Structural Engineering

It is a subfield of civil engineering that is covered in engineering courses. It is concerned with the design and study of various structures such as buildings, flyovers, bridges, tunnels, and towers. In basic terms, structural engineers ensure that the structure is sturdy and can endure all weather conditions. Candidates can pursue this structural engineering course after completing Class 12th. The admission process is conducted via entrance exams that are conducted at the national and state levels.  However, candidates can also take direct admission into colleges that offer seats based on merits. Entrance exams like JEE Main, BITSAT, JEE Advanced, SRMJEE, KEAM, etc are conducted to grant admission to this engineering course. 

structural engineers might begin their careers as construction designers and progress to project managers. One can find work in both the commercial and public sectors like Tata Projects, Reliance, Wipro, Gammon India, etc. This course is available in both online and offline modes. The top structural engineering colleges in India where candidates take admission are IIT Madras, Delhi Technological University, IIT Roorkee, NIT Trichy, Anna University, etc. The BTech course fees in India for this programme are between INR 50, 000 to INR 8,00,000. 

Read the full post to get complete details on the structural engineering course. 

The focus of structural engineering, a specialty within the discipline of civil engineering, is on the system behavior of structures. It is a branch of engineering that deals with the study and design of buildings to withstand varied loads placed on them over the course of their predicted lives. If you are planning to pursue this course, go through the details given below. 

If you have a passion for building, and constructing and want to be part of projects that makes human life easier this engineering specialization is for you. Structural engineers ensure the safety of all our structures and infrastructure. If you want to assist society in addressing the most pressing issues, such as climate change and disaster aid then this is the course for you. If you want to do good for a society like create bridges to assist communities in poor countries to break free from isolation and poor kids go to school, you can pursue this pursuit. 

Moreover, if you are innovative, problem-solving-oriented, and well-versed in mathematics and physics, as well as computers and modern technologies, you should pursue a structural engineering course. 

Studying this engineering domain will lead you to a prospective career and provide you with the recognition that a structural engineer plays a major role in the growth and development of nations. As the population grows, so does the need for building, which implies more career prospects for structural engineers. The following are the major reasons why you should pursue a structural engineering course. 

Provide Solutions in Complex Projects

Structural engineers work on a wide range of complicated structures. These can involve both new and old structures, and engineers must collaborate with architects to bring the concept to reality. Structural engineers are in charge of designing and analyzing material handling systems, as well as researching the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly building methods. As a result, structural engineers are an essential component of the building process and must overcome any hurdles the project may face. 

Career Growth

One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a career in structural engineering is the opportunity to create work that has a meaningful and enduring influence. Engineers help shape the world we live in by constructing new walkways, and higher structures, and restoring buildings. As a result, there are numerous chances for professional development and the acquisition of new skills. After working as a structural engineer, experts can advance to a senior position or become project managers. 

Constitute in Making World a Safer Place

Structural engineers ensure the safety of all structures and infrastructure and assist society in addressing the most pressing issues, such as climate change and disaster aid. They create bridges to assist communities in poor countries to break free from isolation. In addition, they research ways to make structures withstand earthquakes, storms, and other natural calamities.

Problem-Solving Role

A structural engineer's job entails a high degree of problem-solving, from enhancing buildings and guaranteeing the safety of all structures to apply cutting-edge technologies throughout construction. These experts will have the opportunity to encounter a wide range of individuals and collaborate with them to achieve project objectives. Fighting climate change is one of the most essential ways structural engineers can help address challenges.

Quick Link: M.Tech Structural Engineering Colleges in India

There are many undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate courses available in this engineering domain. Go through the various types of structural engineering courses given below in the table.

Note- There are many other courses also available besides the list given above. 

Quick Link: B.Tech Structural Engineering Colleges in India

Candidates who want to take admission into this course should go through the eligibility criteria before applying. The eligibility criteria consist of educational qualification, subjects, minimum marks, age limit, etc. Check the structural engineering eligibility criteria given below. 

Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Degree

• Students must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent exams with a minimum combined score of 45% in mathematics, physics, and chemistry

• Students with civil engineering diplomas are also eligible for this programme

• The student should meet the requirements listed above as well as pass the required entrance exams

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Degree

• Students must have at least a 55% overall average and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering

• This course is also open to students with a master's degree in environmental science

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Unlike any other engineering domain, this course also has various specializations from which candidates can choose and master in. Following are the popular structural engineering specializations.

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Both structural engineering and civil engineering are related to building, and construction, yet there is a huge difference between them. So, if you are planning to pursue any of these engineering courses, clear your mind by going through the differences between them given below. 

Quick Link: Top B.Tech+M.Tech Structural Engineering Colleges in India

Admission to this engineering specialization is done via entrance exams mostly. Several colleges also offer direct admission on a merit basis. Check the detailed structural engineering admission process for UG and PG courses given below. 

Admission Process for Bachelor’s Degree

Admission to undergraduate degrees like BE/BTech in structural engineering is done via engineering entrance exams. JEE Main is the most popular national-level entrance test conducted to grant admission to the first year of a B.Tech programme.

