Industrial Engineer
Increases an industry's productivity by improving the design and utility of its production process.
Overview
An Industrial Engineer is concerned with increasing overall productivity of an industry. Industrial engineers develop innovative ways to improve the overall design and utility in the production process. They help in maintaining the optimum utilization of resources.
Where they work
- Infrastructure sector
- Power companies
- Steel companies
- Oil and gas sector
Work environment
Companies usually work for 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours everyday. This may vary from company to company. Shift system might be applicable.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- Knowledge of System Design and Process optimization
- Quality Control
- Work, Motion and Time Study
- Facility Layout Design
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Maths).
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.Tech./B.E.) in Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.E.) in the same field
Alternative route 3
- 1Completed 10th, Pursued Diploma in Engineering, Lateral Entry in Second Year of B.E/B. Tech. (4 Year Degree Course) in Industrial Engineering and Management based on Diploma certificate. Candidates having B.Sc. degree and also Mathematics as one of the subjects in 10+2 are also eligible.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions, you must qualify entrance examination conducted at national level (JEE Main, JEE Advanced etc.) or State level (WBJEE, AP EAMCET etc.) or Institute level (VET, IP etc.). 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. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat
- PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Delhi Technological University, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Satara Polytechnic, Jakatwadi, Maharashtra
- Rashtreeya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE), Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Institute of Technology Management, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
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
- 1Industrial Engineer
- 2Senior Industrial Engineer
- 3Project Manager
- 4Head of Industrial Engineering
- 5General Manager
Expected income
₹12,500 – ₹70,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Manufacturing Engineer
Designs and operates computer networks, robots, automated machines and material-handling equipment.
Process Engineer
Designs, implements and optimises industrial processes across manufacturing industries.
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
Caroline Rosas — An industrial engineer who is the executive director of WIIE Academy. She also works as an academic coordinator at SGS Academy, Peru developing new products, improving the strategy and performance of the unit, and is in charge of tutoring the main graduates of the institution. She had completed her education from the National University of Engineering and later went on to do her MBA from the University of Piura, Peru. She is also one of the instructors at the open online course provider 'Coursera'.
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 499 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.pw.live/exams/gate/industrial-engineer-salary/
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The government list on this card is numbered 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 — entry 4 is missing — and Ramaiah Institute of Technology appears in both the government and private lists; it is shown once, under private, which is its actual status. The card's "personality traits" panel lists technical subject areas rather than the usual interest statements, and is reproduced as printed.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.