

B-TECH in Automobile Engineering at RK University


Rajkot, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Automobile Engineering at RK University Rajkot?
This Automobile Engineering program at RK University focuses on developing skilled professionals for the dynamic Indian automotive industry. It covers fundamental mechanical engineering principles along with specialized knowledge in vehicle design, manufacturing, dynamics, and control systems. The program emphasizes practical application and innovation, preparing students for roles in a sector experiencing rapid technological advancements like electric vehicles and smart mobility solutions, which are increasingly vital in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude in Physics, Mathematics, and an inherent passion for automotive technology and mechanical systems. It also caters to those eager to contribute to India''''s burgeoning manufacturing and automotive R&D sectors. Students aspiring to work with leading Indian and international automobile manufacturers, or contribute to sustainable transportation solutions, will find this curriculum highly relevant and rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Automotive Design Engineers, Production Engineers, Quality Control Engineers, R&D Engineers, and Vehicle Service Managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential reaching INR 10-20 lakhs or more for experienced professionals in leading companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and component manufacturers. The curriculum also prepares students for further specialization and entrepreneurial ventures in the automotive space.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Basic Mechanical/Electrical Engineering. Build a strong theoretical base, as these subjects form the bedrock for advanced automotive topics. Attend all lectures, actively participate in tutorials, and clarify doubts promptly.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Khan Academy, College library resources, Peer study groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
A solid foundation ensures understanding of complex engineering problems in later semesters, crucial for design and analysis roles in the automotive sector.
Develop Hands-on Workshop Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in Workshop Technology practical sessions. Learn basic fabrication, machining, fitting, and carpentry skills. This practical exposure builds familiarity with tools and materials, which is invaluable for understanding manufacturing processes.
Tools & Resources
College workshops, Technical skill development centers, Basic toolkits for home projects
Career Connection
Practical proficiency is highly valued in production, maintenance, and R&D roles, making graduates more industry-ready and competitive for internships and jobs.
Cultivate Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the Communication Skills course to improve written and oral communication. Participate in group discussions, seminars, and presentations. Effective communication is vital for teamwork, technical report writing, and job interviews in any engineering field.
Tools & Resources
Language labs, Toastmasters International clubs, Online communication courses, Practice with peers
Career Connection
Strong communication skills differentiate candidates during placements and are essential for effective collaboration and leadership in professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Master CAD and Solid Modeling Software- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate significant effort to mastering Solid Modeling and Engineering Drawing. Learn software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA. Practice designing and drafting various mechanical and automotive components.
Tools & Resources
Official software licenses, Online tutorials (YouTube, Coursera), College CAD labs, Design challenges
Career Connection
CAD proficiency is a non-negotiable skill for automotive design, R&D, and manufacturing engineering roles, directly impacting employability and project contributions.
Engage in Mini-Projects and Automotive Clubs- (Semester 4-5)
Apply theoretical knowledge by undertaking mini-projects, either individually or in teams. Join automotive clubs like SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) India collegiate chapters, participate in design competitions (e.g., Baja SAE, Formula Bharat), and build prototypes.
Tools & Resources
College fabrication labs, SAE student chapters, Online forums, Mentorship from seniors/faculty
Career Connection
Project experience demonstrates practical problem-solving, teamwork, and initiative, enhancing resumes for internships and entry-level positions in automotive companies.
Seek Early Industry Exposure through Internships/Workshops- (Semester 5)
Look for short-term internships or industrial workshops during semester breaks. Visit manufacturing plants or service centers to understand real-world automotive operations, supply chains, and safety protocols. Even observation-based experiences are valuable.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Local automotive service centers
Career Connection
Early exposure provides context to classroom learning, helps in career path selection, and builds a professional network, which can lead to future full-time opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Capstone Project- (Semester 7-8)
Choose a challenging final year project that aligns with your specialization interests (e.g., designing an electric vehicle component, optimizing engine performance, developing a vehicle control system). Focus on robust design, analysis, and prototyping, documenting every stage thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Advanced simulation software (ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink), College research labs, Industry mentors, Research papers
Career Connection
A strong capstone project is a powerful portfolio piece for job interviews, showcasing advanced technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to a specific automotive domain.
Intensify Placement Preparation and Skill Specialization- (Semester 7-8)
Dedicate time to prepare for campus placements, focusing on aptitude tests, technical interviews, and group discussions. Simultaneously, specialize in a niche area like vehicle dynamics, electric vehicles, or automotive electronics by taking relevant elective courses and certifications.
Tools & Resources
Placement training programs, Mock interviews, Online coding platforms, Industry certifications (e.g., in EV technology, ADAS)
Career Connection
Targeted preparation significantly increases the chances of securing preferred roles in top automotive companies, aligning skills with industry demand.