Quick Link: B Tech colleges in India 

Admission Process for Master’s Degree

Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) results are used to select candidates for postgraduate courses (M.Tech) at various universities/institutions.

In addition, numerous other state and university-level entrance exams are held to provide admission to structural engineering.

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In India, there are several national and state-level engineering exams conducted to offer admission to various colleges and universities. Following are the major structural engineering entrance exams.

JEE Main

National Testing Agency conducts the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE Main) at a national level to select qualified candidates for admission to various top-tier engineering colleges in India. Candidates who pass JEE Main are eligible for admission to IITs, NITs, and other colleges that recognize JEE Main scores.

JEE Advanced

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay conducts the JEE Advanced exam to provide admission to India’s prestigious engineering institute; IIT/ Candidates who pass JEE Main are eligible for JEE Advanced, on the basis of which they are admitted to IITs and other prestigious universities.

BITSAT

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test, a national-level admission test, is administered by BITS Pilani. BITSAT is held annually to award admission to B.E., B.Pharm, M.Sc, and other courses offered at BITS campuses. On average, 3 lakh candidates take the BITSAT each year.

MHT CET

The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell administers the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test, often known as MHT CET,  an entrance test used to shortlist students for admission to undergraduate Engineering and Pharmacy programmes at various Maharashtra colleges. In Maharashtra, around 400 colleges recognize MHT CET results for admission to their different Engineering and Pharmacy programmes.

SRMJEE

SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) holds the SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEEE) every year for admission to B.Tech programmes. SRMJEEE is a university-level computer-based (online) test that serves as a single entrance examination for all SRM Group colleges and universities situated in Ramapuram, Kattankulathur, NCR - Ghaziabad, NCR - Ghaziabad, NCR - Ghaziabad, Vadapalani, Amravati, and other parts

Besides these, there are other several structural engineering entrance exams like

• AIEEE

• DC CEE

• GATE

• AICET

• TANCET

In India, there are many engineering colleges available that offer this course at UG and PG levels. Candidates can select their college by considering various factors like college facilities, fees, course curriculum, programmes conducted. Check the top structural engineering colleges in India given below. 

This course is also offered in various international universities across the globe. Therefore, if you are planning to pursue this course and can afford to study structural engineering course from abroad will benefit you in many ways.

International Exposure

The work of structural engineers is critical to the infrastructure of societies all over the world. By studying overseas, you will get an understanding of how local cultures and geography impact global infrastructure. You will be exposed to a variety of engineering methodologies, projects, and rules, which will shape you into a more experienced and adaptable engineer.

Diverse Specializations to Choose 

In abroad the university offers a variety of specializations in structural engineering, especially in master’s degrees, which might not be available in India. You can choose these unique specializations like a Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations, a Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering (Technology), and make your career in it.

Better Career Opportunities

Securing an international degree will provide you with many career opportunities with a lucrative salary. An international degree holds more prestige around the world and recruiters give preference to candidates who have studied abroad. 

Secure Excellent Education

The international university is globally recognized and accredited therefore, they offer top-class education to students which is relevant and updated with current times. In international universities, students are taught via modern education methods that consist of lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, field trips, etc. 

Quick Link: MTech colleges in India

If you can afford, studying at an international university is a good way to advance your career. Many students study for bachelor’s from India and opt to pursue master’s degrees from abroad. However, you can study when you want. Check some of the popular structural engineering colleges abroad given below.

The course fees depend upon various factors like the type of colleges ( government or private), college facilities, scholarships option, etc. The fees in government colleges will be lower than in private colleges. Check the structural engineering course fees in India given below

Note- The fees given above are tentative and might change from college to college. 

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This course comprises the application of disciplines to the construction of buildings that are resistant to wind and earthquakes, ensuring structural reliability in the structures. Advanced finite element analysis, structural mechanics, structural dynamics, reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel structures, towering skyscrapers, and towers are all examples of applications. It comprises the maintenance, design, planning, and execution of plans in collaboration with the civil engineering section.

The BTech Structural Engineering course curriculum has a comprehensive syllabus that encompasses both theoretical and practical areas of study throughout four semesters. An MTech Structural engineering course curriculum provides advanced knowledge about structural dynamics, Advance Concrete Technology, Environment Health, and Safety, etc, and has several practical classes and projects. 

Note- The course curriculum varies from college to college.

A bachelor’s degree is 4 years long and has 8 semesters. Candidates can check the B.Tech syllabus for this course semester-wise given below. 

B.Tech Structural Engineering Syllabus Year 1

B.Tech Structural Engineering Syllabus Year 2

B.Tech Structural Engineering Syllabus Year 3

B.Tech Structural Engineering Syllabus Year 4

The subjects taught in the Structural Engineering course would reflect candidates' performance on the job. 

• Storage and Industrial Structures

• Analysis and Design of Sandwich Panels

• Forensic Civil Engineering

• Design of Machine Foundation

• Prestressed Concrete Structures

• Design of Earthquake Resistant Structures

• Computer-Aided Design of Structures

• Computer Analysis of Structures

A master’s degree programme is 2 years long and consists of 4 semesters. Check the MTech syllabus for this engineering course given below. 

