Petroleum Engineering

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Jul 19, 2023 20:50PM IST

About Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum Engineering course is concerned with the advancement and exploration of the oil and gas extraction process. If you have a passion to work with advanced technologies and equipment and solve complex problems related to the extraction and production of oil and gas then petroleum engineering is the right choice for you. Candidates can pursue petroleum engineering courses after 12th grade and also acquire higher specialisation by studying M Tech or PhD. Admission to this course is done through entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, UPES DAT, MHT CET, BITSAT, VITEEE, etc. Some petroleum engineering colleges also grant merit-based admission. The petroleum engineering syllabus covers topics like thermodynamics, geology, computation, applied mechanics, structural engineering, etc.

This course is available in online as well as offline mode. Candidates can find employment in the oil and gas industry and hire by on-shore and offshore oil exploration businesses. The petroleum engineering job options include reservoir engineer, drilling engineer, production engineer, petroleum engineer, and more. Some of the top petroleum engineering colleges in India are IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, and so on. The average petroleum engineering fees in India is between INR 50,000 and INR 10 LPA. If you are planning to enrol in this course in this year, read this page thoroughly to get to know more petroleum engineering course details.

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Petroleum Engineering Course Highlight

Petroleum engineering is a career path for those who want to work in a scientific subject.  If you want to be a petroleum engineer, it's critical that you understand the career path to becoming a petroleum engineer. Go through the details about the petroleum engineering course highlighted below. 

Particular

Details

Profession 

Petroleum Engineering 

Eligibility Criteria

Passed class 12th from science stream

Entrance exam

JEE Main, JEE Advanced, UPES DAT, WBJEE, MHT CET, etc

Specialization 

Drilling Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysical Engineering, Production and Surface Engineering

Top colleges in India

  • IIT Madras

  • University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun

  • IIT Bombay

  • IIT Dhanbad

Top colleges in abroad 

  • National University of Singapore, Singapore

  • Imperial College London, United Kingdom

  • Stanford University, United States

  • University of Alberta, Canada.

Fees In India

INR 50,000 LPA to INR 15,00,000 LPA

Required skills

Problem solving, analytical, creativity, interpersonal, time management, coordination

Jobs

Petroleum Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Production Engineer

Salary (Approx Estimate)

INR 4,50,000 to INR 15,00, 000 LPA 

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Who Should Pursue Petroleum Engineering?

If you are passionate about natural resources such as gas and oil and want to learn how they are utilized, then petroleum engineering is the profession for you. These substances can be found in reservoirs beneath. When a reservoir is located, petroleum engineers work with scientists to visualize and comprehend the reservoir's structure as well as the surrounding geology in order to determine the best drilling method and processes. 

Petroleum engineers are primarily responsible for improving techniques for extracting oil and gas from the Earth's crust, and if you are deeply concerned about the environment and want to inspire change and provide energy to the world while also protecting the environment for future generations, this is the domain for you.

Quick Link: B.Tech Petroleum Engineering

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Why Choose Petroleum Engineering?

Petroleum engineering is a prospective engineering specialization with numerous career benefits and advantages. If you are planning to pursue petroleum engineering you will get the following benefits in this domain. 

High Salary

Petroleum engineers benefit from a high salary and a better package than a basic engineer as it is an unconventional engineering domain. A petroleum engineer's starting salary on average is INR 4.5 LPA. The salary grows with experience and education. And after getting relevant experience the salary can hike up from INR 10 LPA to INR 44 LPA.  

Extra Allowances

Petroleum engineers are also compensated with paid time off, many retirement schemes, and excellent health insurance packages because they work in mines and risky environments

Opportunity to make a Difference in World

Petroleum engineers make the drilling process safer for people, communities, animals, and the environment. They also make it more efficient and the pricing cheaper for clients. They oversee adherence to best practices, industry standards, and environmental and safety requirements, as well as contribute to energy independence

Never Ending Opportunities

Petroleum is required not only for fuel and heat, but also as a raw ingredient in the manufacturing of plastics, rubber, detergents, pharmaceutical medications, textiles, cosmetics, fragrances, paints, and other products. 

The globe will always require energy. Petroleum engineers identify, extract, and maintain the world's oil and gas supplies. Therefore, there will always be skilled personnel required in the petroleum engineering domain. 

Quick Link: Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

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How Many Courses are There in Petroleum Engineering?

There are many types of courses in this engineering specialization that candidates can pursue depending on their eligibility criteria. Check the major petroleum engineering courses given below. 

