A portmanteau of aviation and electronics, Avionics is one of the fastest evolving fields in engineering. True to its name, Avionics deals with the design and development of electronic systems onboard an aircraft, space rocket, missile and satellite. It supports several functions integral to the airborne vehicles, including routeing, signal processing, communications, and management of several key systems. As such, Avionics paves way for safe air travel, adds versatility and diligence to space explorations and help wreak havoc in the enemy camp. As the man pushes his knowledge of aviation further, this field of Science evolves more rapidly than ever before.
Avionics Engineering is currently one of the sought after career options for individuals with a background in non-medical. Previously taught as a discipline of Aeronautical Engineering, Avionics Engineering is now a specialisation in itself. As of now, over 200 technical institutes in India, including the famed IITs and NITs, are rolling out B. Tech in Avionics Engineering programmes for Indian as well as offshore students. The rationale is to create quality professionals who can keep the industry progressive with commendable knowledge, innovative ideas and a problem-solving mindset.
B. Tech in Avionics Engineering is a four-year course with an elaborate curriculum. The curriculum, for the most part, covers three basic disciplines of engineering, namely electrical systems, electronics and aviation. Additionally, the curriculum may impart practical insights into Computer Systems and involve sub-papers in Economics, Aerospace Systems, Management and Basic Sciences. The inclusion of these sub-papers amplifies the scope of the degree, making it a lucrative career option. Upon completion of B. Tech in Avionics Engineering, the degree holder is expected to design, implement test and maintain avionic systems, irrespective of their scale or complexity.
The number of colleges offering B. Tech in Avionics Engineering is broad enough to intimidate you. In such a scenario, knowing your options will keep you advantageous. So, here is the list of the top colleges (other than IITs) offering the coveted course.
1. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
2. Hindustan University, Chennai
3. Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
4. Park College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore
5. Indian Institute of Aeronautical Engineering Dehradun
7. University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun
If pursuing a B. Tech in Avionics Engineering programme and achieving career success subsequently is your dream, you need to cultivate a few skill sets mentioned below.
Rational thinking
Problem-solving mindset
Tenacity
Time management
Adaptable to varied work environments
Technical aptitude
Good communication and Interpersonal skills
Team spirit
Innovation and Creativity
Leadership
Organisational and Planning
Flexibility
Dependability
Focus and commitment
Upon completion of B. Tech in Avionics Engineering, you can assume a variety of roles as per your interests and academic credentials. Check them out here.
Lecturer: Herein, you will be teaching the nuances of avionics to undergraduate students while wheeling in anywhere around INR 3,00,000 annually at entry level. However, the salary will grow significantly with your experience.
Technical Manager: As a technical manager, you will analyse avionic systems and upgrade them as per the need. It is a high paying job with remunerations exceeding INR 10,00,000 per annum.
Avionics Engineer: In this profile, your core competencies will include handling avionics systems in aircraft, missiles, satellites and space rockets. You may need to collaborate with aeronautical engineers when dispensing your duties. The salary package is upwards of INR 6,00,000 per annum.
Test Engineer: Another lucrative profile for a degree holder in B. Tech in Avionics Engineering is that of a Test Engineer. As the name suggests, the profile involves testing various avionics systems and making qualitative improvements. Here, you might end up earning approximately INR 9,00,000 yearly.
Your enrollment into B. Tech in Avionics Engineering programme is subject to a variety of criteria, each of which needs to be fulfilled. Since the sheer number of technical institutes offering the course is staggering, the eligibility criteria may vary. However, we have put together a list of few standard parameters essential for enrolments. So, read on and stay informed.
You need to have to a Higher Secondary School (HSC) Certificate from CBSE or any other recognised education board.
You should have studied Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level. However, many colleges may press for Computer Science as a compulsory subject.
Many top rated institutes require at least 75% or above aggregate score in HSC exam, while others may be content with 60%.
The majority of colleges, including IITs, NITs and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, offer enrolments in B. Tech in Avionics Engineering programme based on your performance in JEE.
Few institutes like Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology conduct their own intake exams.
More likely, your engineering college will implement the reservation policy as per the directive of the Government of India.
The odds are against lateral entry and distance education alternatives.
For B. Tech in Avionics Engineering intake exam, the concerned colleges make the application forms available usually in the month of May for a period of roughly 3 to 4 weeks. These forms are accessible online via their respective web portals, and needs to be filled in and submitted prior to the deadline. Maintain proper care when filling the application forms, as any negligence may amount to cancellation.
The B. Tech in Avionics Engineering degree ushers in a variety of career options, each of which is lucrative and may deliver job satisfaction. This is primarily due to the sudden boom that the global avionics industry has witnessed in the preceding years. While you may end up netting INR 30,000 per month at the entry level, the earnings will increase considerably as your career progresses. However, it is worth mentioning that your remunerations and lateral growth depend on a whole range of factors, such as the prestige of the alma mater and your showing. How well you demonstrate your soft skills like dedication, tenacity and adaptability will also be a key determinant.
In the post-B. Tech in Avionics Engineering scenario, your go to source for employment will be private and public organisations in sectors like aviation, space and defence. Help yourself with information on all top employers finding mention below.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Defence Research and Development (DRDO)
Helicopter Corporation of India (HCI)
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL)
Air India and other private air carriers
Research Organisations