Updated on Mar 24, 2025 12:26 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

Aeronautical Engineering courses provide a detailed overview to the students about the design, analysis, building, and upkeeping of flightworthy machines within the boundaries of Earth’s atmosphere. The Aeronautical Engineering syllabus covered in the classes teaches students how to apply scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles to develop aircraft and related machinery.

Aeronautical Engineering falls under the very vast umbrella of Aerospace Engineering. Some of the very much important Aeronautical Engineering subjects include Aero Structures, Aircraft Systems and Instrumentation, Flight Mechanics and Aerodynamics, Jet Propulsion, Heat Transfer, Aircraft Stability and Control, Flight Testing, Aeroelasticity, and Flight Vehicle Design.

The Aeronautical Engineering syllabus covered in classes is planned out in such a manner that it includes core subjects and a variety of elective subject choices, along with practical lab work, intriguing workshops, internship programs, and a final year research project.

The Aeronautical Engineering subjects list helps students gain important skills, including analytical skills, computer and technology aptitude, mathematical and mechanical proficiency, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Students can even choose a particular subject from the B Tech Aeronautical Engineering syllabus and earn a specialization at the postgraduate level, such as Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics and Control, Propulsion, Structures, Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity, and Computational Mechanics.

The Aeronautical Engineering subjects vary according to the course level and the college offering the course. Interested students may read this article further to know everything about the Aeronautical Engineering semester wise syllabus.

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Aeronautical Engineering Subjects (In Detail)

Students can go through the given general Aeronautical Engg syllabus for the diploma, BTech, MTech, and PhD levels in the section below.

Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

Students can go through the basic Diploma Aeronautical Engineering subjects in the table given below:

Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 1

Engineering Mathematics - I

Engineering Chemistry

Engineering Physics

Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 2

Engineering Mathematics - II

Materials Science

Basic Aerodynamics

Fluid Mechanics

Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 3

Aircraft Structure and Materials

Instrumentation and Control Systems

Propulsion Systems

Computer Aided Design  also known as CAD

Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 4

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair

Aircraft Performance

Aircraft Systems and Instruments

Navigation and Communication Systems

Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 5

Avionics and Flight Instruments

Advanced Propulsion Systems

Aircraft Manufacturing Technology

Aircraft Systems Testing

             Diploma Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 6

 

Aircraft Operation and Maintenance

Advanced Aerodynamics

Aviation Regulations and Safety Management

Industrial Training & Final Project Work

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

The B Tech Aeronautical Engg syllabus includes both core and elective subjects that teach the students about the planning, designing, and building of aircraft systems and machinery. Students must complete practical lab work and research projects to rightfully grasp the important fundamental concepts that fall under the field. The B Tech Aeronautical Engineering subjects are given in the table below for students’ reference:

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 1

Applied Mathematics

Engineering Chemistry

Essentials of CAD Tools

Basic Electrical Engineering

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 2

History of Aeronautics

Engineering Physics

Design Thinking and Innovation

Engineering Mechanics

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 3

Engineering Thermodynamics 

Mechanics of Solids

Materials Engineering

Introduction to Machine Elements and Drawing

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 4

Incompressible Aerodynamics

Aircraft Systems and Instrumentation

Manufacturing Engineering

Aero Structures

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 5

Basics of Propulsion

Theory of Flight Mechanics

Heat Transfer

Automatic Control

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 6

Aircraft Stability and Control

Flight Vehicle Design

Jet Propulsion

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 7

Principles of Vibrations

Environmental Science and Engineering

Economics and Law for Engineers

Fatigue and Damage Tolerance

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 8

Comprehensive Viva-Voice

Major Project Work

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

M Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

The M Tech Aeronautical Engg syllabus provides an in-depth understanding to students about aircraft structures, flight operations, propulsion systems, aeroelasticity, aerodynamics, etc. Students can also choose to specialize in any of the elective subjects like Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Avionics, and Flight Mechanics and Control according to their interests.

M Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 1

Aerodynamics

Advanced Engineering Mathematics

Flight Vehicle Structures

Aircraft Structures

M Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 2

Composite Materials & Structures

Flight Mechanics

Aerospace Propulsion

Elective - I

M Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 3

Elective - II

Elective - III

Propulsion Laboratory

Project Work (Phase-I)

M Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects - Semester 4

Project Work (Phase-II) & Seminar

Viva-voce

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

Useful Link for GATE Exam for Aeronautical Engineering:

GATE Marks vs Rank 2025: Know How to calculate Rank and Score, Expected Cutoff

PhD Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

The PhD Aeronautical Engg syllabus varies depending on the research topic chosen by the students. The PhD in Aeronautical Engineering syllabus and course flow largely depend on the research topic; however, some general subjects include Hypersonic Aerodynamics, Theory of Aeroelasticity, Heat Transfer in Propulsion Systems, Aircraft Performance and Flight Mechanics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, etc. Students may go through some important subjects covered in the course below:

