Updated on Oct 30, 2022 05:56 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Automobile engineering deals with automobile engineering works that are required to make buses, motorcycles, buses, trains, and other automobiles functional. Automobile engineers are responsible for maintaining quality, performance, cost, aesthetics, software, safety, and other aspects of the vehicles. As the automobile sector generates countless jobs in the country and as well as abroad nations, it has a huge scope in the market. The students can either opt for BTech or MTech in automobile engineering as per their eligibility. The syllabus of automobile engineering includes the innovative and scientific study of automobiles and helps the students to pursue their careers with great zeal and precision.

Automobile Engineering Syllabus: Important Facts

Check some important facts pertaining to the Automobile Engineering below.

  1. Duration of the course: BE and BTech in automobile engineering are 4-year courses and their syllabus is divided into 8 semesters. ME and MTech in automobile engineering are 2-year courses and their syllabus is divided into 4 semesters.
  2. Eligibility: The students who have completed their Class 12 studies with at least 50% marks can appear for the bachelor-level courses. The students who have completed their studies in subjects like Maths, Physics, and Chemistry are eligible for these courses. The students who have completed their BE or BTech in automobile engineering can apply for the master level courses like ME or MTech. The candidates also need to clear the entrance tests to secure admission to these courses.
  3. Exam structure: The automobile engineering courses consist of both theoretical and practical exams. These exams are held after every semester. The theoretical papers consist of 100 marks and also include an internal assessment that carries 30 marks for each subject.
  4. Difference in the syllabus of IIT and NIT: Automobile engineering is offered by both NITs and IITs. The syllabus of these courses varies slightly and might offer different specialisations as well.
  5. Change in the syllabus: The syllabus for automobile engineering has remained mostly the same over the years. However, constant upgrades are included with the advent of the latest technologies like automation, robotics, etc.

DFP-Banner

List of Subjects in Automobile Engineering

This section comprises list of typical core subjects and list of typical elective subjects.

Typical Core Subjects for Automobile Engineering

Subject Title

Subject Details

Internal Combustion Engines

This subject revolves around engine types, fuels, engine cooling and lubrication, SI and diesel engine emissions, IC engines, etc.

Vehicle Dynamics

Introduction to vehicle dynamics, tires, steering geometry, two-wheeler stability, etc. are included in this subject.

Material Science & Technology

Fabrication techniques, formability, castability, composite materials and their properties, etc. are discussed in this subject.

Fluid Mechanics & Machinery

Classification, properties, and stability of fluids along with the related concepts are covered in this subject.

Engineering Thermodynamics

It includes concepts like Zeroth Law, entropy, energy equations, etc.

Mathematics

Partial differentiation equation, LPP, calculus of complex variables, and other concepts are included in this subject.

Heat Transfer and Combustion

The fundamentals of heat and mass transfer are included in this subject.

Automotive Petrol Engines

Engine construction and operation, SI Engine fuel system, cooling and lubrication system, and related concepts are covered here.

Theory of Machines

Elements of kinematic change, velocity and acceleration, critical speeds, miscellaneous mechanisms, etc. are included in it.

Automotive Diesel Engines

Fuel injection system, combustion chambers, diesel engine testing and performance, and related concepts are covered in it.

Power Units & Transmission

Hydrostatic drive and electric drive, Torque Converter, types of clutch, etc. are included in it.

Vehicle Body Engineering

This subject revolves around car body details, vehicle aerodynamics, bus body details, commercial vehicle details, and properties of materials used in the vehicle body.

Automotive Pollution and Control

Combustion of engines and their impact on air pollution and related concepts are discussed here.

Quality Control & Reliability Engineering

Statistical process control, process capability, acceptance sampling, etc. are covered in it.

Top Elective Subjects for Automobile Engineering

Subject Title

Subject Details

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

It includes concepts like integrated automation, modern cutting tools and tool management, graphics standards, non-traditional machining, etc.

Theory and Design of Jigs and Fixtures

This subject revolves around principles of jigs and fixtures design, advantages of jigs and fixtures, location and clamping, degrees of freedom, and related concepts.

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Basic components of Computer Integrated Manufacturing are included in this subject.

Off-road vehicles

It includes a detailed study of the classification of off-road vehicles and their requirements.

Robotics and Robot Application

It gives us a detailed account of robotic systems, robot anatomy, and  their role in automated manufacturing.

Total Quality Management

The basic concepts and history of quality control, quality considerations in design, quality function and concept of the quality cycle, etc. are explained in this subject.

