Did you complete your class 12 finals? If so, the next step is choosing a career path. For most students, it is tough to choose from a wide range of career paths.
Having a background in science will open up different avenues, and the popular one is electrical engineering. Studying subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics will enable you to pursue this field.
With a strong knowledge and determination in designing, building, and testing electrical systems, you can find your way as an electrical engineer.
But the question of career prospects and financial growth in electrical engineering persists. If you’re someone who takes an interest in knowing about the scope of electrical engineering, then you’ve come to the right place.
From this blog, you will gain insights into the field and its career benefits. Furthermore, it will inform you about its prospects and the salary structure.
Key takeaways
To shape a career in electrical engineering, having insights into its programs and job prospects is essential. The following are the key aspects of electrical engineering:
- Electrical Engineering is a 4–year degree program that is popular in India.
- The core areas of specialisation in the field are power systems engineering, automation and control systems, renewable energy, and electronics and communication engineering.
- Having strong communication skills and basic knowledge of electrical systems can help you advance your career in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and the Middle East.
- Electrical Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, and Technical Assistant are popular career options in the government and private sectors.
- The average salary for individuals in the field ranges from INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA (entry-level).
What is Electrical Engineering?
Knowing what the scope of electrical engineering is can help you decide whether or not to make it a career choice. Before understanding its growth and job prospects, let’s first understand what electrical engineering is.
It is a field that focuses on the design and application of systems. Additionally, the discipline studies the use of devices and equipment, including those that use electricity and electromagnetism.
Electrical engineering is a broad discipline that ranges from tiny microchips to large power systems. By applying these systems, electrical engineers can drive innovation in modern technology. Such technologies include:
- Renewable energy
- Smartphones
- Communication networks
- Power generation
Benefits of Choosing Electrical Engineering as a Career in 2026
With a clear understanding of the discipline, students can explore the scope of electrical engineering and its benefits. The field enables the design, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment.
Using these roles, aspiring electrical engineers can influence modern technologies. These range from domestic devices and machines useful for energy infrastructure to those that are. As there is a dire need for electrical systems everywhere, the field offers a myriad of benefits:
- You can find a promising future in electrical engineering across data centres, construction, and the power domain. It thus makes electrical engineering a versatile field.
- The growth of electric vehicles and the solar energy market is driving demand for electrical engineers.
- Pursuing a course in electrical engineering can lay the foundation for research and innovation.
- Working as an electrical engineer can offer you a lucrative salary, especially in multinational corporations.
What are the Specialisations in Electrical Engineering?
As you know, electrical engineering is a vast field; to make a prosperous career, you should focus on its subsets. Ensure that the sub-field you choose from the massive discipline aligns with your interests.
The following are the specialisations in electrical engineering for you to consider:
- Power Systems Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Automation and Control Systems
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Renewable Energy
Scope of Electrical Engineering in India
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size | Electrical equipment industry: >USD 60B (FY2023); Manufacturing sector projected at USD 72B (2025) |
| Projected Market Size | Electrical equipment industry: USD 130B by 2030; Incremental growth of USD 76.24B (FY24–FY28) |
| CAGR | Past 5 years: 8%; Electrical equipment market: 14.3% (FY24–FY28); Smart grid market: >26% (2025–2033) |
| Industry Growth Estimates | Annual job growth: 7–12%; ~19,000 annual openings (2023–2033); >2.2M current jobs in sector |
| Key Growth Drivers | EV expansion (2M units FY2025), smart grids, renewables, infrastructure (Smart Cities), manufacturing, telecom, automation |
| Technological Trends | Electric vehicles/charging, smart grids/energy management, renewables/IoT, AI/ML in power systems, 5G/automation |
| Government Support | Make in India (₹500Cr boost), PLI schemes, National Electrical Code 2023, Budget 2025 solar funding (₹1,500Cr), skilling centers, nuclear/renewable reforms |
India has a strong presence in engineering, and more professionals are choosing the field to pursue opportunities in government and private industries.
Electrical engineering, being an important part of the discipline, also offers opportunities to individuals in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and core telecommunication companies.
