Electrical engineering is a discipline concerned with the design, research, and application of the devices, systems, and equipment used in electronics, electromagnetism, and electricity. It became a well-established occupation in the latter half of the 19th century, when the commercialisation of the telephone, the electric telegraph, and, most importantly, electrical power generation turned it into a recognised profession.
- UPSEE was discontinued in 2021, and admission to AKTU-affiliated colleges is now based on JEE Main ranks through UPTAC counselling
- For 2026, MIT lists undergraduate tuition at about USD 66,720 per year and Georgia Tech at roughly USD 34,604 for out-of-state students on their official pages
- GATE remains the primary gateway for M.Tech admissions in India.
What Is Electrical Engineering as a Subject?
Electrical engineering is a core engineering discipline focused on the design, development, and maintenance of electrical equipment, systems, and components used in power generation, distribution, electronics, and communication. Undergraduates earn a B.Tech or B.E degree, while postgraduates pursue an M.Tech, studying areas from microprocessors and semiconductors to power systems.
Electrical engineering deals with the study, development, design, and maintenance of various electrical equipment and components. This equipment is used in building and construction activities as well as in the distribution and production of power. Aspirants study microprocessors and semiconductors, and after completing an undergraduate course they are awarded a B.Tech or B.E degree. Graduates can then take up higher studies such as an M.Tech in electrical engineering.
What Is the Eligibility for Electrical Engineering?
For a B.Tech or B.E in electrical engineering, applicants generally need at least 60 percent in Class 12 with physics, chemistry, and mathematics, though many private universities accept 55 percent. For an M.Tech, candidates must hold a relevant B.Tech and usually score a minimum of 60 percent in their undergraduate degree.
Students have the option of pursuing both Bachelors and Masters in electrical engineering.
- UG: To take up a B.Tech or B.E in electrical engineering after Class 12, an applicant generally needs over 60 percent in the Class 12 boards. Many private universities admit students with an aggregate of 55 percent in Class 12 too.
- PG: To do an M.Tech in electrical engineering, a student needs to have completed a B.Tech in electrical engineering. A minimum score of 60 percent in the UG degree is usually required to secure admission to top technical institutions.
Which Entrance Exams Are Required for Admission?
Undergraduate admission in India is driven mainly by JEE Main and JEE Advanced, alongside BITSAT, COMEDK, WBJEE, OJEE, and SRMJEEE. Note that UPSEE was discontinued in 2021, with AKTU admissions now based on JEE Main. Postgraduate entry relies on GATE, plus GRE and IELTS or TOEFL for studying abroad.
- JEE Main
- JEE Advanced
- BITSAT
- COMEDK
- WBJEE
- OJEE
- SRMJEEE
- GATE (for M.Tech admission in India)
- GRE (for study abroad)
- IELTS or TOEFL (English proficiency)
- PTE (English proficiency)
What Courses and Core Subjects Does Electrical Engineering Include?
Electrical engineering is offered as BE or B.Tech, ME or M.Tech, BSc, MSc, and PhD programmes. The curriculum builds on core subjects such as mathematics, physics, circuits, control systems, analog and digital electronics, rotating AC machines, and microprocessors, with electives covering renewable energy, signals and systems, and high-voltage transmission.
- BE/BTech
- ME/MTech
- BSc
- MSc
- PhD
Core Subjects in Electrical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Calculus
- Art of Programming
- Mathematics
- Elements of Electrical Engineering
- ICT Tools and Security
- Digital Electronics and Circuits
- Rotating AC Machines
- Control System Engineering
- Analog Electronic Circuits
- Microprocessor and Microcontroller
- Projects (Mini and Final Year)
Elective Subjects in Electrical Engineering
- Renewable Energy Sources
- Electronic System Design
- Advanced Microprocessors
- Advanced Microcontrollers
- Computer Skills in Power Systems
- Signals and Systems
- Advanced Electrical Systems
- Reluctance Motors and Permanent Magnet Brushless Machines
- Electromagnetic Compatibility
- High Voltage Transmission
What Is the Scope of Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering spans a wide range of areas including power systems, wired and wireless communication, mobile technologies, electronics, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. As industries shift toward sustainable and renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro power, multinational companies increasingly seek electrical engineers, keeping graduates highly relevant in today's changing energy landscape.
