Design Engineer
Focuses on the engineering design process, using software to create designs and test prototypes.
Overview
A Design Engineer is a designer who is focused on the engineering design process in any of the various engineering disciplines. Design Engineers use computer softwares to create designs and develop prototypes to test their ideas.
Where they work
- Thermal Power
- Gas Turbines
- Agricultural Sector
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, etc.
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to build things
- You are good with computers
- You are comfortable working in groups
- You enjoy figuring out how things work
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 Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering (B.Tech./B.E.)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering (B.Tech./B.E.) and follow it up with Master's degree in Design Engineering (M.Tech./M.E.)
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering (B.Tech./B.E.) and follow it up with Master's degree in Design Engineering (M.Tech./M.E.) and then complete PG Diploma in Engineering Design.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions in a B.Tech. course, you must qualify JEE Main. JEE Advanced is needed for admissions to IITs. Other entrance exams can be taken such as GATE, AP EAMCET, UPCATET and similar state tests. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
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
This course is offered by the Department of Engineering/Design. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- National Institute of Technology, Mangalore, Karnataka
- National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Institute of Fashion Technology, Kollam, Kerala
- National Institute of Design, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- D J Academy of Design, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Indian Institute of Art and Design, New Delhi
- International School of Design, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Khyati School of Design, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
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
- 1Junior Designer
- 2Design Engineer
- 3Senior Design Engineer
- 4Lead Design Engineer
- 5Technical Manager
- 6Project Manager
Related careers to explore
Product Designer
Oversees the design of a product from start to finish, or the improvement of an existing one.
Mechanical Engineer
Designs, develops, builds and tests mechanical devices, tools, engines and machines.
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.
- 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
Rajeev Chandrasekhar — The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology as well as the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. He is an Indian politician and entrepreneur, technocrat and was serving his third term as a Member of Parliament in the upper house (Rajya Sabha) from BJP representing Karnataka. Between 1986-1991 he worked at Intel as Senior Design Engineer and a CPU architect on the 80486 and Pentium Microprocessors. He completed his Master's in Computer Science in 1986 from Illinois Institute of Chicago.
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 473 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Design_Engineer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The entrance-exam panel on this card also lists agriculture entrance tests (ICAR, AIEEA, CG PAT, SHIATS, CCS HAU, Rajasthan JET, AGRICET) that do not lead to design engineering; those are omitted here. The profile describes a political office held at the time the card was printed — check current details independently.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.