With the booming demand for electrical engineers in designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems, you can find opportunities in:
- Research & Development
- Consumer electronics
- Automation
- Transmission
- Green Technology
Top Career Options in Electrical Engineering
The application of electrical engineering principles can broaden your scope and opportunities. From research and development to roles in machine manufacturing, there are endless career options after electrical engineering.
Some of the popular choices are as follows:
| Job Role | Description | Skills | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | Designs, develops, and maintains electrical systems and equipment. | System troubleshooting and circuit design. | INR 5 LPA- INR 8 LPA |
| Telecommunications Engineer | Designing and managing communication systems and networks. | Hardware management and network design. | INR 7 LPA- INR 12 LPA |
| Power Systems Engineer | Ensures power generation, transmission, and distribution. | Circuit design and signal processing. | INR 7 LPA- INR 12 LPA |
| Control Systems Engineer | Focuses on systems, machine control, and processing in robotics and automation. | System control, automation, and programming. | INR 7 LPA- INR 12 LPA |
| Instrumentation Engineer | Designs and maintains devices for measuring, controlling, and industrial processes. | Systems analysis and instrument calibration. | INR 5 LPA- INR 8 LPA |
Scope of Electrical Engineering in the Government Sector
Wondering about the career scope of engineering in the government sector? Well, students passionate about applying their knowledge of electronics and electromagnetism can pursue careers in electrical engineering.
The field allows you to work on electrical systems: from minute processors to humongous machines in R&D organisations, PSUs, and railways. The core job roles that you can find in the public domain include:
| Job Roles | Responsibilities | Eligibility | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Electrical Engineer | Plans, designs, and maintains electrical systems for public undertakings. | To have a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. | INR 4.2 LPA |
| Power Engineer | Designs, builds, and operates electrical systems, ensuring compliance with industrial standards. | A Bachelor’s in Technology (B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering. | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Technical Assistant | Supports senior engineers to support, install, and manage electrical systems. | Passing the 10+2 examination with the science stream. | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Executive Electrical Engineer | Designs, manages, implements, and maintains electrical systems for public infrastructure. | Qualifying 10+2 examination with science subjects: physics, chemistry, and mathematics. | INR 6.2 LPA |
| Renewable Energy Engineer | Designs, manages, and implements clean energy projects. | Having an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering. | INR 4.5 LPA |
Scope of Electrical Engineering in the Private Sector
| Job Roles | Responsibilities | Required Skills | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrumentation Engineer | Focuses on the design and development of systems in control and processing industries | Instrument calibration and systems analysis. | INR 6 LPA |
| Broadcast Engineer | Designs, installs, maintains, and troubleshoots technical systems for TV, radio, and online media. | Troubleshooting systems and knowledge of electronic circuits. | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Signal Processing Engineer | Designing, developing, and implementing algorithms to enhance signals. | Evaluating complex systems and algorithm design. | INR 8 LPA |
| Embedded Systems Engineer | Designs, builds, and tests specialised hardware and software for devices. | Co-designing hardware/software and resolving technical challenges. | INR 6.8 LPA |
| Power Electronics Engineer | Ensures the design, testing, and stimulation of electrical systems. | Collaborating with other engineers and solving technical problems. | INR 6.6 LPA |
Scope of Electrical Engineering in Different Industries
Knowing electrical engineering can offer growth prospects in different industries. From power and energy to industrial manufacturing, there are numerous areas where the scope of electrical engineering is flourishing.
Depending on your interests, you can explore the following career options across industries:
| Industry | Career Options |
|---|---|
| Power & Energy | Power Systems Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer. |
| Renewable Energy & Sustainable Infrastructure | Grid Integration Engineer, Energy Storage Engineer. |
| Manufacturing and automation | Automation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Robotics Engineer. |
| Telecommunications & Networking | Telecommunications Engineer, Network Engineer. |
| Automotive & Transportation | Autonomous Driving Engineer and Charging Infrastructure Engineer. |
| Industrial Manufacturing | Control Systems Engineer, Power Distribution Engineer. |
| Aerospace and defence | Systems Engineer, Avionics Engineer. |
| Research & Development | Semiconductor Designer, Solar Systems Developer. |
| Construction & Infrastructure | Site Engineer, Controls Engineer. |
| Medical Devices & Healthcare | Automation Specialist, Imaging Systems Engineer. |
Scope of Electrical Engineering Abroad
The growth in technology influences large infrastructure. It is through the integration of minute, large, and smart electrical systems that businesses succeed. It is true on a global scale. As a result, there is a growing demand for electrical engineers abroad.
