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Simran Kaur

Updated on 17th April, 2024 , 10 min read

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Semester-wise, Year-wise, List, Books

Course

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering. It focuses on mechanical systems design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance studies. Mechanical engineers work on various machines and mechanical systems. The size of these machines varies from small components to massive machinery. The primary aim of mechanical engineering is to develop reliable goods using physics and mathematics. 

Must Read: What is the Salary of a Mechanical Engineer? 

Mechanical engineering is a versatile field with applications in a variety of industries. The industries include aerospace, automobiles, energy, manufacturing, robots, and healthcare. The demand for mechanical engineers is predicted to rise from 9% to 11% by 2026. This makes mechanical engineering an in-demand job sector for prospective candidates. 

Further Reading: Subjects and Syllabus of: 

Aerospace Engineering  

Electronics Communication Engineering 

Electrical Engineering 

Civil Engineering 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: List 

B. Tech is a four-year undergraduate course with eight semesters, and M. Tech is a two-year postgraduate course with four semesters. Some common subjects have been mentioned below: 

Mechanical-Engineering-Subjects

  • Mathematics 
  • Physics
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanics and Dynamics
  • Machine Design
  • Thermal Sciences
  • Manufacturing Processes
  • Control Systems
  • Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Engineering Economics and Management
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Robotics and Automation
  • Vibration and Noise Control
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Must Read: Best Engineering Courses after 12th 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Course Highlights

Details

Particulars

Course Name

Mechanical Engineering

Course Levels

Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctor of Philosophy.

Duration

B. Tech: 4 years

M. Tech: 2 years

Jobs

Mechanical Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Project Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, Project Manager and Maintenance Engineer.

Salary

INR 3 – 10 LPA

Top Colleges

IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur.

Why pursue Mechanical Engineering?

  • Diverse Field: Mechanical engineering is a versatile field that covers a broad range of topics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials science, and more. 
  • Global Demand: Mechanical engineers are in demand worldwide in many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and robotics. 
  • Financial Stability: The demand for their services, especially in industries like aerospace and technology, contributes to competitive salaries.
  • Skills: The skills acquired in mechanical engineering are in demand across various industries. This provides a level of job security, as mechanical engineers can adapt their expertise to different sectors and navigate changes in the job market.

Further reading: Who is the Father of Engineering? 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: in Detail

Given below are the mechanical engineering subjects in detail: 

Subjects

Topics

Mathematics

 

Calculus

Differential Equations

Linear Algebra

Physics

Classical Mechanics

Electromagnetism

Thermodynamics

Optics

Basic Engineering Sciences

Engineering Mechanics

Engineering Thermodynamics

Fluid Mechanics

Mechanics of Materials

Strength of Materials

Mechanics of Deformable Bodies

Materials Science and Engineering

Properties of Materials

Material Testing

Material Selection in Design

Mechanical Design

Machine Design

Design of Machine Elements

Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing Technology

Metal Forming and Casting

Machining Processes

Welding and Joining Processes

Heat Transfer

Conduction

Convection

Radiation

Heat Exchanger

Thermodynamics

Applied Thermodynamics

Power Cycles

Fluid Mechanics and Machinery

Fluid Dynamics

Turbomachinery

Robotics and Automation

Robotics

Automation and Control Systems

Control Systems

Control Engineering

Instrumentation and Measurement

Electronics Engineering

Electrical Machines

Electronics in Mechanical Engineering

Must Read: Best Branches of Engineering 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Core Subjects 

The core subjects help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques of mechanical engineering. Core subjects also help students understand their key interest areas. Given below are the core subjects students study in mechanical engineering:  

Subject

Description

Mathematics and Physics

These are the foundation subjects of mechanical engineering and include calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra, essential for solving engineering problems and modeling dynamic systems.

Statics and Dynamics

Principles in understanding forces, moments, and motion in stationary and dynamic systems, forming the basis for structural analysis and predicting dynamic system behavior.

Mechanics of Materials

Study of material behavior under various loads, covering stress, strain, elasticity, and failure analysis to ensure the design of structurally sound components.

Thermodynamics

Energy-related applications, studying energy transfer, heat, work, and substance properties, with applications in power generation and heat transfer systems.

Fluid Mechanics

Principles for the study of fluids in motion, including fluid flow, pressure, and viscosity, with applications in designing systems like pumps and pipelines.

Heat Transfer

Analyzing heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, radiation) is crucial for designing heat exchangers and managing thermal systems.

