Top Courses for Petroleum Engineers After GATE in India for Optimal Placement and Future Scope

Every year, thousands of students pursue the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) with the hope of gaining entry into prestigious institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). However, the declining demand for petroleum engineers stems from recent advancements in battery technology, leading to a sharp decline in fuel prices. This has made the traditional petroleum engineering degree less desirable in the job market. In light of this, many petroleum engineers face the challenge of choosing the best post-GATE courses to enhance their career prospects and placement opportunities.

Understanding the Context

Since I have been researching the Indian engineering education system for over 10 years, I can confidently say that there are no special courses in India that will increase the employability of petroleum engineers in their core industries. The decline in demand for petroleum engineering degree holders is due to the decrease in fuel prices, driven by advancements in battery technology. It is important to note that without petroleum engineers, there will be no significant negative impact on either India or the global economy.

Exploring Alternatives

Given the current scenario, petroleum engineers should consider exploring alternative courses in top-tier institutions such as the IITs. These courses not only offer excellent placement opportunities but also open up a wide array of future career prospects. Here, we discuss several top courses that are worth considering post-GATE.

Courses with Optimal Placement and Future Scope

Several IITs offer courses that can significantly enhance the employability and future security of petroleum engineers. Here are some of the best choices:

National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai

NITIE is one of the top B-schools in India, and it offers the PGDIE and PGDSM programs. To get shortlisted for GD-PI, one must have a GATE score of at least 760 for general category candidates. The merit list is based on the aggregate of GATE score, 10th, 12th, graduation, GD-PI performance, and work experience.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore

IISc is renowned for its advanced research and is among the premier institutions for higher studies in India. For the Master of Management in Business Analytics (BA) program, the GATE score cut-off in 2021 was 833.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay

IIT Bombay offers several interdisciplinary courses, including IEOR (Industrial Engineering and Operations Research). This course, which demands a high GATE score, offers almost 100% placements with an average package of more than 13-15 LPA. Other courses at IIT Bombay worth considering include:

Technology Development (TD) - Center for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas (CTARA) Educational Technology (ET)

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur

IITK provides the option of Industrial and Management Engineering (IME) and a Master of Design () in UX-UI. IME is the second-best course after IEOR, and is an excellent choice for those with a creative bent of mind.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee

IITR offers Data Science (DS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses. Given the current focus on these domains, these courses are highly sought after with strong placement records.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhilai

For those interested in data science and artificial intelligence, IIT Bhilai offers relevant courses.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur

At IIT Kgp, the HSE course is an option for aspiring petroleum engineers. However, other IITs like IITG, ISI Kolkata, IISc, and NITs also offer relevant courses, and it is advisable to explore these options independently.

Preference Order for Masters

Based on my research and experience, here's the preference order for post-GATE placements and future security:

NITIE and IISc-BA: If you are pursuing management studies, NITIE and IISc-BA are top options with excellent placement records. IITB-IEOR: With almost 100% placements and an average package of 13-15 LPA, IEOR at IITB is a definite choice. IITK-IME: With a similar placement record and creative opportunities, IME at IITK is also highly recommended. IITR-DS and AI: Given the recent focus on these domains, DS and AI at IITR are very promising with good placement records. IITM-PE and IITD-PE: Petroleum Engineering at IITM and Dhanbad may offer placement opportunities, but they are contingent on factors beyond the candidate's control, such as luck or specific industry needs.

Conclusion

Given the current industry trends, petroleum engineers should consider exploring alternative courses that can offer better placement and future scope. NITIE, IISc, IITB-IEOR, and IITK-IME stand out as top choices based on their strong placements and record of success. As you explore these options, keep the above preferences in mind to maximize your chances of success in your post-GATE career.