Diploma Course

It provides students with the fundamental engineering abilities needed to perform entry-level employment in the petroleum sector and the opportunity to start a career early. After completing Class 10, candidates can pursue a diploma in petroleum engineering course

Undergraduate Course

Securing a proper bachelor’s degree is a great way of kick-starting a career as many recruiters' minimum requirement is an undergraduate degree. Candidates can pursue B.E. or B. Tech degrees in Petroleum Engineering (PE), Petroleum Reservoir and Production Engineering, and Applied Petroleum Engineering after completing Class 10+2. 

Postgraduate Course 

After completing an undergraduate degree, opting to study master’s will advance a candidate's career and aid in earning handsome salaries or securing promotion at the workplace. Candidates can pursue M.Tech. or M.E. degrees in Petroleum Engineering after completing their bachelor's degree. 

Postgraduate (Research Based) Course

A Master in Petroleum engineering or similar subjects can be acquired after completing a post-graduate level research thesis with little classroom work. Graduates from any field relevant to petroleum engineering are eligible to participate in this postgraduate degree program.

Doctoral Course

After completing an innovative research thesis in the discipline, a PhD with a specialty in petroleum engineering and related topics can be acquired. This is often followed if one is interested in research and in PE. Candidates can pursue a doctoral course after securing a master’s degree. To obtain a doctorate, an applicant must first win admission to one of the premier petroleum engineering institutes within a central university.

Dual Degree (UG + PG 5 Years) Course

Candidates can also pursue a dual degree. Petroleum engineering specialized B.Tech + M.Tech programmes provide dual degree exits with a specialty in a sub-field. 

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Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for this course, candidates should make sure they have met the eligibility criteria requirements. Check the level-wise petroleum engineering eligibility criteria given below. 

Diploma Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria

A minimum of 55% aggregate marks in the Class 10 board examination is required for admission to the diploma course in petroleum engineering. The requisite percentage of marks is reduced for applicants from the SC/ST/PWD categories.

BE/ B Tech Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria

The minimum eligibility for undergraduate programmes at government colleges is 75% in Class 12 with the disciplines of Math, Physics, and Chemistry. Some, however, have 60% in both Class 10 and Class 12 from a recognized Examination Board. Students from the SC/ST/PWD categories have their eligibility lowered by 5%. The prerequisites for private universities differ substantially as well.

ME/ M Tech Petroleum Engineering Eligibility Criteria

The minimal entrance criteria for the postgraduate (M.Tech) petroleum engineering course(s) are listed below. An undergraduate B.E. or B. Tech degree in Petroleum Engineering with a minimum of first-class (60%) marks or 6.0 (out of 10.0) Grade Point Average (GPA) from an AICTE-recognized institution or Parliamentary Act-authorized central or state university is required.

Quick Link: B Tech colleges in India

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Difference between Petroleum Engineering and Petrochemical Engineering

Check the difference between petroleum engineering and petrochemical engineering is given below. 

Basis of Difference

Petroleum Engineering

Petrochemical Engineering

Meaning

Petroleum engineers work upstream; upstream activities include drilling, reservoir development, oil and gas exploration, and production.

The downstream activities of a petrochemical engineer comprise the refinement of the main end products, which are plastic, resins, and paint.

Field of work 

Go into petroleum if you enjoy working outside at well sites, enjoy dealing with geology and subsurface formations, and if you possess a certain level of mental toughness

Consider a career in petrochemicals if you enjoy being on the plant site, working in a balanced team to increase the company's profitability, and possess a keen eye for detail.

Salary

INR 4.5 LPA to INR 15 LPA

INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA

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Petroleum Engineering Admission Process

Admission to this course is mainly done based on entrance examinations conducted at the state or national level. Many colleges offer direct admission also on the basis of Class 12th merits. Check the important details of the petroleum engineering admission process given below. 

Petroleum Engineering Admission Through Entrance Exam

To take admission into the petroleum engineering course through the entrance exam follow the details given below.

Release of Notification & Filling of Application Form: Candidates must wait for the release of the official notification of the petroleum engineering entrance exam. Once the notification is out, the exam conducting body will start the registration process. Candidates must fill out the petroleum engineering application form for the entrance exam and pay the fees.

Download Admit Card: After closing the registration window, the exam conducting body will release the admit card. Candidates must download the admit card for the entrance exam and carry it to the exam centre along with the required documents. 

Sit for the Exam: Candidates must appear in the petroleum engineering entrance exam and follow all the exam day instructions. It is advised that candidates study very well for the exam to qualify for the exam.

Release of the Result: The exam conducting body will release the entrance exam result on its official website. Candidates whose name appears in the merit list will qualify for the further admission round

Counselling & Seat Allotment: After the release of the petroleum engineering entrance exam result, there will be counselling and seat allotment conducted through which candidates will be allotted seats in the participating colleges.

