Civil Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering: Which Should You Choose?

As a student who has recently completed his Class 12 board exams, you would be puzzled to choose between two of the most sought after engineering disciplines in the world. Both Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are fundamental to development of any country, and are considered to be one of the core engineering disciplines. The two departments not only have numerous career opportunities but also have a lot of scope for higher studies. There are many problems that Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering solve. Both the disciplines require a different set of skills. And both the departments are associated with many different industries. We can say that Civil Engineering is meant for people who are interested in making infrastructure such as buildings, roads, etc. and can also incorporate sustainability in construction. On the other hand, Mechanical Engineering is meant for people who are interested in making machines, and can also include manufacturing of robots, designing of parts of automobiles, designing of different products etc. When we compare the salary of civil engineering and mechanical engineering, then it depends upon many factors. The salary of an engineer not only depends upon his Specialisation but also on his experience, and the place where he is working.

Quick Answer: Civil Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering

Civil Engineering can be of great interest to those who are into construction, structural design, infrastructure projects and urban planning. For those interested in machines, in thermodynamics, in automotive engineering, in production engineering, in robotics and in mechanical design, Mechanical Engineering is the best choice.

Salaries for both disciplines are high and grow with the Specialisation and experience of the individual. In many areas, mechanical engineers can earn even higher salaries, for example in the high-tech sector. Civil engineers are generally paid well in structural design.

Both civil and mechanical engineering are continuously evolving in terms of sustainable development, automation and the use of digital technologies. They are not better than each other, but the choice will depend on your interests, strengths and career objectives.

What Is Civil Engineering?

Civil Engineering is the work of designing, constructing and managing the infrastructure of any country – buildings, bridges, roads, airports and water supply systems etc. with safety being a top priority and sustainability an increasing focus.

Key subjects include:

• Structural Engineering
• Construction Technology
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Surveying
• Transportation Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)

It is best for those who are interested in construction, in developing of the infrastructure and in the structural design.

What Is Mechanical Engineering

Students learn about designing, maintaining and managing mechanical systems found in mechanical and technical facilities in fields like the automotive industry, manufacturing, aerospace, energy and robotics.

Key subjects include

• Engineering Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Machine Design
• Manufacturing Processes
• Heat Transfer
• CAD
• Robotics and Automation

This degree is suitable for students who are interested in machines, product design, manufacturing and emerging technologies.

Civil Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering Key Differences

The main difference between Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering lies in their applications. Civil Engineering focuses on the built environment and infrastructure, whereas Mechanical Engineering focuses on machines, products, energy systems and manufacturing processes.

Both branches require strong mathematical ability, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, their day-to-day responsibilities can be quite different.

Civil Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering Salary in India

Salary is one of the key factors that determine which branch of engineering to opt for but there is no guarantee that one branch is better than the other with regards to salary. Salary depends on various factors such as employer, location, technical expertise, experience and type of projects one works on.

The figures given below are indicative planning ranges and hence can vary from the actual market salary for Mechanical Engineering roles as published by Naukri and Ambition Box.

The figures presented in the tables above are indicative planning ranges. The salaries presented are not actual salaries, nor are they part of any official placement statistics.

Which Engineering Branch Offers a Higher Salary?

Mechanical Engineering can lead to Specialisations in the field of robotics, automotive technology, industrial automation and advanced manufacturing. Civil Engineering on the other hand leads to Specialisations in structural consultancy, infrastructure development, construction management and real estate projects.

Gaining experience through internships or practical training and acquiring the right industry-related skills will increase your chances in the job market. With time and experience, you can progress to a position of a Project Manager, Technical Leader or an Engineering Consultant and earn significantly more.

One thing to remember when deciding between the two branches is to pick a discipline where you have interests and can showcase your strengths. For example, if you enjoy construction, structural design and projects related to sustainable urban development then Civil Engineering is the right option for you. However, if you are interested in machines, automobiles, manufacturing, robotics and product design then Mechanical Engineering is the way to go.

Many different opportunities are available to both civil and mechanical engineers. Civil engineers may work in design offices or on sites around the world and be involved in the development of sustainable urban environments and new infrastructure projects. Mechanical engineers can work in design offices, manufacturing plants or research laboratories and be involved in the design of products such as cars and domestic appliances.

Civil Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering vs Electrical Engineering

Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering are three of the main engineering disciplines, which all use mathematics and physics to design solutions to problems. Civil Engineering is concerned with the infrastructure of a civilization and the structures built within it. Students can expect to study subjects such as structural analysis and the broader discipline of geotechnical engineering, with potential employment as structural engineers or site engineers.

