Smart Manufacturing and Automation Engineering
Uses internet-connected machinery, big data and automation to make manufacturing cheaper and better.
Overview
Smart manufacturing (SM) is a technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process. The goal of SM is to identify opportunities for automating operations and use data analytics to improve manufacturing performance. It optimizes manufacturing procedures through automation, big data analytics and computerized controls that minimize costs and maximize productivity.
Where they work
- Private Sector, Government Sector as well as Public Undertakings like ISRO, DRDO, Indian Oil, etc.
- Private engineering companies that provide technical consultancy to both Government and Corporate firms
- Major industries including Automobiles, Aeronautical, Power, Energy and utilities, Air conditioning and refrigeration industry, Manufacturing plants, Oil and gas exploration, Refining industries, Agriculture sector, Shipping industry, Banks, Insurance, Financial institutions, Teaching and Research organizations
Work environment
You are expected to work indoors and will usually not be required to travel. The normal working hours are for 8 to 9 hours and for 5 to 6 days a week.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to analyse things
- You enjoy solving problems
- You like Science and Mathematics
- Soft skills
- System integration
- Process optimization
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Maths and Chemistry).
- 2Complete Bachelor's (B.Tech./B.E.) in Smart Manufacturing and Automation Engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree and follow it up with (M.Tech./M.E.) in the same discipline.
Forms, exams and applications
For admission, you must qualify for one of the following entrance exams – JEE Mains, TNEA, MET, KCET, VITEE, etc. which are conducted on the national, state or university level. 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
- Netaji Subhas University of Technology, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Punjab
- Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, New Delhi
- Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology (GIET University), Gunupur, Odisha
- Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, Maharashtra
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Jaipur Engineering College, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu College of Engineering, Karumathampatti, Tamil Nadu
- University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu
- Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- The Neotia University, Kolkata, West Bengal
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
- 1Automation Engineer → Senior Quality Assurance Engineer → Quality Assurance Manager → Project Manager
- 2Automation Engineer → Quality Assurance Lead → Senior Business Analyst
Expected income
₹18,000 – ₹90,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Robotics Engineer
Designs, builds and operates robots that help and assist humans, and tests them for safety.
Manufacturing Engineer
Designs and operates computer networks, robots, automated machines and material-handling equipment.
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
Corina Pip — A Test & Automation Lead, with focus on testing by means of Java, Selenium, TestNG, Spring, Maven, and other cool frameworks and tools. Previous endeavours from her 11+ years testing career include working on navigation devices, aviation software, and in the online gaming and automotive industries.
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 535 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Automation_Engineer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.