Also Read: B.Tech admission process

Petroleum Engineering Admission Through Merits

If you do not wish to sit for the entrance exam, then there are certain petroleum engineering colleges that offer direct admission also. To take petroleum engineering merit-based admission you can refer to the details given below. 

Shortlist College: Not every engineering colleges in India offer admission through merits, therefore first you must research the colleges that grant merit-based admission. Check the college’s admission process, and eligibility criteria and make sure you are eligible. 

Fill up the Application Form: On the college’s official website, there will be an announcement for the release of the application form. You must fill up the application form carefully and upload all the required educational and other documents. 

Release of the Merit List: After receiving the applications, the college’ will analyze the student’s credentials and release the merit list on its official website. If your name appears on the merit list that means you are selected for the admission to petroleum engineering course. 

Counselling and Interview Rounds: Many petroleum engineering colleges also conduct additional counselling and interview rounds after the release of the merit list to judge a candidate’s potential. If the college you are applying for merit-based admission has such rounds, you must appear in them and give your best. Following that, you will be given a petroleum engineering seat.

Also Read: 

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Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exam

There are various engineering entrance exams conducted to provide admission to petroleum engineering course. Check some of the major petroleum engineering entrance exams and their details are given below. 

JEE Main

National Testing Agency conducts the JEE Main exam to select qualified candidates for admission to undergraduate engineering programme like BE/ BTech offered at National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and some other colleges designated as CFTIs.

JEE Advanced

IIT Bombay conducts the JEE Advanced exam to select applicants for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Candidates must have completed the JEE Main and received a rank to be eligible for the JEE Advanced test.

UPES DAT

The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) administers the UPES Design Aptitude Test (DAT). It is an online entrance test held for admission to the college's School of Design Studies' numerous undergraduate and postgraduate design degrees (SoDS).

BITSAT

The BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) is a computer-based online admission test administered by the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani. BITS is one of India's finest private technical education colleges. The BITSAT exam is designed to assess students' analytical abilities.

VITEEE

The Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) is a common entrance exam for VIT Vellore, VIT Chennai, VIT Bhopal, and VIT Andhra Pradesh. The VITEEE university-level test is held in around 120 cities for 5000 seats at Chennai, Vellore, Bhopal, and Amravati campuses.

Petroleum Engineering Entrance Exam Important Dates

To keep track of all the engineering entrance exams being conducted for providing admission to petroleum engineering courses, candidates must be aware of the important dates. For that, candidates can refer to the petroleum engineering entrance exam dates given below and sit for the exam that is upcoming. 

Entrance Exam NameUpcoming EventsExam Dates
JEE Advanced 2023 ExamDeclaration of JEE Advanced 2023 result June 18, 2023June 4, 2023
BITSAT 2023 ExamAnnouncement of admit list and wait list iteration 1- July 1, 2023Session 2- June 18 to 22, 2023
JEECUP 2023 Exam Last date to fill JEECUP Application Form 2023- June 10, 2023To Be Notified
UPESEAT 2023 ExamMerit List- To Be NotifiedPhase 2- June 3 to 4, 2023
BVP CET 2023 ExamBVP CET Admit Card 2023- June 5 to 11, 2023June 11, 2023
SRMJEEE 2023 ExamPhase 2 SRMJEEE 2023 result declaration- June 2023June 10 and 11, 2023
CGPET 2023 ExamAdmit Card release- June 19, 2023June 25, 2023

Quick Link: How to Prepare for WBJEE 2023?

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Top Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

In India, there are around 80 Petroleum Engineering Colleges which includes both private and government. To take admission to these top colleges candidates have to qualify for the entrance exam. Go through some of the top petroleum engineering colleges in India below. 

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Top Petroleum Engineering Government Colleges

In India, there are various government engineering colleges that offer petroleum engineering courses in which you can enroll in. These petroleum engineering colleges have good placement rates and also affordable fee structures. Go through the list of popular petroleum engineering government colleges and their fee structure given below.

College NameTotal B Tech Petroleum Engineering Fees
MBM Engineering CollegeINR  1.96 LPA
Calcutta UniversityINR  30.83K
Zakir Hussain College of EngineeringINR 2.5 LPA
Dibrugarh UniversityINR 3.5 LPA
Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad(ISM)INR 8 LPA
Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, NagpurINR 9 LPA
University College of Engineering, KakinadaINR  40K- 1.8LPA
Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum TechnologyINR 9.61 LPA
Samrat Ashokn Technological InstituteINR 4.8 LPA
Alagappa College of Technology, Anna UniversityINR 2 LPA
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Top Private Petroleum Engineering Colleges

There are several options of private engineering colleges in India in which you can study petroleum engineering colleges. These private colleges also hold a good reputation and will lead you to a successful career. Check the top private petroleum engineering colleges with their fee structure given below. 

