Petroleum Engineering is the branch of engineering that is involved in the activities associated with the production of various hydrocarbons like natural gas or petroleum. It is also called Oil Engineering and covers the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas. More than 70 colleges in India provide courses in Petroleum Engineering.
A student needs to complete their 10+2 in the Science stream to get admitted to a UG course. Similarly, a student needs a bachelor's degree in engineering with a minimum score of 50 per cent to be qualified for a postgraduate degree in Petroleum Engineering.
The top colleges that offer Petroleum Engineering courses are IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, Graphic Era University, Dehradun and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi. Students who opt for a course in petroleum engineering get hired as Field Operators, Project Managers, and Technicians at leading companies.
Petroleum Engineer, Oil Engineer, Field Operator, Testing Manager, Technician, Junior Engineer, Research Associate, Project Associate, Lecturer, Advisor/Consultants
Top Recruiters
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Oil and Natural Gas, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Gujarat State Petroleum, Shell, Schlumberger
Top Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India
There are many colleges in India offering Petroleum Engineering courses, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Admission to these colleges is based on either entrance exam or direct admission based on merit score. In the table below we have mentioned the top colleges offering Petroleum Engineering courses.
Top Private Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India
Numerous private universities in India offer Petroleum Engineering courses. Admissions to these institutions are granted based on past academic performance and entrance exam scores. The following table shows some of the top private Petroleum Engineering colleges in India.
Top Government Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India
Many government institutions in India provide Petroleum Engineering courses. Admissions to these colleges are based on previous academic records and entrance examination results. The table below showcases some of the finest government colleges for Petroleum Engineering in India.
Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Petroleum Engineering
Eligibility Criteria for UG Courses
Candidates are required to satisfy the eligibility requirements specified by the institute to be eligible for admission. They can go through the official website to know the eligibility criteria for the desired course. Listed below are the eligibility requirements for undergraduate courses in Petroleum Engineering.
Students should pass 10+2 with Science stream or its equivalent from any recognised board.
They must have Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and another extra subject of his or her choice in the qualifying examination’s curriculum.
Students should secure a minimum of 50 per cent in their 10+2 examinations
Top Entrance for UG Courses
To gain admission to top colleges, candidates should appear for the respective entrance examination conducted at national, state, and university levels. Below, we have provided some of these Petroleum Engineering entrance exams.
Aspiring candidates for the Petroleum Engineering course must meet all the eligibility criteria. Each engineering college has its own set of eligibility requirements for Petroleum Engineering, which can be found in the brochure or on the official website. Candidates are advised to thoroughly check all the Petroleum Engineering course details before proceeding with admission.
Candidates must have completed their B.Tech or B.E. degree.
They must have a minimum of first-class (60 per cent) marks or 6.0 (out of 10.0) Grade Point Average (GPA) in the discipline of Petroleum Engineering.
The degree must be from an institution approved by AICTE or a central or state university approved by a Parliamentary Act.
Eligible candidates are required to appear for the relevant entrance examination such as the GATE.
Top Entrance Exams for PG Courses
Admission to PG courses in Petroleum Engineering is done based on students’ scores in entrance exams like GATE. Details regarding these exams are furnished in the table below:
Scope of Petroleum Engineering in India and Abroad
The industry of petroleum engineering is vast and is always teeming with opportunities. Many public and private sector corporations recruit Petroleum Engineering graduates periodically. There is a reasonable amount of job security if one gets to work with a public sector unit. On the other hand, the multinational companies that either import or export petroleum or its components offer huge salaries.
The scope abroad for Petroleum Engineering is even bigger with several onshore and offshore projects happening across grids. All these projects require skilled on-site engineers. The Gulf is a major oil exporter and has the maximum number of opportunities and almost all of them are very high-paying.