Electrical engineering has a wide range of core areas where its proper functioning is important. It deals with mobile technologies and both wired and wireless communications, and it overlaps with cross-functional fields such as electronics, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering. With the focus shifting to more sustainable living and alternative technologies for electricity like solar, wind, and hydel power, multinational companies are looking for professionals in power generation, making electrical engineering graduates relevant in the current changing dynamics.
Which Universities Offer Electrical Engineering and What Are the Fees?
Leading universities worldwide offer electrical engineering degrees, including MIT, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and the University of Melbourne. Fees vary widely by country and residency. For 2026, MIT's undergraduate tuition is about USD 66,720 per year, while Georgia Tech charges roughly USD 34,604 for out-of-state students, as published on their official pages.
Many renowned universities around the world offer a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, and students often continue with higher education such as a Master of Science in electrical engineering. After completing their course, graduates and postgraduates can be recruited by various multinational companies. The table below lists a sample of universities with tuition figures taken from their own official pages; always confirm the latest fees directly on each university's website.
| University 2026 | Programme | Annual Tuition (Official) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | BS in Electrical Science and Engineering | USD 66,720/yr (2026-27, full undergraduate tuition) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | BS in Electrical Engineering | USD 34,604/yr (2026-27, out-of-state tuition) |
Figures above are drawn from each university's official tuition pages. Fees at other institutions such as Stanford, the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the University of Nottingham differ by programme and residency, so check their official websites for current amounts before applying.
Explore Automobile Engineering as a careerRead →What Jobs and Roles Are Available After Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineers work far beyond circuits and wires, across power, construction, telecommunications, IT, automobile, defence, and aerospace sectors. Typical roles include telecommunication engineer, power engineer, control and instrumentation engineer, design engineer, and nuclear engineer. They design and maintain electrical equipment, supervise power grids, and drive research into cleaner power generation.
Electrical engineering is much more than circuits and wires. Electrical engineers are employed in the power industry, construction, telecommunications, architecture, IT, navigation, automobile, defence, and aerospace. They help maintain and supervise power grids and promote research and development of devices in electrical technology. Broadly, electrical engineering is required for the fields of power and telecommunication.
- Telecommunication Engineers: They work on the maintenance and design of wired cables and the production and maintenance of transceivers and receivers. The average salary ranges from about Rs. 4 lakhs initially to as much as Rs. 12 lakhs for experienced professionals.
- Power Engineers: They are generally involved in the transmission or generation of electricity, which is sought heavily in the automobile sector for the manufacturing, design, and maintenance of engines. The average salary of a power engineer is about Rs. 4 lakhs per annum.
- Operation, design, and manufacturing of electrical appliances in power plants, including electrical motors, industrial machinery, automobile ignition systems, and spacecraft.
- Analysis of the cost involved in the construction and manufacturing of electrical equipment.
- Research and development to improve the way electrical power is generated.
- Studying alternative technologies of power generation.
- Broadcast Engineer
- Control and Instrumentation Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Consultant
- Technical Sales
Which Companies Recruit Electrical Engineers?
Many leading companies recruit electrical engineers to build and maintain sustainable electrical systems. In India and abroad these include Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Siemens, ABB India, Havells India, Adani Power, Crompton Greaves, Jindal Steel and Power, Bajaj Electricals, Alstom India, General Electric, Larsen and Toubro, Tata Electric Companies, and Philips.
A lot of companies are always in search of electrical engineering professionals. As technology changes, the demand for sustainable electrical equipment grows, and many electrical engineers are recruited to research advanced wireless and telecommunication technologies. The various companies recruiting electrical engineers are as follows.
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
- Siemens
- ABB India Limited
- Havells India Limited
- Adani Power Limited
- Crompton Greaves
- Jindal Steel & Power Limited
- Bajaj Electricals Limited
- Alstom India Limited
- General Electric
- Larsen & Toubro
- Tata Electric Companies
- Philips