College Name

Total B Tech Petroleum Engineering Fees

Lovely Professional UniversityINR 5.40 LPA
DIT UniversityINR 8.49 LPA
Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and ResearchINR 6.2 LPA
Graphic Era UniversityINR 10 LPA
Godavari Institute of Engineering and TechnologyINR 2.35 LPA
ITM UniversityINR 6.2 LPA
UPES, DehradunINR 9.46 LPA
Manipal University, JaipurINR 12.36 LPA
MIT-WPUINR 9.3- 10 LPA
Aditya Engineering CollegeINR 2.04 LPA
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Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad

Studying abroad is an excellent approach to demonstrate to potential employers your capacity to collaborate with individuals from diverse cultures. The distribution of petroleum reserves is across the world, therefore there are employment opportunities in foreign countries. 

Pursuing this course from abroad will well acquaint you with an excellent education as per international standards. Along with that, you will get hands-on experience via field trips, workshops, and case studies conducted at international colleges. Check the petroleum engineering scope abroad given below. 

USA

The degrees earned from American colleges, which are home to some of the greatest in the world, are respected all around the globe. Due to its high-quality education provided by highly regarded colleges, its diversified population, and the lifestyle that each and every foreign student may experience, the USA has long been a favorite study-abroad destination.

Australia

It is the perfect place for students who wish to study Petroleum Engineering. The emphasis on research is one of Australia's most alluring features for foreign students. Australian resources and outstanding technologies are available to students there. 

UK

The UK boasts a strong academic tradition and top-notch training and research resources. Additionally, career prospects are high, particularly for STEM grads. The UK's digital industry has expanded significantly in recent years and has made a considerable economic contribution. 

Turkey

Students who want to study in Turkey may have a beautiful and interesting experience by having the chance to learn about old traditions, hospitable Turkish culture, and historical monuments. Turkey has over 200 universities, the majority of which are still relatively new.

Quick Link: Direct B.Tech admission

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Popular Petroleum Engineering Colleges in Abroad

Due to the demands of petroleum engineers in many countries, many top colleges abroad offer this course at the bachelor’s and master's levels. If a candidate can afford to study abroad it will open various career opportunities in the future as international degrees are respected across the globe. Check the list of some of the best petroleum engineering colleges abroad. 

University

Country

Department Petroleum Engineering at Montanuniversität Leoben

Austria

University of Aberdeen

UK

McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering - University of Tulsa

US

Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at The University of Texas - Austin

US

John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering - Pennsylvania State University

US

IFP (Institut Français du Pétrole)

France

Petroleum Engineering Department at the Colorado School of Mines

US

Delft University of Technology

Netherlands

Polytechnic University of Turin (Politecnico di Torino)

Italy

Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering - Texas A&M University

US

Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma

US

Robert Gordon University (RGU)

UK

Department of Petroleum Engineering, the University of Louisiana - Lafayette

US

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Norway

Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University

US

Xi'an Shiyou University Petroleum Engineering

China

Department of Energy Resources Engineering at the Stanford University

US

China University of Petroleum

China

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Denmark

Missouri University of Science and Technology

US

Imperial College

UK

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University

US

Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU)

US

Heriot Watt Institute of Petroleum Engineering

UK

Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California

US

The University of the Stavanger

Norway

Technical University of Crete

Greece

Teesside University

UK

School of Chemical and Process Engineering, the University of Leeds

UK

Liaoning Shihua University (LSHU)

China

Quick Link: Best Engineering Courses in India

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Petroleum Engineering Fees

The fees for Petroleum Engineering vary from college to college. If you are availing of any scholarship available the fee can be reduced. Check the programme-wise petroleum engineering course fees given below. 

Programme

Fees (Approx Estimate)

Diploma Fees

INR 45,000 LPA to INR 1,50,000 LPA

BTech Fees

INR 50,000 LPA to INR 15,00,000 LPA.

MTech Fees

INR 1,00,000 LPA to INR 3,00,000 LPA

PhD Fees

INR 50,000 LPA to INR 2,00,000 LPA

Quick Link: Scholarships offered by top IITs

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Petroleum Engineering Specialisation

Petroleum engineering is concerned with the development and extraction of natural resources such as natural gas and oil for use in energy conversion. Within this sector, there are many specialisations that focus on distinct stages of oil production. Check some of the major petroleum engineering specialisations given below. 

