Environmental Engineer
Designs technological solutions for waste, erosion, and water and air pollution.
Overview
Environmental Engineers use the principles of soil science, biology, and chemistry to design solutions for ecological issues such as waste disposal, erosion, water and air pollution. They design technological solutions to control pollution and contamination. They are responsible for improving the environment and public health.
Where they work
- Central Pollution Control Board (State Government)
- Scientific and technical consulting services
- Petrochemical industries
- Hydro-chemical industries
- NGOs working for health and safety of Public
- Organizations involved in research and innovation
Work environment
You have to work for minimum of 8 hours each day and may need to work overtime if required. Shift system may be available.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have strong communication skills
- You like to analyze and solve problems
- You like to work in a team
- You are concerned about the environment related issues
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.Tech./B.E.) in Environmental Engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.E.)
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue your Diploma in Environmental Engineering.
Forms, exams and applications
Students must qualify for JEE Mains and JEE Advanced or the entrance examination conducted by respective state governments such as WBJEE or AP EAMCET. 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
The course is offered by the Department of Environment Engineering. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand
- National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Telangana
- Delhi Technological University, New Delhi
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad, Jharkhand
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, Telangana
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Shri KJ Polytechnic, Bharuch, Gujarat
- University of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- College Of Engineering Pune (COEP), Maharashtra
- Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, Karnataka
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
- 1Environmental Engineering Technician
- 2Environmental Science Engineer
- 3Environmental Science Health and Safety Officer
- 4Project Officer
- 5Professor/Scientist/Researcher
Expected income
₹30,000 – ₹82,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Water Resource Engineer
Plans and builds water systems that deliver clean, safe water efficiently and conserve water and energy.
Health, Safety and Environment Officer
Promotes and maintains workplace health and safety, and compliance with environmental law.
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 analysing.
- 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
Dr. Rakesh Kumar — Served as the Director of CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). He obtained Ph.D. in environmental engineering from RTM Nagpur University. He has a vast experience in all fields of environmental science and engineering, especially air pollution control and management, urban air quality monitoring, climate change and health. Dr. Kumar has contributed in developing technologies for reuse and recycle of domestic and industrial wastewater which brought a paradigm shift in the country.
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 483 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/environmental-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute and the College of Engineering Pune are both state-government institutes but are printed under private institutes on this card.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.