Aerospace Engineering Salary in India: Best Colleges, Courses & Future Scope

Building a rocket, designing planes, or managing a satellite is one of your dreams. Then you can often start by choosing aerospace engineering.

Aerospace engineering is not just a branch; it is a discipline that combines innovation with precision, and passion with purpose.

But the one question that keeps occurring is whether it pays well.

To be honest, yes, it can.

According to Glassdoor, the average aerospace engineering salary in India starts around ₹ 5 - 6 LPA for fresh graduates. And if you are experienced, then it can rise up to ₹ 15 - 20 LPA, specifically those who are working with ISRO, DRDO, or multinational companies.

But, salary is just one part of the picture.

In this guide, you will get the full overview of career guidance:

• What exactly does the field cover?
• Which aerospace engineering course should you consider?
• Which are the best aerospace engineering colleges in India?
• And how does the aerospace engineer income in India compare to the global market?

If you are more serious about making a career in aerospace, this article will help you understand the path with better clarity, and before you make a choice, you will be able to define your future.

What Is The Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace engineering courses offer students easy access to knowledge on various fundamental aspects of designing, analysis, development, and operational maintenance. To be simpler in words, this course comes under the higher science behind which everything flies, whether it is the Earth’s atmosphere or beyond it.

If you are asking what the aerospace engineering field is used for? Then it is used to solve highly technical challenges related to flight machines, aerodynamics, control systems, and more. These engineering courses allow you to work on technologies that power fighter jets, satellites, passenger planes, drones, and even planetary rovers.

Aerospace engineering covers two major sections, which are aeronautical or astronautical engineering, and understanding these two is important to make better decisions for your career.

Aeronautical or Astronautical: Two Core Areas

• Aeronautical Engineering: Focuses effectively on giving knowledge on operating aircraft like airplanes and helicopters.
• Astronautical Engineering: Allows you to learn about the design of various air vehicles such as rockets, satellites, and space routes.

Most of the Indian undergraduate courses do offer a blend of both foundations. To know more details, just keep reading to have better clarity.

Now that you have knowledge about the two key course areas but there is still one question that is unclear regarding the work, so let's just discuss that.

What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do?

A typical aerospace engineer may work on different aspects, which are:

• Managing the airflow around aircraft bodies with the use of computational fluid dynamics.
• Designing thermal shields for space missions.
• Optimizing the jet engine to maintain its efficiency.
• Developing the UAV navigation and control systems.

These are the general work knowledge so that you can be clearer about the career path.

Now let's just know about the skills that are must-have when you want to opt for this field.

Skills Required

To build a career in aerospace, consider the following factors that matter the most:

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Knowledge of physics, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience with tools like MATLAB, CATIA, SolidWorks, or ANSYS.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams in a high-pressure environment.

These are the basics you need to know so that you can have accuracy in your work and maintain accurate precision.

Aerospace Engineering Course Structure in India

The aerospace engineering course in India typically requires 4 years of study, but that also depends on the type of course you choose to build your career.

Choosing the right aerospace engineering course at first will allow you to take a clearer step to build a better career in one of the most technically advanced fields of engineering. Well, in India, this course is offered at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, along with a mix of theoretical subjects, lab training, and practical applications.

Aerospace engineering courses offer effective knowledge of practical applications related to flight systems, aircraft design, and space technology.

Course Duration and Degree Options

The most common degree for aerospace engineering in India is:

• B.Tech/ BE in Aerospace Engineering - 4-year course covering the 8 semesters

Available in prime institutes like IIT Bombay, IIST, and MIT Manipal.

Other options include:

• Dual Degree - B.Tech + M.Tech, which is a 5-year integrated course.
• M.Tech/ ME in Aerospace engineering - after a bachelor’s, this is a 2-year course.
• Diploma Program - You can select a diploma program in Aerospace after completing the 10th grade. This has a limited career scope and is a 3-year course.

Eligibility Criteria After 12th

If you want to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering, then you can apply for all of these to get selected into a better college.