Navigational Aids and Guidance

It includes the study of navigation aids and their role in automobile engineering.

Non-destructive testing Models

Classification of NDT techniques, ultrasonic testing, visual examination, etc.  is covered in this subject.

Total Lifecycle Management

Concept of total life cycle and integrated technologies are explained in it.

Tractors and Farm Equipment

It includes a detailed study of farm equipment, machinery, and vehicles.

Automobile Engineering Syllabus in Detail

The syllabus for automobile engineering might vary slightly for different colleges and universities. However, the core subjects and concepts remain the same. Here is a detailed overview of the elective and core subjects taught in MTech in automobile engineering course:

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Title

Subject Details

Semester 1

Core

Automotive Engineering

The students learn about the history of automobiles, their classification, lubricating and cooling systems, automotive air conditioning, steering system, braking and suspension system, etc. in this subject.

Semester 1

Core

Vehicle Body Engineering

It includes concepts like vehicle frame, automotive body, vehicle structure, body components, noise, vehicle safety etc.

Semester 1

Core

Prime Movers for automobiles

This subject revolves around concepts like IC engines, combustion in SI and CI engines, supercharging of IC engines, and related concepts.

Semester 1

Core

Computational methods in automobile engineering

It includes concepts like finite element formulation, approximate solutions of BVP, Thermal Analysis, Structural and Dynamic Analysis, finite elements in flow problems, etc.

Semester 1

Elective

Noise, Vibrations, and Harshness

It includes concepts like NVH, sound and vibration theory, signal processing, test facilities and instrumentation, NVH control plans and comfort.

Semester 1

Elective

Engine Management Systems

This subject revolves around concepts like engine input sensors, output devices, fuel injection systems, digital engine control systems, etc.

Semester 1

Elective

Alternate Fuels and Emissions

It revolves around concepts like thermo combustion properties of engine fuel, natural gas, CNG and LNG, etc.

Semester 1

Elective

Thermo-fluid Engineering for Automobiles

It covers topics like automotive thermal management, vehicle aerodynamics, applications of thermo fluids in automotive engineering, etc.

Semester 2

Core

Automotive Electronics

It gives the introduction to automotive electronics, electronic fundamentals, wiring diagrams and batteries, starting and charging systems, and electrical and electronic systems in the vehicle.

Semester 2

Core

Vehicle Dynamics

This subject revolves around concepts like road loads, acceleration and braking performance, vehicle vibration and ride characteristics, suspension, and other concepts.

Semester 2

Elective

Fuel Cell Technology

It gives an overview of fuel cells, fuel cell electrochemistry, fuel cell types, etc.

Semester 2

Elective

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

It includes concepts like basics of measurement techniques, engine testing, fuel injection systems, vehicle emissions, vehicle drag and aerodynamics of vehicles, etc.

Semester 2

Elective

Automotive Safety and Maintenance

This subject revolves around concepts like active safety, collision warning and avoidance, comfort and convenience systems, etc.

Semester 2

Elective

Vehicle Testing and Instrumentation

It covers concepts like engine testing, basics of measurement techniques, vehicle emissions, vehicle performance and testing methods, etc.

Semester 2

Laboratory Practicals 

Automotive Systems Laboratory

Assembling the automotive parts and dismantling them, wheel alignment test, and other practicals  are held under this subject.

Semester 2

Laboratory Practicals 

Engineering Analysis and Simulation Laboratory

It includes finite element analysis of automotive structures, computational fluid dynamics analysis of automotive systems, etc.

Semester 3

Viva

Comprehensive Viva - Voice

It includes inferring principles of working of automotive systems, acquaintance with automobile technology, improving the ability in problem solving, and related concepts.

Semester 3

Dissertation

Dissertation Part A

The students need to identify a topic and create a model to meet the objectives and solve the problems.

 

Semester 4

Dissertation

Dissertation Part B

It includes the identification of topic and analysing materials and methods to draw valid conclusions.

