The AME Mechanical Stream, also known as the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in Mechanical Stream, is a 3-4 year undergraduate program that provides in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical training in the field of physical components maintenance of an airplane or other aviation-related systems and structures. The course is designed primarily to prepare professionals for employment in aircraft, aviation and other related sectors.
The course's merit-based eligibility requires candidates to have at least 45%-50% in a 10+2/BE/BTech/Diploma in Engineering with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. Under entrance-based eligibility, which is used by the majority of Indian institutions, candidates must pass the relevant entrance exam in addition to meeting the basic merit criteria. Some of the common entrance exams are AME CET, IIA CET and AIACEE.
The average course fee in India ranges between INR 5,00,000 and INR 10,00,000, with Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Institute of Aeronautics and Engineering, Regional Institute of Aviation, and VSM Institute of Aerospace Engineering and Technology regarded as the most prominent AME Mechanical Stream colleges currently.
AME Mechanical Stream graduates earn an average salary of INR 2.5-5 LPA as freshers and INR 15-30+ LPA as seasoned professionals. They can get employed as Trainee Aerospace Technicians, Mechanical Systems Engineers, Reliability Engineers (Aircraft Systems), Fleet Maintenance Managers, Technical Directors - Mechanical Engineering (Aviation), Quality Assurance Heads, and more in both national and even international industries.
Table of Contents
- AME Mechanical Stream Key Highlights
- What is AME Mechanical Stream?
- Why Study AME Mechanical Stream?
- Who should study AME Mechanical Stream?
- AME Mechanical Stream Eligibility Criteria
- AME Mechanical Stream Entrance Exams 2025
- AME Mechanical Stream Colleges in India
- AME Mechanical Stream Admission Process 2025
- AME Mechanical Stream Syllabus
- AME Mechanical Stream Job Opportunities in India
- AME Mechanical Stream Vs BTech Aeronautical Engineering Comparison
- AME Mechanical Stream FAQs
AME Mechanical Stream Key Highlights
The table below offers a quick overview of the AME Mechanical Stream course in India.
What is AME Mechanical Stream?
The AME Mechanical Stream, also known as the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in Mechanical Stream, is an undergraduate diploma program that is frequently considered as an undergraduate degree program as well. The course’s duration is 3-4 years and features a highly technical and analytical curriculum that emphasizes real-time practical training alongside classroom learning to foster hands-on skill and knowledge development.
During the course, learners gain fundamental knowledge of aircraft aerodynamics, propeller systems, and turbine engine mechanics, alongside an in-depth knowledge of the critical security procedures and regulatory standards required by the aviation and other related industries and systems.
The course has been specifically designed to prepare professionals for aviation and aircraft maintenance, equipping them with the necessary techniques and skills to maintain the safety and reliability of various aircraft types, to inspect and repair engines, and to observe and analyze the various components and structures of aircraft systems to ensure their safety.
Why Study AME Mechanical Stream?
An AME Mechanical Stream equips learners with a highly diverse and industry-relevant skill set, making them employable across a number of job profiles in both the private and public sectors. Pursuing this comprehensive program has numerous other benefits to offer as well, including:
- Technical proficiency: The AME Mechanical Stream course emphasizes the practical and hands-on aspects of learning. It even includes a mandatory 1-2 years of practical training that allows learners to work on real-time maintenance activities of aerodynamic and aviation structures and systems, enabling them to master technical skills.
- Prestigious job roles: Course graduates are equipped with industry-relevant technical and analytical skills and are qualified to work for the maintenance of highly critical machines, systems, and tools in the airlines, aircraft manufacturing, defense, and aerospace sectors, all of which are widely regarded as highly prestigious jobs.
- Groundwork for professional license: To work as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, individuals are required to obtain an AME License via the DCGA module exams after completing the AME Mechanical Stream studies. The program's coursework helps in establishing a solid core understanding of the several subjects that make up a significant portion of the exam syllabus such as aerodynamics, aviation legislation and more.
Who should study AME Mechanical Stream?
