Best Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India

Aerospace engineering is your ticket to an exciting career in the sky and beyond. Choosing the right college is crucial in India, a country known for its rapidly growing aviation sector and significant contributions to space exploration.

It has two main branches – Aeronautical Engineering (aircraft) and Astronautical Engineering (spacecraft). In India, there are around 70 colleges that offer degree and diploma programs in Aerospace Engineering, of which about 80% are private colleges and the rest of the 20% are government colleges.

According to NIRF ranking the best college, awareness of Aerospace Engineering programs is currently limited compared to popular branches like Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Electronics/Communication Engineering. However, Aerospace Engineering is emerging as a sought-after domain given the growth in the aerospace sector. Aerospace Engineering focuses on designing, building, testing, and manufacturing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.

These programs are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels through full-time and part-time modes. Top institutes include the IITs (Madras, Bombay, Kharagpur, Kanpur). Admission to Aerospace programs in India is through national-level exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, GATE, Karnataka PGCET, and KCET. These exams test students on physics, math, and engineering aptitude required for an aerospace engineering career.

While the number of top colleges offering aerospace engineering is small as of 2024, this figure is expected to expand in the coming years fuelled by rising student interests.

Here are top 3 Aerospace Engineering Colleges based on NIRF ranking

1. IIT Madras

According to latest NIRF rankings of 2023, IIT Madras upholds its distinguished reputation as a leading institution in India, particularly acclaimed for its aeronautical engineering program. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards, state-of-the-art facilities, and esteemed faculty members, IIT Madras continues to attract aspiring engineers seeking excellence and innovation in the field of aeronautics.

2. IIT Bombay

IIT Bombay’s aeronautical engineering program is highly esteemed, consistently ranking among the top in India. In the 2023 NIRF rankings, it continues to shine with its comprehensive curriculum, advanced research facilities, and renowned faculty who are pioneers in aerospace technologies. The department fosters a rigorous academic environment that encourages innovation and prepares students for careers at the forefront of aviation and space industries, making IIT Bombay a preferred destination for aspiring aeronautical engineers.

3. IIT Kanpur

In the 2023 NIRF rankings, IIT Kanpur maintains a strong presence in the field of aeronautical engineering, solidifying its position as a leading institution in India. Renowned for its robust academic programs and cutting-edge research initiatives, the department at IIT Kanpur offers students a comprehensive curriculum supported by state-of-the-art facilities and accomplished faculty members. Aspiring aerospace engineers benefit from a stimulating academic environment that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing them to excel in the dynamic aerospace industry.

Check the list of top Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India 2024 in the table given below:

Check the list of Best Private Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India 2024 in the table given below:

Check the Best Government Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India in the table given below:

Here’s a table listing some of the top colleges in India as per the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) 2023 rankings, along with their overall NIRF ranking and NIRF score for their respective category (engineering or overall).

There are several top colleges offering Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering across India. When looking at the states with the most Aerospace Engineering programs, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of colleges offering BTech degrees in this field.

After Tamil Nadu, the states with the next highest numbers of Aerospace Engineering colleges are:

• Karnataka
• Punjab
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh

The table below provides an overview of leading states and the number of colleges in each state that offer Aerospace Engineering BTech degrees:

Check the list of the Best Aerospace Engineering Colleges in Delhi NCR in the table given below:

Check the Aerospace Engineering Colleges in Uttar Pradesh in the table given below:

Check the Best Aerospace Engineering Colleges in Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra in the table given below:

The return on investment (ROI) is a useful tool for students evaluating college programs. The ROI tells you how much benefit you will likely gain for the tuition costs of a particular major or college. Looking at the ROI can help when choosing between two schools or majors.

For popular majors like Aerospace Engineering, comparing the ROI across colleges can be very valuable. IIT Bombay ranks as one of the top Indian colleges for Aerospace Engineering when judging by average salary earned versus average annual fees paid.

Here is a table comparing the ROI of Aerospace Engineering programs at the top IITs in India:

Check the Placement Wise Best Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India in the table given below:

To pursue aerospace engineering, you must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths in Class 12 Science stream.

• For Undergraduate entry – Need Class 12 pass certificate with 60% aggregate marks (all subjects) from a recognized board.
• For Postgraduate entry – Need a 60% score (55% for reserved categories) in 4-year BE/BTech or related engineering degree.

Aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering are two exciting fields that often get mixed up, but they have some key differences. It covers everything from designing airplanes to rockets and satellites.

On the other hand, aeronautical engineering focuses solely on aircraft that fly within the earth’s atmosphere, like planes and helicopters. They don’t typically deal with spacecraft and focuses on making the machines safer, faster, and more efficient.

Some of the top Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India are:

• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)
• Indian Institute of Science (IISc Bangalore)
• Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur)
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
• Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee)

Also Read: Top Engineering Colleges in India

Which college in India is best for Aerospace Engineering?

Some of the best Aerospace Engineering colleges in India are IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur, etc.

Which is the best Aerospace Engineering college in India?

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) are often recognized as the top aerospace engineering colleges in India.

Can I do Aerospace Engineering without IIT?

Yes, anyone who has passed or appearing in class 12th with PCM or PCB with a particular passing percentage is eligible to get admission in aerospace engineering.

What is the salary of an Iitian aerospace engineer?

On average, they make between INR 6 lakh to INR 12 lakh per year. For those with 3 to 7 years of experience, especially in Bangalore, the yearly salary typically ranges from INR 7,00,000 to INR 15,00,000.

In which country aerospace engineering is best?

The USA is considered the best country for aerospace engineering.