SpecialisationDetails
Drilling EngineeringDrilling engineering is a discipline of petroleum engineering concerned with drilling various types of wells to reach reservoirs using various techniques. There are various formulae used in drilling engineering to determine essential factors such as mud rheology, mud weight, weight on bit, pump rate, and the properties of rock and drilling fluids.
Petrophysical EngineeringThis branch of petroleum engineering is involved in developing tools and strategies for analyzing the properties of energy sources. These engineers aid in the understanding of the reservoir rock-fluid system by all other petroleum engineers.
Production and Surface EngineeringThis discipline of petroleum engineering is in charge of monitoring output once a well has been completed. These engineers may put in place different controls and equipment required to extract crude oil or gas from wells, as well as measure and regulate the fluids generated.
Reservoir EngineeringReservoir engineering is concerned with the movement of gas and oil through porous rock, as well as the distribution of these energy sources. These engineers may construct well-drainage patterns, assess reservoir performance, and develop innovative strategies to boost output.

Quick Link: MTech colleges in India

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Required Skill Set for Petroleum Engineering

To stand out from the crowd candidates should have certain special skills along with a petroleum engineering degree. Following are the skillset candidates must pertain to make a successful career in this engineering field. 

Analytical Capabilities

Petroleum engineers must be capable of accumulating a large amount of technical data and information at the facility. They must guarantee that the plants run efficiently and safely. A Petroleum Engineer is required to be proficient in Mathematics and data management, from building sophisticated drill equipment to completing complex calculations for drill holes and accumulating a high load of technical information.

Interpersonal abilities

Petroleum engineers are expected to collaborate on a variety of projects with individuals from all around the world. Because they must communicate with others and work on complicated equipment, machinery, and infrastructure, interpersonal skills are essential to doing the task safely, on time, and efficiently.

Problem-Solving Capabilities

For petroleum engineers working on drilling designs, identifying and eliminating difficulties is critical. They must make sound judgments and quickly detect any risks that may arise in the future.

Creativity 

The upcoming issues are harder to deal with with the arrival of each new drill site. As a result, petroleum engineers must develop innovative drill designs in order to extract gas and oil with little human labor. The other important skills that petroleum engineers must hold are:

  • Critical thinking
  • Listening
  • Judgment and decision-making
  • Monitoring
  • Time management
  • Coordination
  • Negotiation
  • Quality control analysis
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Petroleum Engineering Course Curriculum

The course curriculum of this course is designed in a way that you develop an understanding of the extraction process, from exploration and drilling through recovery and transportation. You will learn how to harvest energy in the most effective manner possible, as well as how to mitigate the negative environmental repercussions of mining. Petroleum engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering field that integrates experimental and natural sciences, economics, life sciences, and mathematics.

Every form of petroleum and automotive component is operated by modern technology. The main goal of this programme is to develop skills in students they need to advance in the petroleum industry.

The course content is chosen to align with industry demands and current employment market trends. The course content offers a fundamental comprehension of engineering ideas as well as an awareness of petroleum engineering principles and their components.

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Petroleum Engineering Syllabus & Subjects

As discussed, the petroleum engineering course is a four-year undergraduate degree programme that is divided into eight semesters. Its subjects are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge to establish a career in petroleum. After completing a petroleum engineering degree, students can avail themselves of numerous lucrative opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Listed below are a few petroleum engineering syllabus & subjects:

  • Drilling and Well Completion
  • Drilling Fluids
  • Earth Science
  • Energy Resources
  • Natural Gas Engineering
  • Petroleum Exploration
  • Petroleum Geology
  • Thermodynamics of Reservoir Fluids

Quick Link: JEE Main Syllabus

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Petroleum Engineering Scope in India

The scope of this engineering specialization is very broad and perspective in India as.

  • To expedite exploration operations in India, the Indian government has developed policies like the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy

  • By 2022, India wants to cut its imports of crude oil by 10%

  • Only 7 of India's 26 sedimentary basins have been investigated. Therefore, there is a lot of exploration work that has to be done

  • To boost oil and gas output, Indian PSUs and private companies are investing billions of dollars

  • A sizable number of workers in the oil and gas sector will retire in the coming years

All of the above mentioned reasons will be opening petroleum engineering job opportunities in India, which makes it a good career option and degree to study

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What is Petroleum Engineering Salary in India?

A petroleum engineer salary in India for freshers is around INR 4.5 LPA to INR 15 LPA which can hike up to INR 15 LPA to INR 40 LPA or even more once candidates get relevant experience in the field. The salary also depends on the type of organization, candidates' qualifications, and skills. Check the petroleum engineering salary in India for various job profiles given below. 

