Petroleum Engineering Courses - Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Career & Salary

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 10:40 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

Petroleum Engineering courses focus on the aspect of exploration of oil and natural gas reservoirs, along with the extraction of oil and gas by developing and using front-end engineering technology design. Petroleum Engineering is a field of Engineering that majorly caters to the oil and gas fields and is also known as Oil Engineering. In the Petroleum Engineering course, students study how to bring oil and natural gas from beneath the earth’s surface in a safe and economically viable way to the surface of the earth. There are three major specializations within this field that include Drilling Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, and Petroleum Production Engineering.

Petroleum Engineering courses are offered at the diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels. The eligibility criteria for BTech Petroleum Engineering courses is the completion of Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects with a minimum of 50 to 60 percent marks, which is subject to vary on the basis of the academic institution. For MTech in Petroleum Engineering, students must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field with at least 60 percent marks.

Some of the top entrance exams for pursuing Petroleum Engineering courses are JEE Main and JEE Advanced, GATE, TNEA, TS EAMCET, MHT CET, WBJEE, COMEDK UGET, KCET, UPESEAT, etc. Popular colleges with Petroleum Engineering courses after 12th in India include IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Dhanbad, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (Amethi), Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (Vishakhapatnam), Amity University (Noida), Presidency University (Bangalore), University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (Dehradun), among others.  The average Petroleum Engineering course fee is between INR 5 lakh and INR 10 lakh.

The major pro about the petroleum industry is that one would not be a jack of all trades but a master of one, which would turn out to be extremely valuable for Petroleum Engineering graduates in the long run. Petroleum engineers have to work with the team of geologists in order to look after the safe recovery, processing, transportation, transmission, and effective utilization of petroleum. Some of the major job profiles for Petroleum Engineering graduates include Petroleum Engineer, Production Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Petroleum Economist, and Research and Development Engineer. The average annual salary of fresh Petroleum Engineering graduate ranges between INR 6 LPA and INR 10 LPA.

Petroleum Engg. Courses Latest Updates:

  • JEE Main 2025 Exam Dates Announced. JEE Main exam date for session 1 is between January 22 to 31, 2025.
  • The JEE Advanced 2025 exam date has been announced for the BTech course. As per the official website, the JEE Advanced 2025 exam will be conducted on May 18, 2025. Further, the application form will be released in Apr 2025. 
  • The WBJEE 2025 registration is expected to begin at the end of Dec 2024. As per the latest notification, WBJEE 2025 exam will be conducted on Apr 27, 2025.

  • The KCET 2025 exam dates have been announced for BE/BTech courses. As per the schedule, the KCET 2025 exam will be held on Apr 18 & 19, 2025
  • COMEDK exam date 2025 announced. As per the schedule, COMEDK UGET 2025 exam will be conducted on May 10

  • GATE 2025 exam will be conducted on Feb 1, 2, 15, and 16, 2025.
Table of Contents
  1. Petroleum Engineering Course Details: Highlights
  2. Why Pursue Petroleum Engineering Courses?
  3. Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria
  4. Petroleum Engineering Admission 2025
  5. Top Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exams 2025
  6. Types of Petroleum Engineering Courses
  7. Petroleum Engineering Syllabus
    • 7.1 What is the difference between Petrochemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering?
  8. Best Petroleum Engineering Colleges
    • 8.1 Engineering NIRF Ranking 2024
    • 8.2 Best Petroleum Engineering Government Colleges
    • 8.3 Best Petroleum Engineering Private Colleges
  9. Petroleum Engineering Career Scope, Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
    • 9.1 Petroleum Engineering Top Recruiters
  10. Petroleum Engineering FAQs

Petroleum Engineering Course Details: Highlights

The Petroleum Engineering course is a specialised branch of Engineering. The table provides information related to the duration and admission process for the course. It also depicts the various recruiters and job profiles after completing Petroleum Engineering courses. Listed below are some of the major highlights of the Oil Engineering courses.

Petroleum Engineering Course Highlights 

Petroleum Engineering Course Details

Petroleum Engineering Course Levels

Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate

Petroleum Engineering Courses Eligibility

Diploma: Class 10

UG: Class 12 along with entrance examination

PG: BTech + GATE

Doctorate: MTech along with entrance examination

Petroleum Engineering Courses Duration

Diploma: 3 years

UG: 4 years

PG: 2 years

Doctorate: 3 to 6 years

Examination Type

Semester-wise

Petroleum Engineering Course Entrance Exams

JEE Main, JEE Advanced, GATE, TNEA, MHT CET, WBJEE, COMEDK UGET, KCET, LPUNEST, etc.

Petroleum Engineering Course Fee

INR 5-10 lakh

Best Colleges

IIT Dhanbad, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, MIT-WPU, UPES, LPU, Amity University, Presidency University, etc.