Course Fees Petroleum Engineering
Minimum Fees
Maximum Fees
Private
Government
Private
Government
UG
1.60 Lakhs
B.E /B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering at Excel College of Technology, Namakkal
51.22 K
B.E /B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering at Anna University, Chennai
24.37 Lakhs
B.E /B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering at School Of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun
13.81 Lakhs
Dual Degree in Petroleum Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi
PG
62.00 K
M.E /M.Tech. in Petroleum Engineering at Academy of Maritime Education and Training, Kanathur
30.45 K
M.E /M.Tech. in Petroleum Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Madras
8.00 Lakhs
B.E /B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering at Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai
7.72 Lakhs
M.E /M.Tech. in Petroleum Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Indian School of Mines Dhanbad
DOCTORAL
90.00 K
Ph.D in Petroleum Engineering at NIMS University, Jaipur
76.80 K
Ph.D in Petroleum Engineering at Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Visakhapatnam
3.00 Lakhs
Ph.D in Petroleum Engineering at NIMS Institute of Engineering and Technology, NIMS University, Jaipur
4.82 Lakhs
Ph.D in Petroleum Engineering at Mahamaya College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Ambedkarnagar
DIPLOMA
66.00 K
Diploma in Petroleum Engineering at OPJS University, Rajgarh
1.35 Lakhs
Diploma in Petroleum Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi
1.24 Lakhs
Diploma in Petroleum Engineering at Vel's Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai
1.35 Lakhs
Diploma in Petroleum Engineering at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi
Course Subjects
Petroleum Engineering Syllabus for UG Courses
The syllabus of Petroleum Engineering at the undergraduate level is structured by the institute. Some of the subjects covered in Petroleum Engineering are Engineering Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Physics, Environmental Studies, and Elements of Mechanical Engineering. In the following table, we have mentioned the syllabus of Anna University.
Semester 1
Technical English – I
Mathematics – I
Engineering Physics
Engineering Chemistry
Computing Techniques
Engineering Graphics
Physics Laboratory
Chemistry Laboratory
Computer Practices Laboratory
Engineering Practices Laboratory
Semester 2
Technical English – II
Mathematics – II
Physics of Materials
Chemistry of Technologists
Engineering Mechanics
Principles of Chemical Engineering
Principles of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering
Applied Chemistry Lab
UNIX Programming Lab
-
Semester 3
Probability And Statistics
Organic Chemistry
Petroleum Engineering
Fluid Mechanics for Petrochemical Engineers
Process Calculations
Basic Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering Lab For Technologists
Organic Chemistry Lab
Mechanical Engineering Lab
-
Semester 4
Numerical Methods
Physical Chemistry
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Spectroscopic Techniques
Natural Gas Engineering
Fluid Mechanics Lab
Technical Analysis Lab
Semester 5
Environmental Science And Engineering
Petroleum Refining I
Chemical Reaction Engineering I
Process Instrumentation Dynamics and Control
Mass Transfer – I
Elective I
Employability Skills
Heat Transfer Lab
Petroleum Testing Lab I
-
Semester 6
Equilibrium Staged Operations
Chemical Reaction Engineering II
Petroleum Refining II
Plant Safety And Risk Analysis
Petrochemicals
Elective II
Process Control Lab
Petroleum Testing Lab II
Computational Chemical Engineering Lab
-
Semester 7
Transport Phenomena
Chemical Process Design
Process Economics
Petroleum Equipment Design
Petroleum Refining III
Elective III
Mass Transfer Lab
Chemical Reaction Engineering Lab
Semester 8
Elective IV
Elective V
Project Work
-
Petroleum Engineering Syllabus for PG Courses
While the M.Tech Petroleum Engineering curriculum may differ slightly across various institutions, the core subjects remain largely consistent. The table below outlines the M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering syllabus as offered by IIT Madras.
Semester 1
Reservoir Engineering
Exploration and Formation Evaluation of Oi and Gas Reservoirs l
Offshore Drilling and Production Practices
Surface Facility for Oil and Gas Handling
Department Elective- I
-
Semester 2
Reservoir Simulation
Advanced Seismic Data acquisition Processing and Interpretation
Enhanced Oil Recovery
Department Elective- II
Department Elective- III
Department Elective- IV
Semester 3
Project Phase- II
-
Semester 4
Project Phase- III
-
Careers in Petroleum Engineering
The job prospects for freshly passed-out petroleum engineers differ based on the level or degree as stated above. A basic classification of petroleum engineering jobs in the industry looks something like this. Candidates can choose based on their interests.
Job Profiles
Top Recruiters
Field Operator
Field Operators are involved with working with heavy engineering equipment. Field operators handle machinery such as heavy pumps, motors, and drilling tools used to extract petroleum and related materials from the earth.