Mechanical Engineers work with machines, mechanical systems and also with production and manufacture of products. In class, students study topics like thermodynamics and mechanics of solids to name a couple, before going on to design their own machines in class and finally become a Design Engineer or Production Engineer. The discipline is also rapidly changing with the introduction of Robotics, Electric Vehicles and Smart Manufacturing to name a few examples.

Electrical Engineering consists of the study of electricity, power systems and electrical technologies. As a major for example, circuit theory is studied in detail as well as electrical machines. Electrical Engineering graduates become power systems engineers or electrical design engineers and are able to work in renewable energy, smart grids and power electronics.

So there you have it, the three main branches of engineering, each with its own variety of subject areas. Civil Engineering deals with construction and infrastructure, Mechanical Engineering with machines and products and Electrical Engineering with circuits, power systems and electrical technology.

Which Is Better: Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering?

• Civil Engineering: Students who are interested in building up infrastructure and structures on the ground of urban planning are best to join the Civil Engineering field.
• Mechanical Engineering: Better for students who are interested in machines, in production, in cars and in robots.
• Electrical Engineering: Electrical Engineering deals above all with power systems, with electric circuits and control technology as well as with current renewable energy.

Many students choose to pursue a more mixed discipline. For example, electric vehicles are a very current innovative application that includes parts of mechanical and electrical engineering. So-called intelligent buildings are a combination of civil engineering and automation.

Future Scope of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Civil and Mechanical Engineering are both very promising when it comes to career options. These two disciplines are often used in order to develop more sustainable methods of practicing industry using more modern engineering solutions with the help of digital techniques.

The future of Civil Engineering is set to include projects of smart city development, sustainable construction of buildings and structures, as well as new transport infrastructure, and environmental projects. Areas of energy efficient buildings and structures, using low-carbon construction products, using BIM (Building Information Modelling) for design and construction of buildings and structures, new highway and metro schemes, and new strategies for water and wastewater will also feature.

Mechanical Engineers can get into research and development for Electric Vehicles, Robotics and Automation, work in Smart Manufacturing plants that utilise the latest computer aided design software such as latest CAD tools, simulation software and Additive Manufacturing machines to design and manufacture industrial equipment to name a few.

Combining solid knowledge in engineering with practical experience and modern technical skills and specific focus on industries, can lead to better employment prospects and long-term career development for both disciplines..

Best Universities and Engineering Programs to Consider

When choosing a university for Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, look at the curriculum offered, the laboratory facilities for practicals, the practical training offered, the industry exposure and the placement opportunities offered by the university.

Popular colleges to consider include:

• Chitkara University
• Delhi Technological University
• NIT Kurukshetra

Compare the requirements for admission to a college as well as the fee structure and compare the curricula as well as the placement records of the colleges.

Conclusion: Make the Right Engineering Choice for Your Future

Whether Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering is ‘better’ to study depends on many factors including personal interest, aptitude and preferred method of working rather than just comparing salaries.

Civil Engineering can provide a career path to design and construct infrastructure and develop sustainable cities. Mechanical Engineering provides a career in industry using machines in a variety of applications including in manufacturing of goods such as cars and other complex products.

Both of these disciplines provide ample opportunities for growth, Specialisation and even further higher education, depending on the university program. It’s therefore wise to research the curriculum offered, the type of hands-on training provided, the industry exposure students receive and the career options available within each field at the university of your choice.

Let’s help you choose a program. Check out the various Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programs on offer at Chitkara University. Compare their courses, goals, and Specialisations to choose the one best suited for you.

Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Chitkara University

Both Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programs are designed to provide technical knowledge and practical skills required for engineering careers. Civil Engineering is geared for those interested in studying buildings, roadways, bridges and urban development. Mechanical Engineering is ideal for students who are curious about designing and developing products including automobiles, and for those who are interested in robotics, automation and other industrial applications.

Civil Engineering program caters to students interested in building, road, bridges and urban planning projects. On the other hand, the Mechanical Engineering program is ideal for students interested in automobile, product design, robotics, automation and other manufacturing related projects.

Students can compare and contrast the two programs in terms of the course structure, state-of-the-art laboratories, industrial exposure, internship opportunities and career prospects. Civil Engineering graduates can seek employment in construction, structural consultancy and can work in infrastructure management. On the other hand, Mechanical Engineering graduates can seek employment in manufacturing, automotive engineering, design and automation of products and processes in various industries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)