To apply for B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, a student must:

• Complete class 12th with core subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Need to appear in the entrance exam, which is:
  • JEE Advanced for IITs
  • JEE Mains for NITs, IIITs, or GFITs
  • State-level exams like MHT-CET, KCET
  • University-level exams like BITSAT, VITEEE, and SRMJEEE

What will you study in Aerospace Engineering Course

Aerospace is the blend of various mechanical, electronic, and material science subjects. The subject includes:

• Aerodynamics
• Propulsion and Jet Engine Theory
• Flight Mechanics and Control Systems
• Avionics and Navigation
• Space Dynamics and Satellite Technology
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Aircraft design project and labs

These are just the basic ideas of the subjects; this might differ from college to college or the course that you select.

By the third year, most programs include design-based projects and internships with core companies, which are critical for placements and practical learning.

Best Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India (2025)

You have already learned that Aerospace Engineering requires a blend of various skills and knowledge of design, manufacturing, and maintaining aircraft, missiles, and weapon systems.

So being more powerful in all these sections requires you to select the best possible college to gain more expertise. Finding the right college is more than just about ranking; it is about accessing better opportunities, exposure, and long-term career growth.

If you are also among those students who want to take up an aerospace engineering course, choosing the right institute can significantly influence the quality of education and placement prospects.

There has been a growing demand for aerospace engineering colleges in India, with several top institutes that offer well-structured undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The discussed colleges here are best for offering a strong academic foundation, industry exposure, and research exposure to maintain a better curriculum in both aeronautical and astronautical engineering domains.

And still, there is confusion with choosing the college for your better career, then you can connect with the career guidance for students to have a better selection.

Top Government Colleges For Aerospace Engineering

If you are clear that the target is to gain admission aerospace engineering best colleges in India, like IITs or other government-affiliated institutes.

Institute Name	Program Offered	NIRF 2024 Rank	Known For
IIT Bombay	B.Tech, M.Tech in Aerospace Engg.	3	Strong R&D, internships with ISRO & DRDO
IIT Kanpur	B.Tech, Dual Degree	4	CFD, propulsion, materials research
IIT Madras	B.Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D.	1	Top recruiter tie-ups
IIST Thiruvananthapuram	B.Tech in Aerospace Engg.	Specialized	Direct link with ISRO, 100% placement
MIT Anna University (Chennai)	B.E. Aerospace Engg.	Top State Univ.	The best option in South India

These institutions consistently offer more competitive placement options with strong starting packages of ₹ 8-15 LPA for top-performing students.

Best Private Aerospace Engineering Colleges in India

There are several private universities that have been developed to offer strong starting packages, quality infrastructure, and access to various collaborations.

Institution	Program Offered	Duration	Best For
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT-Manipal)	B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering, M.Tech in Avionics program	4 Year UG and 2 Year PG	Offers specialized electives in UAV and satellite tech
Amity University, Noida	B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D in Aerospace	UG for 4 years, PG for 2 years, and if you appear for Ph.D, then 3-6 years	Offers project-based learning and international exchange programs
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai	Full-time B.Tech Program	4 years	Known for strong aerodynamics lab and industrial partnerships

These colleges are ideal for students who may not secure a seat in IITs or NITs but still want access to dedicated aerospace faculty and labs.

Admission Process and Entrance Exam

Most of the colleges prefer to have direct admission on the basis of merit, or require students to clear the national and university-level exams:

• JEE Advanced -  Required for admission to IITs
• JEE Mains - For NITs and some well-known private institutes.
• BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE - For admission to top private universities
• IIST Admission Test - For direct admission to IIST (linked with ISRO)

Expected Salary and Fee for College

Different colleges have different admission fees and also offer the chance of getting a different salary package.

Type of Institute	Approx. Fees (B.Tech)	Average Starting Salary
IITs	₹ 8 - 10 Lakhs (total)	₹ 10 - 18 LPA (top recruiters)
NITs / Govt. Colleges	₹ 4 - 6 Lakhs (total)	₹ 6 - 12 LPA
Private Institutes	₹ 10 - 15 Lakhs (total)	₹ 4 - 8 LPA

While IITs and IISC offer the best ROI, private colleges with strong industry ties can also lead to promising outcomes, especially with internships or upskilling.

Aerospace Engineering Salary in India (Freshers to Experienced)

Aerospace engineering is an advanced field of study that offers a competitive salary with specialized skills. When selecting a specific engineering field, it is required to have a clear understanding of the added financial potential, along with knowing about the course content. The same applies to aerospace engineering.

