Careers in Computer Engineering

In this high-tech savvy world, we are gradually becoming accustomed to modern techniques and methodologies of technology to get our work done. In fact, the ever-increasing technology has made the world a small place to reside in. Such is the advantage of the ultramodern skills and knowledge acquired by professionals who are constantly working upon inventing and introducing new tactics and methods that performing challenging and complicated work is now a job of seconds. Take watches, telephones, video games, X-ray machines, car engines, or even ATM machines, computers have rapidly entered our lives and don’t seem to make an exit at all. This immense growth and popularity of information technology has made the computer industry one of the fastest growing segments in the world.

Thus, wherever there is a need for computer expertise, there is bound to be a demand for computer professionals. This has led to the launch of computer engineering, a branch of engineering, which encompasses designing and testing of computer components, along with making and developing computer and computer-based systems. Computer engineering is divided into two major fragments - computer hardware and computer software. Professionals who work upon any of these two segments are termed as computer engineers. By combining electrical engineering and computer science, computer engineering has evolved into a highly prospective and booming career option, with umpteen opportunities to explore in India as well as abroad.

Course Details
With the rapid growth and development in the computer industry, the need for specializing in computer engineering has become a necessity. With this concept in mind, numerous institutes in India conduct computer engineering courses at degree and diploma levels. One can seek admission in BE or B.Tech courses at graduate level or ME/M.Tech programs at post graduation level. Besides, diploma courses in computer engineering are also available at various colleges. Since computer engineering involves both mathematics and science, candidates who have completed their 10+2 examination, or its equivalent, with science subjects Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are eligible for 4-year Bachelor’s degree and 3-year diploma programs. 2-year Master’s programs can be taken up after successfully obtaining the Bachelor’s degree. Admission to degree level courses is generally made through competitive examinations, held by different institutions. The most prominent entrance tests for Bachelor’s degree courses are IIT JEE, AIEEE, and CET, while for Master’s programs, admission is carried out through GATE.

Career Prospects
Computer engineering is a creative and inventive field. Therefore, individuals possessing the requisite analytical skills, problem solving abilities, and sustained attention can outshine greatly. With familiarity and know-how in programming, computer hardware/software, electrical systems, circuits, electronics, design and modeling, computer engineers have a plethora of flourishing opportunities to explore in the industry. Companies and organizations are opting to become computerized with the ever improving hi-tech world; thus, personnel excelling in this field are required everywhere. Unlike the common misconception of relating computer engineers with technology companies, these professionals are required in every sector of the economy, right from telecommunications to automotive to aerospace to airlines to banks. One can expect lucrative jobs in government departments, service organizations, commercial organizations, and manufacturing sector in India and foreign lands. Graduates can work as software or hardware engineer, programmers, web developers, and E-commerce specialists. With a good employment career, one can start his/her own business enterprise or be recruited by reputed engineering institutions as a lecturer.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
India offers a number of engineering institutions, both government and private, that conduct courses in computer engineering. The top-notch and prestigious institutes among those present in the country include: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Kanpur, New Delhi, Chennai, Kharagpur, Mumbai, Roorkee and Guwahati; Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani; Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU), Varanasi; College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai; Bengal Engineering and Science University, Shibpur; National Institute of Technology (NIT) at 20 centers across India; Delhi Technological University, New Delhi; Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai; and International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad. Some other leading and eminent computer science engineering institutes are: Sharda Group of Institutions, Mathura; ICFAI University, Dehradun; Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal; PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore; Rungta College of Engineering & Technology, Bhilai; Accurate Institute of Management & Technology, Greater Noida; and PES Institute of Technology, Bangalore.

Remuneration
Due to the increasing demand for computer engineers in all sectors of the industry, pay packets for these professionals are usually higher than other engineering fields. In fact, the initial level awards computer engineering graduates with lucrative salary packages. Nonetheless, the remuneration largely depends upon the status of the industry and experience, qualifications, and ability of the candidate. Higher compensation is offered by private firms compared to the government sector. A fresh pass-out can be paid a salary ranging anywhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 25,000 per month. This pay can easily be hiked within 1-2 years of experience, reaching as high as Rs. 50,000 per month, or even more. Graduates from first-class universities/colleges like IITs and NITs, are absorbed by top corporate firms and MNCs at an average annual pay of Rs. 10 lakhs.