Individuals with a strong desire to learn about aerodynamics and aircraft structures and systems are generally regarded as ideal applicants for the AME Mechanical Stream course. Apart from this, following candidates can also consider pursuing this highly analytical and technical degree:
- Individuals who have completed their 10+2 with at least 45%-50% score and with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- BE / BTech graduates or 3-year Diploma in Engineering holders, especially in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics engineering fields. A minimum score of 45%-50% is required in this case as well.
- Individuals interested in advancing their professional careers in aerodynamics, aircraft structures, and systems maintenance.
- Detail-oriented individuals with good observation and analyzing capabilities, particularly for technical instruments and equipment.
- Technically inclined individuals who appreciate working with complex systems, structures and digital tools.
- Fitness enthusiasts who are physically and mentally fit, with great stamina and immunity.
- Individuals who prefer a practical and hands-on learning course of study over a theory-intensive one.
AME Mechanical Stream Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in the AME Mechanics Stream in India, institutions use either a merit or an entrance-based criteria. These criteria include certain conditions that the candidates are required to meet, failing which admission to this course is impossible. A detailed breakdown of the course's eligibility criteria is provided below:
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- Institutes also accept candidates who have completed a BTech / BE degree in any field from a recognized university.
- In some cases, candidates who have completed a 3-year Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics engineering are also accepted.
- A minimum of 45%-50% score is typically required in 10+2/ Diploma/ Bachelor studies, the requirements may vary.
- In majority of the cases, candidates are required to qualify the relevant entrance exam as well, such as the AME CET / IIA CET/ AIAEE.
- At the time of admission, the candidate is required to provide a medical fitness and color blindness test certificate as per the DCGA norms.
- Also, a candidate's age at the time of admission should not be less than 17 years.
- The candidate, in some cases, is also required to appear for a personal interview round.
AME Mechanical Stream Entrance Exams 2025
The majority of institutes that offer the AME Mechanical Stream utilize entrance exam scores to determine a candidate's eligibility for the same. These entrance exams generally assess a candidate's fundamental understanding of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English disciplines and the details of some of these widely accepted and recognized exams in India is provided below.
AME Mechanical Stream Colleges in India
The AME Mechanical Stream program is offered by a number of private and public institutes in India, with average course fees ranging between INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000. The table below lists the names and course-specific details of the leading Indian colleges currently offering this program:
Interested in exploring Aerospace? Check BTech Aerospace Engineering
AME Mechanical Stream Admission Process 2025
Most Indian institutions have an online admission procedure for the AME Mechanical Stream, which is usually carried out through a rigorous counselling process. At Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, admissions to the course are done on the basis of the AME CET entrance exam and includes the following steps:
Step 1: Start by applying for the AME CET entrance exam by visiting the official AME CET website. The link to the same is https://www.amecet.in/.
Step 2: To apply, select the "apply online" option and complete the application form by providing the requested personal and academic history information. Also, upload the scanned copies of the necessary documents asked, in the format specified in the form.
Step 3: Pay the non-refundable registration form fee through debit card/ credit card/ net banking and click on “submit”. The fee costs between INR 1,400- INR 1,600, depending upon the category to which the candidate belongs.
Step 4: The candidate receives an email containing the registration number and password, which he/she can use to access their profiles on AME CET website and participate in the counseling process.
Step 5: Appear for the AME CET exam as per the schedule mentioned on the admit card. The admit card can be downloaded from the exam’s official website and all the updates regarding the same can be checked from the same website only.
Step 6: Counselling begins when the result of the AME CET exam is released. Candidates can check the AME CET website for merit lists which contains the name, ranks and scores of the candidates who appeared for the exam.
Step 8: Fill-in a preference list with the name of the 5-10 institutions from where the candidate wishes to pursue the course from, ranked in order of priority. In this case, keep the Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers in the first place. Submit the same. Only the institutes that accept AME CET for AME Mechanical Stream can be added to the list.
Step 9: Candidates are allocated institutes on the basis of their AME CET and 12th/ Bachelor’s/ Diploma scores and receive an allotment letter from the institute allocated to him/her
Step 10: If satisfied with the allocation, the candidate must complete the basic admission formalities mentioned in the mail to confirm a seat in the course and receive a final admission letter.