Average Salary Package

INR 6 LPA to 10 LPA

Top Recruiting Companies

Bharat Petroleum, Aban Offshore, Aquarius International, Cairn India, Essar Oil Limited, IOCL, GAIL, IGL

Job Positions

Petroleum Engineers, Oil Engineers, Completion Engineers, Production Engineers, Reservoir Engineers, Drilling Engineers

Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Links for Petroleum Engg. Courses

JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria 2025 (OUT): Attempt Limit Restored to Two, Age, 75% Criteria Requirement

JEE Advanced Previous Year Question Papers: Download PDF with Solutions Here

JEE Main City Intimation Slip 2025: Date, Download Link at jeemain.nta.nic.in

JoSAA Cutoff 2025: Check Opening & Closing Rank & Previous Year Cutoff for IITs, NITs, IIITs & GFTIs

Engineering_Outlook_Report_2025

Why Pursue Petroleum Engineering Courses?

India's growing energy needs and focus on domestic oil and gas production are driving the demand for skilled petroleum engineers. Graduates in the field can explore multiple career options after completing Petroleum Engineering classes. They can work with some of the top oil and gas companies around the world. Interestingly, India hosts oil and gas exploration in locations such as Digboi Field, Naharkatiya Field, Moran-Hugrijan Field, Mumbai High, Kalol etc. 

Some of the key advantages of pursuing Petroleum Engineering courses are mentioned below:

  • Increasing Demand: The demand for oil and gas resources is continuously increasing because of the growing population of the country, and in order to cater to this demand, skilled petroleum engineers are highly sought after by the oil and gas, mining, refining, and petrochemical industries.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: There are a lot of earning opportunities available for Petroleum Engineering graduates in various sectors. They can actively contribute to the oilfield operations by participating in the drilling and extraction processes. Further, they can work with petrochemical companies, refineries, research and development organizations, and government agencies. One can even enter into academia after completing higher studies.
  • Evolving Trends: The petroleum industry is continuously evolving, with a growing focus on:
  1. Unconventional Resources:Developing technologies for extracting oil and gas from shale formations and tight reservoirs. The rise of unconventional resources like shale oil and gas is creating new avenues for petroleum engineers with expertise in these areas.
  2. Environmental Sustainability:Implementing methods for cleaner production practices and reducing the environmental impact of the industry.
  3. Renewable Energy Integration:Exploring the integration of renewable energy sources with traditional oil and gas production.

Useful Links for Petroleum Engg. Course:

Most Important Topics for JEE Advanced 2025: Check Here for Maths, Physics, Chemistry

How to Crack JEE Advanced 2025 in First Attempt?

How to Crack JEE Advanced 2025 Without Coaching With Self Study

Q:   What is the scope of Petroleum Engineering courses?

A:

Hi,



Reservoir Engineering: Analyzing reservoir characteristics to optimize hydrocarbon recovery.

Production Engineering: Maximizing the efficiency of oil and gas production methods.



Hope this answer goes well with your query !

Q:   Is it practical and advantageous to shift from Petroleum Engineering to Chemical Engineering?

A:

Hi,



I hope the above answer cleared your question well !

Q:   What are the future opportunities for petroleum engineering?

A:
The main job opportunity is as an engineer in a petroleum refinery. There are number of private as well as government refineries. One may apply for the post of an engineer after graduation. Some big petroleum refineries in India are- Reliance Refinery (Jamnagar), Essar (Jamnagar), Cochin Refinery, etc. One may also become an engineer in government enterprises such as ONGC and OIL. Crude oil exploration and extraction business sector is also one such field where graduates may find jobs. One may also get work in consultation business also, which deals with oil and natural gas as well as petroleum resources. Some chemical industries (especially fertilizer and plastics industries) also deals with oil and petroleum to a large extent. One may also find job in such chemical factories. Also, to a small extent, pharmaceutical sector also provided job opportunities. This is due to the fact that some medicines make use of petroleum and is related by products to an extent.

Q:   What is Petroleum Engineering course?

A:

The Petroleum Engineering course is an interdisciplinary study that deals with the application of knowledge of Chemical Engineering,  Geology, and Structural Engineering in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons from inside the earth's surface. In this course, you get to learn the nuances of heat transfer and petroleum exploration in off-shore and on-shore locations. You will also have the chance to develop fresh techniques for drawing gas and oil from old wells, which seems quite exciting.

Various courses such as undergraduate, postgraduate, and Diploma courses are offered in the field of Petroleum Engineering. After pursuing a major degree course in this field, you get exposed to a variety of career options and earn extremely well. Petroleum engineering jobs usually offer a good pay-scale and you may earn much more than an average engineer earns in any other field of Engineering.

Hope this answers your question. Have a good day.

Q:   What is the eligibility for Petroleum Engineering course?

A:

Petroleum Engineering courses are offered at the diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. It can be also pursued as executive programs offered by various other colleges. If you have completed your Class 12 in Science background and have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, you are eligible to pursue this course. 

