ME Thermal Engineering: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Aug 17, 2025, by Kanishka

ME in Thermal Engineering is a 2-year, 4-semester PG degree that focuses on energy systems, specifically heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy conversion technologies. This specialisation under Mechanical Engineering offers deep knowledge of thermal systems used in power generation, automotive engines, HVAC, aerospace, renewable energy, and manufacturing processes.

 

The candidate must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university. Most institutes admit M.Tech Nuclear Engineering courses based on entrance test scores, personal interview rounds, shortlisting by the college's Admission Committee, and Class XII board results. Selection criteria include a bachelor's degree and GATE/ SRMJEE/ WBJEE/ AP PGECET/ TS PGECET entrance scores.

 

The Top ME Thermal Engineering universities include IIT Delhi, IIT Mumbai, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, NIT, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, IIT Madras, DTU, KIIT, and Anna University. The fee ranges between INR 1 Lakh to INR 6 Lakh.

 

Some of the top roles for ME Thermal Engineering are Safety Engineer, Design Engineer, Quality Manager, Project Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Plant Chemistry, Operations Engineer, and Maintenance Engineer. The salary ranges between INR 2 LPA to INR 11 LPA depending upon the years of experience.

 

Table of Contents
  1. M.E Thermal Engineering Highlights
  2. What is ME Thermal Engineering?
  3. Why study M.E Thermal Engineering?
  4. M E Thermal Engineering Eligibility Criteria
  5. ME Thermal Engineering Entrance Exams
  6. M.E Thermal Engineering Colleges in India
  7. ME Thermal Engineering Admission Process 2025
  8. ME Thermal Engineering Syllabus
  9. M.E in Thermal Engineering Vs. M.Tech Thermal Engineering Course Comparison
  10. ME Thermal Engineering Job Opportunities in India
  11. M.Tech Nuclear Engineering FAQs

 

M.E Thermal Engineering Highlights

Given below are some of the basic highlights for the M.E in Thermal Engineering:

Parameters

Details

Course Name

ME Thermal Engineering

Course Level

Masters degree

Duration

2 years

Course Type

Full Time

Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must have completed their bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university.

Admission Process

Entrance Based (GATE)

Course Fees

The fee ranges between INR 1 Lakh to INR 6 Lakh.

Top colleges

IIT Delhi, IIT Mumbai, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, NIT, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, IIT Madras, DTU, KIIT, and Anna University.

Top roles

Safety Engineer, Design Engineer, Quality Manager, Project Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Plant Chemistry

Top recruiters

Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd., Larsen & Toubro, Goldman Sachs, Tata Consulting Engineers Limited, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd

Average Salary Offered

INR 2 LPA to INR 11 LPA

 

What is ME Thermal Engineering?

ME Thermal Engineering is a two-year Postgraduate course that focuses on systematic software solution construction using innovative techniques. The ME in Thermal Engineering covers topics such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, internal combustion engines, refrigeration, air conditioning, power plant engineering, computational fluid dynamics, and energy conservation.

 

This specialisation under Mechanical Engineering offers deep knowledge of thermal systems used in power generation, automotive engines, HVAC, aerospace, renewable energy, and manufacturing processes.

 

Why study M.E Thermal Engineering?

Given below are a few facts on why a candidate should choose ME Thermal Engineering:

  • It gives advanced knowledge of energy systems, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, which are in high demand in industries.
  • Students learn to design and improve power plants, engines, refrigeration, and renewable energy systems.
  • The course opens career opportunities in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
  • It helps in developing research and problem-solving skills to create sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
  • Graduates can pursue roles in R&D, teaching, or government projects related to energy and environment.

 

M E Thermal Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Given below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the ME in Thermal Engineering. Students must meet a certain criteria in order to pursue the course:

  • The candidate must hold a B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering/Automobile Engineering/Aeronautical Engineering/Production Engineering, or a related field from a recognized university.
  • A minimum of 50–60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the qualifying degree is generally required. For candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), a relaxation of 5% may be applicable as per government norms.
  • Admission is often based on entrance exams such as GATE. Some universities may also conduct their own entrance test or consider performance in qualifying degree exams.
  • Candidates who are in their final year of a bachelor’s program are also eligible to apply, provided they complete the degree with the required marks before admission.
  • A few reputed institutions may also require personal interviews or counseling rounds as part of the selection process.