Automobile Engineering Syllabus for Distance Programme

Though most colleges and educational institutes only offer a Diploma in Automobile Engineering when it comes to distance programmes, some colleges also offer distance programmes for bachelor’s and master-level courses. The benefit of distance learning is that the students will get more flexibility when it comes to schedule and course duration. The fees are also quite less as compared to the regular courses. However, the students should enrol in the best institutes that offer these programmes. Some of the major colleges and institutes that offer distance programmes in automobile engineering are listed below:

  • IIME
  • ICDE
  • CIIS India
  • Shri Balaji Institute, Pune
  • NIMT
  • RGIMT

Specialisations offered in Automobile Engineering

Various specialisations are offered in automobile engineering and the students can choose the ones that suit their career path and interests. Here are some popular specialisations offered by automobile engineering courses:

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Details

Emissions Control

  • Engine design techniques
  • Exhaust gas after treatment
  • Fuel and lubricant related technologies

It revolves around controlling the emissions through fuels, engine oils, and other components of the vehicle design.

Thermodynamics

  • Relationship between heat, temperature, work and energy
  • Energy transfer
  • Consideration of heat loss

The design of heat by considering heat loss, energy transfer, and other thermodynamic principles are discussed in this specialisation.

Aerodynamics

  • Reducing drag and wind noise
  • Minimising noise emission
  • Avoiding undesired lift forces at high speeds

The role of aerodynamics in vehicle design and related concepts are covered in this specialisation.

Fuel Technology and Emissions

  • Technological advancements in combustion technologies
  • Types of fossil fuels
  • Carbon capture and storage technology

Various technologies invented to control the combustion of fuels and emissions are discussed in this specialisation.

Computer-based systems and electronics

  • Embedded Systems
  • Programming languages
  • Communications engineering

The blend of computers and electronics and  their applications in automobile engineering are covered in this specialisation.

Fluid Mechanics

  • Properties of fluids
  • Fluid types and characteristics

The applications of fluid mechanics in automobile engineering are covered in this specialisation.

Electronics and control systems

  • Electrical Systems and circuits
  • Network Analysis
  • Microwave Engineering

The application of electronics in control systems of vehicles \is discussed in this specialisation.

Rapid prototyping

  • Types of rapid prototyping
  • Selective laser sintering
  • Classifications of prototype

The basics, applications, and uses of rapid prototyping in automobile engineering are covered in this specialisation

Books and Authors Related to Automobile Engineering

The students can read these reference books for understanding the fundamental concepts and principles of automobile engineering:

Subject

Book Title and Author

Description

Off-Road Vehicles

Theory of Grand Vehicles by Wang J. T.

The concepts of off-road vehicles are discussed in detail here.

Non-destructive testing methods

Non-destructive testing by Warren J. Mcgonagle

The basic concepts and classification of NDT techniques are discussed in the book.

Industrial Engineering

Production, Planning, and Inventory Control by S. L. Narasimhan, D. W. McLeavy, P. J. Billington, and Prentice Hall

The concepts related to industrial engineering are discussed by the authors here.

Finite Element Methods and its Application

Finite Element Analysis by Krishnamurthy C. S

The introduction to finite element methods and their applications are covered in it.

Alternate Fuels and Energy Systems

Power Plant Engineering by Nagpal

The concepts revolving around available fuels, their sources, and alternative fuel and their benefits are discussed in the book.

Microprocessor Application in Automobiles

Introduction to Microprocessors - 3rd Edition by Aditya P. Mathur

The applications of microprocessors in vehicle design and functionality are explained by the author.

Management Information System

Management Information Systems, Organisation, and Technology by Loudon and Loudon

The basics of MIS and its uses in automobile engineering are covered in this book.

Total Quality Management

Total Quality Management - An Introductory Text by Paul James

The process engineering methods used for executing the quality plan is covered in the book.

Information Technology

Computer Architecture & Organisation by John P. Haryes

Introduction to CPU architecture, memory, and organisation are covered here.

Tractors and Farm Equipment

Tractors and Automobiles by Rodichev and G. Rodicheva

The basic differences between tractors and automobiles are explained in this book.

Entrance Exams for Automobile Engineering

Tech in automobile engineering requires the students to clear the entrance tests that are either national-level, state-level, or college-level exams. These exams are usually of objective type and are based on the Physics, Chemistry, and Maths syllabus of the 10+2 class. The difficulty level of national-level entrance exams like JEE ranges from moderate to difficult. The popular entrance exams for automobile engineering are listed below:

The students can go through previous exam question papers, online study materials, and mock tests to prepare well for these exams. They can also refer to some of the books mentioned  above to get an idea about the basic concepts.

