Shreyasee Sarkar

 2024-02-10  

Study Engineering in India vs Abroad

Engineering Horizons: Decoding the Choice Between Studying in India or Abroad – A Comprehensive Analysis

Choosing between studying engineering abroad and in India depends on individual preferences and priorities. Studying abroad offers exposure to diverse cultures, cutting-edge research, and a global job market, but comes with higher costs. On the other hand, studying in India is often more cost-effective, with reputable institutions like the IITs providing quality education. Considerations such as academic reputation, cultural exposure, financial constraints, and career goals should guide the decision. Ultimately, the "better" choice is subjective and hinges on balancing personal and academic aspirations with practical considerations.

An Engineering degree should be pursued at an institution that offers a good quality of education and gives you the best career opportunities. While India is home to some best Engineering colleges like IITs, NITs or BITs, an engineering degree abroad offers you a number of perks, such as the best infrastructure, no entrance exams, and endless career possibilities.

If you too, are confused between the two, read this blog to learn the difference between engineering in India and abroad and which one is better.

Entrance Exam Requirements for Engineering in India vs Abroad

Entrance exam requirements for engineering vary significantly between India and abroad. Here's a brief overview:

India:

In India, engineering admissions are primarily based on national and state-level entrance exams. The most notable exam is the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which is divided into JEE Main and JEE Advanced. JEE Main is the qualifying exam for various engineering colleges across India, while JEE Advanced is for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Additionally, various states conduct their own entrance exams for admission to state engineering colleges.

Abroad:

In contrast, engineering admissions abroad are often based on standardized tests that assess a student's academic readiness. The most widely accepted exams include the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the ACT (American College Testing) in the United States, while the United Kingdom typically requires A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Some countries, like Germany, might require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for English proficiency.

Furthermore, certain countries may have additional standardized tests for specific engineering disciplines or programs. For example, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) might be required for admission to graduate engineering programs in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria for Engineering in India vs Abroad

Eligibility Criteria for Studying Engineering in India:

1. Academic Qualifications:

   - For undergraduate programs, candidates should have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects.

   - Certain institutions or states may have specific subject-wise eligibility criteria.

2. Age Limit:

   - There is usually no specific age limit for undergraduate engineering programs, but candidates are generally expected to be within a certain age range, often 17 to 25 years.

3. Entrance Exams:

   - Admission to many engineering colleges in India is based on national or state-level entrance exams, such as JEE Main for NITs, IIITs, and other engineering colleges, and JEE Advanced for admission to the IITs.

   - Some states have their own entrance exams for engineering admissions.

4. Minimum Percentage:

   - Many colleges and institutes have a minimum percentage requirement in the 10+2 examination, typically around 50% (though it can vary).

Eligibility Criteria for Studying Engineering Abroad:

1. Academic Qualifications:

   - For undergraduate programs, students need to have completed their secondary education, often with a focus on subjects relevant to the chosen engineering field.

2. Standardized Tests:

   - Different countries and universities may require standardized tests such as SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT (American College Testing) in the United States, A-levels in the United Kingdom, or similar exams depending on the educational system.

3. English Proficiency:

   - Proficiency in English is essential for international students. Most universities accept scores from standardized English language proficiency tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

4. Visa Requirements:

   - International students need to meet visa requirements, which may include proof of acceptance from a recognized educational institution, financial capability, and compliance with other immigration regulations.

5. Additional Requirements:

   - Some engineering programs abroad may have additional requirements, such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or a portfolio of work, especially for design-oriented courses.

Benefits of Studying Engineering in Abroad vs India

There are a number of key factors that one should take into account before deciding on study options. The most significant feature of studying engineering abroad is the diversified culture and lifestyle it offers. Along with this, the other benefits of pursuing an engineering degree in abroad are:

• There are a large number of high-quality technical education that offer various engineering specialisations to study. This makes a positive impact on an individual's personal growth, along with contributing a lot to their overall personality development.
• This is a highly interactive degree that helps students gain professional experiences by doing internships and connections with global minds.
• By enrolling on engineering colleges abroad students can learn about tackling various problems from different angles.
• The greatest benefit of studying for an engineering degree abroad is that it can inspire and stimulate students' creativity. So if you are planning to pursue an engineering specialisation abroad, your surroundings will make a huge impact on how you approach your goals.

Cost of Studying Engineering in India vs Abroad

The cost of studying engineering varies significantly between India and abroad, and it depends on factors such as the country of choice, the specific university or institution, the type of program, and individual lifestyle choices. Here's a general comparison:

Cost of Studying Engineering in India:

1. Tuition Fees:

   - Tuition fees in Indian engineering colleges are generally lower compared to many universities abroad. Public institutions, especially government-funded ones, often have lower fees than private colleges.

2. Living Expenses:

   - The cost of living in India is relatively lower compared to many Western countries. Expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and other essentials are more affordable.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

   - Various scholarships, both from the government and private institutions, are available to students in India based on academic merit, economic background, and other criteria.