Machine Design

Application of engineering principles in designing mechanical components and systems, considering materials, stress analysis, and reliability.

Control Systems

Dynamic system control, involving feedback mechanisms and controller design for effective regulation.

Mechatronics

Core interdisciplinary field integrating mechanical systems with electronics and computer control, leading to the design of intelligent systems.

Manufacturing Processes

Knowledge of various manufacturing techniques (machining, casting, welding) and material selection for cost-effective and efficient production.

Must Read: Diploma in Computer Engineering 

Mechanical-Engineering-Subjects

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Elective Subjects

Elective subjects offer students the opportunity to tailor their education, helping them specialize in their areas of interest. Elective courses provide an in-depth exploration of topics and subjects. Given below are the elective subjects students can choose in mechanical engineering:  

Subject

Description

Advanced Thermodynamics

This subject focuses on advanced thermodynamic ideas, with an emphasis on specific applications and sophisticated energy systems.

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Numerical methods for fluid flow modeling to obtain a better knowledge of complex fluid dynamics.

Advanced Heat Transfer

Explore advanced subjects in heat transfer, such as transient heat conduction and convective heat transfer in complex geometries.

Finite Element Analysis

Advanced techniques for structural analysis using finite element methods, allow for more complex and detailed simulations.

Robotics and Automation

Advanced topics in robotics and automation, including kinematics, dynamics, and control of robotic systems.

Renewable Energy Systems

Focuses on the design and analysis of renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, and hydropower systems.

Advanced Materials Engineering

Investigate advanced materials, their properties, and applications, with a focus on cutting-edge materials and technologies.

Vehicle Dynamics

Explore the dynamics and control of vehicles, covering topics like suspension systems, tire mechanics, and vehicle stability.

Biomechanics

Apply mechanical engineering principles to biological systems, studying the mechanics of tissues and biomechanical design.

Engineering Optimization

Optimization techniques for engineering design, focus on maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs in various applications.

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: B. Tech.

In the B.Tech program, students learn the basics of mechanical engineering. They learn forces and motion to master the principles of thermodynamics and materials, which helps them solve real-life challenges.

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: 1st Year

In the first year of mechanical engineering, students learn foundational courses. They study disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and fundamental engineering principles.

Below are the mechanical engineering subjects in 1st Year: 

Semester – 1

Semester – 2

Mathematics - I

Mathematics - II

Physics - I

Physics - II

Chemistry

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

English Communication Skills

Engineering Mechanics

Engineering Graphics

Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Computer Programming

Workshop Practice

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: 2nd Year

In the second year of B.Tech., students progress to more specialized subjects. They learn fundamental concepts such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. 

Below are the mechanical engineering subjects in 2nd Year:

Semester – 3

Semester – 4

Mathematics - III

Numerical Methods

Thermodynamics

Heat Transfer

Materials Science

Kinematics of Machines

Fluid Mechanics

Dynamics of Machines

Mechanics of Solids

Machine Drawing

Manufacturing Processes

Electronics and Instrumentation

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: 3rd Year

In the third year of B.Tech., students focus on advanced subjects that will form their specialization. Courses may involve machine design, control systems, and heat transfer.

Below are the mechanical engineering subjects in 3rd Year: 

Semester – 5

Semester – 6

Control Systems

Heat and Mass Transfer

Machine Design - I

Fluid Machinery

Manufacturing Technology

Theory of Machines

Energy Conversion Systems

Metrology and Quality Control

Engineering Economics and Management

Industrial Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering

Professional Ethics and Human Values

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: 4th Year

During the fourth and final year of B.Tech., students solidify their knowledge through elective courses and concentrated projects. They can specialize in fields such as robotics, renewable energy, or sophisticated materials.

Below are the mechanical engineering subjects in 4th Year:

Semester - 7

Semester - 8

Design of Machine Elements

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Power Plant Engineering

Power Transmission and Control

Robotics and Automation

Elective III (e.g., Renewable Energy, Vibration Analysis)

Elective I (e.g., Finite Element Analysis, Composite Materials)

Elective IV (e.g., CAD/CAM, Mechatronics)

Elective II (e.g., Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering)

Project Work - Phase II

Project Work - Phase I

-

Also Read: Types of Engineering Courses 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: M. Tech.

Students in the M. Tech Mechanical Engineering program study advanced topics such as computational fluid dynamics, innovative materials, and robotics. This postgraduate course provides prospective engineers with the advanced knowledge and research capabilities required to excel in leadership roles.