A Petroleum Engineer designs facilities to extract and produce oil and gas from reserves deep underground. They also ensure that oilfield equipment is installed, operated, and maintained properly.
Reservoir Engineer
Reservoir engineers locate fuel in underground reservoirs using their knowledge of geology and fluid mechanics. They utilise technology and their expertise to pinpoint and efficiently allocate usable fossil fuel reservoirs located underground for oil and gas companies.
Testing Manager/Professional
Testing managers are similar to field operators but include a supervisory component. They leads a small team responsible for executing on-field operations at a petroleum refinery.
Project managers oversee the operation and management of an entire project segment. The project manager is responsible for executing the project in a way that maximises value for both the company and the client. This role requires strong management skills in addition to core petroleum engineering knowledge.
Technicians handle equipment and machinery at the company’s petroleum refinery site. This skilled job requires well-trained and knowledgeable individuals to ensure the smooth operation of the company’s processes.
Upcoming trends
Petroleum Engineering is evolving with trends such as sustainable solutions, digital transformation, and exploration of unconventional resources. Technologies like IoT, AI, Big Data, Robotics, 3D Modeling, Cloud Computing, and Blockchain are reshaping the industry. These advancements aim to enhance efficiency, safety, and intelligence in the field, marking a new era in Petroleum Engineering.
Sustainable Solutions
Digital Transformation
Unconventional Resources and Exploration
Internet of Things (IoT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Big Data & Analytics
Blockchain
Certifications for Petroleum Engineering
Certifiation in drilling system
Certification in CAESAR II
Certification in Piping design Engineering
Certification in Piping stress analysis
Job Profiles and Top Recruiters
To excel in their career after pursuing a Petroleum Engineering course, candidates should have certain specific skills. Those interested in pursuing Petroleum Engineering at top colleges in India need the following skill sets. Mentioned below are the necessary skills for the Petroleum Engineering course.
Team Work
Problem-solving
Working Under Pressure
Drive and Enthusiasm
Health and Fitness
Analytical Skills
Average Salary
The average expected starting-level salary varies depending on the qualification. It also varies depending on many other factors such as the experience of the candidate, their skills and accomplishments, the job profile, and the location of the company. Mentioned below is the average salary of some of the popular careers available after Petroleum Engineering degrees.
Job Profiles
Average Salary
Field Operator
Rs 8.1 LPA
Petroleum Engineer
Rs. 9.9 LPA
Reservoir Engineer
Rs. 16.6 LPA
Testing Manager
Rs 18 LPA
Project Manager
Rs 17 LPA
Technician
Rs 2.8 LPA
Required Skillset for Petroleum Engineering
To excel in their career after pursuing a Petroleum Engineering course, candidates should have certain specific skills. Those interested in pursuing Petroleum Engineering at top colleges in India need the following skill sets. Mentioned below are the necessary skills for the Petroleum Engineering course.
Team Work
Problem-solving
Working Under Pressure
Drive and Enthusiasm
Health and Fitness
Analytical Skills
Course Curriculum for Petroleum Engineering
The course curriculum for diploma and undergraduate programmes of petroleum engineering includes lessons from the following branches of science and engineering- mostly introductory. One can opt for any of these branches for specialisation at the postgraduate level -
Introductory science courses
Introductory mathematics and applied mathematics
Basic engineering courses
Introduction to other fields like civil engineering and electrical engineering
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Introduction to geology and earth science
Polymer science
Energy resources
Materials science and advanced materials engineering
Fluid mechanics ( drilling, well compilation )
Equipment design and management
Environmental science and engineering
Safety techniques
Popular Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exams in India
Question: What is the duration of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the field of Petroleum Engineering?
Answer :
UG courses are generally of three to four years duration, whereas PG courses are of two years.
Question: What are some popular entrance exams in the field of Petroleum Engineering?
Answer :
Many exams that can provide admission to Petroleum Engineering courses are JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and GATE.
Question: What are the career options available in the field of Petroleum Engineering?
Answer :
The career choices available in the field of Petroleum Engineering are endless. Some of the popular ones are Testing Managers, Technicians, Project Managers, Field Operators, Petroleum Engineers, and Oil Engineers.