Aerospace engineering courses are highly technical and specialized, but the fact is that the aerospace engineering salary in India has shown a greater increase in both the government and private sectors.

With the recent updates in the market demand, the average aerospace engineering salary for fresh graduates in India starts from around ₹ 5-6 LPA. With experience, industry exposure, and domain-specific skills then the professionals can earn anywhere between ₹ 10 - 20 LPA or more in senior roles.

Those working with known organizations such as ISRO, DRDO, HAL, or global firms like Airbus and Boeing often see faster growth in their income.

Salary by Experience Level

Different roles have different salaries, which typically grow with the needs of the field:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (INR per annum)
0 - 2 Years (Entry-Level)	₹ 5 LPA - ₹ 8 LPA (campus placements, junior roles)
3 - 5 Years	₹ 9 LPA - ₹ 14 LPA (R&D, testing, simulation)
6 - 10 Years	₹ 15 LPA - ₹ 22 LPA (mid-senior, team leads)
10+ Years	₹ 25 LPA - ₹ 35 LPA+ (project managers, lead consultants)

In organizations like ISRO, HAL engineers are being given benefits with their salary, such as additional allowances, housing, and research-based bonuses, making the compensation more competitive.

Comparison of Aerospace Engineering Salary in India in Best Cities

Aerospace engineering salary in India depends on various things. This is also in high demand, with maintaining accuracy towards various opportunities.

Here’s a quick overview of cities offering the best salaries for aerospace engineering job roles:

City	Average Annual Salary (Mid-Level Engineer)
Bangalore	₹ 12 - 18 LPA (Boeing India, Airbus R&D)
Pune	₹ 10 - 14 LPA (TCS Aerospace, Eaton, Honeywell)
Hyderabad	₹ 9 - 13 LPA (DRDO, Collins Aerospace, Cyient)
Delhi NCR	₹ 8 - 12 LPA (ISRO centers, BEL, Tech Mahindra)
Mumbai	₹ 6 - 9 LPA (Financial and Industrial powerhouse for aerospace project)
Chennai	₹ 7 - 10 LPA (ISRO, research facilities)
Ahmedabad	₹ 5.5 - 8.5 (ISRO’s space center, engineer satellite technology and application)

Bangalore remains the highest-paying city due to its concentration of R&D centers and international collaborations.

Government vs Private Sector Salary Range

The aerospace industry in India is supported by both well-established government organizations and growing private and international companies. Each offers different compensation structures based on specialization, scale of projects, and role complexity.

Here’s a comparison to help you understand the differences more clearly:

Category	Company Name	Specialization	Entry-Level Salary (₹)	Mid/Senior Salary (₹)
Government Organizations	ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)	Space exploration and satellite technology	₹ 6 - 9 LPA	₹ 12 - 18 LPA
	DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)	Defence technologies and aviation	₹ 6 - 8 LPA	₹ 12 - 16 LPA
	HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)	Aircraft manufacturing and maintenance	₹ 5.5 - 8 LPA	₹ 10 - 15 LPA
	NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories)	Aerospace R&D	₹ 6 - 7.5 LPA	₹ 10 - 13 LPA
Private Sector Companies	Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)	Aerospace manufacturing and innovation	₹ 5 - 8 LPA	₹ 14 - 18 LPA
	Mahindra Aerospace	Aircraft and component manufacturing	₹ 5 - 7 LPA	₹ 12 - 15 LPA
	Larsen & Toubro (L&T Defence)	Defence and aerospace systems	₹ 6 - 8 LPA	₹ 13 - 20 LPA
	Godrej Aerospace	Space and defense hardware	₹ 5.5 - 7.5 LPA	₹ 12 - 16 LPA
	Quest Global	Engineering services	₹ 4.5 - 6.5 LPA	₹ 10 - 14 LPA
International Companies	Airbus Group India	Aircraft manufacturing and maintenance	₹ 7 - 10 LPA	₹ 18 - 25 LPA
	Boeing India	Aircraft systems and defense solutions	₹ 8 - 12 LPA	₹ 20 - 28 LPA+
	GE Aviation	Aerospace engine design	₹ 7 - 9 LPA	₹ 15 - 22 LPA
	Rolls-Royce India	Propulsion systems and engines	₹ 8 - 11 LPA	₹ 16 - 24 LPA+
	Safran Engineering Services	Avionics and aerospace engineering	₹ 6.5 - 9 LPA	₹ 14 - 20 LPA

This detailed comparison helps you assess not just the aerospace engineering salary in India, but also the kind of work and specializations offered across different sectors.