Job Profile Salary (Approx Estimate)
Grade ‘B’ EngineersINR 3.5 LPA
Research AssociateINR 3.8 LPA
Petroleum EngineerINR 4.8 LPA
Graduate Engineer TraineeINR 3.5 LPA
Class –I ExecutiveINR 4.44 LPA
Executive TraineeINR 3.5 LPA
Research Engineer INR 6 LPA
Junior EngineerINR 2.8 LPA

Quick Link: Why pursue MTech after BTech

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Skills That Make You The Best Petroleum Engineer

Graduates of petroleum engineering courses are responsible for innovating industrial processes as well as inventing new technologies and techniques to transform current ones. To lessen the negative effects on the environment and improve operational effectiveness, innovative technologies and procedures can be incorporated. The following are some skills that will help you be the best petroleum engineer:

  • Drive and enthusiasm
  • Good health and fitness
  • IT skills
  • Numerical and analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Strong technical skills
  • Team working skills
  • The ability to work under pressure
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Career Options and Job Prospect After Petroleum Engineering

Candidates who pursued an engineering degree from this discipline get various career opportunities. Following are some of the petroleum engineering career paths that candidates can choose from after completing their studies. 

Career OptionsJob Profile 
Drilling Engineer They work on oil and gas rigs on activities such as well design, drilling mud selection, and drilling process operation. They normally work in a multidisciplinary team to ensure that drilling operations are safe, ecologically sustainable, and cost-effective.
Reservoir EngineerThey research reservoir features to decide which procedures will extract the most oil or gas. They collaborate with petroleum geologists, geophysicists, and other types of engineers (drilling engineers and production engineers) to develop short- and long-term strategies for capitalizing on the value of exploration and production properties.
Production Engineer They are working to extract oil and gas from subterranean resources.
Well Testing EngineerThis function entails interpreting different data such as wellbore pressure, production rates, saline percentages, and so on, which serves as a valuable reference for engineers.
Drilling fluid engineersDrilling fluid engineers are in charge of keeping drilling fluids at well sites in good condition.
Completions engineersThe completions engineer prepares the wellbore for production once it has been drilled. He or she creates and installs well-completion technologies to increase oil and gas output.
Wireline and LWD engineersEngineers who run wireline logs to study the petrophysical characteristics of subsurface rocks are known as wireline and LWD engineers.
Data scientistsData scientists use modern digital technologies to interpret subsurface drilling, production, and reservoir data.

Petroleum Engineering Recruiters 

One of the best-paid engineering programmes in the world is petroleum engineering. There are two options for graduates in petroleum engineering in both governmental and private enterprises, etc. The top companies that hire petroleum engineers are 

  • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)    
  • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
  • Oil India Limited (OIL)
  • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
  • Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC)
  • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)    
  • Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)       
  • Halliburton
  • Shell
  • Schlumberger
  • Reliance Industries Ltd ( Reliance Energy)
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FAQs about Petroleum Engineering

What are the best books for the petroleum engineering course?

Students can use the best books for the petroleum engineering course to get innovative ideas and in-depth knowledge on various topics. A few popular petroleum engineering books include Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soil by Eve Riser-Roberts, Deepwater Oil Production and Manned Underwater Structures by M Jones, Quantitative Methods in Reservoir Engineering by Wilson C Chin PhD, Commercial Nuclear Power: Assuring Safety for the Future by Mohammad Modarres and Charles B Ramsey, etc.

What type of teaching methodologies and techniques are used in the petroleum engineering course?

Industry-focused practical teaching methodologies and techniques are used in the petroleum engineering course to help students develop hands-on skills. Through laboratory experiments, classroom instruction, and field study, students discover new ways to reduce the environmental impact of fuel extraction and refining. Here are a few teaching strategies used:

  • Case study methods

  • Curricular activities

  • Electronics lab work

  • Field surveying

  • Projects and assignments

  • Presentations

  • Problem-based

What are the lab subjects for the petroleum engineering course?

Lab subjects for the petroleum engineering course are designed to help students gain hands-on experience with the latest techniques and types of machinery used in the international market. These subjects are also compulsory for students to undertake as a part of their course curriculum. Listed below are the lab petroleum engineering subjects:

  • Chemistry Lab

  • Oil and Gas Marketing Lab 

  • Petroleum Engineering Practical

  • Physics Lab

  • Surveying Practical Lab

  • Workshop Lab, etc.

What are the elective petroleum engineering course subjects?

The elective petroleum engineering course subjects are non-compulsory subjects that students can undertake based on their interests. Some elective petroleum engineering subjects are chemical Kinetics, Drilling and Exploration, Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques, Geology of Petroleum, Geomechanics, Machines and Equipment, Oil And Gas Processing System Design, Oil Recovery Science, Pipeline Design And Engineering, Production Engineering, Reservoir Design, Reservoir Modelling, Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics of Reservoirs, Transportation, etc.

