Which Aerospace Engineering Program Should I Choose for My ISRO Career?

Ans: Am glad you have done research to locate institutions offering Aerospace Engineering programs. I suggest you look for credentials of the 4 programs based on the NIRF and NAAC rankings, faculty background, placement record, industry collaborations and then decide.

Ans: Prefer Mechanical. But please note, you will have to prepare well for its Recruitment Process such as Written Test, Interview etc.

Ans: For a student interested in working with ISRO, both Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Delhi NIT (National Institute of Technology Delhi) can be good options. Aerospace Engineering would be the more specialized and directly relevant choice. It aligns closely with the core activities of ISRO and would provide targeted knowledge and skills for a career in space exploration. However, if the student values a broader education with versatile applications, Mechanical Engineering is also a strong option and can lead to opportunities at ISRO, especially with a focus on aerospace-related electives and projects.
The job market for Aerospace Engineers can be more limited compared to Mechanical Engineers, as it is closely tied to the aerospace and defense industries. These sectors may not have as many job openings, and employment can be more cyclical, depending on government contracts and economic factors. For that reason, Aerospace Engineering is sometimes perceived as a less-preferred or "lower" branch compared to Mechanical Engineering. There are many other factors

Ans: IIT Kharagpur’s integrated B.Tech (Hons.) in Aerospace Engineering follows a semesterized curriculum blending core aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural analysis delivered by faculty rooted in mechanical and civil engineering, leveraging state-of-the-art labs and a strong brand, and recorded a 62.5% placement rate for its 2023 aerospace cohort with total program fees of ~?9.5 L. IIST’s B.Tech Aerospace program, backed by ISRO, presents a broader syllabus including rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, and avionics electives taught by aerospace-specialist PhDs, offers exclusive JPL/Caltech summer internships, ISRO absorption opportunities, over 90% placement including ~62% ISRO absorption, and more affordable total fees of ~?5.5 L.

Recommendation: For focused aerospace immersion, cost-effectiveness, ISRO absorption, and Caltech interns, go for IIST. If brand prestige, mechanical engineering depth, and a stronger non-ISRO placement profile matter more, prefer IIT Kharagpur. PLEASE NOTE, Absorption into ISRO is not a guarantee as it changes its Recruitment Policy every year and Recruitment is subject some other conditions too. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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