JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2025: MHT CET is a state-level engineering entrance exam conducted by the Maharashtra CET cell. Whereas, JEE Main is a national-level engineering entrance examination held by NTA. It is natural to wonder which is best for engineering, CET or JEE? The answer is both. More than 1400 colleges accept JEE Main for engineering admission and at least 375 colleges provide BTech admission through MHT CET scores. Candidates must be curious to know whether the JEE preparation is enough for MHT CET. Well, definitely yes. MHT CET 2025 will open up enormous opportunities for engineering aspirants who are anyway preparing for the JEE Main 2025 because it has a lower difficulty level. Moreover, a number of prestigious engineering colleges use MHT CET scores for admission. In this article, Careers360 compares the two entrance exams so that the students can prepare for them with a common strategy for the upcoming year.
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JEE Main VS MHT CET: Which is Better?
JEE Main 2025 Vs MHT CET 2025: Differences And Similarities
Difference between JEE and CET Syllabus 2025
JEE Main Vs MHT CET 2025: Exam Patterns Compared
How To Prepare For MHT CET along with JEE Main 2025?
JEE Main vs MHT CET 2025: How To Plan Your Preparation Strategy
JEE Main VS MHT CET: Which is Better?
JEE Main is an All-India level exam, whose scores are mandatory for admission to 32 NITs, 26 IIITs, GFTIs and many other top engineering colleges in India. Also, it is the first stage of admission to 26 IITs which is done through JEE Advanced. Qualifying JEE Main will make the candidates eligible to apply for admission to the 4-year BTech and 5-year BArch/ B.Plan programmes.
MHT CET is a state entrance exam, which is accepted by around 357 private sector institutions and 18 state government colleges in Maharashtra. The state CET cell conducts MHT CET every year for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, pharmacy and agriculture (BTech/BE, Pharma D and B.Pharma) offered by colleges in Maharashtra.
The analysis of JEE Main Vs MHT CET difficulty level shows that the later exam is comparatively easier. Those who are preparing for JEE Main 2025, can attempt for MHT CET 2025 as well.
JEE Main 2025 Vs MHT CET 2025: Differences And Similarities
These are the differences and similarities between the two major exams:
Both of them will be conducted in computer-based mode.
As per previous year statistics, for the MHT CET examination, 7.25 lakh candidates registered in 2024. For JEE Main, Over 12.31 lakh students enrolled for the four JEE Main January sessions and 12.57 lakh for the April session in 2024.
JEE Main is considered more difficult than MHT CET.
The questions of MHT-CET will be based on the syllabus of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. Questions from the syllabus of Class 11 will have 20% weightage and 80% weightage will be given to questions from the Class 12 syllabus. JEE Main will focus almost equally on the Class 11 and 12 syllabus.
JEE Main 2026: Preparation Tips & Study Plan
Download the JEE Main 2026 Preparation Tips PDF to boost your exam strategy. Get expert insights on managing study material, focusing on key topics and high-weightage chapters.
Is MHT CET and JEE syllabus same? Aspirants can check the following sections for the detailed syllabus comparison of Class 11 and Class 12 chapters for JEE Main and MHT CET.
MHT CET Vs JEE Main Physics 2025: Chapter Wise Syllabus Comparison
The foundation of Physics is conceptual comprehension. Candidates must ensure that their notions are clear in each topic of this subject. Solving problems will help with clarity of concepts and lead to more confidence in the subject. The summary and extra questions of NCERT are helpful in solving the tricky questions of JEE Main.
JEE Main Vs MHT CET Syllabus: Physics
NCERT Physics Class 11
JEE Main
MHT-CET
Units And Measurements
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Motion In A Straight Line
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Motion In A Plane
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Laws Of Motion
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Work, Energy And Power
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System Of Particles And Rotational Motion
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Gravitation
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Mechanical Properties Of Solids
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Mechanical Properties Of Fluids
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Thermal Properties Of Matter
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Thermodynamics
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Kinetic Theory
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Oscillations
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Waves
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NCERT Physics Class 12
JEE Main
MHT-CET
Electric Charges And Fields
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Electrostatic Potential And Capacitance
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Current Electricity
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Moving Charges And Magnetism
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Magnetism And Matter
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Electromagnetic Induction
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Alternating Current
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Electromagnetic Waves
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Ray Optics And Optical Instruments
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Wave Optics
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Dual Nature Of Radiation And Matter
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Atoms
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Nuclei
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Semiconductor Electronics
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Communication Systems
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Experimental Skills
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MHT CET Vs JEE Main Maths 2025: Chapter Wise Syllabus Comparison
As the questions are consistently tough, this subject needs more practice. The more applicants learn and practise Maths, the more analytical and problem-solving skills they will gain. Learning the tricks to solve questions helps students to save time and get exact answers. These tricks are available on YouTube.