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: 1st Year

Students in their first year of M. Tech in mechanical engineering focus on improving their analytical and research skills. Advanced mathematics, applied mechanics, and specialized topics may be included in foundational courses to prepare students for more in-depth study. 

Below are the mechanical engineering subjects in 1st Year: 

Semester – 1

Semester – 2

Advanced Engineering Mathematics

Advanced Fluid Mechanics

Advanced Thermodynamics

Advanced Heat Transfer

Finite Element Analysis

Robotics and Automation

Elective I (Specialization specific)

Elective III (Specialization specific)

Elective II (Specialization specific)

Seminar

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: 2nd Year

In the second year of their M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering program, students take specialized courses related to their selected research or emphasis area. Subjects may include sophisticated topics such as finite element analysis, robotics, and renewable energy systems.

Below are the mechanical engineering subjects in 2nd Year:

Semester – 3

Semester – 4

Advanced Dynamics of Machines

Elective VI (Specialization specific)

Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Elective VII (Specialization specific)

Elective IV (Specialization specific)

Dissertation - Phase II

Elective V (Specialization specific)

-

Dissertation - Phase I

-

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Entrance Exams

For B. Tech mechanical engineering programs, the entrance exams are WBJEE, LPUNEST, BITSAT, and JEE Main. MTech Mechanical Engineering admissions are primarily based on GATE scores. 

Below is more information regarding the entrance exams for mechanical engineering: 

Name of the Exam

Exam Dates

JEE Main

JEE Main 2024 Session 1: 24th January – 1st February 2024

JEE Main 2024 Session 2: 4th April – 15th April 2024

JEE Advanced

1st January – 8th January 2024

TS EAMCET

9th May – 11th May 2024

BITSAT

BITSAT Main 2024 Session 1: 19th May – 24th May 2024

BITSAT Main 2024 Session 2: 22nd June – 26th June 2024

CUET

15th May – 31st May 2024

MHT CET

16th April – 30th April 2024

GATE

3rd February – 11th February 2024

WBJEE

28th April 2024

VITEEE

19th April – 30th April 2024

COMEDK UGET

12th May 2024

KEAM

May 2024 (Tentative)

KCET

20th April – 21st April 2024

Also Read: Top Engineering Exams in India 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Entrance Exams Syllabus 

Given below are the topics that are typically included in the mechanical engineering entrance exams: 

Subject

Topics

Mathematics

Algebra

Trigonometry

Calculus

Coordinate Geometry

Probability and Statistics

Physics

 

Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Optics

Electricity and Magnetism

Waves and Sound

Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry

Mechanical Aptitude

Mechanical reasoning

Spatial visualization

Analytical reasoning

Engineering graphics

General Knowledge

Current affairs

General Science

History, Geography, and Politics

English

Reading comprehension

Vocabulary

Grammar and usage

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Specializations 

Mechanical Engineering is a versatile field and once students are done with their undergraduate program they can choose their specialization in various sections such as: 

Specialization

Description

Thermal Engineering

Focuses on the study of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and energy conversion. Engineers in this specialization work on designing and optimizing systems related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and power generation

Mechatronics

Combines mechanical engineering with electronics and computer science. Mechatronics engineers design intelligent systems and products that integrate mechanical components with sensors, actuators, and control systems.

Automotive Engineering

Concentrates on the design, development, and manufacturing of automotive systems. Engineers in this field work on aspects such as vehicle dynamics, powertrain design, safety, and fuel efficiency.

Aerospace Engineering

Involves the design and development of aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers work on aerodynamics, materials, propulsion systems, and avionics.

Manufacturing Engineering

Focuses on optimizing the manufacturing processes and systems. Engineers in this field work on areas such as production planning, quality control, and process optimization.

Robotics

Involves the design and development of robotic systems. Robotics engineers work on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously.

Materials Engineering

Concentrates on the study of materials and their properties. Engineers in this field work on selecting suitable materials for various applications, understanding material behavior, and improving material performance.

Energy Systems

Involves the study of energy generation, storage, and distribution. Engineers working in this specialization focus on sustainable and renewable energy sources, as well as improving the efficiency of energy systems.

Structural Engineering

Concentrates on the design and analysis of structures such as buildings and bridges. Engineers in this field ensure that structures can withstand various loads and environmental conditions.

Nuclear Engineering

Involves the study of nuclear reactions and their applications. Nuclear engineers work on the design and development of nuclear power plants, radiation protection, and nuclear medicine.

