Learn more about Civil Engineering
Also known as the ‘Mother of all engineering’, Civil Engineering is a branch of engineering that mostly concerns designing, constructing and maintaining dams, bridges, roads, tunnels, buildings and the like. This is done by applying laws of physics, theories from Mechanics and mathematical equations. Civil engineers use resources (money, skilled labour, materials etc.) and construct an assigned structure within a certain deadline.
Civil Engineering comprises of engineering mathematics, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering and surveying.
Geotechnical Engineering involves determining the earth’s physical and chemical composition for the purpose of constructing buildings and roads. They also study the impact of environment on the soil of a given site which aids their construction process. Structural Engineers conduct research and planning and accordingly design, construct, inspect the repairing, maintenance and destruction (if necessary) of buildings, motor vehicles, airplanes, ships and bridges. Water resource Engineering entails the dealing with issues relating to the usage of water. Water resource Engineers plan, develop and manage water resources. Environmental Engineers apply scientific principles for developing our surroundings. They devise means to prevent environmental damage. Their task calls for knowledge of various disciplines such as Chemistry, Biology, Law, Ecology, Public Health, Geology etc. A Transportation Engineer engages in research, planning, designing, implementing policies, operation and supervision of the means of transport whether by road, air, water or train. He also deals with vehicles, commuters, communication and infrastructure. Surveyors measure and analyse various aspects of our physical environment such as its shape, size, location, nature etc.
For pursuing B.E or B.Tech in Civil Engineering, a student must complete 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as the core subjects. There are several entrance tests such as IITJEE (Indian Institute of technology Joint Entrance examination), AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Examination), BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Aptitude Test), the scores of which are considered by India’s most reputed and prestigious technical training institutes such as the IITs, NITs and BITs. For pursuing M. Tech one must have a valid GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) score.
Civil Engineering candidates have various prospects in the areas they choose to specialize such as Construction engineer, Transportation engineer, Hydraulic engineer, Material engineer, Earth quake engineer, Structural engineer, Urban engineer etc. They are recruited in the public sector for constructing highways, railroads, bridges, dams, government office buildings and other constructions initiated by the central and state government. They can also opt for a range of Civil Service Exams such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Engineering Services, Indian Police Service etc. They are recruited mostly by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and other similar organisations.
They are absorbed by the private sector for building roads, houses, apartments, housing societies, private office buildings etc. Developed countries have a pretty high demand for civil engineers and hence Indian graduates in this subject have a good career prospect abroad if they decide to migrate. One can also opt for Ph.D if he/she wishes to pursue a career in academics.
