Explore Your Options In A Regular BTech vs Dual Degree Engineering Programmes

What Is UG Degree In Engineering Degree?

A regular undergraduate BTech degree is a typical four-year engineering degree pursued by students after successfully completing Class 12, followed by qualifying entrance exams like JEE. The typical course typically spans over four years. The undergraduate BTech degree provides a comprehensive foundation in engineering principles and practices. Students grasp theoretical and on-the-job training aspects to develop expertise in their chosen disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or computer engineering.

What Is A Dual Degree In Engineering?

A dual degree in engineering is an academic programme that allows students to earn two separate degrees simultaneously. A dual degree in engineering spans over five years. After the completion of the course, a student earns a MTech (Masters of Technology) degree with a BTech degree. The dual degree saves the time and money of doing separate courses of a four-year Btech programme and a two-year Mtech programme.

BTech and MTech in Mathematics and Computing from IIT Delhi are some of the most preferred dual degrees in engineering

How Is Dual Degree Different From Integrated Degree?

One big difference between a dual degree and an integrated one is the number of degrees. In dual degree engineering, students get two degrees, one for their main subject and another for their specialisation. But with an integrated degree, students only get one degree, which is for their specialisation.

For example, in a dual degree course with BTech in Electrical Engineering and MTech in Information and Communication Technology, students have degrees in both programmes. On the other hand, in an integrated course in Information and Communication Technology, students only earn an MTech degree in Information and Communication Technology.

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Which Is Better Btech Or Dual Degree?

The dual degree programme brings a bunch of good things for students. After finishing the regular BTech degree students sooner or later go for a Master's degree. This dual-degree engineering course facilitates students with additional degrees in just a year.

If a student wants to do an MTech after finishing a regular BTech, they have to study and prepare for entrance exams like GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). But with a dual engineering degree, you do not have to give any such entrance exam.

Career Prospects

The present industrial landscape is witnessing an escalating demand for skilled engineers. This makes the five-year integrated engineering course an exceptional opportunity for students to not only become proficient engineers but also to fast-track their careers.

The comprehensive curriculum aims to provide students with the ability to practically apply the knowledge they've acquired. The course's ultimate goal is to produce professionals ready to contribute to the engineering field and beyond.

Pursuing Doctoral Programmes

Choosing a dual degree in engineering is a smart move if you're interested in doing research or a PhD in the same field. Students otherwise have to take a longer route with four years of BTech degree, followed by preparation of GATE, thereafter two in the master's degree programme and then going on to the PhD programme. The dual degree engineering structure allows students to become really knowledgeable in a specific subject in a shorter time.

Plenty Opportunities for Placements

The placement scenario of the dual degree programme may depend on the ranking of the college. The placement scenario of the dual degree programme is on par with the regular four-year BTech programme. For example, let's consider the placement report of IIT Bombay. Among the students in the Dual Degree (BTech + MTech) programme, an impressive 95 per cent out of 187 students secured placements. In contrast, the regular B.Tech programme witnessed 88 per cent out of 679 participants getting placed. This comparison highlights the higher placement success of dual degree students at IIT Bombay.

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A dual degree engineering course definitely has a lot of advantages. Still, this course is not meant for everyone.

Who Should Not Pursue a Dual Degree In Engineering?

Students sometimes pick a stream for regular BTech, and might later realise that the specialisation isn't really what they want to pursue for life.

For example, someone who did a regular BTech in Mechanical Engineering might end up doing an MTech in Computer Science. But, with a dual degree in engineering, the student has to be sure about their specialisation. The specialisation for a master's degree cannot be changed in a dual degree programme. Pursuing a dual degree requires a strong commitment at a young age in a student's life. This dedication might be a burden for some students in the formative stage of their life.

Some students also go for a management degree after engineering. A dual degree programme might not be a useful option in this case.

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In the end, none can prove better than others. It's the student’s insight to choose the course as per their preference.