Comparison between Engineering branches: ECE and EEE

ECE (Electronics and Communication Engineering) and EEE (Electronics and Electrical Engineering) are branches that sound quite similar. A lot of students, with an interest in Electronics, get confused while choosing between these two branches. Factually, among several Electronics derived branches EEE, ECE and EIE are top choice.

As the name clearly suggests, in EEE one has to study electrical engineering as well as electronics while in ECE one deals with electronics and some part of communication engineering. To help clear your confusion, listed below are some of the differences between EEE and ECE mainly in terms of placements, syllabus, scope, demand, availability etc.

Main Difference between ECE and EEE

EEE: In EEE, students have to study Electrical as well as Electronics. It is the study and application of electrical systems for use in different environments and contains basic electronic courses and more power system.

ECE: Here, aspirants deal with Electronics with some part of communication. The subject uses the scientific knowledge of the behaviour and effects of electrons to develop devices, systems, or equipment that uses electricity as part of its driving force. Also it contains basics on electrical machines and more on integrated circuits and communication systems.

Difference in Course and Core Areas

EEE: Electrical and Electronics Engineering branch deals with Electrical technology and machines, circuit analysis, electronics, electromagnetism, electrical engineering materials, instrumentation, control systems, power engineering and transmission and distribution. 

ECE: This branch mainly deals with analog transmission, basic electronics, solid state devices, microprocessors, digital and analog communication, analog integrated circuits, satellite communication, microwave engineering, antennae and wave progression. It also deals with the manufacturing of electronic devices, circuits, and communications equipment.

Year wise Comparison:

In the first year, both branches have same syllabus which varies from college to college but it mainly deals with basic electronic devices and circuits. So any one can easily switch between the two according to their interests even after first year. However there is some criteria which also varies from college to college.

Though, EEE is a rare branch in terms of availability and only 3- 5 colleges out of 10 would offer this branch, students can easily get ECE as branch in most of the colleges (7-9 out of 10 colleges).

EEE: In the second and third year, EEE syllabus mainly deals with EM principle, electrical machine, pulse, motors and generators, utilisation of electrical energy, gear switching and protection, and power system.

ECE: In the second and third year, ECE mainly deals with digital electronics, embedded systems, control systems, VLSI design, and wireless and radio communication systems.

In 4^th year there are elective subjects in both of the branches (out of which you have to select two) which deals with core knowledge of branch along with microprocessors and micro controllers. These electives decides your field of specialisation and in turn, placements.

ECE and EEE Placements

EEE: In EEE the competition is not very tough and the availability of jobs too are good. Electrical graduates are employed in Electricity Boards/Utility companies responsible for installation, maintenance, operation of power handling equipment and systems. Industries manufacturing large electrical machines and equipment employ engineers in design, production and testing.  For individuals dreaming of JTO(Junior Training Officer), DRDO(Defence Research and Development Organisation), ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) and GATE, EEE is not a good choice. This is because they have a separate paper for ECE, while students pursuing EEE have to study a lot of other things. Besides this, EEE students can’t take IES while ECE students can.

ECE: In ECE, the scope to land into government jobs is great. An electronics engineer can find a job in Central Government, State Governments and their sponsored corporations, private industries dealing in manufacture, sales and services of electronics consumer goods and appliances. Additionally, electronics engineers are also absorbed into the broadcast industry, research establishments, and defence.

Though in India core electronics companies are rare but the market is still flooded with job opportunities both in core and software sectors.

Top Recruiters

As far as scope is concerned, both EEE and ECE are evergreen branches. ECE students can get into IT sectors easily, while the demand of EEE students is high in core companies.

*PSU stands for Public sector unit and MNC stands for Multi-National Corporation.

Both the engineering branches are equally good but it all depends upon the field of interest of an individual. Personally, I feel that the stream might be unique but the only thing a student should focus on is the future goal. Once, he is sure with that, he can then choose the stream of his choice.