Are automobile and mechanical engineering the same?

automobile and mechanical engineering
Engineering as a stream

Engineering has been one of the most popular streams in India. It is a field of study that uses science, technology, and math to create, develop, and maintain new machines, buildings, software, hardware, systems, and processes. One of the most popular courses chosen by students after high school, especially those from the science stream, is this one since it offers a variety of career options across all industries.

According to AICTE figures for 2021–2022, there are 5917 engineering colleges in India, and a total of 23,61,753 applicants are admitted annually. According to the All India Survey of Higher Education 2018–19 report, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development, engineering is the 3rd most popular stream, with 37.70 lakh undergraduate students enrolled. There are 71.1% of male students and 28.9% of female students enrolled in the stream.

Options available as an engineering specialisation

Around 100 specialisations are available for engineering students in India, with some of the more popular ones being computer science engineering, automobile engineering, civil engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. One must choose a specialisation based on their area of interest and also their career goals. Where the student wants to see themselves after the completion of the program will help them choose a stream.

The spectrum of employment open to graduates has changed in recent years along with the make-up and nature of the businesses that engineers normally service. Employers of labour have long been most concerned about the caliber of engineering graduates from postsecondary schools around the world. Employers frequently lament the lack of necessary skills, particularly for today’s cutting-edge technologies, as well as the lack of confidence and low practical knowledge. Choosing a specialisation of one’s choice will deal with these problems.

The best engineering colleges in India keep evolving their curriculum and make sure that the specialisations are offered in accordance with the demands put forth by the industry. This helps the students be at par with the requirements of the latest job openings, and they are able to secure the best offers available in the market.

The difference between automobile engineering and mechanical engineering

For a layman, there may be little difference between these two streams of engineering. Though they sound similar and work on similar mechanisms, there are differences that exist. Let us discuss the two widely chosen specialisations in engineering, Automobile & Mechanical and how they are different from each other.

Automobile Engineering: the design, research, production, and upkeep of automobiles, which include cars, trucks, motorbikes, and other vehicles, are the focus of the engineering discipline known as automobile engineering. The study of motors, electrical and electronic systems, steering and suspension systems, braking, fuel systems, gearboxes, and safety features are just a few of the many topics covered by this branch of engineering. Automotive engineers are in charge of developing and testing brand-new automobiles as well as making upgrades to already-existing ones. They collaborate with marketing and sales teams to comprehend client demands and preferences and work closely with other engineers, technicians, and mechanics to guarantee that automobiles satisfy performance and safety criteria.

Mechanical Engineering: Designing, creating, and manufacturing mechanical systems and devices are the main goals of the technical discipline known as mechanical engineering. The principles of physics, math, and material science are used in this area of engineering to develop and evaluate mechanical systems and parts. Designing machines, motors, and other mechanical components as well as creating new materials and production techniques are among the many projects mechanical engineers work on. They also work on the design of heat, airflow, and cooling systems for buildings as well as the creation of energy systems, such as systems for generating and converting power.

Their differences and similarities

While mechanical engineering is a more general field that covers a wide range of mechanical systems and devices, automobile engineering is a subset of mechanical engineering that is especially focused on the design, development, and production of automobiles.

Here are some differences and similarities between automobile engineering and mechanical engineering:

Differences:

Whereas mechanical engineering has a broader emphasis and includes many other mechanical systems and devices, automobile engineering is narrowly focused on the design, development, and manufacture of automobiles.
Automotive engineering is a specialist area of mechanical engineering that calls for a greater understanding of the distinct parts and systems that go into making an automobile.
Compared to other fields of mechanical engineering, automobile engineering is subject to a variety of rules and standards about vehicle performance, emissions, and safety.

Similarities:

Both disciplines share a number of fundamental ideas, including mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and production techniques.
Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to use mathematical and scientific principles in the design and analysis of mechanical systems are prerequisites for both fields.
These occupations demand familiarity with both business and management principles as well as other engineering specialties like electrical and software engineering.

Engineering at Chitkara University

Chitkara University is ranked among the best engineering colleges in India owing to its forward-looking specialisations and evolved curriculum. It is made sure that the concentrations are added and deleted as per the trending demand from the industries. The university also boasts a strong NIRF 2022 ranking. Chitkara University aims to attract industry leaders who will bring about a much-needed change in the engineering domain. Students are taught using the latest equipment, and the laboratories are state-of-the-art. The mechanical and automobile engineering programs at Chitkara University combine the knowledge of electrical, computing, mechanical, and automobile fields to make students all-round experts. The university also has a strong alumni network that can help students connect with potential employers and provide mentorship and guidance for a brighter future. Moreover, Chitkara also provides ample support services like counseling, tutoring, and career services to help students achieve their career goals seamlessly. There are more than 1500 companies visiting the campus for recruitment, and the international collaborations are unparalleled. Chitkara is the best choice that one can make when it comes to pursuing an engineering education.

Synopsis
Both mechanical engineering and automotive engineering have similarities and differences. Both entail designing, developing, producing, and maintaining machinery and mechanical systems using the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. The primary distinction between the two is that while mechanical engineering is a broader field that encompasses the design and development of a wide range of mechanical systems and devices, automobile engineering is a specialised field that focuses specifically on the design and production of automobiles.

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