What is Computer Engineering: Computer Engineering combines several disciplines of computer science and electronics to develop computer hardware and software. A computer engineer designs and develops computer systems and other technological devices. The Computer Engineering course teaches how to prototype and test microchips, circuits, processors, conductors and other components used in computer devices or systems. It also teaches how to develop firmware, an essential type of software that allows operating systems and applications to take full advantage of the hardware.

A computer hardware engineer researches, designs, develops and tests computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks and routers. Software engineering teaches how to build everything from small circuits to large systems. This branch of engineering trains students to design, construct, and repair any digital system. Candidates can go through this article for more detailed information about Computer Engineering.

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer Science Engineering is an integrated field of engineering that combines aspects of Electronic Engineering with Computer Sciences. It is mainly bifurcated into two parts – Hardware Engineering and Software Engineering. As the name reflects, Hardware Engineering is all about constructing a small microchip for large scientific computers. Software Engineering covers designing and constructing software for various purposes.

It is not easy to define Computer Engineering in a statement due to the extensive nature of this field. Computer engineers undertake various responsibilities depending on the industry and their place of employment, ranging from the manufacturing of microprocessors to creating and designing computer programs and algorithms.

Skills Required for Software Engineer

Computer engineering is a dynamic field, and candidates must possess a certain set of skills to be successful in this field. Given below are some of the skills that a software engineer should possess:

1. Analytical and Diagnostic Skills
2. Knack for Solving Problems
3. Creative Outlook
4. Programming and Algorithmic Skills
5. Basic Knowledge of Web Development and Technical Writing
6. Basic Knowledge of Machine Learning
7. Ability to Think Critically
8. Attention to Details

What does a Computer Engineer Do?

Given are some of the roles and responsibilities of a Computer Engineer:

(1) Oversee the security, stability, and functionality of the company’s database.

(2) Create codes for various computer applications, software, and operating systems.

(3) Lend technical support and assistance to customers or businesses.

(4) Design the architecture and user interface of a computer system.

(5) Develop software and create applications for a computer system or similar device.

(6) Coordinate research, conduct surveys, record and analyse data and gather information through the internet for the company.

(7) Tests the different components of a computer system.

Computer Engineering Course Details

It is mandatory to have a PCM background in 10+2 to take up Computer Science Engineering in graduation. Interested candidates should score at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Post-graduation courses are mandatory to have the same background during graduation, i.e., B.Tech/BE Computer Engineering. To be a teacher, it is necessary to have at least a master’s degree in Computer Engineering. Some other levels of this course are available in India, like PhD, M. Phil, and Diploma in Computer Engineering. Computer Engineering has different levels that are being followed in India.

Computer Science Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the general eligibility criteria to pursue the Computer Science Engineering program at the UG and PG levels:

Course	Eligibility
Undergraduate	– Passed Class 12 exam from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. – Minimum 60% marks.
Postgraduate	– B.Tech degree in the same specialisation with a minimum CPI of 6.5 or 60% of marks or First Class in the qualifying degree. – Minimum qualifying marks in GATE ME.

Courses in Computer Science Engineering

Let us look at the Computer Science Engineering courses in the section below:

(1) BE/B.Tech: It is mandatory to score at least 50% marks in 10+2 to be eligible for a tier 2 college at least. To get admission to a top Indian college, it is mandatory to crack JEE Mains and Advanced. To attempt JEE, it is necessary to have 75% with the PCM background in 10+2. A top score in JEE exam will provide candidates with admission to a tier-1 College.

(2) ME/M.Tech/MSc: For admission to a postgraduate course in Computer Engineering, it is mandatory to crack B.Sc or B.Tech. As per the level of the college, the eligibility requirement differs. For example, to get admission to IIT Kharagpur, it is mandatory to crack MA with at least 60% and the GATE exam with top rank. GATE score can be waived off if the candidate belongs to an IIT, and scores at least 6.5 overall and 8.0 CPI within 2 years of his/her graduation.

(3) M. Phil/PhD: To pursue a doctorate in Computer Engineering, it is mandatory to have a postgraduation degree for the same. The duration of doctorate courses can vary from 6 months to 5 years. In India, candidates need to have a minimum GATE or NET score to become eligible for a doctorate-level course from a top college.

(4) Diploma Courses: To be eligible for a diploma course, it is mandatory to have a PCM background in 10+2. Candidates can get admission to good colleges if they have scored at least 40%. The average duration of this course is 3 years. A diploma in Computer Engineering has good demand, but not as much as a graduate in the field.

(5) Distance Courses: There are so many international and national universities that provide distance learning or online learning courses for Software Engineering. It is necessary to have the same background to pursue these courses as well.

