Upstream Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope
What is Upstream
The Upstream course is a specialised educational program designed for individuals interested in building successful careers in the oil and gas industry. Focusing on the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons, the Upstream course is centred on the critical aspect of the energy sector. Given the ever-increasing demand for energy, the relevance and importance of the Upstream course in the current times cannot be overstated. The Upstream course covers essential topics such as geology, reservoir engineering, drilling, and production technologies.
The Upstream course also equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this industry. Go through the article below to get more information about the Upstream course, along with its eligibility criteria, syllabus, colleges, entrance exams, and career opportunities.
Highlights - Upstream
Branch Name | Upstream |
Degree | B.Tech |
Duration | 4 Years |
Eligibility | 10+2 with PCM |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam |
Top Entrance Exams | JEE Main, JEE Advanced, State-specific CETs |
Average Course Fees | Rs 18.32 Lakhs |
Top Colleges | UPES Dehradun |
Career Options | Geologist, Geophysicist, Drilling Engineer, Production Engineer, Reservoir Engineer |
Average Salary | Rs 7 Lakhs p.a. |
Recruiting Companies | ONGC, RIL, Cairn India, Schlumberger, Halliburton |
Specialisation or Similar Ones
Upstream specialisations offer unique opportunities for students to develop in-depth expertise and contribute significantly to the oil and gas industry. Students gain a deep understanding of the processes, technologies, and challenges involved in the exploration and production of oil and gas resources. Here is a list of key specialisations in an Upstream course that students can consider pursuing:
Geology
Geophysics
Reservoir Engineering
Drilling Engineering
Production Engineering
Upstream courses offered by Upstream colleges in India
B.Tech Applied Petroleum Engineering with Specialization in Upstream | B.Tech Applied Petroleum Engineering Upstream Specialization in E and P Data Management |
Upstream LNG Technology | - |
Top Upstream Colleges in India
Several Upstream colleges have emerged as prominent institutions offering Upstream courses in India. You can pursue Upstream courses from these Upstream colleges at a rational cost. The table below shows the top Upstream colleges in India offering Upstream courses.
Colleges | Fees |
Rs 18.32 Lakhs | |
Free (Rs 1,000 for Exam) |
Top Private Upstream Colleges in India
Upstream courses are offered by many private colleges in India. Attending a private college is costlier than a government college. UPES Dehradun is the top private college that offers Upstream courses in India.
Top Government Upstream Colleges in India
Many government colleges in India offer Upstream courses as specialised courses. Pursuing Upstream courses from a government college is more affordable than from a private college. IIT Kharagpur is the top government college that offers Upstream courses in India.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Upstream
To pursue an Upstream course, interested candidates need to fulfill specific eligibility criteria. Candidates who have completed a High school diploma, 10+2 education or equivalent, with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry are eligible to apply for an Upstream course. Aspirants must research the eligibility criteria for the institution offering Upstream courses before applying.
Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses
To pursue a Bachelor's in Upstream in India, students need to fulfill specific entry requirements:
Aspirants must have completed the 10+2 education in the Science stream, with subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Candidates must have passed the qualifying exam with a minimum aggregate score.
Candidates are also required to appear in national/ state/ institution-level entrance exams.
Top Entrance Exams for UG Course
Some institutions may have their entrance tests, while others accept scores from national or state-level exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or state-specific CETs.
JEE Main: The JEE Main is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate engineering programmes. To be eligible for this exam, students must have completed their 10+2 education in the Science stream.
JEE Advanced: JEE Advanced is the next level of JEE. Students who clear the JEE Main and meet specific rank criteria are eligible to appear for the JEE Advanced. This exam is conducted for admission to prestigious institutes like IITs.
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Scope of Upstream in India and Abroad
An Upstream course provides inclusive information and critical aspects of the oil & gas industry. With the increasing global demand for energy, the scope of Upstream is ever-expanding, providing numerous career opportunities for graduates. After completing an Upstream course, graduates have a wide range of job prospects and placement opportunities in various industries. Pursuing an Upstream course ensures that students get exposure to the industry and its requirements, enhancing their employability. They can work in oil and gas exploration and production companies, drilling service providers, oilfield service companies, engineering consultancies, and government regulatory bodies like ONGC.
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Course Subjects
The Upstream course syllabus gives students comprehensive knowledge and exposure to various aspects of the Upstream industry. The Upstream subjects provide deeper knowledge of advanced topics in the field, preparing students for research and specialised roles in the industry. By pursuing an Upstream course, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes, technologies, and challenges involved in the oil and gas industry, preparing them for successful careers in this crucial sector. Mentioned below are the Upstream subjects covered in Upstream courses at the UG level.
Mathematics I | Mathematics II |
Engineering Graphics | Technical Communication |
Computer Programming | Environmental Studies |
Introduction to Petroleum Geology | Petroleum Exploration |
Well Testing and Analysis | Offshore Drilling and Production Practices |
Economics of Oil and Gas ProductionIndustrial training | Petroleum Law and Policy |
Careers in Upstream
The oil and gas industry is a truly global sector, providing opportunities to work in different countries and engage in international projects. Pursuing a degree in an Upstream course can lead to numerous rewarding career opportunities in today's fast-paced energy industry. Graduates of Upstream courses in India will be able to explore various job roles in the industry. Here are some job roles that can be explored with an Upstream degree.