What are the core petroleum engineering course subjects?

The core petroleum engineering course subjects are compulsory subjects incorporated into the curriculum that students must undertake. A few core petroleum engineering subjects include Drilling fluids and cement, Drilling technology, Elements of Reservoir Engineering, Geologies for Petroleum Engineering Practical, Humanities and social sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Numerical and statistical methods, Petroleum production operations, and so on.

What are the top recruiting companies for petroleum engineering course graduates?

Oil and gas companies in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East are some of the companies that recruit Petroleum Engineering graduates. The top recruiting companies for petroleum engineering course graduates include Aban Offshore, Abhay Ocean India Pvt Ltd, Adani Group, Aquarius International, Aryatech Marine and Offshore Services, Aryavartha Design Consultants LLP, Bharat Petroleum, BP Plc, Cairn India, Chevron, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, ExxonMobil, Lukoil, Royal Dutch Shell, etc.

What are the top areas of recruitment for the petroleum engineering course?

Professionals who studied petroleum engineering look over what a business requires to operate and enhance the current technologies. Those who have completed a petroleum engineering degree will be qualified to work in a variety of industries. The following are the top areas of recruitment for the petroleum engineering course:

  • Insurance Company 

  • Motor Vehicle Departments of Control

  • Oil and Gas Industry

  • Petroleum Industry

  • Petroleum Manufacturing Industries

  • Petroleum Plants

  • Service Stations of Petroleum Companies 

  • State Transport Corporations

  • Transport Companies

What is the admission process for petroleum engineering?

Admission process for petroleum engineering: the primary eligibility requirement for enrolling is that the applicant has completed class 12 in the non-medical (PCM) stream. Many top Indian institutions admit students based on their performance on entrance tests. Students can show up for the entrance tests held by individual institutions if they want to be considered for admission to private educational institutions.

What is the scope of petroleum engineering in India?

The scope of petroleum engineering in India is ever-expanding as more researchers, scientists, and engineers are required to carve the Earth’s surface to locate oil and gas. There are many oil and gas fields in India, including Moran-Hugrijan Field, Naharkatiya Field, Digboi Field, Mumbai High, Kalol, and more. Further, students can work as Petroleum Technicians, Drilling Engineer, Chief Petroleum Engineer, Reservoir Engineer, Production Engineer, etc. with top oil and gas companies worldwide.

Who can pursue a petroleum engineering course?

Students can pursue petroleum engineering courses if they have graduated senior high school with a Science background and have taken Mathematics as a required subject. Candidates for the post-graduate programme must have a valid GATE score as well as a BTech in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related field.

How can I become a petroleum engineer after 12th?

If you want to become a petroleum engineer after 12th, there are various ways to gain knowledge and earn a proficient skill set that will help you succeed in your career. Students must enrol in a diploma, bachelor or master petroleum engineering course. Examples of these programmes include a BTech in gas and applied petroleum engineering, a B Tech in petroleum engineering, or an MTech in petroleum engineering, among others to become a petroleum engineer.

Are petroleum engineers in demand in India?

Yes, petroleum engineers are in demand in India as the field fulfils an evergreen need of providing energy and locating natural resources that are helpful to make human life efficient. Natural gas and crude oil are the products of petroleum engineering, a subfield of mining engineering. India is the third-largest user of oil and gas in the world, and consumer interest in these resources is expected to rise over the next few years.

What is the salary of petroleum engineers in India for freshers?

The salary of petroleum engineers in India for freshers is around INR 4 LPA. The average compensation for an entry-level petroleum engineer with less than three years of experience is INR 4.9 LPA. The average salary for a mid-career petroleum engineer with 4-9 years of experience is INR 9.1 LPA, while the average remuneration for a skilled petroleum engineer with 10-20 years of experience is INR 21.7 LPA.

Does petroleum engineering have a future?

Yes, petroleum engineering has a future with numerous opportunities for career advancement as they are the ones who are responsible for locating, providing, and fulfilling the energy consumption needs of a country. A petroleum engineering background leads to many opportunities, including pipeline engineering, environmental analysis, drilling and production positions, oil field management, and more.

What are the popular entrance exams for petroleum engineering?

Several popular entrance exams for petroleum engineering are administered at both state and national levels. To secure admission to top petroleum engineering colleges in India, students must score a decent rank in these exams. Some popular petroleum engineering entrance exams are APEAMCET, BITSAT, BVP CET, CGPET, COMEDK UGET, HPCET, IMUCET, JEE Main, JEECUP, MET, SAAT, SRMJEEE, TNEA, TSEAMCET, UPESEAT, and so on.