From conducting research in laboratories to designing power systems, various countries offer extensive opportunities for students. Some of them are as follows:
- Canada: The flourishing tech industry and green energy invite aspiring professionals to work in the country.
- Australia: Expansion of large-scale infrastructure projects creates job prospects for students with electrical engineering.
- Germany: Known for renewable energy and automation, you can explore the automotive sector to design EVs and other systems.
- USA: Provides job opportunities in power distribution and smart grid technology.
- UK: The growing telecommunications and power systems encourage students to explore the R&D sector in electrical engineering.
- Middle East: With mega construction projects, the demand for designing more electrical systems is also skyrocketing.
- New Zealand: Students can seek opportunities in general engineering services in the country.
Electrical Engineering Salary: Complete Breakdown
After finding out the career prospects in electrical engineering, learning about the salary can help you make a decision. The profession overall offers lucrative packages depending on the experience levels and specialisation.
Here, we have outlined the electrical engineering scope and salary by experience and specialisation.
1. Freshers
They are students fresh out of college with 0-1 years of experience. The salary package they receive is usually between INR 3 LPA and INR 4 LPA.
2. Mid-level
Individuals with over 3 to 10 years of experience in electrical engineering can earn INR 3.5 LPA to INR 7.5 LPA.
3. Senior
A person with over 10 or 15 years of experience in the electrical engineering field will get a salary package of INR 10 LPA and beyond.
4. Specialisation
The salaries vary in terms of specialisation in electrical engineering. For instance, as a Chief Engineer in renewable energy/power electronics, you can earn between INR 7 LPA and INR 10 LPA.
Top Recruiters for Electrical Engineering in India
Knowing the salary breakdown of electrical engineering will stimulate an interest in finding opportunities in the field. To exercise your skills in designing and testing electrical systems, you would want to explore electrical engineering career options in top companies.
The following are the top recruiters providing endless opportunities to aspiring professionals:
- Sterling
- Wipro
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- Philips
- Tata Electric Companies
- Crompton Greaves
- Havells India Limited
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Jindal Steel & Power Limited
- Siemens
| Company | Industry / Sector | Key Roles for Electrical Engineers |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling & Wilson | EPC, Renewable & Electrical Infrastructure | Electrical Engineer, Electrical Technician, Project Engineer, Graduate Engineer Trainee, Maintenance roles |
| Wipro | IT Services & Engineering Solutions | Electrical & Electronics Support roles, System Integration, Hardware/Network support |
| Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) | PSU – Power Equipment & Energy Sector | Design Engineer, Project Engineer, Control/Instrumentation, Power Systems |
| Philips India | Electronics & Healthcare Technology | Electrical/Electronics Design Engineer, Product Development, R&D |
| Tata Electric Companies (e.g., Tata Power) | Power Generation & Distribution | Electrical Engineer, Power Systems, Substation Engineer, Project Engineer |
| Crompton Greaves | Electrical Equipment Manufacturing | Design & Development, Testing & Commissioning, Product Engineering |
| Havells India Limited | Electrical Consumer & Industrial Products | Electrical Design, Product Testing, Field/Project Engineering |
| Larsen & Toubro (L&T) | Engineering & Construction | Power Systems, Electrical Design, Project Execution, Maintenance |
| Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL) | Steel & Power | Electrical Maintenance, Power Plant Systems, Project Engineering |
| Siemens India | Engineering, Automation & Power Tech | Electrical Design, Automation, Control Systems, Project Engineer |
Education Pathways/Programs for Electrical Engineering
Getting into the top companies as an electrical engineer is a dream for many. Through relevant education programs, you can learn the core aspects and skills of electrical engineering. From vocational programs to academic degree courses, there is a wide range of paths in the field.