M.Tech Structural Engineering Syllabus Year 1

M.Tech Structural Engineering Syllabus Year 2

Structural engineer concepts are then combined with the architects and service engineers to create an outstanding structure. The main job of structural engineers is to make sure that the building is made as per the safety standards, consider the stability, strength, and stiffness of these constructions and follows the criteria of the government. The following are the major reasons why structural engineering has a scope in India.

Renovation of Buildings

Earlier, the buildings in India are not made as per safety standards, therefore many buildings, bridges, roads, and dams in India are going through the renovation process, which subsequently increases the demand for structural engineers

Funding and procedures 

The scope of this course in India is massive as India is a developing country, therefore, several qualified structural engineers are required who will work and aid in the development of the country. As there is an ever-increasing need for the construction of new structures. New methods would assist to reduce costs and increase job opportunities in India. 

Going Green 

As technology advances, the environment suffers the most. As a result, new approaches should be created in such a way that they benefit the environment by lowering energy usage. Many construction companies in India are adopting the going green technique, and to work on these projects well educated and trained structural engineers are needed. 

Zero waste methods and Sustainable Materials

Both of these two are novel approaches to decreasing trash created by the Indian industry.  - Modular construction methods aid in the construction process. To work with these techniques and at the same time construct structural engineers are needed as they construct in a safe manner, as evidenced by seismic activity in earthquake-prone zones.

Career Opportunities 

A structural engineer in India can earn between INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA. Candidates pursuing this degree get opportunities to work in top companies like TATA, Reliance Limited, TCS, etc hire structural engineers in India. 

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A fresher structural engineer's salary in India is between INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA. However, after the experience, they can earn up to an annual salary of INR 8 LPA to INR 12 LPA. The salary is depended upon various factors like the type of recruiter, employment type, candidates, experience, and skills. Check the structural engineering salary in India for various job profiles given below. 

Having the correct set of skills will enable structural engineering professionals to flourish in their careers. Along with expertise in academics, a candidate must have certain interpersonal skills to earn a lucrative salary. Following are the skills required for structural engineering

Creative Thinking 

Coming up with new ideas that are both efficient and cost-effective will is an important skill that a structural engineer must pertain as it benefits the firm in a variety of ways. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to think creatively and come up with innovative ideas.

Structural Analysis

Candidate must be an expert in analyzing the building and its pieces structurally so that future flaws in these structures be avoided. Analyze the detailed structure of the building using computer-aided design and analysis.

Supervision 

Supervision entails paying close attention to the construction process to ensure that each part is properly positioned.

Management

 Managing a full team of workers is a difficult endeavor because each member has their own particular viewpoint. As a result, bringing the team together and working together is an important ability that a structural engineer must have. 

Analyzing

As a structure engineer, candidates should be proficient in examining the many processes in the construction process to ensure that the structures are stress-free and resistant to weather fluctuations.

Apart from these, a candidate must also have proficiency in the following skills

• Time management 

• Ability to manage a budget

• Excellent aptitude in mathematics, information technology, and science

• Communication skills

• Construction processes, regulatory regulations, and health and safety knowledge are all required

• Coordination 

• Team building

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Candidates pursuing this degree get various career options to choose from. After completing their education candidates get the following structural engineering job opportunities in various government and private sectors. 

Graduates of structural and civil engineering can pursue a career in structural engineering. Graduates from other professions can also pursue careers in this field, however, it may take more time to become acquainted with this vocation. Structural engineers are crucial in the creation and growth of our cities and communities. Apart from these candidates also get the following structural engineering job options. 

• Quality Analysts

• Bridge Engineer

• Offshore Construction Engineer

• Structural Engineer

• Division Head

• Supervisory Engineer

• Structural Consultant

• Offshore Design Engineer

• Director of Public Works

• Construction Engineer

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Structural Engineering Job Profile

The daily work and responsibilities of a structural engineer include-

• Examining the qualities of construction materials such as steel, concrete, and glass, among others

• Making the framework, drawings, and requirements for diverse constructions such as buildings, bridges, and towers

• Determine structural component stresses, pressures, and strains

• Inspecting dangerous structures and advising on how to enhance their safety.

• Making certain that the project follows all legal criteria, health and safety laws, and environmental restrictions

• Using computer technology and computer-aided design (CAD)

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Top Structural Engineering Recruiters 

The top organizations that hire structural engineers are: 

• Larsen and Toubro

• DLF

• Tata Projects

• Unitech

• Afcons Infrastructure Ltd

• Arcadis

• Godrej Properties Ltd

• Technip

• Mott MacDonald

• Gammon India

• Shobha Developers Ltd.

• Petrofac

• Shapoorji Pallonji

• Tata Consultancy

• Aker Solutions

• Engineering Contracting Company (ECC)

• Gammon India Ltd

• KK Engineers

• Vintech Consultants

• Flour Corporation

• Reliance Construction

• Atkins

• TATA Projects

• Jacobs

• Hindustan Construction Company (HCC)

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