PhD in Aeronautical Engineering Subjects List

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Aircraft Performance and Flight Mechanics

Hypersonic Aerodynamics

Introduction to Aerospace Vehicles and Systems

Theory of Aeroelasticity

Advanced Composite Materials

Aerospace Propulsion

Airframe Structures and Structural Design

Heat Transfer in Propulsion Systems

Research Methodology

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Final Thesis

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

Core and Elective Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

Students must note that the Aeronautical Engineering subjects vary on the basis of the course level and the institute offering the course but the coursework pattern has some general core and elective subjects that cover key concepts. It is mandatory for students to study the core subjects in each semester as they provide a strong foundational base for key Aeronautical Engg concepts. This section talks about a few basic core and elective subjects that are a part of the vast Aeronautical Engineering syllabus.

Core Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

The core subjects covered in the Aeronautical Engg syllabus give students an insight into the field and the major aspects that are important for one to do well when they enter the workforce. The subjects usually differ from one college to another, but the basic concepts taught in classes are almost the same. Students may go through a basic core Aeronautical Engineering subjects list in the table given below.

Core Aeronautical Engineering Subjects List

Aeronautical Engineering Subject Details

Engineering Thermodynamics

This subject deals with the kinetic energy generation from different sources of heat and heat transfer, which are important for the effective functioning of power systems and jet propulsion.

Aircraft Systems and Instrumentation

This subject gives an overview of the different types of aircraft instruments, and avionics systems available on the aircraft and their functions.

Flight Mechanics

Students get to learn about various practical concepts related to aircraft motion, flight control systems, flight instruments and navigation systems.

Aircraft Stability and Control

This subject teaches students about the static and dynamic stability of aircraft in general, control system architectures, and aircraft behavior.

Aero Structures

This subject primarily focuses on the structural and the functional behavior of aircraft structures just to ensure the safety of flight passengers.

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

Helpful Link for GATE Exam for Aeronautical Engineering:

Difference between GATE 2025 Marks, Score and Percentile

The Evolution of GATE Over the Years: Then Vs Now

Elective Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

The Aeronautical Engg syllabus provides an excellent opportunity for students to choose the elective subjects as per their interests and career goal alignment, something they find interesting to study and easy to understand. The Aeronautical syllabus offers various elective subject choices, out of which a few of the popular elective subjects in the syllabus are given in the table below:

Elective Aeronautical Engineering Subjects List

Aeronautical Engineering Subject Details

Avionics

As the name suggests, a rightful blend of aviation and electronics, this subject focuses on the electronic systems installed in an aircraft, including control systems, navigation devices, flight recorders, etc.

Aerospace Materials

This subject gives an overview of the materials used in aircraft, like composite materials, alloys, etc. It is important to monitor their properties to understand the behavior during turbulent times.

Autonomous Flight

This subject provides an overview of the automatic navigation of aircraft using sensor technology and advanced control systems.

Aerodynamics

This subject provides knowledge about how the aircraft flies in the air and the fundamentals of aircraft motion, including lift and control surfaces.

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

Aeronautical Engineering Subjects: Popular Books and Authors

Several books are recommended for studying the Aeronautical Engg syllabus. These textbooks serve as a trustworthy source of knowledge, providing fundamental knowledge about the field. The books followed for the Aeronautical Engineering syllabus vary depending on the course level and the college offering the course; however, students can find a few important textbooks to refer to for the Aeronautical Engineering subjects list.

Aeronautical Engineering Subjects List

Book Title

Author Name

Aircraft Stability and Control

Dynamics of Flight: Stability and Control

 

Bernard Etkin and Lloyd E. Reid

Aircraft Systems and Instrumentation

Aircraft Systems 

Ian Moir and Allan Seabridge

Flight Mechanics

Introduction to Aircraft Flight Mechanics

John D. Anderson Jr.

Jet Propulsion

Mechanics & Thermodynamics of Propulsion

 

Philip Hill

Aerodynamics

Fundamentals of Aerodynamics

John D. Anderson

Note: This information is sourced from external sources and may vary.

Relevant Link for Aeronautical Engg. Courses:

COMEDK UGET Preparation 2025: Best Books, Strategy & Guide, Time Table

Top Colleges Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

There are more than 200 Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India that are popular for their coursework structure, practical exposure, and placement opportunities. The Aeronautical Engineering syllabus of each college varies from college to college on the basis of the course level. The key concepts might be similar, but the subject pattern and structure differ. Here is a list of some popular B Tech Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India along with their course syllabus:

Top Colleges B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Subjects

There are more than 180 B Tech Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India that are quite known for their course curriculum, teaching expertise, practical lab work, placement opportunities, and research exposure. Students can find the list of the 10 best B Tech Aeronautical Engineering colleges along with their syllabus in the table given below:

Best BTech Aeronautical Engineering Colleges

B Tech Aeronautical Engineering Syllabus

Amity University

Amity_University,_Noida_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education

Kalasalingam_Academy_of_Research_&_Education_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science

Hindustan_Institute_of_Technology_and_Science_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

Parul University

Parul_University_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

MIT Manipal

Manipal_Institute_of_Technology_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

RTU

Rajasthan_Technical_University_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

REC

Rajalakshmi_Engineering_College_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

MIT

MIT,_Anna_University_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

Jain University

Jain_Deemed-to-be_University_-_B_Tech_Aeronautical_Engineering_Syllabus

Note- This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

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Table of contents
  • Popular Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Aeronautical Engineering UG Courses
  • Popular Aeronautical Engineering PG Courses

Popular Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Aeronautical Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
3.46 L
8.4 L
7.07 LPA

Aeronautical Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
29 K
2 Courses
8.04 L - 12.12 L
10.05 LPA
4.72 L
4.0
1 Course
4 L
6.75 LPA

Popular Private Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India

5.2 L
6 Courses
1.05 L - 14.4 L
3.7
2 Courses
2.44 L - 3.26 L
2.2 LPA

Aeronautical Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

2.76 L - 12.48 L
6 LPA

Aeronautical Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
7.44 L
5.28 LPA
6 L

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Aeronautical Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Aeronautical Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

5 May ' 26

JEE Main 2026 paper 2 result session 2

4 May ' 26

JEE Main 2026 paper 2 final answer key session 2

To Be Notified:

MHT CET 2026 Result for 1st Attempt PCM Group

To Be Notified:

MHT CET 2026 Session 2 PCM Final Answer Key

Jun '26

Web-based Choice Filling Starts

TENTATIVE

6 Jun ' 26

KCET Result 2026

19 Jun ' 26 - 28 Jun ' 26

TS EAMCET 2026 MPC Counselling Phase 1 - Registra...

22 Jun ' 26 - 29 Jun ' 26

TS EAMCET 2026 MPC Counselling Phase 1 - Certific...

Popular Aeronautical Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Aeronautical Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Aeronautical Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Aeronautical Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Answered Yesterday

Many students get puzzled between Aerospace engineering and Aeronautical Engineering. Aeronautical engineering only deals with the aircraft that fly in the atmosphere, like planes and helicopters and Aerospace Engineering deals with aircraft and also spacecraft. Mostly in Pune, colleges offer Aerona

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, listed below are some colleges that don't require JEE:

  • MIT Manipal — takes MET (Manipal's own exam)
  • Amity University — has its own entrance test
  • SRM University — takes SRMJEEE
  • Chandigarh University — accepts CUCET
  • Hindustan Institute of Technology, Chennai — direct admission based on 12th marks

 

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, IITs do not offer Aeronautical Engineering as a separate branch. However, the top IITs offer Aerospace Engineering — which is a bigger and better version of the same field. It covers not just aircraft, but also rockets, satellites, and spacecraft.

IITs with Aerospace Engineering:

  • IIT Bombay
  • IIT Mad

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Hi,

Pick Aeronautical if -

  • You are obsessed with airplanes, jets and propellers.
  • You want to work in commercial aviation or defense.
  • You like aerodynamics and air-breathing engines.

Pick Aerospace If

  • You are interested in rockets, satellites and space.
  • You want to study orbital mechanics and vacuum-friend

...Read more

K

Kanishk Shukla

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Round 1 closing rank in Aeronautical Engineering was 56,940 in 2025. By the final round, the closing rank was 97,687. It suggests that, though easier than Computer Science and Engineering, Aeronautical engineering is a popular specialised course.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

As per popularity basis by shiksha.com, Amrita School of Engineering emerged as the no. 1 Aeronautical Engineering college in India followed by other top colleges like Lovely Professional University (LPU) and SASTRA.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Starting salary of aeronautical engineer in India is between INR 3.5 and INR 6 lakh/ year. It is much less than salaries in developed countries.

Graduates of top universities worldwide get decent salary offers. SpaceX, NASA, and Airbus are some of the top recruiters.

A

Aayushi Dhawan

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

To become an Aeronautical Engineer after 10th, focus on Science in 11th/12th (Physics, Chemistry, Maths), pass entrance exams like JEE Main and then pass B.Tech/B.E. in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering.

Or you can take a 3-year Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering after 10th to start early. 

Hope thi

...Read more

M

Mamona Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Apart from IITs, there are many Aeronautical Engineering colleges in India with great placement package. Some of them are mentioned below with their average salaries -

Top CollegesAverage Salary
LPUINR 7.07 LPA
Amity University, NoidaINR 6 LPA
Kalasalingam Academy of Research and EducationINR 6.75 LPA
IISTINR 8.5 LPA - INR 10.5 LPA
Manipal Institute of Technology, MAHEINR 10.05 LPA

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10