Note: The duration mentioned above is taken from various official websites of Tier-1 and Tier-2 colleges. It can vary as per the rules and regulations of each university.

Common Specialisations of Computer Engineering in India

Some of the common specialisations in India are as under:

1. Software Engineering
2. Data Science and Analytics
3. Machine Learning
4. Artificial Intelligence
5. Networking
6. Cyber Security
7. Mobile and Web Computing
8. Human-Computer Interaction
9. Bioinformatics
10. Robotics
11. Cloud Computing
12. Theoretical Computer Science
13. Information Systems and Management
14. Information Security
15. Forensic Security

Note: The specialisations mentioned above have been taken from Quora. Apart from these, there are several fields a computer hardware engineer can pursue.

Topics and Subjects in Computer Science Engineering

Usually, every engineering college or university follows the same syllabus for the first year. Any kind of change in the syllabus occurs from the third semester onwards.

Computer Engineering Subjects/Topics Taught at the UG Level

Let us look at the list of Computer Engineering subjects/topics that are taught at the UG level:

1. Engineering in Mathematics
2. Electronic Circuits
3. Logic Design
4. Discrete Mathematical Structures
5. Data Structures With C
6. Object-Oriented Programming With C++
7. Data Structures With C/C++ Laboratory
8. Electronic Circuits and Logic Design Laboratory
9. Graphics Theory and Combinatorics
10. Design and Analysis of Algorithms
11. UNIX and Shell Programming
12. Computer Organisation
13. Design and Analysis of Algorithm Theory
14. Microprocessors Laboratory
15. Software Engineering
16. Systems Software
17. Operating Systems
18. Database Management
19. Computer Networks
20. Formal Language and Automata Theory
21. Database Applications Laboratory
22. System Software and Operating Systems and Laboratory
23. Management and Entrepreneurship
24. UNIX System Programming
25. Compiler Design
26. Computer Graphics and Visualisation
27. Object-Oriented Modeling and Design
28. Embedded Computing System
29. Programming the Web
30. Advanced Computer Architecture
31. Advanced DBMS
32. Digital Signal Processing
33. JAVA and J2EE
34. Multimedia Computing
35. Data Warehousing and Data Mining
36. Neural Networks
37. Software Architectures
38. System Modeling and Simulation

Computer Science Engineering Subjects/Topics Taught at PG Level

Let us look at the list of Computer Science Engineering subjects/topics taught at the PG Level:

1. Computer Networks
2. Advances in OS
3. Advance Data Management System
4. Computer System Performance Analysis
5. Formal Models in Computer Science
6. Advanced Algorithms
7. Advanced Computer Architecture
8. Cloud Computing
9. Information Security
10. Project Work Evaluation and Viva-Voce

Note: The above-mentioned list of Computer Engineering subjects/ topics has been taken from the official website of CMRIT, Bengaluru. They can vary as per the syllabus of a specific university/college.

Entrance Exams for Computer Engineering

A list of the top engineering entrance exams in India is as follows:

Exam	Conducted By
JEE Main	National Testing Agency (NTA)
BITSAT	Birla Institute of Technology and Science
MU-OET	Manipal University
KIITEE	Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)
COMEDK UGET	The Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka
MHT CET	Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell

Top Colleges for Computer Science Engineering

Provided below are some of the best colleges in India:

1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bangalore
2. International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad
3. Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi
4. Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
5. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.
6. Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
7. LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jaipur.
8. Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
9. National Institute of Technology, Trichy

Computer Engineering Admission Fee

A general fee structure for UG courses in India is tabulated below:

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)

Let us look at the details of the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in the section below:

Colleges	Fee (in INR)
Government/Public	6,000 (Minimum) 3.99 L (Average) 12.46 L (Maximum)
Private	1.09 L (Minimum) 3.94 L (Average) 12.48 L (Maximum)

Bachelor of Engineering (BE)

Let us look at the details of the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in the section below:

Colleges	Fee (in INR)
Government/Public	9,520 (Minimum) 2.23 L (Average) 5.87 L (Maximum)
Private	60,500 (Minimum) 3.35 L (Average) 17.08 L (Maximum)

Master of Engineering (ME)

Let us look at the details of the Master of Engineering (ME) in the section below:

Colleges	Fee (in INR)
Government/Public	9,100 (Minimum) 1.05 L (Average) 2.34 L (Maximum)
Private	65,000 (Minimum) 1.96 L (Average) 20.4 L (Maximum)

Master of Technology (M.Tech)

Let us look at the details of the Master of Technology (M.Tech) in the section below:

