Metallurgical Engineering is an important branch of engineering that deals with the study of the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their inter-metallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. The branch can simply be called as the technology of metals.Metallurgical engineering can be broadly divided into three categories - physical metallurgy, extractive metallurgy, and mineral processing. Physical metallurgy needs problem solving skills. In this case a metallurgical engineer prepares the sorts of metallic alloys needed for different types of manufacturing and construction works. Extractive metallurgy involves extracting metal from ore. Mineral Processing deals with the technology of processing mineral products after it is extracted from the earth crust in impure form.
All metallurgical engineers learn the fundamental principles of all three fields including basic engineering in general. The work of metallurgical engineers is similar to the work of metallurgical scientists. Metallurgical engineers use complex equipment, including electron microscopes, X-ray machines, and spectrographs. They use the latest scientific and technological findings in their work. Metallurgical engineers are often assisted by metallurgical technicians.
Courses & Eligibility
The minimum requirement for becoming a metallurgical engineer is a bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech) which is usually of four years duration. Candidates who have completed +2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths can pursue Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical engineering.
One can also go for M.Tech after completing B.Tech or M.Sc in Chemistry for which he/she has to qualify the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Entrance Examination. Candidates with zeal to study further can take up PhD in Metallurgical engineering to perform research work.
BE/BTech in Metallurgical Engineering is offered by many institutions in India including the IITs. Admission is generally made on the basis of entrance examination like IITJEE in case of IITs and other state level joint entrance examinations of various states.
Career Prospects
Metallurgical engineering is a diverse field and it provides wide variety of career opportunities to young people who have an interest in technology, science and engineering. Metallurgical engineers are required in every industry and enterprise that produces, buys, sells refines or manufactures metals or metallic products. In India young metallurgical graduates can expect some exciting career opportunities in government undertakings as well as in private companies.
Apart from opting for industrial jobs one can also join as a research fellow or an associate or a scientist or professor in various labs and universities located in India and abroad.
Pay-Package
Starting salaries of metallurgical engineers is among the highest in the engineering profession. The starting pay-package for a fresh pass put from any average engineering college ranges between Rs.15, 000 – Rs.25, 000. The salary increases with skills and experience. Fresh graduates from IITs and NITs get more salary as compared to other engineering colleges.
Institutes/Universities
These are few elite institutions in India offering courses in Metallurgical Engineering. You can also check state-wise list of engineering colleges that may be offering courses in metallurgical engineering.
• Indian Institutes of Technology
• National Institutes of Technology
• Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University
• Indian School of Mines (ISM)
• Bengal Engineering College
• Bihar Institute of Technology, Sindri Institute-828123, Dhanbad, Jharkhand