4. Part-Time Work:

   - Students in India may have opportunities for part-time work or internships during their studies, providing a source of income to help cover living expenses.

Cost of Studying Engineering Abroad:

1. Tuition Fees:

   - Tuition fees abroad can vary widely. In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, private universities and out-of-state institutions tend to have higher tuition fees. Public universities may have lower fees for in-state residents.

2. Living Expenses:

   - The cost of living in many Western countries, especially in Europe and North America, can be higher than in India. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other daily expenses.

3. Scholarships and Financial Aid:

   - Some countries and universities abroad offer scholarships and financial aid to international students, but competition can be intense. Scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership qualities, or other criteria.

4. Currency Exchange Rates:

   - Exchange rates can significantly impact the cost of studying abroad. Fluctuations in currency values can affect tuition fees and living expenses for international students.

5. Part-Time Work Regulations:

   - While some countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies, there may be restrictions on the number of hours and types of jobs. This income can help offset expenses.

6. Health Insurance:

   - Health insurance is often mandatory for international students abroad, and the cost varies depending on the country and the coverage provided.

Engineering in India vs Abroad: Course Structure

The difference between engineering in India and abroad cannot be ignored when you are looking at the course structure of the same. Yo compare which is better engineering in India or abroad, here we have compared the course structure of an engineering India vs abroad:

Basis of Comparison

Placements after Engineering in India vs Abroad

Placements After Engineering in India:

1. Campus Placement Drives:

   - In India, many engineering colleges conduct campus placement drives where companies visit the campus to recruit students directly from the institute.

2. Variety of Companies:

   - A wide range of companies, including IT giants, manufacturing firms, consulting companies, and startups, participate in campus placements in India.

3. Job Opportunities in Diverse Sectors:

   - Graduates have opportunities to work in various sectors such as information technology, core engineering, finance, consulting, and more.

4. Government Jobs:

   - Some engineering graduates in India choose to appear for government job exams such as those conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

5. Networking:

   - Campus placements provide students with the opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend interviews, and secure job offers before completing their degrees.

6. Local and Global Companies:

   - While many students secure jobs in India, some may also explore opportunities in global companies with a presence in the country.

Placements After Engineering Abroad (Example: United States):

1. Career Services:

   - Universities abroad often have dedicated career services that assist students in exploring job opportunities, refining resumes, and preparing for interviews.

2. Internship Experiences:

   - Internship and co-op experiences during the course of study can significantly enhance a student's profile, making them more competitive in the job market.

3. Industry Connections:

   - Universities abroad often have strong connections with industries, facilitating networking opportunities and interactions with potential employers.

4. Job Search Post-Graduation:

   - After completing their engineering degrees, graduates in the United States, for example, typically engage in an active job search. This may involve applying to job postings, attending career fairs, and utilizing online platforms.

5. OPT (Optional Practical Training):

   - In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, allowing them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates).

6. Job Market Dynamics:

   - The U.S. job market, like many Western countries, is diverse, and opportunities exist in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more.

7. Networking Events and Conferences:

   - Students may attend networking events, conferences, and career fairs to connect with potential employers and explore job opportunities.

Salary after Engineering in India vs Abroad

Depending on your technical skills, disciplines, specialisations, academic records, internships l and how you have performed in your interview process as well as in the aptitude round, your salaries after Engineering in India vs Abroad will be as follows.

You can get a job that pays you between INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 after completing an Engineering from India.

If you have been hired for an entry-level job in India you can get around INR 3.5 Lakhs to 6 lakhs per annum.

Graduates of IITs, NITs or BITs etc can expect an average salary package of INR 8,00,000 to INR 15,00,000 per year depending on your specialisations.

Job prospects after Engineering Abroad give you much more salary than in India.

If you have completed your graduation from top-ranked engineering universities, you can get a job with a salary as high as INR 35,00,000 per year.

Even graduates of some other universities can get you a pay package of INR 14,00,000 to 23,00,000 per annum.

With this, we can say that from the salary point of view an Engineering from abroad is much better than from India. Now let's take an overview of the costs of studying an engineering degree from abroad vs India.

Top Engineering Colleges for Engineering in India vs Abroad

The next factor that can answer your questions about whether it is better to study Engineering in India or abroad is the list of some top engineering colleges.

First, take a look at the top engineering colleges in India

Vellore Institute of Technology (Vellore, Tamil Nadu)

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) (Manipal, Karnataka)

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Chennai, Tamil Nadu)

Symbiosis International University (Pune, Maharashtra)

BMS College of Engineering (Bengaluru, Karnataka)

Here some top engineering colleges in Abroad

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

University of Cambridge, UK

Stanford University, USA

University of Oxford, UK

Imperial College London, UK

These are some of the best universities for Engineering in India vs Abroad.

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