Electrical engineering is one of the engineering disciplines that focuses on the study of electrical systems' design and application, electronics, and electromagnetism. Power grids to household appliances, electric vehicles to factory automation, electrical engineers are the minds behind the technologies that energize our contemporary world.
To become an electrical engineer, one has to do a B.Tech or B.E. in Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engineering. In addition to knowledge gained through studies, on-the-job experience through internships and projects is equally important. Higher studies in MTech in Electrical Engineering can also be done for greater prospects.
Electrical Engineers can find job opportunities in industries such as power and energy, electronics, construction, aerospace, telecommunications, and automotive sectors. Some popular job roles include Electrical Design Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, and Instrumentation Engineer. The average salary may range between INR 3 – 12 LPA, depending on experience and industry.
What is an Electrical Engineer?
An electrical engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacturing and maintenance of electrical systems and components. These systems can include electric circuits, motors, communication systems, power transmission, control systems, and microelectronics. Electrical engineers play a vital role in industries that require reliable energy, automation, robotics, and hardware systems. Their contributions ensure efficiency, safety, and innovation in countless technologies that surround us.
Electrical Engineer Career: Educational Guide
To become an electrical engineer, the following academic degrees should be possessed by an individual. A proper academic guide is discussed as follows:
High School Preparation - Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) should be chosen by students in their 10+2. Strong science and mathematics background is required to crack the engineering entrance examinations, such as JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, etc.
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering - Undergraduate courses should be taken by students as follows: B.Tech/ B.E. in Electrical Engineering or B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The best institutes providing these courses are IITs, NITs, and technical universities at the state level.
Also, Check BE Electrical Engineering
Specialized Certification - In addition to career advancement, students can also pursue additional certifications in: MATLAB or Simulink, PLC and SCADA Systems, Embedded Systems Design, IoT and Automation, Renewable Energy Technologies, etc, These certifications can be found on NPTEL, Coursera, Udemy, and IEEE.
Internships and Projects - Industrial internships, live projects, and participation in competitions like Smart India Hackathon can improve the employability and technical skills of a student.
Electrical Engineer Career: Essential Skills Required
Electrical engineering professionals must possess a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. Some of the skills that are essential for electrical engineers are mentioned below:
Electrical Engineer Career: Alternative Routes
Not everyone takes the traditional path to a B.Tech. There are other paths you can take to get into the field of electrical engineering.
After finishing Class 10, students can choose to get a 3-year diploma in electrical engineering. After that, they can move on to a B.Tech program in the second year.
ITI in Electrical Trades: Students can get an ITI in Electrician or Wireman and then work as technicians, electricians, or junior engineers in the public or private sectors.
Self-Learning with Certification: Coursera, edX, and Udemy are all platforms that offer project-based learning in embedded systems, automation, and IoT. This is great for people who want to change careers or improve their skills.
Electrical Engineer Career and Job Opportunities
Electrical engineers can get hired by government agencies, private companies, R&D centers, and start-ups. Energy, electronics, power distribution, manufacturing, and railways hire electrical engineers directly.
The scope for growth in this profession improves with experience in automation, renewable energy, robotics, and smart grid technologies
Electrical Engineer Career FAQs
Do I need a B.Tech degree to become an electrical engineer?
While a B.Tech or B.E. is the most recognized pathway for becoming an electrical engineer. But diploma holders and ITI graduates can also work as electrical professionals, especially after gaining experience or lateral entry into degree programs.
Which entrance exams must I appear for in electrical engineering?
For undergraduate courses, candidates must appear for examinations such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, MHT-CET, WBJEE, or state-level engineering entrance examinations, based on their location and college options.
Do electrical engineers find jobs in software or IT companies?
Yes. Electrical engineers with coding expertise, particularly in embedded systems, IoT, or automation, are recruited by IT companies for hardware-software integration, firmware development, and robotics.
What is the salary of an electrical engineer in India?
Fresh electrical engineers get about INR 3–5 LPA. With 5+ years of experience or specialization in domains such as automation or power systems, salaries can increase to INR 8–12 LPA.
Is there any potential for government employment for electrical engineers?
Yes. There is score of electrical engineers in the government sector such as NTPC, BHEL, ISRO, DRDO, Indian Railways, and electricity boards. They hire electrical engineers through the GATE, SSC JE, and UPSC ESE exams.
What's the future of electrical engineering in India?
With more focus on India for smart infrastructure, electric mobility, and renewable energy, electrical engineers are being recruited by industries in large numbers, and hence the profession is future-proof and extremely remunerative.