Further, for taking up the course at the postgraduate level, you should have completed BTech degree or BE in Chemical Engineering/Petroleum Engineering,  or any other allied discipline and must also possess a valid GATE score. Entrance tests are an important part of the admission process for which you need to work hard and get good marks to secure admission at prestigious Engineering institutions in the country.

Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Courses in Petroleum Engineering are offered at different levels such as diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, and to get admission in any of the courses, students must fulfil the required eligibility criteria for the particular course.

Students can go through the eligibility criteria for Petroleum Engineering courses after 12th in the table given below:

Petroleum Engineering Course Levels

Petroleum Engineering Course Eligibility

Diploma in Petroleum Engineering

Students must have completed Class 10 with Science subjects and secured a minimum of 50 percent marks.

Undergraduate (B Tech Petroleum Engineering)

  • Students must have completed their Class 12 from the national- or state-level education board.
  • They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
  • They must have secured a minimum of 50 to 60 percent aggregate marks. 
  • Students who hold a 3-year diploma in Petroleum Engineering are also eligible for lateral entry admission into the second year of undergraduate courses in Petroleum Engineering.

Postgraduate (MTech- M Tech in Petrochemical Engineering / M Tech in Petroleum Engineering)

Students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a related field with at least 60 percent marks.

Doctorate (PhD)

Students must have a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering or a relevant field with at least 55 to 60 percent marks.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Links for Petroleum Engg. Courses:

KEAM 2025: Exam Date (OUT), Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Mock Test, Previous Year Question Papers

JEE Advanced Organising Institute: Know Which IIT will Conduct JEE Advanced 2025, 2026, 2027

JEE Main Vs BITSAT Exam: Difficulty Level, Pattern and Syllabus

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to get admission for B.Tech in petroleum engineering?

A:
The eligibility criteria to get admission for BTech in petroleum engineering is that candidate should have passed Class 12 with a minimum of 45% aggregate.

Q:   How can I become petroleum engineer after class 10th?

A:
Eligibility to do B.Tech Petroleum Engineering is PCM at +2 stage. Therefore, you are advised to take Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in +2 stage and then appear for various engineering entrance examinations to fullfil your dream of becoming Petroleum engineer.

Petroleum Engineering Admission 2025

The Petroleum Engineering admission process requires students to fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria, appear for and clear entrance exams and then apply for their preferred courses at different universities and colleges across India. The selection procedure includes academic performance in Class 12, and valid scores and ranks in entrance tests.

Interested students may go through a general overview of the admission process for Petroleum Engineering courses at Indian colleges below:

  • Entrance Examination: Appear for national/state-level entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, GATE, KCET, WBJEE, MHT CET. Some popular universities even conduct their own entrance exams such as CUCET, LPU NEST, etc.
  • Application Process: Submit application forms to colleges with Petroleum Engineering courses along with the required documents before the deadline.
  • Counselling: Participate in counselling process based on entrance exam scores or merit after the declaration of exam results.
  • Secure Admission: Complete the admission process by paying the course fees and verifying documents at the college. Start attending Petroleum Engineering classes after that, as per the academic calendar.

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Relevant Links for Petroleum Engg. Courses:

JEE Mains 2025 Syllabus PDF (Available): Download JEE Syllabus for Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics

JEE Main Marks vs Percentile vs Rank 2024: Calculate Percentile and Rank Using Marks

JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2024: Check Category Wise Qualifying Marks, Previous Year Marks v/s Rank

Q:   What is JEE Main 2025 exam date?

A:

NTA has announced the JEE Main 2025 exam date session 1. The session 1 exam will be conducted on January 22, 23, 24 28 and 29, 2025 for Paper 1. For Paper 2, the exam date is January 30, 2025. JEE Main 2025 session 2 will be held from April 1 to 8, 2025. NTA has ended JEE Main 2025 session 1 registration. JEE Main Application form 2025 session 1 was available on the website jeemain.nta.nic.in. 

Q:   How much time is required to prepare for JEE Mains?

A:

The time required to prepare for JEE Mains depends on several factors, such as your current knowledge level, the amount of time you can dedicate to studying, and your desired level of excellence. However, here are some general guidelines:

  1. Ideally, you should start preparing for JEE Mains at least 6-8 months before the exam date. This will give you ample time to cover the entire syllabus, practice mock tests, and analyse your performance.
  2. If you have already started preparing, it's essential to make a time table and stick to it. Allocate at least 6-8 hours daily for studying, and ensure that you take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
  3. It's important to note that the amount of time required to prepare for JEE Mains can vary depending on your current knowledge level. If you have a strong foundation in the subjects, you may require less time, whereas if you need to build your fundamentals, you may need more time.
  4. Additionally, it's important to remember that studying smartly is more crucial than studying for a long time. Focus on understanding the concepts, practicing challenging problems, and analyzing your performance regularly.