Question: Which are the famous institutions providing Petroleum Engineering courses in India?
Answer :
Top engineering institutes in India providing specialisation in Petroleum Engineering are IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, Graphic Era University, Dehradun and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi.
Question: Who is eligible for a Petroleum Engineering course?
Answer :
Generally, for an undergraduate course, the candidates need to clear the 10+2 in the Science stream with a valid score. For a postgraduate course, candidates are required to have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline.
Applying for petroleum engineering abroad involves several steps, from selecting the right university to completing the application and securing your admission. Here's a detailed guide:
1. Research Programs and Universities
Look for universities known for their petroleum engineering programs. Countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, and UAE are popular destinations.
Use platforms like QS World University Rankings or US News Rankings to identify universities with strong engineering faculties.
2. Understand Admission Requirements
Each university has specific requirements, but commonly you’ll need:
Academic Qualifications:
A strong background in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is essential. For master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is required.
Standardized Tests:
For undergraduate: SAT or ACT scores.
For postgraduate: GRE (if required by the institution).
Language Proficiency:
English-taught programs require scores in TOEFL or IELTS.
Other certificates accepted may include PTE or Duolingo English Test in other universities.
3. Application Documents Preparation
Academic transcript and degree certificates.
Statement of Purpose which clearly indicates your interest in pursuing petroleum engineering.
Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals with knowledge about your area of interest.
A
CV/Resume
detailing your relevant work experience, internship, or projects.
Financial documents when applying for scholarships or student loans.
4. Applying Through the Right Channels
Undergraduate Programs: Use application portals like Common App (USA) or
UCAS
(UK). Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have separate applications for each university.
Postgraduate Programs: Apply directly through the university's website or centralized portals like
Studielink
(Netherlands) or
DAAD
(Germany).
5. Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships to look for:
Fulbright Scholarships (USA).
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK).
DAAD Scholarships (Germany).
University-specific grants or bursaries.
Some countries also offer government scholarships for international students.
6. Student Visa
Once admitted, apply for the student visa of the target country.
Prepare for Visa Interviews (if required), proof of financial support, Admission letters, and health insurance.
7. Preparation for Life Abroad
Secure accommodation and flights.
Understand the expectations of the culture and academic practices of your destination.
Best Petroleum Engineering Universities
Stanford University (USA)
Imperial College London (UK)
University of Alberta (Canada)
University of Texas at Austin (USA)
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (Norway)
Here's a general overview of the cutoff marks for 2023 for various major entrance exams in India for the ST (Scheduled Tribe) category:
NEET (UG) 2023
: The cutoff for the ST category was around 112-120 marks out of 720 for admission to government medical colleges.
JEE Main 2023
: For the ST category, the cutoff was approximately 50-60 marks out of 300 for admission to NITs and other participating institutes.
JEE Advanced 2023
: The cutoff for the ST category was around 30-40 marks out of 360.
CAT 2023
: The cutoff for the ST category was around 60-70 percentile for admission to top IIMs.
UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2023
: The cutoff for the ST category was approximately 90-100 marks out of 200.
These cutoffs can vary based on the year, the number of candidates, and the specific institution or program. For the most accurate and detailed information, it's best to check the official websites of the respective exams or institutions.
The cut-off marks for private colleges in the RUSH (Rapid University Scholastic Hub) entrance exam or any other similar entrance exams can vary widely depending on several factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of applicants in the exam, the popularity level of the exam, the popularity of the content and many more.
Before taking admission in any college, you must visit its official website and then check all the procedures and necessary details required to take the admission.
Also, you must keep in mind a backup option to prepare in some harsh situations in future accordingly.
With 413 marks in NEET and considering the SC category, you may have a chance at government and private medical colleges. The specific colleges can vary each year based on the cut-off marks and seat availability. Here is a general idea of some government and private medical colleges where your chances might be good:
Government Medical Colleges:
Government Medical College, Aurangabad
Government Medical College, Amritsar
Government Medical College, Jammu
Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram
Government Medical College, Kozhikode
Private Medical Colleges:
Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore
Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Manipal
Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai
Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore
Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi
These are approximate options based on previous years’ cut-offs and trends. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should check the latest cut-off lists and admission notifications from the colleges or consult the NEET counseling authorities.
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