Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, College of Engineering Chennai B.Tech Automobile Engineering: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. Yes, the B.Tech Automobile Engineering programme at BIHER is NBA (National Board of Accreditation) accredited. NBA accreditation is awarded by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and signifies that the programme meets defined quality standards in terms of curriculum, faculty, infrastructure, and outcomes. For students, NBA accreditation matters because it is recognised by employers and higher education institutions as a quality benchmark. It is also required for certain government job applications and is valued by foreign universities for credit transfer and MS admissions. Students should verify the current accreditation status at the time of admission, as NBA accreditation is renewed periodically.

Ans. India's EV sector is growing rapidly, with government targets for EV adoption and major investments by Tata Motors, Mahindra, Ola Electric, and global OEMs. BIHER's Automobile Engineering curriculum specifically includes Electric Vehicle technology as a Programme Specific Outcome (PSO), covering EV design, reduced carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and EV component manufacturing. The department has also developed 5 Electric Vehicles in-house, giving students practical EV development exposure. Graduates can pursue roles in EV design, battery management systems, powertrain engineering, and EV manufacturing, which are among the fastest-growing job categories in the automotive sector.

Ans. The School of Mechanical Engineering at BIHER has an industry expert from Ashok Leyland on its Board of Studies, and the department maintains industry connections for internships and placements. Core automotive companies that have engaged with BIHER students include Ashok Leyland and other automotive OEMs and component manufacturers in the Chennai automotive corridor (Chennai is home to Ford, Hyundai, BMW, Renault-Nissan, and numerous Tier-1 suppliers). However, like most private universities, a portion of Automobile Engineering graduates also get placed in IT and manufacturing IT roles. Students targeting core automotive roles are advised to pursue internships at automotive companies during their 3rd and 4th years.

Ans. Both programmes are offered under the same School of Mechanical Engineering at BIHER and carry the same fee of Rs. 2,00,000 per annum. Mechanical Engineering is a broader programme covering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and machine design, applicable across multiple industries. Automobile Engineering is a specialised programme focused specifically on vehicle systems, automotive design, IC engines, transmission, and EV technology. For students specifically targeting the automotive industry, Automobile Engineering provides more focused and directly applicable knowledge. However, Mechanical Engineering graduates are also eligible for automotive roles and have broader career options across manufacturing, energy, and other sectors.

Ans. The School of Mechanical Engineering at BIHER has received research funding worth over Rs. 5 Crores from DST, AICTE, MSME, and SERB for research in areas including IC engine performance, advanced composite materials, vehicle dynamics, and energy engineering. The department has a state-of-the-art 3D Printing Facility and has developed 5 Electric Vehicles in-house. Students can participate in funded research projects, contribute to EV development, and use the 3D printing facility for prototyping. The department also organises technical workshops and guest lectures from industry experts. Students interested in research can pursue PhD programmes in Mechanical/Automobile Engineering after completing their B.Tech.

Ans. Yes, BIHER B.Tech Automobile Engineering graduates are eligible to appear for GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) in the Mechanical Engineering paper, as Automobile Engineering is a sub-discipline of Mechanical Engineering. A good GATE score opens doors to M.Tech admissions at IITs and NITs in Automobile Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or Machine Design. It also enables PSU recruitment at organisations like BHEL, ONGC, IOCL, and defence PSUs. For automotive-specific roles, GATE scores are accepted by some automotive R&D organisations. Students are advised to start GATE preparation from the 3rd year, focusing on core subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, and manufacturing.