In conclusion, the amount of time required to prepare for JEE Mains can vary depending on several factors. However, ideally, you should start preparing at least 6-8 months before the exam date, and make a study plan that suits your needs and schedule. Remember to study smartly, practice regularly, and analyze your performance to achieve your desired score.

Q:   Which book should I refer to prepare for MHT CET exam?

A:

Hi aspirant! Hope you are doing well.

Below are provided here a few of the MHT CET best books for all three subjects- Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. You can check out the books and prepare for the exam effectively. 

Best Chemistry Book for MHT CET

NCERT Class 11 and 12 Text Book

MHT CET Triump Chemistry (Target Publication)

Complete Reference Manual MH-CET Chemistry (Arihant Publication)

MHT CET Chemistry by Arihant Publishers

Marvel Chemistry for MHT CET by Mayur Mehta, Chitra Joshi, Rekha Diwekar

Chemistry for MHT CET (MCQ) by Mayur Mehta and Chitra Joshi (Marvel Publication)

Best Physics Book for MHT CET

NCERT Textbook for class 11 and 12

Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma – Volume 1 and 2

MHT CET Physics by AJ Bapat (Marvel Publication)

Complete Reference Manual MH-CET Physics M.K. Dikshit (Arihant Publication)

MCQ Physics for MHT CET by A J Bapat (Marvel Publication)

Best Mathematics Books for MHT CET

NCERT Text Books for Class 11 and 12

MCQ Mathematics for MHT CET by Hemant G. Ainapure (Marvel Publication)

Complete Reference Manual MH-CET Mathematics by Sushil Verma (Arihant Publication)

 

Hope this answered your query. If yes, kindly up vote. Thanks.

Q:   What is the closing rank for NIT in JEE Main?

A:
Closing rank for NITs varies from institute to institute. In general, students must have a JEE Main rank within the top 30,000 to have a seat in any of the NITs across the country. It is not possible to provide the exact closing ranks for all NITs as it is subject to change. However, generally, the closing ranks for admission to NITs through JEE Main are in the range of a few thousand to several tens of thousands, depending on the institute and the specific branch.

Top Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exams 2025

Admission to BTech/BE/MTech Petroleum Engineering courses in most of the institutes is based on entrance exam scores. Many deemed-to-be universities conduct their own entrance exams in selected metro cities across India.

Candidates must score a decent rank in order to secure admission to top colleges. The entrance exams are as follows:

Exam

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

JEE Main

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1- 22 Jan’25 – 31 Jan’25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 2- 01 Apr'25 - 08 Apr'25

JEE Main Schedule

JEE Advanced

18 May'25 

JEE Advanced Schedule

MHT CET

MHT CET 2025 Exam for PCB Group- 09 Apr'25 - 17 Apr'25

MHT CET 2025 Exam for PCM Group- 19 Apr'25 - 27 Apr'25

MHTCET Schedule 

TS EAMCET

May'25 (Tentative)

TS EAMCET Schedule

COMEDK UGET

10 May'25 

COMEDK UGET Schedule

KCET

18 Apr'25 - 19 Apr'25

KCET Schedule

KEAM

24 Apr'25 - 28 Apr'25

KEAM Schedule

WBJEE

27 Apr'25

WBJEE Schedule

GATE

01 Feb '25 - 02 Feb '25

15 Feb '25 - 16 Feb '25

GATE Schedule

UPESEAT

May '25 (Tentative)

UPESEAT Schedule

Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Relevant Links for Petroleum Engg. Entrance Exams: 

JEE Main 2025 Chapter wise Weightage: Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics

JEE Main 2025 Important Chapters & Topics for Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry

JEE Main 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Marks Required in Class 12, Age Limit, Number of Attempts

TS EAMCET Syllabus 2025 Weightage: Check Important Topics of Maths, Physics, Chemistry

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

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

03 Jan '25 -

31 Jan '25

AMUEEE 2025 application form

ONGOING

01 Feb '25 -

07 Feb '25

AMUEEE 2025 application form with late fee

20 Apr '25

AMUEEE 2025 Exam Date

Q:   Which entrance exams are accepted for admission to Petroleum Engineering course?

A:

School studies are very important for qualifying the entrance exam as well as it acts as a foundation for studies in the first year of an undergraduate engineering programme. Senior Secondary education prepares candidates to appear for engineering entrance examinations which requires knowledge on Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. For taking admissions into BTech courses in Petroleum Engineering, candidates can appear for the following entrance exams such as:

Q:   What is the syllabus for GATE exam?

A:

GATE Syllabus have 3 major sections namely General Aptitude, Engineering Mathematics, and Chosen subject.

GATE General aptitude syllabus is based on intermediate level general understanding to test aptitude of candidates. However, Engineering mathematics and chosen subject's syllabus will be of graduation level. A candidates must expect good undergraduate level question from the syllabus in the GATE exam.

The distribution of questions in all papers except AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL, the marking distribution is as follows - General Aptitude (15), Engineering Mathematics (13 marks), and Subject-specific (72).