Aerospace Engineer Income Globally vs India

The aerospace sector is becoming a more interesting field with a better scope, for students as well as for professionals to maintain a career with better aerospace engineer income.

India offers while maintaining stable growth and increasing government-private collaborations, global opportunities that often come with significantly higher salary packages and exposure.

So let's just compare the salary range across different regions and examine the various career perspectives.

Salary Range in the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany

Here’s a quick comparison of how aerospace engineering salaries compare globally:

Country	Average Salary (Annual)	INR Equivalent	Key Roles
USA	$ 130,000 - $ 155,000	₹ 1.1 Cr - ₹ 1.3 Cr	Design engineer, propulsion systems expert
Canada	CAD 95,000 - 125,000	₹ 65L - ₹ 90L	Aerospace R&D, civil and military aviation
Germany	€ 65,000 - € 90,000	₹ 60L - ₹ 85L	Systems design, MRO engineering
UK	£ 55,000 - £ 70,000	₹ 55L - ₹ 75L	Flight systems, UAV, avionics engineering

These salaries are based on data from Glassdoor, Payscale, and national salary surveys as of 2024.

Global Opportunities for Indian Graduates

Indian graduates, specifically in the aerospace field from IITs, IIST, or top private universities, are increasingly recruited by multinational companies to gain further experience in various roles.

Roles that are offered are typically:

• Flight dynamic analyst
• Avionics integration specialist
• Satellite communication specialist
• Thermal and propulsion system engineer

Many Indian professionals also enter aerospace master's programs abroad and transition into full-time roles in companies like Boeing, GE Aviation, or Lockheed Martin.

After knowing about these options, there is one question that keeps occurring in your mind: “Is working abroad a good option” in the aerospace field? So let's just discuss that:

If you are ready to relocate to a different location and have a strong foundation in aerospace concepts, then moving abroad can be a good option. This can allow you to have better pay, more advanced project experience, and long-term exposure.

However, visa requirements, licensing, and adapting to new work cultures should also be considered.

High-Demand Roles & Specializations in Aerospace Engineering

The field of aerospace is growing with better consistency and offers better career options to have growth and higher salaries. There are many different companies that are working on flight systems, and defense projector satellite programs in India, so accessing jobs there would be a great choice.

Here are some in-demand specializations that you can pursue during or after your aerospace engineering courses:

Job Role	Description	Focus Areas
Aerodynamics and CFD Specialist	Focus on maintaining accuracy while optimizing the aircraft design with fluid simulations.	These roles are common in R&D labs, aircraft design firms, and defense tech companies.
Propulsion Engineer	Allow to get training on jet engines, rocket motors, and thrust systems.	Demand higher ore at ISRO, GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce, and private space tech.
Avionics Engineer	Handles electronic systems used in aircraft, satellites, and UAVs.	Strong demand is in civil aviation and military projects.
Satellite and Space Systems Engineer	The role requires handling satellite design, orbit planning, and controlling systems.	Require working in organizations like ISRO, DRDO, or space tech firms.
UAV & Drone Systems Developer	Designing and testing the various parts of vehicles that are used in defense, delivery, and surveillance.	Growing opportunity in startups and multinational defense contractors.

These specializations can be developed by having better knowledge in related fields and improving your skills to increase earning potential.

Conclusion

Aerospace engineering is growing with greater demand, and if you want to have long-term clarity, then this is the right decision for you. From selecting the right college to understanding the aerospace engineering salary, each step will help in shaping your journey.

If you are still unsure which institute to choose, align your skills with the industry needs, or get some career counselling so that you can make an informed choice for your career. A good counselor can guide you with your strengths, academic profile, and career expectations.

Do not hesitate to connect, this can help you make a greater difference between simply starting a degree and building a rewarding career.