1. Diploma in Electrical Engineering
The two-to three-year diploma can provide job-ready skills for entry-level positions. With the roles of maintenance engineers and electrical technicians, you can ensure a vast scope of diplomas in electrical engineering.
2. Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering
It is a typical four-year undergraduate path for a professional electrical engineer. With an expansive B.Tech in electrical engineering, you can gain theoretical and practical insights into core subjects such as power systems, circuit analysis, and electromagnetism.
3. Master of Science (M.Sc) or Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Electrical Engineering
After a B.Tech, students who want to pursue higher studies can enrol in a 2-year M.Tech or M.Sc program. It will delve into advanced topics in circuit analysis, power systems, and electromagnetism.
What are the Entrance Exams for Electrical Engineering?
Like any other engineering field, even for electrical engineering students, there should be entrance exams. These exams will allow admission to the country’s notable institutions. They are as follows:
- JEE Main: The Joint Entrance Examination Main is a marker for the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs).
- JEE Advanced: Once you clear JEE Main, you can appear for JEE Advanced. Clearing the exam will confirm your position in the prestigious institutions for electrical engineering, including IITs.
Best Institutions to Study Electrical Engineering in India
With an understanding of the entrance exams, it’s time to learn about electrical engineering institutions in India. Most people consider the scope of electrical engineering from IIT to be promising.
The foundational knowledge in electrical systems and electromagnetism that these institutions provide shapes the future of the students. Besides, IITs, India is also a hub for various private colleges in the vast field.
The following are the best institutes that make individuals future-ready for electrical engineering:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
- National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal
- Delhi Technology University (DTU)
- Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala
| Name | Type | Programs Offered (EE) | Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay | Public (IIT) | B.Tech / M.Tech / Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and related specializations (e.g., power systems, signal processing). IIT Bombay has a strong global research footprint and is highly reputed nationwide in EE. | • UG: JEE Advanced rank via JoSAA counselling. • PG: GATE score + institute selection. • Ph.D.: Institute entrance/interview and research proposal. |
| Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur | Public (IIT) | B.Tech / M.Tech / Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with multiple specialisations. Well-known for core EE research and industry links. | • UG: JEE Advanced rank via JoSAA. • PG: GATE + departmental criteria (e.g., CPI thresholds). • Ph.D.: Written/Interview as per department rules. |
| National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal | Public (NIT) | B.Tech / M.Tech / Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE/EE). Offers core power, control, systems and related EE streams. | • UG: JEE Main rank via JoSAA counselling. • PG: GATE score for admission + institute counselling. • Ph.D.: Institute entrance/interview based on research area. |
| Delhi Technological University (DTU) | Public State University | • B.Tech in Electrical Engineering (4-year). • M.Tech (various EE specialisations) like Control & Instrumentation, Power Systems, Power Electronics & Systems. • Ph.D. research in EE areas. | • UG: JEE Main rank through JAC Delhi counselling. • PG: GATE score + department selection. • Ph.D.: Entrance/interview processes. |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), Patiala | Private Deemed University | • B.Tech in Electrical Engineering (including core EE subjects like power, signal systems). • M.Tech / Ph.D. in EE and related areas. | • UG: JEE Main rank + institute cutoff (varies by category). • PG: GATE or institute test/criteria. • Ph.D.: Application + interview as per department norms. |
What are the Core Subjects of Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is a vast field, encompassing different subjects. They range from electrical machines to microprocessors. Studying in any of the reputed institutions in India will offer foundational and advanced knowledge in the following core subjects:
- Electrical machines: Focuses on energy conversion in electrochemical systems.
- Signals and systems: Ensures knowledge of signal theory, analysis, and properties.
- Power systems: Students will gain hands-on experience in power systems, including transmission and distribution systems.
- Control systems: Focuses on the basics of analysis, modelling, and responses of these systems in continuous and discrete data.
- Microprocessors: The subject provides an in-depth understanding of the architecture and programming of 8-bit microprocessor chips.