The distribution of questions in AR, CY, EY, GG, MA, PH, XH, and XL is as follows - General Aptitude (15) and Subject-specific (85). 

Q:   What is the last date to fill KCET application form 2025?

A:

Dear candidate, the Karnataka Examinations Authority will release the KCET 2025 application form on the official website. You can fill out the KCET application form at kea.kar.nic.in. You must fill out the KCET application form 2025 at the earliest to avoid last-minute payment failure issues. The candidates who fill the KCET application form on or before the last date will be issued hall tickets as per the schedule. The last date to fill KCET application form will be notified very soon. At present, the tentative date for the KCET application window to open is 10 January, 2025.

Thanks. Have a good day.

Q:   How to crack JEE Mains in first attempt?

A:

Hi aspirant!

Clearing the JEE Main exam in first attempt is not a difficult task. If we see the year over year statistics, the ratio of students who clear JEE Main in first attempt is high in comparison to students who dropped a year after class 12. One thing that makes it easy to clear JEE Main with class 12 is that students are in regular touch of most JEE syllabus. To score good marks in JEE Main in the first attempt, it is advised that you study class 11 and 12 topics thoroughly, clear all the concepts and solve mock test papers. Also, NCERT books which you study in class 11 and 12 are the best books for JEE Main preparation. Students must study NCERT properly and solve all the questions in the book and do not memorize the concepts as some students do rather understand the concepts.

Hope this cleared your doubt. Best wishes!

Q:   How is JEE Main conducted, online or offline?

A:

National Testing Agency conducts JEE Main exam in online mode as a computer based test. JEE Main exam is conducted for three different courses; B.Tech, B.Arch and B.Plan. The exam for B.Tech and B. Plan is completely online while the exam for B.Arch is partially online and drawing part is conducted offline. The exam is held across various test cities in India and abroad.

Q:   How many months are required to prepare for MHT CET exam?

A:

The time-period required to complete the MHT CET preparation varies. Every student has their own pace of study. Ideally, 3-month time is good enough for completing the MHT CET preparation. Students who have started preparing from class 11 or 12 can easily prepare for MHT CET in 6 months considering the topics of CET syllabus have already been studied in class 11 and 12.

MHT CET preparation is most effective with class 11 and 12 as almost 90-95 percent topics are similar in both exams. This way students can easily complete the entire MHT CET syllabus as well as syllabus of class 11 and 12. After the board exams, students get 2-3 month time where they can focus entirely on MHT CET.

Students who have started late for the MHT CET exam can make a 6-month plan where in the first three months they have to focus on revising the syllabus studied in class 11 and 12. In the next two months’ focus on solving questions of MHT CET and analyzing the mistakes being made, if any. The last one month should be focused on solving mock tests and MHT CET previous year question papers

Q:   When will WBJEE 2025 be held?

A:

WBJEE 2025 exam date has been announced. WBJEE 2025 will be held as a pen-and-paper-based test on April 27, 2025. While filling out the WBJEE application form, the candidates will have to select their preferred exam city preferences. WBJEE will be of 4 hours in duration and the candidates will have to attempt two papers - Paper 1 (Mathematics) and Paper 2 (Physics and Chemistry). 

Types of Petroleum Engineering Courses

Petroleum Engineering courses can be pursued at various levels. Several Engineering colleges and universities across India offer multiple course options to the students for pursuing Petroleum Engineering. The usual time duration is four years in case of a bachelor’s degree, and two years in case of a master’s degree. If someone wishes to enter into the field of research or academia, they need to pursue a PhD in Petroleum Engineering or a related field that has a duration span of three to six years.

Some of the popular Petroleum Engineering courses after 12th, along with their duration are given in the table below:

Petroleum Engineering Course Levels

Petroleum Engineering Courses

Petroleum Engineering Course Duration

 

 

Diploma

·       Diploma in Petroleum Engineering

·       Diploma in Petrochemical Engineering

·       Advanced Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering

 

3 years (1 year in case of Advanced Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering)

 

 

 

 

 

Undergraduate

 

·       B Tech Petroleum Engineering

·       B.E. Petroleum Engineering

·       BTech in Applied Petroleum Engineering

 

4 years

 

 

 

 

 

Postgraduate

·       MTech in Petroleum Engineering

·       MTech in Petrochemical Engineering

·       M.E. Petroleum Engineering

 

2 years

 

Doctorate

            PhD in Petroleum Engineering

3 to 6 years

Useful Links for Petroleum Engg. Courses:

List of Courses offered by IITs in India

IIT Fees Structure for BTech Courses

Q:   Is Ph.D in Petroleum Engineering a good course?

A:

Well, the answer to this question would differ from person to person. The people who have the fire in the belly to dig deep and dive into the ocean of research knowledge about oil and gas resources would love going for a PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering. The duration of the doctorate degree course is between 3 and 6 years. On the other hand, some people might prefer looking for a stable job after a bachelor's or master's degree depending on their interests and future plans.

