Aeronautical engineering in a gist is all about air planes, space shuttles and rockets primarily. It involves the study of design, manufacture and maintenance of these mean machines. If air planes, space and space jets intrigue you, and you are passionate about the sky bots then aeronautical engineering is a career to opt for.
The career opportunities in the field are quite good and with globalization doors to opportunities across the world are now open. Application areas include Defence services, civil aviation department, Hindustan Aeronautics limited, Indian Space research Organization (ISRO), Defence research and development organization (DRDO), flying clubs, but to name a few. Off course government jobs can only be secured on clearing their respective entrance examinations but none the less opportunities are immense if you know your job well.
Having said that, you need to know that aeronautics is a highly challenging field. For an admission to this course you need to crack the IITJEE or AESI mem examination and for PG, GATE after your 12th. Aeronautical engineers specialize in aeronautical electronics or aeronautical mechanical engineering. For you to hit the IIT jackpot, you need to crack the JEE main and Advanced. For diploma holders to acquire admission to an undergraduate course also. With the advent of computer CAD based aircraft designing courses are also available which can further help you with your career growth. The salary and packages on offer are quite handsome but in the end it all depends on individual skills and talent. Though you can easily get a package of around 30K to 40K as a fresher. Depending upon your choice you may choose your work preference of indoor or outdoor working. Usually aircraft engineers need to be on site to direct and monitor the aircraft operations if in manufacture and maintenance sector. It is a job where one needs to be fit physically due to frequent travelling particularly as flight testing engineer profile.
Well, aeronautical engineering is a boon for those who are passionate about the skies and the space and the flying machines but having said that, its advisable to take up this career only if it interests you and you are passionate about it. Then only can you excel in your job.