which they otherwise have to spend on pursuing two degrees independently. This further also implies that the cost associated with pursuing a dual degree is far less than what is required for completing two degrees separately.
• Dual degree programmes are often well structured and generally offer far more than outdated, traditional programmes. Although tough it may sound to most of the students, but dual degree programmes provide accelerated learning and enable students to reap greater benefits at the later stages of life.
• Saving one year with dual degree programme means one year of additional work experience, which adds to your resume and brings you additional benefits.
• A dual degree gives a student an edge over competitors. A person having completed Engineering + MBA programme will surely have an edge when it comes to job prospects, career growth and getting better job options. A student can pursue a successful career as an engineer and be a suitable candidate for senior management positions. Such a student will also have the option to bag a good job from either of the two fields.
• Particularly, a combination of two subject areas promotes the cross-disciplinary exchange of knowledge and ideas, which is necessary to survive in the modern day highly competitive job market scenario.
• Besides boosting the chances of better job options right after the graduation, a dual degree in engineering also gives students a chance to switch between industries.
• A dual degree course makes you more job-ready than your peers. Even in placement drives across IITs this year and last time, visiting companies gave first preference and better job offers to students pursuing dual degrees.

The Challenges of Dual Degree

Pursuing a dual degree programme has its own share of afflictions that may stand tough in the way. Some of the challenges that students might face is as follows:

• Students who have opted for such a course have to tackle difficult subjects from both the fields in less time, which, of course, will be taxing.
• No matter how meticulously such a course is devised and implemented, it will surely exert more pressure on students than those who are pursuing one degree at a time.
• Even when the accelerated learning helps in reducing the workload considerably, it also, almost, nullifies the chances for students to pick up the slacks as compared to those pursuing regular degrees.
• A dual degree programme is not for everyone. A student who wants to complete such a course should be excessively passionate for one field of engineering or have the courage to take a different field like management simultaneously.  
• Dual degree requires dedication, perseverance, coordination, hard work and obviously, a lot of planning. Therefore, do calculate before you make such a daring decision.   
• Engineering aspirants aiming for dual degree should find ways to remain motivated no matter what. Without motivation, going through the course will get tough.

Simply put, double hard work in dual degree doubles the job options, salary package, job prospects in the industry and career growth. It’s an investment of sheer hard work that brings in great returns in the long-run. 

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