Is petroleum engineering better than CSE?

No, petroleum engineering is not better than CSE in terms of both career opportunities and employment prospects. Although both engineering branches are good, the scope of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) will always be on top compared to other related fields. Further, pursuing petroleum engineering at a master's level is advisable as students will have more employment opportunities.

What is the average starting salary of an IIT petroleum engineer?

The average starting salary of an IIT petroleum engineer is INR 24 LPA. This is one of the highest salary packages offered in India offered at an undergraduate level at various IITs for disciplines related to the field of petroleum engineering. Furthermore, the average petroleum engineer salary in India per month increases along with the necessary expertise and experience.

Can I study petroleum engineering courses after 12th grade?

Yes, you can study petroleum engineering courses after 12th grade. You are required to pass your 10+2 in disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, and Math if you want to pursue a career as a petroleum engineer. In your HSC board exam, you should aim for an average least score of 50% aggregate. For many higher education institutions in India, this is a requirement for students who want to major in subjects like science.

What are the top 10 petroleum engineering colleges in India?

Several best petroleum engineering colleges in India are renowned for their academic excellence, placement support, industry training, and more. Listed below are the top 10 petroleum engineering colleges in India:

#1 IIT Bombay
#2 IIT Madras
#3 IIT Dhanbad
#4 IIT Guwahati
#5 IIT Kharagpur
#6 Anna University
#7 Chandigarh University
#8 MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU)
#9 Presidency University
#10 Aditya Engineering College (Surampalem)

How to become a petroleum engineer?

To become a petroleum engineer, prospective students must complete an undergraduate degree in fields related to petroleum engineering such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and so forth. Further, obtaining some professional certifications or pursuing internships will help students to get a good job offer and start their careers as petroleum engineers.

What is a petroleum engineer?

A petroleum engineer locates oil and gas from the earth’s surface to fulfil the energy needs of a nation. Petroleum engineers establish and refine processes for removing oil and gas from reserves beneath the surface of the Earth. Additionally, petroleum engineers discover innovative methods for drawing gas and oil from old wells.

What is petroleum engineering?

The operations associated with the synthesis of hydrocarbons — which might be either crude oil or natural gas — are the primary interest of petroleum engineering. The oil and gas industry's two main subsurface disciplines are exploration, which is done by earth scientists, and petroleum engineering, which focuses on maximising hydrocarbon recovery.

Can petroleum engineers work in other fields?

Yes, petroleum engineers can find work in other fields also and become managers, instructors, or consultants, or they can serve as drilling or reservoir engineers in the field. Even while there are obviously many petroleum engineers employed by large oil and gas firms, there are chances in other sectors including mining and petroleum product production.

How long do petroleum engineers work?

Petroleum engineers set up, keep an eye on, manage, and maintain job sites. Petroleum engineers are anticipated to put in up to 50 to 60 hours a week working full-time. Particularly when they are on-site, this is true. Typically, they work in rotations or shifts of 84 hours on duty and 84 hours off.

Can I do petroleum engineering without Math?

To be eligible for the petroleum engineering course candidates need pass class 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Math as compulsory subjects. However, as candidates are assumed to be proficient in Math, graduate degree programmes in petroleum engineering may not need any math curriculum. Many master's degree programmes in this area contain a list of required math courses that applicants must have passed before applying.

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Diksha Nautiyal, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Nov-20-2023

Dear student, 

The registrations for the B.Tech programme at Quantum University usually commence in the month of June every year. To apply for the university, please fill out our Common Application Form and our experts will be providing you with admission guidance. 

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prakash bhardwaj, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Nov-11-2023
Quantum university situated in roorkee uttarakhand is one of the best university in uttarakhand who provide good quality education with good placements also.Quantum university also provide good scholarship through 12th% or Qcare scholarship exam conduct by univertsity every year.
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Rahuljoshi, Student / Alumni

-Answered on Nov-07-2023
LPU is best for B.tech/BE, LPU offers B.Tech courses with various specialisations such as EEE, EE, ECE, Robotics and Automation, CE, CSE, Automotive Design, Aerospace E, IT, Mechatronics, etc, and many more.LPU is affiliated with the University Grants Commission, the National Council for Teacher Education and the Council of Architecture and the Pharmacy Council of India. It is also a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU),the Bar Council of India. (ACBSP) and a member of(ACU).LPU which is ranked 6th in Computer Science subjects in India as per the Times higher education world university ranking 2023.. and ranked 12th in Life Science and Engineering subjects in India as per the Times higher education world university ranking 2023. The maximum package availed for CTC Rs. 62.72 Lacs availed by CSE/IT students from Eightfold.

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