JEE Main Vs MHT CET Syllabus: Maths
Class 11 Maths NCERT
JEE Main
MHT-CET
Sets
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Relations And Functions
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Trigonometric Functions
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Principle Of Mathematical Induction
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Complex Numbers And Quadratic Equations
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Linear Inequalities
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Permutations And Combinations
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Binomial Theorem
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Sequence And Series
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Straight Lines
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Conic Sections
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Introduction To Three Dimensional Geometry
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Limits And Derivatives
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Mathematical Reasoning
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Statistics
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Probability
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Class 12 Maths NCERT
JEE Main
MHT-CET
Relations And Functions
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Inverse Trigonometric Functions
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Matrices
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Determinants
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Continuity And Differentiability
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Application Of Derivatives
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Integrals
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Application Of Integrals
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Differential Equations
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Vector Algebra
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Three Dimensional Geometry
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Linear Programming
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Probability
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MHT CET, JEE Main Chemistry 2025: Chapter wise syllabus comparison
Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry are the three fields of Chemistry that candidates must be familiar with. Go through all the Reaction Mechanisms and make a list of all of the named reactions. Make notes while studying each chapter. The theoretical chapters of Chemistry are the scoring chapters for both JEE Main and MHT CET.
JEE Main Vs MHT CET Syllabus: Chemistry
NCERT Chemistry Class 11
JEE Main
MHT-CET
Some Basic Concepts Of Chemistry
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Structure Of Atom
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Classification Of Elements And Periodicity In Properties
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Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure
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States Of Matter
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Thermodynamics
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Equilibrium
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Redox Reactions
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Hydrogen
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The s - Block Elements
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The p - Block Elements
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Organic Chemistry Some Basic Principles And Techniques
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Hydrocarbons
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Environmental Chemistry
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Class 12 Chemistry NCERT
JEE Main
MHT-CET
Solid States
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Solutions
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Electrochemistry
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Chemical Kinetics
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Surface Chemistry
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General Principle And Processes Of Isolation Of Elements
Here is a comparison table between JEE Main exam pattern and MHT CET exam pattern. Aspirants can refer to the information below before starting their preparation.
JEE Main Exam Pattern Vs MHT CET Exam Pattern
Particulars
JEE Main
MHT CET
Mode of exam
Computer-based
Computer-based
Types of questions
MCQs
Numerical type
MCQs
Number of sections
One
Two
Number of subjects
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Paper 1- Mathematics
Paper 2- Physics and Chemistry
Number of questions
Each section-
MCQs- 20
Numerical based questions- 10 (5 questions compulsory)
Physics- 50
Chemistry- 50
Mathematics- 50
Total questions
90 (75 compulsory)
150
Exam duration
3 hours
3 hours
Marking Scheme
4 marks for a correct answer
-1 mark for wrong answer
Physics and Chemistry- one mark for each correct answer
How To Prepare For MHT CET along with JEE Main 2025?
Candidates wondering if JEE preparation is enough for MHT CET can check the exam strategy given below. Those who are preparing for JEE Main can easily attempt the MHT CET exam due to the similarity in syllabus and the exam pattern. However, note that JEE Main is considered tougher than MHT CET.
Know The Syllabus And Exam Pattern: To ace at any exam the candidates must understand its pattern and syllabus before starting their preparation. The syllabus of MHT CET 2025 is based on the subjects taught in Class 11 and 12. So, the candidates must necessarily know which topic to study from the syllabus of both classes. The same goes for JEE Main. Most of the topics overlap for both exams. Thai would save a lot of time.
Prepare A Timetable: Candidates should always prepare a study timetable. They should divide their preparation time in such a way that all the important topics are covered before the exam.
Study Material: Selection of suitable books and study material is very important. One must start with NCERT books and refer to other books only after that. Candidates can also check the list of best books for JEE Main and MHT CET online.
Revision: Candidates should make a provision in their study plan for extra time for revision. As the syllabus is vast the candidates must revise all the topics at least once before the exam.
Sample Papers And Mock Tests: Candidates should practise a number of sample papers and mock tests in order to increase speed in problem solving. This will also help in time management. Since the difficulty level of JEE Main is higher than MHT CET, students can practice with JEE Main mock tests for better revision. The sample papers and mock tests are usually based on the pattern of the exam. By attempting them the candidates will also be able to analyse their performance.
No, the MHT CET syllabus and JEE Main syllabus are not exactly same. There are a few differences between both. For more details check the article above.
