Computer Hardware Engineer
Researches, designs, develops and tests computer systems and their physical components.
Overview
Computer Hardware Engineers help to accelerate new computer technology by creating advancements in computer hardware. In order to do this, they research, design, develop, and test computer systems and their components.
Where they work
- Manufacturing sector creating electronic components and products
- Computer systems design services
- IT and web-hosting companies and so on
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can pursue freelancing in this field.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are an analytical thinker.
- You are good at tackling hardware issues.
- You pay attention to details.
- You stay updated on trends with curiosity and innovation.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.Sc./BCA) in Computer Science/Electrical or electronics engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.Sc./MCA) in the same field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a PG Diploma in Computer Hardware and Networking
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Computer Science. This list of Institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
- Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, New Delhi
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, New Delhi
- College of Applied Science, Kundara, Kollam, Kerala
- Government Engineering College, Bikaner, Rajasthan
- East Calcutta Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Annai College of Arts and Science, Valathur, Tamil Nadu
- AD Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Nagar, Gujarat
- All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bangalore City College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
- Bonnie Foi College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Hardware Engineer
- 2Validation Engineer
- 3Senior Hardware Design Engineer
Related careers to explore
Electronics Designer/VLSI/Embedded System Designer
Designs, develops and maintains the embedded systems that do the computing inside products.
Computer Network Architect
Designs, builds and maintains data communication networks from wide area networks to intranets.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths, Computer Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to building.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Meenakshi Chatterjee — A Hardware Engineer at Apple. She is a systems integrator and PCB designer. Earlier, she used to work with Twitter. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics and a Master's in Physics from Birla Institute Of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani and has finished her Masters in Electrical Engineering from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 625 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Hardware_Engineer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The contents page lists this career on printed page 627, but the card is on 625; this category's contents entries run one card ahead throughout.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.