Geologists are responsible for identifying and analysing hydrocarbon reservoirs. They conduct research and scientific experiments to learn about and understand natural resource supply and environmental health over time. | |
Geophysicist | A Geophysicist focuses on using geophysical data to locate hydrocarbon resources. They also discover or develop sites for alternative or renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. |
Reservoir Engineer | Reservoir Engineers analyse and manage reservoirs to maximise production. They manage the day-to-day operation of oil and gas fields and create and implement data-gathering plans to develop projects to enhance recovery efficiency. |
Drilling Engineer | The role of a Drilling Engineer is to design and implement drilling operations. They typically serve supervisory roles to monitor the performance and productivity of their drilling team. |
Production Engineers are responsible for optimising oil and gas production, supervising production operations, and assessing staff performance. They also make strategies to improve efficiency and profitability. |
Upcoming trends
An Upstream course is designed to prepare students for careers in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, which involves the exploration, drilling, and extraction of petroleum and natural gas. Here are three latest trending topics in the Upstream industry, which can be useful to include in an article:
Digital Transformation in Upstream Operations: The adoption of digital technologies, such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and IoT, is revolutionising the Upstream sector, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability in Upstream: Increasing focus on the environmental impact of Upstream operations and the adoption of sustainable practices, such as carbon capture and storage, is a trending topic in the industry.
Exploration and Production of Unconventional Resources: The development and extraction of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, such as shale gas and tight oil, are gaining traction in the Upstream industry.
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
There are vast careers in the field of Upstream. This segment of the oil and gas industry comprises exploration activities and production activities. Exploration activities include making geological surveys and obtaining land rights and the production activities include onshore and offshore drilling. Jobs after Upstream courses are available in both the public and private sector organisations for graduates of Upstream courses. They can find employment in oil and gas exploration and production companies, oilfield services companies, oil and gas refineries, oil and gas consultancies, and many more.
Top companies that hire graduates of Upstream courses are mentioned below:
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
Cairn India
Schlumberger
Halliburton
Average Salary
The Upstream sector typically offers lucrative salary packages, reflecting the importance and complexity of the work. Graduates of Upstream courses get great Upstream salary potential. The Upstream salary packages vary depending on the Upstream job profiles, experience, employer, and location, among various other factors. The table below shows the Upstream salary trends based on different Upstream job profiles.
Job Profiles | Average Salary (annually) |
Geologist | Rs 7 Lakhs |
Geophysicist | Rs 7.5 Lakhs |
Reservoir Engineer | Rs 8.5 Lakhs |
Drilling Engineer | Rs 10 Lakhs |
Production Engineer | Rs 8.5 Lakhs |
Required Skillset for Upstream
The oil and gas industry is a critical sector that consistently requires qualified experts in Upstream operations. Students interested in pursuing Upstream courses are required to possess a unique set of skills. Developing such skills will equip students with the knowledge and expertise necessary to excel in an Upstream course and secure rewarding careers in the oil and gas industry. By mastering these skills, students will be well-prepared to address the challenges and opportunities in the upstream sector. The table below highlights both general and specialised skills necessary for a successful career in the upstream sector.
Geoscience Knowledge | Drilling Engineering |
Data Analysis and Interpretation | Communication |
Teamwork | Software Proficiency |
Reservoir Engineering | Petroleum Economics and Management: |
Course Curriculum for Upstream
The Upstream course curriculum deals with the topics of exploration, drilling, land management, stimulation, completion, production, and workover intervention. The curriculum arms students with the knowledge and skills essential to excel in the energy industry. We have given below the topics covered in the Upstream course curriculum:
Engineering Mechanics
Workshop Technology
Reservoir Rock Properties
Formation Evaluation
Production Engineering
Well Logging
Health, Safety, and Environment in Petroleum Industry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What are the top recruiters that hire Upstream students?
Answer :
The top recruiting companies that hire Upstream students are ONGC, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Cairn India, Schlumberger, and Halliburton.
Question: What are the top career options for Upstream students?
Answer :
The top career options for Upstream students are Geologist, Geophysicist, Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Production Engineer, and many others.
Question: What are the skills required for an Upstream course?
Answer :
The skills required for an Upstream course are Systems Data Analysis and Interpretation, Communication, Teamwork, Software Proficiency, Reservoir Engineering, Petroleum Economics and Management, and more.
Question: What are the entrance exams required to pursue Upstream?
Answer :
The entrance exams required for Upstream are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and State-specific CETs.
Question: What are the degree programmes for Upstream courses?
Answer :
Some of the degree programmes for Upstream courses are B.Tech Applied Petroleum Engineering with Specialization in Upstream, B.Tech Applied Petroleum Engineering Upstream Specialization in E and P Data Management, and Upstream LNG Technology.
Question: What are the benefits of pursuing Upstream?
Answer :
Pursuing an Upstream course offers several benefits, such as comprehensive knowledge, becoming skilled professionals, diverse career opportunities, competitive salaries, and global opportunities.
Question: Who is an Upstream Analyst?
Answer :
An Upstream Analyst is a professional who specialises in the analysis and evaluation of data related to the exploration, production, and management of oil and gas resources. Their responsibilities may include assessing geological data, monitoring production trends, evaluating the economic viability of projects, and providing recommendations to optimise operations.
Question: Is Upstream difficult?
Answer :
The difficulty of Upstream courses may vary based on the individual's background and interest in the subject matter. Upstream courses involve a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Students with a strong foundation in subjects like mathematics, physics, and engineering may find the coursework more manageable.
Question: What are some examples of Upstream?
Answer :
Examples of Upstream activities include geological surveys, seismic analysis, drilling, well completion, and production of oil and gas resources. These activities are essential in locating, extracting, and producing hydrocarbon resources, which are then processed and distributed to meet global energy demands.
Question: What is the purpose of Upstream?
Answer :
The purpose of Upstream courses is to educate and train individuals in the exploration and production of oil and gas resources. This field focuses on the identification, extraction, and management of these resources, ensuring that energy demands are met in an efficient and sustainable manner.