 

ME Thermal Engineering Entrance Exams

Given below are the ME Thermal Engineering entrance exam, along with the application date and application fees.

Entrances

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

GATE 2026

Late August 2025

February 2026

Female/SC/ST/PwD Candidates Registration Fee: INR 900

 

INR 1800 for all candidates, including foreign nationals

 

Extended registration period with late fee (INR 1400, INR 2300)

SRMJEE 2025

Phase 2: Until June 30, 2025.

July 6-7, 2025

INR 1400

WBJEE 2026

Available till February 2025

April 2026

General Male: INR 500

 

General Female and Male SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B/EWS/TFW: INR 400

 

All Female SC/ ST/ OBC-A/ OBC-B/ EWS/ TFW and Third Gender General Category Candidates: INR 300

 

Third Gender SC/ST/OBC-A/OBC-B/EWS/TFW Category Candidate: INR 200

AP PGECET 2026

April 30, 2026

May 2026

INR 1200 for General

 

INR 900 for OBC/EWS

 

INR 700 for SC/ST.

TS PGECET 2026

May 2026

June 2026

INR 2500

 

M.E Thermal Engineering Colleges in India

Mentioned below are some of the best colleges offering an M.E in Thermal Engineering in India.

Colleges

Location

NIRF Ranking 2024 (Engineering)

Total Course fee (Approx.)

IIT Delhi

New Delhi

2nd

INR 3 Lakh

IIT Mumbai

Mumbai

3rd

INR 2.60 Lakh

IIT Kanpur

Kanpur

4th

INR 1.19 Lakh

IIT Roorkee

Uttarakhand

8th

INR 1.70 Lakh

NIT Trichy

Tiruchhirapalli

9th

INR 3 Lakh

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Coimbatore

13th

INR 3.20 Lakh

IIT Madras

Madras

1st

INR 1 Lakh

DTU (Delhi Technological University)

New Delhi

27th

INR 1.23 Lakh

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)

Odisha

28th

INR 5.63 Lakh

Anna University

Chennai

14th

INR 1.2 Lakh

 

ME Thermal Engineering Admission Process 2025

ME Thermal Engineering can be accessed through either the entrance examination mode or direct admission through quota. The admission process for BITS Pilani is mentioned below:

 

Step 1: Candidates are advised to visit the official BITS Pilani admissions site and select ME Thermal Engineering as their chosen field.

 

Step 2: Fill in the online application form with all the necessary details, upload scanned images of your photograph and signature, and pay the application fee online.

 

Step 3: Choose your admission mode:

  1. With a valid GATE score
  2. Or apply to qualify for admission through both of these means.
  3. Appear for a Personal interview and group discussion round.

Step 4: Complete the application and print it out for your records.

 

Step 5: Appear for the BITS Pilani (if applicable) as scheduled or ensure the GATE Score is both valid and received.

 

Step 6: Wait for the release of merit lists: Each GATE and test merit list participant has a separate merit list prepared by BITS Pilani.

 

Step 7: If shortlisted, go to the official site to see whether you have been selected, and follow the process for admission confirmation.

 

Step 8: Confirm your seat by paying the admission fee.

 

Step 9: Complete the document verification as per the institute's requirements.

 

Step 10: Now, receive the details regarding the commencement of classes after completing the formalities.

 

Documentation Required:

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets.
  • Graduation Marksheets
  • Aadhar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Migration certificate
  • Signature.
  • Caste Certificate (If any)
  • Income proof

 

ME Thermal Engineering Syllabus

ME in Thermal Engineering is divided into 4 semesters spanning a total of 2 years. Given below is the ME Thermal Engineering syllabus followed at JNTU.

Semester I

Semester II

Advanced Thermodynamics

Advanced I.C. Engines

Advanced Heat & Mass Transfer Turbo Machines

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Fuels, Combustion & Environment

Instrumentation for Thermal Engineering

Elective I (choose one):

Design of Thermal Systems

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory

Equipment Design for Thermal Systems

Elective III (choose one):

Optimisation Techniques & Their Applications

Cryogenics Engineering

-

Thermal & Nuclear Power Plants

-

Jet Propulsion & Rocketry

Semester III

Semester IV

Elective V

Project Work Phase – 1

Research Methodology

-

Human Values and Professional Ethics

-

Intellectual Property Rights

-

Elective VI (MOOCs)

