Chitkara Institute of Engineering and Technology Chandigarh Bachelor of Engineering [BE] (Automobile Engineering with ARAI): Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The BE Automobile Engineering at Chitkara University has a distinctive two-phase structure. In the first 2.5 years (5 semesters), students study on campus at Chitkara University's Punjab campus, covering core engineering fundamentals and EV/HEV-specific subjects. In the final 1.5 years (3 semesters), students move to ARAI Academy in Pune, where they receive hands-on training in vehicle testing, homologation, R&D, and project work. The final two semesters are dedicated to project work either at ARAI Academy or with an automobile company. This structure ensures that graduates have both strong theoretical foundations and real-world industry experience before they graduate.

Ans. During the 1.5-year training period at ARAI Academy, Pune, students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. ARAI Academy provides guidance on accommodation options in the Pune area. The programme fee of Rs. 8,50,000 covers the entire 4-year course including the ARAI training period, but accommodation costs in Pune are separate and not included in the university fee. Students should budget for accommodation and living expenses in Pune, which can range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Students are advised to contact the university admissions office for the latest information on accommodation support at ARAI.

Ans. The programme is specifically designed to prepare graduates for the rapidly growing EV and HEV sector. Career opportunities include roles such as EV Design Engineer, Battery Design Engineer, Vehicle Testing and Homologation Engineer, Hybrid and EV Design Engineer, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Specialist, Automotive Safety Engineer, and Research and Product Development Engineer. Top recruiters for Automobile Engineering graduates include Tata Motors, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Honda, Hyundai, Ashok Leyland, Apollo Tyres, MRF, Siemens, and JSW Group. With India's push towards electric mobility under the FAME scheme and the growing global EV market, demand for graduates with EV/HEV expertise is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.

Ans. JEE Main 2026 is mandatory for candidates applying under Option 1 (60% aggregate in PCM in Class XII). However, no fixed JEE Main cutoff score is declared by Chitkara University; admission is based on the All India Rank (AIR) and seat availability. Candidates with 70% or above in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class XII can apply under Option 2 (direct merit route) without a JEE Main score. Since admissions are on a rolling basis and seats are limited, candidates are advised to apply early. The counselling schedule is displayed on the university website after JEE Main results are declared.

Ans. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) is the Government of India's notified testing and certification agency for the automotive sector, accredited by NABL and certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001. The collaboration gives students direct access to ARAI's testing labs, expert mentors, and real-world automotive R&D projects. Graduates with ARAI training are highly valued by automobile manufacturers, as they have hands-on experience with vehicle testing, certification, and EV/HEV systems. The programme's industry-driven curriculum and ARAI's network of 300+ automotive OEM clients provide strong placement pathways for graduates in both Indian and global automotive companies.

Ans. No, the BE Automobile Engineering programme requires Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class XII. Students who have not studied Mathematics in Class XII are not eligible for this programme. This is a standard AICTE requirement for all undergraduate engineering programmes. Students must also meet the minimum aggregate criteria: 60% in PCM (for JEE Main route) or 70% in PCM (for direct merit route). Students from state boards, CBSE, ISC, IB, or Cambridge A-Level are all eligible, provided they meet the subject and percentage requirements.