2.Which is best for engineering, JEE or MHT CET?
Both, JEE Main and MHT CET are considered best for engineering. One must note that MHT CET is a state level exam and JEE is a national-level engineering entrance exam.
3.Is JEE preparation enough for MHT CET?
Mostly yes. Since the exam difficulty level of JEE Main is higher, it automatically prepares one for the MHT CET exam. However, there are a few differences in their syllabi and exam patterns. So, aspirants will have to strategize accordingly.
With 79 percentile in JEE Main, NITs/IIITs are unlikely, but you can target top private engineering colleges in Karnataka like RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, PES University, and DSCE through COMEDK or management quota.
You have a good chance for branches like ECE, Mechanical, or Civil. For CSE or AI/ML, management quota is the best route. Consider KCET counselling if you're a Karnataka student.
With a 79 percentile in JEE Main, your rank would be around 2.2–2.4 lakhs, which may not fetch top NITs but is still decent for several good private engineering colleges in Karnataka. You can consider colleges like Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, NIE Mysore, JSS Science & Technology University, CMRIT, NMIT, and MSRIT (for non-CSE branches or through spot/management rounds). These colleges often accept students with JEE scores for some quota or have their own counseling/admission process. If you’re flexible with branches and can apply early, you’ll still have a good chance at getting into solid colleges with decent infrastructure and placement support.
With a JEE Main percentile of 79, you may not qualify for top-tier NITs, but you still have a decent chance to get into some good private engineering colleges in Karnataka through COMEDK or management quota. Institutes like Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, RV Institute of Technology, New Horizon College of Engineering, BNMIT, and MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (through higher fee quota) are worth considering. You can also apply for state counselling through KEA (if you're a Karnataka resident) or explore direct admission options if available.
With a JEE Main CRL rank of 1,05,454, you have a good chance of getting CSE, ECE, or core branches in NITs like Goa, Silchar, Meghalaya, Raipur, or Hamirpur through CSAB Special Rounds 2025. You can also get core branches (Mechanical, Civil) in other NITs and GFTIs like BIT Mesra and Assam University. Prioritize CSAB counselling and fill choices wisely to maximize your options.
JEE Main Paper 2B exam is for students who want to take admission in the B.Planning course. B.Planning means Bachelor of Planning. This course is about designing and planning cities, towns, roads, transport, housing, water supply, etc.
The exam has three parts. The first part is Mathematics, which includes Class 11 and 12 level maths questions. The second part is Aptitude, which checks your thinking, logic, shapes, and visual understanding. The third part is Planning-Based Questions, which include general knowledge about city planning and development.
The exam is conducted online (computer-based). It is for 400 marks. Each correct answer gives 4 marks and for each wrong answer, 1 mark is reduced. In the maths section, some questions are numerical (no negative marking for them).
The exam duration is 3 hours. You can take it in English, Hindi, or some regional languages. To appear for the exam, you must have passed 12th standard with Mathematics as a subject.
Based on your score, you can get admission in colleges like NITs, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), and some IIITs. Each college has its own cutoff.
If you are interested in planning, design, and development, this exam is a good choice.
A flight attendant ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Key duties include conducting safety checks, assisting passengers, serving food and drinks, and managing emergencies. They must be well-trained in safety procedures and customer service. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by rigorous training to qualify for the role.
A Flight Engineer monitors and operates an aircraft’s complex systems like engines, fuel, and hydraulics during flight, ensuring optimal performance and safety. They assist pilots with technical issues, conduct inspections, and maintain records. This role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving, and communication skills. Training usually involves a degree in aviation or aerospace engineering and specialised certification.
An Aircrew Officer operates and navigates aircraft, ensuring safe flights and compliance with aviation regulations. Key duties include managing flight systems, conducting pre- and post-flight checks, and adhering to safety standards. The role typically requires working five days a week, with around 120 flight hours monthly. Employment may be contractual or permanent, depending on the airline.
An aerospace engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They apply physics and engineering principles to improve aerospace technologies, often working in aviation, defence, or space sectors. Key tasks include designing components, conducting tests, and performing research. A bachelor’s degree is essential, with higher roles requiring advanced study. The role demands analytical skills, technical knowledge, precision, and effective communication.
An air hostess, or flight attendant, ensures passenger safety and comfort during flights. Responsibilities include safety demonstrations, serving meals, managing the cabin, handling emergencies, and post-flight reporting. The role demands strong communication skills, a calm demeanour, and a service-oriented attitude. It offers opportunities to travel and work in the dynamic aviation and hospitality industry.
An aeronautical engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft and related systems. They work on components like engines and wings, ensuring performance, safety, and efficiency. The role involves simulations, flight testing, research, and technological innovation to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. Aeronautical engineers collaborate with teams in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions, requiring strong skills in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.