Top Colleges for Automobile Engineering

Some of the top colleges for automobile engineering based on syllabus, placement opportunities, and choice of electives are given in the below table:

College/University/Institution

Syllabus Links

SRM University, Chennai

Download Here

Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai

To be uploaded soon

Sathyabama University, Chennai

Download Here

PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore

To be uploaded soon

Hindustan University

To be uploaded soon

IIT, Delhi

To be uploaded soon

IIT, Roorkee

To be uploaded soon

Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai

To be uploaded soon

NIT, Warangal

To be uploaded soon

Rajasthan Technical University, Kota

To be uploaded soon

DFP-Banner

Automobile Engineering Syllabus: FAQs

Q. Which are the main subjects taught in the first semester of M. Tech in automobile engineering?

A. The main subjects taught in the first semester of M. Tech in automobile engineering are listed below:
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Vehicle Body Engineering
  • Prime Movers for Automobiles
  • Geometric Modelling and Automation
  • Fuel Cell Technology
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles
  • Automotive Safety and Maintenance
  • Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Vehicle Testing and Instrumentation

Q. What is the syllabus for Prime Movers for Automobiles?

A. The main topics for the syllabus for Prime Movers for Automobiles are listed below:
  • Introduction to IC Engines
  • Combustion in SI and CI Engines
  • Fuel Metering in SI and CI Engines
  • Supercharging of IC Engines
  • Pollutant Emissions from IC Engines
  • Performance of IC Engines
  • Advances in IC Engines
  • Alternate Fuels
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Hybrid Vehicles
  • Fuel Cell Vehicles

Q. What is the syllabus for Geometric Modelling and Automation?

A. The main topics in the syllabus for Geometric Modelling and Automation are listed below:
  • Sketching Techniques
  • 3D Part Modelling
  • Automation Techniques
  • Construction of 2D and 1D entities
  • Introduction to CAD Data Exchange
  • Brief Introduction to Engineering Analysis

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for the students who wish to secure admission in automobile engineering?

A. The students who wish to secure admission in B. Tech in automobile engineering should clear their 10+2 exams with at least 50% marks in subjects like Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. Apart from meeting qualification criteria, the students must also clear an entrance test. The students who wish to secure admission in M. Tech course should have completed the B. Tech course in automobile engineering.

Q. Which are the popular automobile engineering entrance tests?

A. The popular automobile engineering entrance tests are mentioned below:
  • MHT CET
  • JEE
  • WBJEE
  • BITSAT
  • KCET
Apart from these national-level and state-level entrance tests, the students can also appear for college or university-level entrance tests held by reputed engineering colleges and universities

Q. How to prepare for automobile engineering entrance tests?

A. The students should go through all the subjects and concepts that are covered in 10+2 class, especially those included in subjects like Physics, Maths, and Chemistry. Apart from that, they must also go through previous years’ question papers to understand the kind of questions asked in the exam. The students can also practise via mock tests and question banks.

Q. Which are the popular open electives for the automobile engineering courses?

A. The popular open electives for the automobile engineering courses are listed below:
  • Human Engineering and Safety
  • Aircraft Avionic System
  • Optimisation Techniques
  • Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Cyber Security
  • Power Generation Sources
  • Rock Engineering
  • Pipeline Engineering
  • Technical Textiles
  • Composite materials
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Robotics and Control
  • Energy Management and Policy
  • Material and Human Resource Management
  • Fertiliser Technology

Q. Which are the main topics in the syllabus for Internal Combustion Engines?

A. The main topics in the syllabus for Internal Combustion Engines are mentioned below:
  • Introduction to Internal Combustion of Engines
  • Engine types and their operations
  • Combustion of SI and CI Engines
  • Fuels Supply System for SI and CI Engines
  • Engine Cooling and Lubrication
  • SI and Diesel Engine Emissions
  • IC Engines
  • Measurement and Testing of IC Engines

Q. Which are the main experiments conducted in the Auto Transmission Lab?

A. The main experiments conducted in the Auto Transmission Lab which is a practical subject are given below:
  • Assembling and dismantling clutch assembly
  • Assembling and dismantling gearbox
  • Assembling and dismantling propeller shaft
  • Assembling and dismantling steering system
  • Inspecting wear and tear, crack breakdown, etc.

