The numbers
Mech Engg 2024 placements: ~₹6-9 LPA average at NITs; ~₹4-6 LPA at top private; ~₹18-22 LPA at IITs. Substantially below CSE.
Why Mech is still relevant
- Auto + EV growth: Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Bosch, plus EV startups (Ather, Ola Electric, Bajaj Auto).
- Aerospace + defence: ISRO, DRDO, HAL, Boeing/Airbus India operations are growing.
- Manufacturing PLI scheme: ₹1.97 lakh crore govt push for manufacturing — long-term mech demand.
- Robotics + automation: Mech-Mechatronics graduates building factory automation.
- PSU jobs: ONGC, Indian Oil, BHEL, NTPC actively recruit mech graduates.
When Mech is NOT worth it
- If you want pure software/IT career — CSE/IT is the obvious pick.
- If your college is tier-3 with no industry connect — Mech placements suffer most at low-tier colleges.
When Mech IS worth it
- You have IIT/NIT/top private placement option — placement gap with CSE is smaller.
- You''re interested in core engineering, hardware, manufacturing.
- You want PSU/government tech career.
- You plan MS/MBA — Mech opens both options.