-

Comprehensive Viva – Voice

-

Seminar

-

Teaching Assignment

-

Project Work Phase – 1 (Repeated for continuation/project)

-

Elective II

Elective IV

FEA in Thermal Engineering

Environmental Engineering Pollution Control

Design of Heat Exchangers

Alternative Energy Sources

Energy Resources

Aircraft and Space Propulsion

Advanced Thermal Engineering Laboratory

-

 

M.E in Thermal Engineering Vs. M.Tech Thermal Engineering Course Comparison

Given below is the detailed course comparison for the M E in Thermal Engineering and the MTech in Thermal Engineering for the students:

Aspect

M.E. Thermal Engineering

M.Tech Thermal Engineering

Full Form

Master of Engineering in Thermal Engineering

Master of Technology in Thermal Engineering

Level

Postgraduate (Engineering)

Postgraduate (Technology)

Duration

2 years

2 years

Eligibility

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Automobile/Aeronautical/Production or related fields with 50–60% marks

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Automobile/Aeronautical/Production or related fields with 50–60% marks

Focus

More research-oriented and theoretical approach, focuses on advanced concepts and fundamentals in thermal systems

More practical and application-oriented, focuses on real-world design, innovation, and industrial applications

Admission Process

Based on GATE/University entrance exams + Interview (in some cases)

Based on GATE/University entrance exams + Interview (in some cases)

Average Fees

INR 1.5 – 3.5 Lakhs

INR 1.5 – 3 Lakhs

Career Paths

Research roles, academic positions, design and development in thermal engineering

Industrial roles, applied engineering, power plants, manufacturing, and R&D

Best Suited For

Students who want to pursue research, teaching, or higher studies (PhD) in thermal sciences

Students aiming for industry-based careers and practical application in thermal and energy systems

 

ME Thermal Engineering Job Opportunities in India

The ME Thermal Engineering job opportunities in India are given below.

Job Position

Experience Required

Salary Range

Safety Engineer

1-2 Years

INR 2 LPA to INR 3 LPA

Design Engineer

1-2 Years

INR 2 LPA to INR 3 LPA

Quality Manager

1-2 Years

INR 2 LPA to INR 4 LPA

Project Engineer

1-2 Years

INR 2 LPA to INR 3 LPA

Assistant Engineer

1-2 Years

INR 2 LPA to INR 3 LPA

Plant Chemistry

2-3 Years

INR 5 LPA -6 LPA

Operations Engineer

2-3 Years

INR 10 LPA to INR 11 LPA

Maintenance Engineer

2-3 Years

INR 6 LPA to INR 7 LPA

 

M.Tech Nuclear Engineering FAQs

What are the skills required to pursue ME in Thermal Engineering?

The ME in Thermal Engineering course requires candidates to possess skills such as time management, knowledge of power plant equipment, and technical abilities. These skills are crucial for securing a good job in reputable companies. Key skills include technical, design, analytical, understanding of thermodynamics, good communication, problem-solving, innovative, and interpersonal skills.

What does ME in Thermal Engineering teach students?

The ME in Thermal Engineering course curriculum consists of eight semesters (4 years), with common papers taught in the first two semesters and the option to choose a specialisation from the third semester. This course prepares graduates with fundamental knowledge and futuristic research in thermal engineering, preparing them for success in industry, academia, or research laboratories. Graduates can analyse and solve engineering problems using the latest tools and programs, applying engineering knowledge with a multidisciplinary approach in thermal engineering, manufacturing systems, and product design. They also learn to work effectively with teams to resolve complex issues using the latest skills and knowledge.

What is the ME Thermal Engineering major's focus?

The ME in Thermal Engineering focuses on advanced nuclear science applications in energy production, medicine, research, and national defence, addressing climate change concerns and ensuring a clean, reliable, and large-scale power source.

What are the long-term benefits of studying M.Tech Nuclear Engineering?

Graduates can secure stable, well-paying careers in government agencies, defence research, nuclear power corporations, and regulatory bodies, as well as opportunities for higher research and international energy and safety organisations.

Is M.Tech in Nuclear Engineering only for careers in power plants?

Graduates in nuclear power generation, medical imaging, radiation therapy, safety auditing, defence applications, space missions, and policy-making contribute to a broad and interdisciplinary scope.

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