Electrical Engineering Fee Structure
When you plan to study electrical engineering from a reputed institute, understanding the fee structure is paramount. Usually, the course fee varies depending on the type of institute you’re enrolling in.
For instance, government colleges, including IITs and NITs, offer undergraduate engineering programs around INR 50,000 to INR 2.5 Lakhs. Furthermore, they assure meritorious students with scholarships and fee waivers.
Private and deemed universities, on the other hand, have significantly higher course fees. It ranges between INR 1.5 Lakhs and INR 4 Lakhs.
Emerging Trends & Growth in Electrical Engineering
There is considerable scope for electrical engineering in the coming years. The field is experiencing rapid growth across renewable energy, electronics, power systems, and automation.
As the world is transitioning towards smart technologies, certain trends are also emerging in the areas that electrical engineering serves. These trends include:
- Artificial intelligence in designing smart homes and sensor networks.
- Battery management and charging infrastructure in electric vehicles.
- Use of green energy in creating solar and wind systems.
- Expansion of space technology to design communication and control systems.
- Integration of electrical engineering in robotics and automation.
Essential Skills to Make a Successful Career in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacturing of electrical equipment. To ensure you fulfill these responsibilities effectively, you should have a specific skill set.
These involve both soft and technical skills, which are as follows:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Communication abilities
- Creative thinking
- Proficiency in C, Java, and C++ languages
- Electronic troubleshooting
- Core circuit knowledge
Explore Electrical Engineering Job Opportunities with Career Planner
The surge in smart cities and infrastructure creates a promising scope for electrical engineering. In both higher education and employment, the field can open various paths.
From working in industrial manufacturing to innovating in aerospace and renewable energy, electrical engineering can lead to success. And that involves rising salaries and positions.
With so many specialisations, choosing an option can be difficult. For that reason, you can enrol in the biggest education fair in the country.
At Career Planner, we plan a one-of-a-kind education fair where you connect with academic experts and recruiters. While you want to explore career options in electrical engineering, talking to these experts will help you understand your passion.
As you begin to understand your interests and passions, it becomes easier to choose among core areas of electrical engineering, such as power systems, AI, and more.
Be a part of our educational community to kickstart your career in electrical engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is electrical engineering a good career?
Yes, electrical engineering is an immense career option. Its demand in technology, smart cities, and green energy promotes the growth of professionals.
2. What do Electrical engineers do?
The career scope for an electrical engineer is quite promising. Their roles include designing, developing, testing, and maintaining the manufacturing of electrical equipment and systems. They apply the principles of electromagnetism and electricity to create tiny circuits, major home appliances, and so on.
3. Are electrical engineers in demand?
Yes, the demand for electrical engineers is very high in India and abroad. Their importance is growing in sectors such as smart grids, electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and AI.
4. Will AI replace electrical engineers?
No, AI is not going to replace electrical engineers. In fact, the future scope of electrical engineering will involve using AI to perform repetitive, rule-based tasks.
5. Which is better, ECE or EE?
ECE stands for Electronics & Communication Engineering, and EE stands for Electrical Engineering. Between these two fields, both are quite rewarding, depending on your interests and skills.
For instance, if learning about modern electronics is your passion, ECE is a good career choice. But if you want to have in-depth knowledge of large-scale power and motor systems, EE is a better career option.
6. What is the difference between Electrical Engineering and Electronics Engineering?
Electrical engineering deals with heavy machinery and large-scale power systems. On the other hand, electronics engineering is a subset of the field that deals with small-scale devices.
7. What are the challenges in an electrical engineering career?
The challenges in an electrical engineering career include the constant evolution of technology. Furthermore, the field experiences complex project management under tight deadlines and budget constraints.
8. Which job is best for an electrical engineer?
Electrical engineers are responsible for dealing with minute electronics and large-scale power systems. The best job for the profession highly depends on individual interests.
With varying electrical engineering job scopes, the options for such professions would include robotics and automation engineers, power systems engineers, and control systems engineers.
9. Do electrical engineers earn good money?
Yes, electrical engineers earn good money. Their scope of electrical engineering, in terms of salaries, also increases as they earn their undergraduate degree. It allows them to apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-life problems in electrical systems.
