Career as Computer Engineer
Computer Engineering is one of the most desired field of engineering among the students. The constantly evolving field requires strong problem solving skills, also making it a highly competitive field in India.
Various colleges and universities offer undergraduate degree programs in Computer Engineering in the form of Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.). Higher studies, such as Master of Engineering (M.E.) and Master of Technology (M.Tech.), are also available for those looking to specialize in this particular area, which focuses on both theoretical and practical aspect of the subjects. Admission to top engineering colleges and universities in India, for example the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs), is very tough due to high competition and based on entrance exams like JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Some other engineering colleges in India also offer Computer Engineering programs but they have a relatively easier admission procedure.
Professionals are required to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and trends. In companies, strong communication and intrapersonal skills are highly valued for computer engineers as they work in teams and need to interact with stakeholders and clients.
Computer Engineers have a lot of opportunities to choose from the career options including software development, hardware engineering, cyber security and data analysis. The top companies that recruit Computer engineers in India are Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Wipro, Infosys and TCS.
Overall, a career in Computer Engineering in India can be highly rewarding, both professionally and financially, for those with a passion for technology and a desire to constantly learn and innovate.
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Eligibility Criteria
Computer engineering is a popular branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, and maintenance of computer systems and networks. To pursue a career in computer engineering, you need to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Below is the data about the eligibility criteria for computer engineering:
- Educational Qualification: To pursue a degree in computer engineering, you must have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent examination with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry as the main subjects. You should have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.
- Entrance Exam: Most of the top engineering colleges in India conduct an entrance exam to select the candidates for their undergraduate engineering programs. Some of the popular engineering entrance exams include JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, VITEEE, and SRMJEEE.
- Age Limit: The minimum...
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- Computer Architecture
- Strong Mathematical and Analytical Skills
- Software Development
- Database Management
- High technical aptitude
- Collaboration
Types of Job Roles
Computer engineering basically composes of designing, developing, and maintaining computer systems, software, and hardware. Job roles vary depending on their specialization, industry, and experience. Common job roles include:
- Software Engineer: It’s a software engineer’s job to design and develop intricate software systems that are efficient, reliable, and meet the needs of the end-users.
- Hardware Engineer: The responsibility of a hardware engineer is designing and developing computer hardware components that consist of circuit boards, memory devices and processors. They ensure the end product meets performance, is reliable, and cost effective.
- Network Engineers: The responsibility of a network engineer is designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks. That includes LANs, WANs, and the internet.
- Systems Engineers: Designing and integrating computer systems and software applications into larger systems is the job of a Systems Engineers. They should have knowledge of system design and integration principles.
- Database Administrators:Being the incharge of managing and maintaining databases, a database administrator stores and organizes data for businesses and organizations.
A computer engineering degree along with strong programming, problem-solving, and communication skills is mandatory for most job roles in the field. In a nutshell, computer engineering proves as a promising career for individuals.
Admission
The admission procedure for B.Tech in agriculture engineering in IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and NITs (National Institutes of Technology) is through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Steps involved in the admission process:
- Percentile: The candidate must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. The candidate must also score at least 75% marks in the 12th board examination or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
- JEE Main: The candidate needs to appear for the JEE Main exam, which is conducted twice a year (in January and April). The JEE Main exam consists of two papers - Paper I (for B.Tech and B.E. courses) and Paper II (for B.Arch courses).
- JEE Advanced: Only those candidates who qualify for the JEE Main exam are eligible to appear for the JEE Advanced exam. The JEE Advanced exam is to be conducted by any one of the IITs. The exam consists of two papers, and the candidates need to qualify for both papers to be eligible for admission.
- Counselling and Seat Allotment: The counselling process is conducted by JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) for admission to IITs and NITs. The candidates are allotted seats based on their rank in JEE Advanced, the choices they have filled, and the availability of seats.
- Document Verification: After the seat allotment, the candidates need to visit the allotted institute for document verification and fee payment. The candidates need to carry their original documents, including the JEE scorecard, 10+2 mark sheet, category certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents.
- Reporting to the Institute: Finally, the candidates need to report to the allotted institute and complete the admission process by submitting the necessary documents and paying the admission fee.
Exam
Computer engineering consists of various subjects providing in depth knowledge to students. Here are some important subjects of Computer Engineering mentioned below:
- Operating System: The software that controls the hardware of a computer system is called operating systems. This makes ‘operating systems’, one of the most important subjects for computer Engineering.
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms: ‘Design and analysis of algorithms’ is the subject which involves developing and evaluating algorithms for solving complex computational problems.
- Programming Languages: Next comes the subject named ‘programming languages’ which is a core subject for computer engineering. This subjects consists of computational languages like Python, Java and C++ which are essential for designing and developing software systems.
- Microprocessors: In order to design and build computer hardwares, an in depth understanding of ‘microprocessors’ is necessary. This subject includes the design and development of CPUs, memory systems and other critical components of computer hardware.
- Computer Software: This includes the design and development of all software systems such as applications software, operating systems and utility programs.
- Database management systems: ‘Database management systems’ are studied to design and develop complex data storage and cloud systems which are essential for storing and retrieving large amounts of data in an organized manner.
- Mobile communications: 'Mobile communications' mainly focuses on mobile devices and networks working which are essential to develop cutting edge mobile technology.
- Network Security and cryptography: ‘Network Security’ and ‘cryptography’ are the subjects providing vast knowledge of how to secure computers systems and networks against cyber-attacks that help students to build encrypted and secured systems.
Prep Books
These textbooks are highly regarded in the field of Computer Engineering, offering valuable knowledge and practical insights. These books can be valuable resources for expanding your understanding and enhancing your skills in the field:
- “Introduction to Algorithm” - Thomas H. Cormen
- “An Introduction to Formal (Languages and Automata)” - Peter Linz
- “Computer Organization and Architecture” - Willam Stallings
- “Operating System Concepts” - Galvin
- “Computer Networks” - Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall
- “Database System Concepts” - Henry Korth
- “Discrete Mathematics and its Applications” - Kenneth. H. Rosen
- “Logic and Computer Design Fundamentals” - Moris Mano
FAQ's
The job market for Computer Engineers is generally favorable, with strong demand for skilled professionals. As technology continues to advance, the need for computer engineers is expected to grow in various sectors.
Computer Engineers have various career paths to choose from, including software development, hardware engineering, network engineering, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, robotics, and embedded system development.
Salaries for Computer Engineers vary depending on factors such as location, education, experience, and the specific industry. On average, computer engineers can earn a competitive salary, and their compensation tends to be higher than in many other engineering fields. Generally, a fresh graduate with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering could expect an average starting salary ranging from INR 3 to 6 lakhs per annum. With a few years of experience, a mid-level Computer Engineer could earn anywhere between INR 6 to 12 lakhs per annum. Highly experienced professionals, senior engineers, or those in leadership roles could earn salaries exceeding INR 15 lakhs per annum or even higher.
Yes, there is a global demand for Computer Engineers. As technology becomes increasingly essential in every aspect of modern life, companies worldwide seek skilled computer engineers to develop and maintain their technological infrastructure.