So, it completely depends on your interests, the amount of time you can devote to this discipline, and career goals. If you wish to enter into the professional academic environment and go into the research and innovation field, you can consider this option. You will get to know about advanced drilling, extraction, and production technology that could be further used in the oil and gas industry.

Petroleum Engineering Syllabus

Petroleum Engineering or Oil Engineering syllabus consists of Core subjects and Elective subjects. Candidates are required to select departmental electives offered by the institute. They are also required to complete many laboratory assignments and project work in order to successfully complete this course. The various subjects which are included under Petroleum Engineering syllabus are as follows:

Semester Subjects
Semester 1
  • English – I
  • Mathematics - I
  • Engineering Chemistry
Semester 2
  • Engineering Drawing
  • Elements of Mechanical Engineering
  • Engineering Physics
Semester 3
  • General Geology
  • Surveying & Offshore Structures
  • Chemical Process Calculations
Semester 4
  • Petroleum Geology
  • Thermodynamics for Petroleum Engineers
  • Petroleum Exploration 
Semester 5
  • Process Dynamics & Control
  • Process Instrumentation
  • Well Logging & Formation Evaluation
Semester 6
  • Alternative Energy Sources for Automobile
  • Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical Engineering
  • Petroleum Reservoir Engineering-I
Semester 7
  • Integrated Asset Management
  • Petroleum Reservoir Engineering - II
  • Surface Production Operations 
Semester 8
  • EOR Techniques 
  • HSE & FE in Petroleum Industry
  • Petroleum Economics, Policies & Regulations

Note- This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary:

Helpful Link for Petroleum Engg. Subjects:

Petroleum Engineering Subjects

What is the difference between Petrochemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering?

Petrochemical engineering and petroleum engineering are closely related fields, both focused on the extraction, processing, and utilisation of hydrocarbons.

While petroleum engineering primarily deals with the extraction and production of crude oil and natural gas from underground reservoirs, petrochemical engineering focuses on the conversion of these raw materials into valuable products.

Here's a breakdown of their key differences:

Feature Petroleum Engg. Petrochemical Engg.
Focus Extraction and production of crude oil and natural gas Conversion of hydrocarbons into products
Activities Exploration, drilling, reservoir engineering, production Refinery processes, chemical reactions, product development
Products Crude oil, natural gas Gasoline, diesel, plastics, fertilizers, chemicals

 

Q:   What are some specialised areas of study within Petroleum Engineering?

A:

Hi,

Below given are some of the specialisation within Petroleum Engineering field:

  • Offshore petroleum engineering
  • Unconventional oil and gas (e.g., shale gas, tight oil)
  • Petroleum exploration and development
  • Petroleum refining and processing
  • Environmental aspects of petroleum engineering

Q:   What it takes to become a petroleum engineer?

A:
You could take up an engineering course, say in Chemical or Mechanical branches. Instead of only a bachelor's degree, even integrated masters and bachelors course is also very well. Good analytical skills, math skills, and creative skills play the key role. Professional engineering exam and relevant work experience help you become competent in petroleum engineering job.

Best Petroleum Engineering Colleges

Oil Engineering or Petroleum Engineering Courses fees and placement opportunities are two important factors which should be kept in mind before deciding on a college for pursuing Petroleum Engineering. The government and private colleges offering various courses in Petroleum Engineering are as follows. 

Engineering NIRF Ranking 2024

Among engineering colleges, IIT Madras has retained the top position for the 6th consecutive year in the overall National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. Students interested in pursuing BTech can apply in colleges taking into consideration their relevant positions as per the NIRF 2024. The colleges mentioned in the table are listed as per the NIRF Rankings and are primarily government colleges.

College 2022 2023 2024
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Madras 1 1 1
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Delhi 2 2 2
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Bombay 3 3 3
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Kanpur 4 4 4
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Kharagpur 5 6 5
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Roorkee 6 5 6
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Guwahati 7 7 7
Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Hyderabad 9 8 8
National Institute of Technology, (NIT) Tiruchirapalli 8 9 9
BHU Varanasi 13 15 10

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Best Petroleum Engineering Government Colleges

Some of the popular government colleges for Petroleum Engineering include top IITs and NITs as well as other state universities which are considered as temples of modern technical education. They provide with good placement opportunities as well as experienced faculty which makes them a popular choice amongst students. Some of these government colleges are as follows:

Institute Tuition Fees in INR
IIT Bombay 2.69 lakh
IIT Dhanbad 60,000 - 8 lakh
IIT Guwahati 20,000
IIT Madras 20,000
Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur 9 lakh
Nagpur University 1.2 - 1.34 lakh
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology 10.41 lakh
Samrat Ashok Technological Institute 1.35- 4.8 lakh
University College of Engineering, Kakinada 40,000 - 1.8lakh
College of Engineering, Anna University 50,000

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Best Petroleum Engineering Private Colleges

