Best Engineering Courses After 12th: Complete List of Fields & Streams

Do you know that engineering is the preferred choice for students from the science stream (PCM)? Engineering is a vast field with numerous branches, courses and specialisations. This makes it essential for you to know the best engineering courses after 12th so you can plan your next steps with clarity.

Across India, top engineering institutes offer a wide variety of programmes at the diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. You can choose undergraduate engineering courses such as B.E./B. Tech programmes or diploma courses after passing your 12th grade in PCM.

As an informed student, you should know about the popular engineering streams and what fields you can actually choose from. This blog walks you through all of them, giving you a clear picture of every major option. However, you should first know the main difference between streams and various fields in engineering.

Engineering Field and Engineering Stream – Understanding the Difference

In engineering, the term “field” usually refers to the broader discipline, such as Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science. Different streams in engineering are more focused pathways within specific disciplines — for example, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning within Computer Science, or Automotive Engineering within Mechanical. The terminology for engineering branches and specialisations varies across regions. However, an easy way to use the terms correctly is to consider “fields” as the main categories and “streams” as their specialised tracks.

What are the Basic Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Courses After 12th?

The basic eligibility criteria for engineering courses after Class 12 are outlined below. You must know that the exact requirements may vary depending on the specific institute or college.

B. Tech Eligibility Criteria

Most institutions follow a similar pattern for B.Tech and B.E. admissions. To apply for these programmes, you must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, securing at least 50% to 60% overall. Admissions are based on either merit or entrance scores. The major national entrance examinations include JEE Main and JEE Advanced. State-level entrance exams such as KCET and MHT CET, as well as institute-specific exams such as BITSAT, also exist.

Eligibility Criteria for Lateral Entry 

Students who have completed a three-year diploma in the same engineering branch can apply for lateral entry into B. Tech or B.E. programmes.

Diploma Courses Eligibility

The basic requirement to get admission to a diploma course is to have passed Class 10 or Class 12. The exact percentage of required marks may vary from institution to institution.

After checking the eligibility criteria, you should now take a look at the various engineering fields and the best engineering courses after 12th. The next sections highlight the same.

List of Top Engineering Fields After 12th in India

You get a broad spectrum of different streams in engineering to choose from after Class 12. This gives you the freedom to select the field that matches your interests.
Below is a table that outlines some of the best engineering courses available to you after passing Class 12.

List of Best Engineering Courses After 12th

Here is the engineering courses list after 12th. Note that some of the options below are specialisations that fall into a specific engineering branch. Remember, you should choose an engineering course that matches your passion and career goals.

You explored the various fields in engineering. You also read about the popular engineering courses after Class 12. Now, moving on, you must know about the skills that help you grow in engineering.

Best Skills for All Types of Engineers

You must develop these skills as they will help you in your engineering studies as well as your profession.

1. Develop an aptitude for solving problems – You should develop the skill for identifying problems and finding their solutions. Breaking problems into smaller steps is a good tip for solving problems.
2. Learn basic computer & coding skills – Regardless of whether you choose mechanical, civil or any other branch, learning basic computer and coding skills will significantly help you. These skills are used across a variety of engineering tasks. These skills will also help you in your engineering studies.

Also read “Is AI a Technology or a Tool?”

1. Give attention to detail – You should know that various engineering works require attention to detail. Even small errors can affect the whole design or calculation. Therefore, you need to stay alert and work carefully to get accurate and expected results. You must have the habit of paying attention to every detail.
2. Learn to work in a team – Most engineering projects are done in groups. Hence, being cooperative and open to ideas makes you a strong team player.
3. Develop creativity – Engineers often remain involved in building something new or improving what already exists. Having a creative mindset helps you think out of the box. It helps you discover practical and effective solutions.
4. Enhance your communication skills – Good communication skills are valued in every field, and engineering is no exception. You should be able to express your ideas clearly. Whether you're writing a report or discussing a design, you should be able to communicate clearly.
5. Learn to manage time and pressure – Engineering tasks can be demanding. If you are planning to build a career in this field, you must learn to stay calm under deadlines.

While an engineering degree will qualify you to apply for various roles, developing the above skills will help you grow in your career as an engineer.

Conclusion

Engineering is an exciting and vast field with a wide range of possibilities for students who are passionate about creativity and technology. Each engineering branch focuses on a particular area and offers something different.

The key is to understand your interests and choose an engineering course that matches your interests and career plans. Your journey starts with a thoughtful decision. Take time to reflect on what excites you as you explore various engineering options. This clarity can help you make the right decision and start your journey.

Exploreengineering programmes at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) now and get ready to begin your journey today.

FAQs

Q1: What are the engineering courses?

A1: Engineering courses are undergraduate programmes that prepare you to become a qualified engineer, usually after completing Class 12, integrated courses and diploma with PCM. Computer Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering are some examples of engineering courses.

Q2: Which engineering field is best?

A2: The best engineering field depends on an individual’s interests. However, some of the popular engineering fields include electrical, computer science and mechanical engineering.

Q3: Can I do engineering without JEE?

A3: Yes, you can do engineering without JEE. Many universities conduct their own entrance exams or consider the scores of state-level entrance tests. However, you should know that if you seek admission to IITs, passing JEE Mains and JEE Advanced is essential.

Q4: Which engineering course has the highest salary?

A4: Computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering courses are generally considered the best engineering courses after 12th, offering the highest salaries.

Q5: What are the eligibility criteria for engineering fields after 12th?

A5: Students must have completed 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for most engineering fields. Some branches, like biotechnology engineering, may also accept biology as a subject.

Q6: Are there entrance exams for admission into engineering fields?

A6: Yes, there are different entrance exams to get admission into engineering courses. These exams can be at the national and state levels. Popular entrance exams include JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Some universities, such as JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), and institutes, such as BITS Pilani, conduct their own entrance exams.