Documents Required:
- 10th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
- 12th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
- Bachelor’s / Diploma’s Marksheet (If applicable)
- Coloured Passport Size Photographs
- Entrance Exam Scorecard
- Caste Certificate (If applicable)
- Identity Proof issued by the government (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Passport etc).
AME Mechanical Stream Syllabus
The curriculum for the AME Mechanical Stream is highly technical and vocational in nature, with a strong emphasis on practical skill development. At Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering, the course is offered for a total duration of 4 years, with the first 2 years focused on theoretical knowledge and the final 2 years on highly intensive practical training. A detailed semester wise breakdown of the same here is provided below:
If you are looking for 3-year course in Aeronautics, check BSc Aeronautical Science
AME Mechanical Stream Job Opportunities in India
Following the 2-year AME Mechanical stream study, course graduates are equipped with industry-relevant technical, analytical, operational, and technological skills that are highly applicable in the Aviation, Aerospace and related industries. The leading job prospects in this field are as follows:
AME Mechanical Stream Vs BTech Aeronautical Engineering Comparison
AME Mechanical Stream and BTech Aeronautical Engineering are both excellent courses for individuals who are passionate about aircraft and aviation systems and despite dealing with a relatively similar area of study, the courses differ significantly in terms of duration, core focus, training, and scope. For more information on how these 2 courses, refer the table below:
AME Mechanical Stream FAQs
Which entrance exams must be taken to apply for the AME Mechanical Stream course? What is the syllabus for these exams?
AME CET, IIA CET, and AIAEE are some of the most widely recognized and accepted entrance exams for the AME Mechanical Stream course. The syllabus for such exams is often foundational and includes questions from 4 major disciplines, which are Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. In some cases, General Awareness is also included in the same. The exam covers basic concepts like algebra, arithmetic, thermodynamics, periodic motion, kinetics, general aviation knowledge,English grammar and more.
What kind of higher study options are available for an AME Mechanical Stream graduate?
Since the majority of institutions and organizations recognize an AME Mechanical Stream as an undergraduate diploma program, students can pursue a professional bachelor's degree in the same discipline, such as a BTech/BE in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering. They can also opt for specialized international certification courses in the field and in institutes where the AME Mechanical stream is actually accepted as an undergraduate degree, they can inquire about the eligibility requirements for pursuing an MTech in Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Safety, or Aeronautics.
Are the AME Mechanical Stream graduates considered engineers?
Since many organizations and institutes consider AME Mechanical Stream as an undergraduate diploma program instead of a full-fledged undergraduate engineering degree, the course graduates were generally not regarded as engineers. This, however, has been debated over the years, indicating that the profession of engineering is more about technical skills than academic courses, and thus, over time, AME Mechanical stream graduates have come to be considered engineers due to their technical and diverse skill sets and work areas.
What are the daily roles and responsibilities of a professional responsible for Aircraft Maintenance?
Individuals working as professionals in aircraft maintenance are generally responsible for completing planned maintenance and inspections, diagnosing problems, and performing repairs on aircraft systems and structures to fulfill high safety and performance standards. They must also identify and resolve complicated faults inside aircraft systems, as well as provide technical direction and support throughout aircraft operations.
Are AME Mechanical Stream graduates qualified to work in aircraft maintenance immediately after completing the course, or is an official license required?
No, AME Mechanical Stream graduates cannot work immediately in the professional aviation maintenance industry, for such roles, they must first obtain a DCGA license. To obtain this license, candidates must successfully complete the AME Mechanical Stream studies from a DCGA-approved institution and then pass the DCGA module exams. A specific period of real-world work experience may also be required after passing the module exams to obtain the license.
Is an AME Mechanical Stream a hard area of study?
Yes, an AME Mechanical Stream is considered a somewhat difficult area of study, the course curriculum is extremely technical and analytical, and is largely based on the advanced foundations of physics and mathematics, which are themselves quite difficult. Aside from that, because the course includes an in-depth study of complex aircraft structures and systems, as well as an intensive real-time training for prolonged hours, the course can be academically challenging and physically demanding as well.