Some of the popular private Colleges for Petroleum Engineering courses include Deemed to be Universities and other popular Institutes of Eminence which conduct their own entrance exam across major metro cities. They also provide with excellent placement opportunities as well as infrastructural facilities which make them a popular choice amongst students. Some of these colleges are as follows:

Institute Total Course Fee in INR
Aditya Engineering College 72,000 - 3 lakh
DIT University 6.31- 8.49 lakh
Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology 2.35 lakh
Graphic Era University 10 lakh
Lovely Professional University 5.40 lakh
Manipal University, Jaipur 12.36 lakh
MIT-WPU 9.3- 12.4 lakh
NIMS University 90,000 - 6 lakh
Parul University 1.29- 3.44 lakh
School of Energy Technology, PDEU 

3 - 9.6 lakh

Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research 6.2 lakh

Note: The fee range given above is for all level Petroleum Engineering courses such as UG, PG and Diploma

Helpful Links for Petroleum Engineering Colleges:

List of Top IITs in India 2024: NIRF Ranking, Courses, Seats, Fees & Placement

List of NIT Colleges in India 2024 - NIRF Ranking, Courses, Seats, Cutoff, Fees and Placement

2.69 L
17.92 LPA

#2 India Today

1 Course
20 K
17 LPA

#3 The Week

#4 India Today

1 Course
1.14 L
6.5 LPA

#6 India Today

60 K - 8 L
9 - 15 LPA

#12 The Week

1 Course
10.4 L
7.25 LPA

Q:   Can I pursue Petroleum Engineering after Class 10?

A:

Yes, Candidates who have studied Science in Secondary-level education can pursue diploma-level courses under Petroleum Engineering. Various government Polytechnic institutes and private colleges offer Diploma in Petroleum or Petrochemical Engineering. Some of the top colleges are as follows:

Q:   What are the renowned institutions offering Petroleum Engineering courses in India?

A:

Some of the petroleum Engineering colleges are given below:

InstituteTotal Course Fee in INR
Annamalai University8.31 K
IIT Dhanbad60 K- 8 lakh
IIT Guwahati20 K
IIT Madras20 K
Aditya Engineering College72 K - 3 lakh
DIT University6.31- 8.49 lakh
Godavari Institute of Engineering and Technology2.35 lakh
Graphic Era University10 lakh

Q:   What is the procedure to take BTech admission at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology?

A:

For those interested in pursuing a BTech degree at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), the application process is straightforward and involves several key steps:

1. Navigate to RGIPT's Official Website: Start by accessing the official portal of RGIPT. Once there, locate and select the "Admissions" section.
2. Complete the Online Application: You'll need to carefully fill in the application form available online. During this step, be prepared to upload essential documents, including your Class 12 mark sheet, JEE Advanced scorecard, and a recent photograph that meets passport-size requirements.
3. Application Fee Payment: The next step involves paying the application fee. This can be done via online methods or through specified offline channels, as per your convenience.
4. Finalize and Submit Your Application: After ensuring all information is accurate and all necessary documents have been attached, submit your application. Then, it's a matter of waiting for the admission committee to announce the results.

The application fee is set at INR 1000 for candidates from the General and OBC categories, while those applying under the SC/ST/PwD categories are required to pay INR 500.

Q:   How can I get into Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy for UG/PG courses? Am I eligible for admission?

A:

Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy has below criteria for taking admissions to it's various courses:

CoursesEligibility
B.E. / B.TechCandidates who have passed Diploma in Engineering or any other examination recognised as equivalent there to, from a recognised Institute/ University, Andhra Pradesh/ Telangana are also eligible. Candidates who have appeared in Diploma in Engineering and who are awaiting their results can also apply on provisional basis. Candidates should belong to the state of Andhra Pradesh/ Telangana. Candidate should have completed 16 years of age as of 31st December of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit.

Popular Private Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

2 Courses
1.35 L - 4.8 L
4.5 LPA
81.7 K - 90.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
81.7 K - 90.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
81.7 K - 90.7 K
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
3.09 L - 18.32 L
6 - 6.5 LPA

Petroleum Engineering Applications open till Jan 21, 2025. Apply Now

3 Courses
1.27 L - 1.43 L
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs

Petroleum Engineering Career Scope, Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

Petroleum Engineering provides excellent career opportunities to fresh graduates as well as mid-career professionals who seek to change their career trajectory by pursuing advanced degrees such as MTech or PhD. They are hired across top off-shore and on-shore companies that are engaged in oil and natural gas drilling and refining.

Moreover, you can join SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) a global professional organization that plays a crucial role in advancing the field of petroleum engineering. It serves as a platform for petroleum engineers to connect, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest industry developments.