Biomechanics

Applies mechanical engineering principles to biological systems. Biomechanical engineers work on understanding and improving the mechanical aspects of living organisms, such as the human body.

Renewable Energy

 

Focuses on the design and implementation of sustainable and renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, and hydropower.

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Recommended Books 

Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of mechanical engineering:

Book Name

Author Name

Mechanics of Materials

Ferdinand P. Beer, E. Russell Johnston Jr., and John T. DeWolf

Heat and Mass Transfer: Fundamentals and Applications

Yunus A. Cengel and Afshin J. Ghajar

Machine Design

Robert L. Norton

Shigleys Mechanical Engineering Design

Richard G. Budynas and J. Keith Nisbett

Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control

John J. Craig

Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines

Richard Stone

Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction

William D. Callister Jr. and David G. Rethwisch

A First Course in Finite Elements

Jacob Fish and Ted Belytschko

Manufacturing Engineering and Technology

Serope Kalpakjian and Steven R. Schmid

Modern Control Engineering

Katsuhiko Ogata

Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics

Russell C. Hibbeler

Also Read: What is the Salary of a Biomedical Engineer? 

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: IIT’s

Below are the top IIT colleges that offer mechanical engineering along with their location, fees, and average placements: 

College Name

Location

Fees

Placements

IIT Madras

Chennai

INR 2,09,550

INR 21,48,000

IIT Delhi

Delhi

INR 55,300

INR 25,82,000

IIT Bombay

Mumbai

INR 2,29,300

INR 21, 82,000

IIT Kharagpur

Kharagpur

INR 27,650

INR 26,00,000

IIT Kanpur

Kanpur

INR 2,29,200

INR 19,00,000

IIT Roorkee

Roorkee

INR 2,30,100

INR 13,00,000

IIT Guwahati

Guwahati

INR 67,350

INR 24,00,000

IIT Hyderabad

Hyderabad

INR 53,550

INR 20,07,000

IIT Indore

Indore

INR 2,33,900

INR 24,45,000

Also Read: What is the Salary of a Marine Engineer?

Mechanical Engineering Subjects: Top Colleges 

Below are the top colleges that offer mechanical engineering, along with their location, fees, and average placements: 

College Name

Location

Fees

Placements

Parul University

Vadodara

INR 1,49,000

INR 4,00,000

MIT World Peace University

Pune

INR 3,15,000

INR 7,00,000

HKBK Group of Institutions

Bangalore

INR 1,00,000

INR 6,30,000

BITS Pilani

Pilani

INR 5,71,575

INR 30,37,000

NIT Trichy

Tiruchirappalli

INR 1,74,950

INR 40,00,000

Institute of Chemical Technology

Mumbai

INR 92,250

INR 5,00,000

Jadavpur University

Kolkata

INR 40,000

INR 35,00,000

ISM Dhanbad

Dhanbad

INR 2,40,250

INR 27,00,000

NIT Rourkela

Rourkela

INR 1,78,000

INR 20,88,000

Further Reading: Top Engineering Colleges accepting JEE in 2024

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering. It focuses on mechanical systems design, analysis, manufacture, and maintenance studies.

What are the Mechanical Engineering Subjects?

The Mechanical Engineering Subjects are Mathematics, Physics, Thermal Sciences, Manufacturing Processes, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanics and Dynamics, Machine Design, and Electrical Engineering among others.

What are the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 1st Year?

Some of the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 1st Year are Mathematics – I, Physics – I, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, Engineering Mechanics, Introduction to Mechanical Engineering and Computer Programming.

What are the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 2nd Year?

Some of the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 2nd Year are Mathematics – III, Numerical Methods, Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Materials Science, Dynamics of Machines, and Machine Drawing.

What are the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 3rd Year?

Some of the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 3rd Year are Control Systems, Heat and Mass Transfer, Machine Design – I, Manufacturing Technology, Energy Conversion Systems and Industrial Engineering.

What are the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 4th Year?

Some of the subjects in Mechanical Engineering 4th Year are Design of Machine Elements, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Robotics and Automation, Power Transmission and Control.

What are the jobs after Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Project Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, Project Manager and Maintenance Engineer.

What is the salary of a Mechanical Engineer in India?

The average mechanical engineer salary in India is INR 3.2 LPA.

Does mechanical engineering have Maths?

Yes. Maths is a key subject in Mechanical Engineering and is used throughout the course.

How can I become a mechanical engineer after 12th?

You need to complete a four year B.Tech. program from a recognized university or a three year diploma program from a polytechnic.

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