Q. Which are the main experiments conducted in the Vehicle Body Engineering Lab?

A. The main experiments conducted in the Vehicle Body Engineering Lab which is a practical subject are given below:
  • Performing visibility test on the vehicle
  • Performing the dent beating process
  • Studying different vehicle crash analysis process
  • Studying different painting process on the car 

Q. Which are the essential concepts taught in the Vehicle Dynamics subject?

A. The essential concepts taught in the Vehicle Dynamics subject are listed below:
  • Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics
  • Tires: Their construction, size, and loading rate
  • Suspension Geometry
  • Steering Geometry
  • Stability of Vehicle
  • Two-wheeler Stability: Basic Geometry Considerations
  • Jumped Mass

Q. Which are the main topics covered in the Engineering Thermodynamics subject?

A. The main topics covered in the Engineering Thermodynamics subject are listed below:
  • Properties of gases and vapours
  • Air standard cycles
  • One-dimensional fluid flow
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning
  • Heat transfer
  • Heat and work transfer in flow and non-flow processes
  • Entropy changes in non-flow processes
  • Flow of ideal gases through nozzles
  • Flow through heat exchanges 

Q. Is automotive engineering and automobile engineering the same?

A. Though automotive engineering and automobile engineering sound similar and deal with the same concepts, they also differ in many ways. For example, automotive engineering deals with the development of vehicles from design to maintenance whereas automobile engineering is related only to the designing aspects and aerodynamics of vehicles.

Q. Is mechanical engineering and automobile engineering the same?

A. No, both the courses are completely different. However, automobile engineering can be considered as a branch of mechanical engineering because it talks about the different machines and manufacturing processes involved in the development and design of vehicles. Automobile engineering allows you to specialise in engineering works carried out in automobile industries whereas mechanical engineering has a broader scope in terms of industry exposure.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Automobile Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Automobile Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

22 Jan ' 25 - 24 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

28 Jan ' 25 - 29 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

7 Jan ' 25

GATE 2025 Admit Card

1 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CS1 | AG | MA | CS2 | NM | MT | T...

30 Dec ' 24 - 15 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form

16 Feb ' 25 - 22 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form with late fee

Popular Automobile Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Automobile Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Automobile Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 L
14 LPA

#1 India Today

1 L

Top 25 in India

2 Courses
2.97 L - 6.87 L
4.3

#7 India Today

1 Course
10 L
21.28 LPA

#4 India Today

3.2 L - 10.54 L
4.5 - 6.1 LPA

Top 25 in Tamil Nadu

1 Course
48 K
9.02 LPA

#14 The Week

Popular Private Automobile Engineering Colleges in India

1 Course
1.5 L
1 Course
4.97 L
2.0
2 Courses
3.74 L
3.0
1.5 L
18 K - 4.87 L
3.04 - 4.18 LPA
2 Courses
3 L - 3.31 L
3 - 3.5 LPA

Popular Automobile Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Automobile Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Automobile Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Automobile Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

Hello candidate.

Being an automotive technician is quite an interesting role; pretty much, one gets to play with wires every day. You can be a contortionist quite often, inside of cars, upside down, underneath dashes. To troubleshoot vehicle problems is a big part of the job. If you love troubleshoot

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Well, there are a total of 1,110 colleges for BTech Automobile Engineering course in India. Out of this, 826 are privately owned, 184 are owned by the government, and the rest 46 are public-private colleges. It is very important for you to check the tuition fees of the colleges and universities yo

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Greetings! First of all, you need to complete your Class 12 in the Science background with PCM subjects, and secure at least 50% marks in the given subjects. After that, you can go for BE/BTech Automobile Engineering or BTech Automotive Design Engineering, undergraduate degree courses in the automob

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Hello candidate, Automobile Engineering courses can be opted for by students who have completed their Class 12 from a recognised board with a minimum of 50-70 percent marks, in the Science background, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Further, you need to have passion a

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

For pursuing a Polytechnic course in Automobile Engineering near Kozhikode, several institutions can be considered. Some of the best options include:

  1. Government Polytechnic College, Kozhikode – Known for its well-established infrastructure and experienced faculty, this is one of the top choices for s

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The candidates who have graduated through B.Voc in Uttarakhand Residential University were placed in the companies as the average pay scale offered to the candidates ranging INR 2.5-4.5 Lakhs per annum. Some of the recruiters from this field are IBM, HCL, and INFOSYS. Placement statistics:

- Placemen

...more

P

Punit Kumar goyal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

AISSMS Polytechnic is an excellent option for the Diploma in Automobile Engineering with proper training in collaboration with experience faculties, good laboratory facilities and industrial connection.

Approved Curriculum of AICTE

Excellent industry relation Tata Motors Mahindra & Mahindra

All the lat

...more

N

Nandini Motwani

Contributor-Level 9