A Safety Manager ensures workplace safety by developing policies, conducting training, assessing risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They investigate incidents, manage workers’ compensation, and handle emergency responses. Working across industries like construction and healthcare, they combine leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to protect employees and maintain safe environments.
An airline pilot operates aircraft to transport passengers and cargo safely. Responsibilities include pre-flight planning, in-flight operations, team collaboration, and post-flight duties. Pilots work in varying schedules and environments, often with overnight layovers. The demand for airline pilots is expected to grow, driven by retirements and industry expansion. The role requires specialized training and adaptability.
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
An architect plans and designs buildings, ensuring they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They collaborate with clients, engineers, and contractors throughout the construction process. Key skills include creativity, design software proficiency, and knowledge of building codes. In India, a 5-year B.Arch degree and registration with the Council of Architecture are required to practise professionally.
Having a landscape architecture career, you are involved in site analysis, site inventory, land planning, planting design, grading, stormwater management, suitable design, and construction specification. Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York introduced the title “landscape architect”. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) proclaims that "Landscape Architects research, plan, design and advise on the stewardship, conservation and sustainability of development of the environment and spaces, both within and beyond the built environment". Therefore, individuals who opt for a career as a landscape architect are those who are educated and experienced in landscape architecture. Students need to pursue various landscape architecture degrees, such as M.Des, M.Plan to become landscape architects. If you have more questions regarding a career as a landscape architect or how to become a landscape architect then you can read the article to get your doubts cleared.
Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities.
Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.
A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs water, gas, and waste systems in homes and buildings. Their duties include fixing leaks, installing fixtures, testing systems, ensuring safety compliance, and working with other professionals on projects. They also document repairs and may supervise apprentices. Plumbers play a key role in ensuring public health and the smooth functioning of essential utilities.
Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.
Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems.
Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.
Energy efficiency engineering is a broad field of engineering which deals with energy efficiency, energy services, facility management, plant engineering, and sustainable energy resources. Energy efficiency engineering is one of the most recent engineering disciplines to emerge. The field combines the knowledge and understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, with economic and environmental engineering practices. The main job of individuals who opt for a career as an energy performance engineer is to find the most efficient and sustainable path to operate buildings and manufacturing processes.
Individuals who opt for a career as energy performance engineers apply their understanding and knowledge to increase efficiency and further develop renewable sources of energy. The energy efficiency engineers also examine the use of energy in those procedures and suggest the ways in which systems can be improved.
A geologist attempts to comprehend the historical backdrop of the planet we live on, all the more likely to anticipate the future and clarify current events. He or she analyses the components, deployments, results, physical characteristics, and past of the planet. A geologist examines the landforms and landscapes of the earth in relation to the geology, climatic, and human processes that have shaped them.
A geologist studies earth procedures, for example, seismic tremors, avalanches, floods, and volcanic eruptions to review land and draw up safe structure plans. When he or she researches earth materials, explores metals and minerals, yet in addition search for oil, petroleum gas, water, and strategies to extricate these.
A career as a Petroleum engineer is concerned with activities related to producing petroleum. These products can be in the form of either crude oil or natural gas. Petroleum engineering also requires the exploration and refinement of petroleum resources. Therefore, a career as a petroleum engineer comes up with oil and gas onshore jobs. There are also desk jobs in the petroleum industry. In layman’s terms, a petroleum engineer is a person who finds the best way to drill and extract oil from oil wells. Individuals who opt for a career as petroleum engineer also tries to find new ways to extract oil in an efficient manner.
A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.
A career as a civil engineer is of great importance for the infrastructural growth of the country. It is one of the most popular professions and there is great professional as well as personal growth in this civil engineering career path. There is job satisfaction in this civil engineering career path, but it also comes with a lot of stress, as there are multiple projects that need to be handled and have to be completed on time. Students should pursue physics, chemistry and mathematics in their 10+2 to become civil engineers.
A career as a Transportation Engineer is someone who takes care of people's safety. He or she is responsible for designing, planning and constructing a safe and secure transportation system. The transportation sector has seen a huge transformation and is growing day by day and improving every day.
As a Transport Engineer, he or she needs to solve complex problems such as accidents, costs, traffic flow, and statistics. A Transport Engineer also collaborates for projects with some other companies.
A Loco Pilot operates trains, ensuring safe and timely transport of passengers or goods. Starting as an Assistant Loco Pilot, one can progress to senior roles with experience. The job demands technical knowledge, focus, and adherence to safety protocols. It involves coordination with train staff and may require working long hours under pressure.