Colleges	Fee (in INR)
Government/Public	10,440 (Minimum) 1.79 L (Average) 5.43 L (Maximum)
Private	70,160 (Minimum) 1.97 L (Average) 8.57 L (Maximum)

Jobs and Career Opportunities in B.Tech/BE Computer Engineering

Almost every sector in India is getting digitalised, directly impacting the industries that manufacture digital gadgets like desktop computers, laptops, etc. Now India is known as an IT hub for the world. With so many digital marketing companies, the Indian corporate sector is open to many job opportunities for computer engineers. From being an IT technician to a software development manager, Or IT Consultant for MNCs, the Indian market has grown to create many jobs for computer engineers. A computer hardware engineer also makes a good living off the salary and can quickly scale up the company hierarchy or move to a new company.

Companies like Google, Facebook, and Alibaba are some MNCs hiring Indian Computer Engineering graduates from colleges. With so many international and national job opportunities, Indian computer engineers have an enormous scope of getting hired by off-campus or on-campus hiring processes. Just like the other branches of engineering, growth in this industry is also based on performance.

Some of the job roles played by Computer Engineers are below:

(1) IT Consultants

(2) Web Developers

(3) Software Testers and Developers

(4) Security Analysts and Consultants

(5) Data Warehouse Developer/ Manager or Analyst

(6) UX Developers

(7) IT Auditors

(8) Data Architects

(9) Computer Engineer

(10) Systems Engineer

(11) Network Engineer

(12) Quality Control Engineer

(13) Mobile Device Engineer

Top Recruiters for Computer Science Engineering in India

As mentioned above, Computer Engineers have a great scope of getting hired in India. The reason behind so many career opportunities is that almost every sector is currently dependent on IT activities. Computer Engineering has been on a boom for decades now. In almost every organisation, digital gadgets are being used. Computer Engineers perform various roles for industries like Software Engineers, IT technicians, IT Consultants, Software Developers, etc. Some of the companies that recruit Computer Engineer graduates are:

1. Infosys Technologies
2. Cognizant
3. Tata Consultancy Services
4. Accenture
5. IBM
6. HCL Technologies
7. Wipro

Given below are the average packages offered by some of the top companies that hire Computer Engineers in India:

Company	Average Package (in INR)
ISRO	6,00,00
DRDO	2,31,123
Facebook	8,63,000
IBM	7,90,523
Google	10,81,896
TCS	3,68,000

Note: Salary details mentioned above are taken from various sources like Quora, Payscale, etc. Embibe does not promise you any package on behalf of any organisation.

The Future of Computer Engineering

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the growth of jobs for Hardware Engineers by 7% and Software Engineers by 22%, respectively, from 2012 to 2022. This is owing to the increased requirement for technical skills and that the innovation in the technology field in the software aspect is much higher than that of hardware.

FAQs on Computer Engineering

Some of the frequently asked questions are as follows:

Q1: Is it possible for a computer engineer to tackle a PSU job?
Ans: Yes, many Indian PSUs are hiring computer engineers in India. Those companies are ISRO, CIL, BEL, ICL, ONGC, etc.

Q2. What should I do if I want to be a teacher after pursuing B.Tech in computer engineering?
Ans: To be an engineering teacher, it is necessary to have real-life working experience. In India, the most common qualification for being a teacher is to have a PhD degree and NET qualification to teach in universities and colleges. Some private institutes hire teachers with just a postgraduation degree. India has so many engineering institutes, due to which being a teacher with some experience and knowledge is not so tough.

Q3. How can JEE be helpful for me if I want to join the computer engineering field as a student?
Ans: JEE provides you access to top colleges in India if you wish to pursue a career in engineering.  It is mandatory to score 75% in 10+2 if your target colleges are IITs or NITs.

Q4. Which branch of Computer Engineering has more scope in the future?
Ans: For the same duration, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts higher growth in Software Engineering in comparison to Hardware Engineering.

Q5. Is it possible for me to find alancing job after pursuing computer engineering?
Ans: A computer engineer can easily be alancer due to the skills and knowledge he or she possesses. Many international and national organisations will pay alancer for developing software or consulting about IT requirements, etc.

It is evident that this sector is filled with unlimited opportunities. To be successful in engineering when there is so much competition, it is mandatory to have good knowledge, skills, and experience.

At Embibe, you can find unlimited questions of various difficulty levels as well as detailed solutions. Take JEE Main Mock Tests for and test the level of your preparation. There are also innumerable JEE Main Practice Questions available on Embibe.

We hope this article on Computer Engineering was helpful to you. Stay tuned to Embibe for the latest news and updates.