Some of the top job profiles offered after Petroleum Engineering are as follows:

Petroleum Engineering Jobs Job Description Petroleum Engineering Salary
Completion Engineers They look after the building wells for the flow up of oil or gas from underground. Building wells might involve the usage of tubing, hydraulic fracturing, or pressure-control techniques. INR 7- 9 LPA
Drilling Engineers The find the way to gas wells or drill oil ensuring that the drilling process is safe, efficient, and minimally disruptive to the environment. INR 8- 10 LPA
Production Engineers They come into the play after the drilling is completed. They monitor wells’ oil and gas production and figure out ways to increase the production. INR 9- 11 LPA
Reservoir Engineers They determine reservoirs’ characteristics to recover oil or gas from underground deposits. They also figure out the methods to get the most oil or gas out of the reservoirs.   INR 7- 10 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Petroleum Engineering Top Recruiters

The top recruiters for Oil engineering or Petroleum Engineering graduates include famous companies which are engaged in drilling and refining of oil and natural gas across Latin American, African and Middle Eastern Countries. Even in the coastal tracts of the Indian subcontinent, the Geological Survey of India has discovered huge beds of oil and natural gas. Many top Petroleum Engineering companies in India and abroad are given in the table below:

Top Petroleum Engineering Recruiters

Bharat Petroleum

Aban Offshore

Aban Offshore Limited

Abhay Ocean India Pvt Ltd

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)

Adani Group

Aquarius International

Aryatech Marine and Offshore Services

Aryavartha Design Consultants LLP

Bengal Sun Solar Energy India Pvt. Ltd.

Bharat Oil & Waste Management Ltd.

Cairn India

Relevant Link for Petroleum Engg. Career:

Petroleum Engineering Career

Q:   What is the salary of a Petroleum Engineer in India?

A:

Petroleum Engineers can expect to get an average salary of INR 4.1 LPA. A Project Engineer earns between INR 4-8 LPA whereas a Production Engineer can earn between INR 3-6 LPA. Candidates can also expect to grab better opportunities through on-campus placement. Based on the placement reports of Pandit Deendayal Energy University, the highest salary offered in placement 2022 was INR 38 LPA whereas the average package offered was INR 6.5 LPA.

Q:   How important are internships for a good career in Petroleum Engineering?

A:

The internship is a great experience for all the budding engineers as it helps you to learn the necessary skills and get hands-on experience in the field. Candidates are required to undergo Industrial training, especially in their third year and final year of BTech course. Along with that, they are also required to work on a project which will give them exposure to the nuances of this course.

Q:   Which companies are the top recruiters of Petroleum Engineering graduates?

A:

Some of the top recruiters hiring Petroleum Engineering graduates consists of top oil exploration companies or petrochemical industries or government agencies such as:

Top Recruiters 

Castrol India

Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.

Coastal Energen Pvt. Ltd.

CubicWheels Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.

Delhi Aviation Fuel Facility Pvt. Ltd.

Essar Oil Limited

Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)

GE Oil and Gas India

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL)

Oil India Limited

Petroleum Engineering FAQs

Here are a few questions related to Petroleum Engineering courses:

Q:   How can I become a successful Petroleum Engineer?

A:

Along with a good hold on Science and Mathematics, good writing, problem-solving and presentation skills are required for being a good petroleum engineer. The ability to work with others on teams is also an important trait required among the engineers. Petroleum Engineers work in difficult terrains ranging from deserts, coastal areas etc. Therefore, they must be hardworking and patient enough to work for extended hours. 

Q:   What is the work of a Petroleum Engineer?

A:

Yes,  Candidates who have pursued Petroleum Engineering course can work in other allied fields such as coal mining, natural gas extraction and petrochemicals manufacturing industries. This can be done by staying informed on developments in the industry in which one works and pursue advanced Diploma courses or trainings. Candidates can also try for global opportunities since the energy market is well-established in the Middle East and African nations.

Popular Petroleum Engineering UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Petroleum Engineering PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

The duration of Petroleum Engineering courses typically depends on the level of the programme you choose:

  1. Bachelor's Degree (B.E./B.Tech): This is a 4-year undergraduate program. It includes both theoretical and practical learning, covering topics like drilling, reservoir engineering, and oil explora

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Graduates of Petroleum Engineering from Colorado School of Mines are prepared to work in academia, conduct research in commercial or government laboratories, and make scientific discoveries that advance the industry. The college has 7 research centers working closely with industry. Mines also ranked

...more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Well, the answer to this question would differ from person to person. The people who have the fire in the belly to dig deep and dive into the ocean of research knowledge about oil and gas resources would love going for a PhD degree in Petroleum Engineering. The duration of the doctorate degree cours

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V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

Petroleum Engineering courses are offered at the diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. It can be also pursued as executive programs offered by various other colleges. If you have completed your Class 12 in Science background and have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as

...more

V

Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

The Petroleum Engineering course is an interdisciplinary study that deals with the application of knowledge of Chemical Engineering,  Geology, and Structural Engineering in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons from inside the earth's surface. In this course, you get to learn the nuances of

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Vidhi Jain

Contributor-Level 7

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