Network Proactively and Attend Industry Events- (Semester 6-8)
Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty. Attend automotive trade shows, conferences, and webinars (e.g., Auto Expo components show, EV India Expo). This helps in understanding market trends, identifying career opportunities, and building professional relationships.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry associations (ACMA, SIAM), University alumni network, Career fairs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job markets, mentorship opportunities, and insights that can guide career development beyond initial placements, fostering long-term professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of the Chemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Technical Vocational subject / Computer Science / Information Technology / Informatics Practices / Agriculture / Engineering Graphics / Business Studies. Obtained at least 45% marks (40% in case of candidates belonging to reserved category) in the above subjects taken together.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 177 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for theory subjects), External: 70% (for theory subjects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2110001 | Communication Skill | Humanities and Social Science | 3 | Fundamentals of communication, Reading skills, Writing skills, Listening skills, Speaking skills |
| 2110002 | Engineering Physics | Basic Science | 4 | Mechanics, Optics, Electromagnetism, Modern Physics, Semiconductor Physics, Quantum Mechanics |
| 2110003 | Engineering Chemistry | Basic Science | 4 | Water Technology, Fuels & Combustion, Polymers, Corrosion, Phase Rule & Engineering Materials |
| 2110004 | Engineering Mathematics-I | Basic Science | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Vector Calculus |
| 2110005 | Engineering Graphics | Engineering Science | 2 | Introduction to Engineering Graphics, Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Development of Surfaces |
| 2110006 | Computer Programming | Engineering Science | 3 | Introduction to Programming, Data Types and Operators, Control Structures, Functions, Arrays and Pointers, File Handling |
| 2110007 | Basic Civil Engineering | Engineering Science | 3 | Building Materials, Building Construction, Surveying, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering |
| 2110008 | Basic Mechanical Engineering | Engineering Science | 3 | Thermodynamics, Power Plants, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing Processes |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2120001 | Environment Studies | Engineering Science | 3 | Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
| 2120002 | Engineering Physics Lab | Basic Science | 1 | Experiments based on mechanics, Optics, Electricity, Modern Physics |
| 2120003 | Engineering Chemistry Lab | Basic Science | 1 | Experiments on water analysis, Fuel analysis, Polymer synthesis, Corrosion studies |
| 2120004 | Engineering Mathematics-II | Basic Science | 4 | Matrices, Vector Spaces, Eigenvalues, Complex Numbers, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series |
| 2120005 | Workshop Technology | Engineering Science | 2 | Fitting, Carpentry, Welding, Foundry, Machining Processes |
| 2120006 | Elements of Electrical Engineering | Engineering Science | 3 | DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Transformers, DC Machines, AC Machines |
| 2120007 | Elements of Electronics Engineering | Engineering Science | 3 | Semiconductor Diodes, Transistors, Rectifiers, Amplifiers, Digital Electronics |
| 2120008 | Principles of Economics | Humanities and Social Science | 3 | Introduction to Economics, Demand and Supply, Market Structures, Macroeconomics, National Income, Inflation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2130001 | Engineering Mathematics III | Basic Science | 4 | Numerical Methods, Special Functions, Probability and Statistics, Complex Analysis, Transform Techniques |
| 2131001 | Machine Design & Drawing | Program Core | 4 | Design principles, Stress analysis, Design of machine elements (shafts, keys, couplings), Gears, Machine drawing |
| 2131002 | Thermodynamics | Program Core | 4 | Basic concepts of Thermodynamics, Laws of Thermodynamics, Entropy, Pure Substances, Power Cycles |
| 2131003 | Strength of Material | Program Core | 4 | Stress and Strain, Bending moments, Shear forces, Torsion, Columns and Struts, Strain Energy |
| 2131004 | Manufacturing Process | Program Core | 4 | Casting, Forming, Machining, Welding, Surface Finishing |
| 2131005 | Solid Modeling | Engineering Science | 2 | CAD software introduction, 2D sketching, 3D part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drafting |
| 2130002 | Universal Human Values | Humanities and Social Science | 2 | Self-exploration, Human values, Harmony in relationships, Society, Nature |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2140001 | Automobile Engineering Drawing | Program Core | 2 | Engine components drawing, Chassis components drawing, Transmission system drawing, Vehicle layout |
| 2141001 | Fluid Mechanics & Machinery | Program Core | 4 | Fluid properties, Fluid kinematics, Fluid dynamics, Flow through pipes, Hydraulic machines (pumps, turbines) |
| 2141002 | Theory of Machine | Program Core | 4 | Kinematics of machines, Mechanisms, Cams, Gears, Flywheel, Balancing |
| 2141003 | Heat and Mass Transfer | Program Core | 4 | Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Heat exchangers, Mass transfer operations |
| 2141004 | Industrial Engineering | Program Core | 3 | Work study, Method study, Time study, Plant layout, Quality control, Inventory management |
| 2141005 | Engineering Metallurgy | Program Core | 4 | Crystal structures, Phase diagrams, Heat treatment, Ferrous metals, Non-ferrous metals, Mechanical properties |
| 2140002 | Constitution of India | Humanities and Social Science | 2 | Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union and State Government, Judiciary |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2150001 | Professional Ethics | Humanities and Social Science | 2 | Ethics in engineering, Professional responsibility, Ethical theories, Corporate social responsibility |
| 2151001 | Internal Combustion Engine | Program Core | 4 | Engine cycles, Combustion in SI and CI engines, Fuel systems, Lubrication, Cooling systems, Performance |
| 2151002 | Machine Vibrations | Program Core | 4 | Free vibration, Forced vibration, Damping, Multi-degree of freedom systems, Vibration isolation |
| 2151003 | Automotive Systems | Program Core | 4 | Chassis, Suspension system, Steering system, Braking system, Wheels and tires, Vehicle dynamics |
| 2151004 | Metrology & Instrumentation | Program Core | 4 | Limits, Fits and Tolerances, Linear and Angular measurement, Surface finish measurement, Transducers |
| 2151005 | Advanced Manufacturing Processes | Program Elective-I | 3 | Non-traditional machining, Rapid prototyping, Additive manufacturing, Advanced welding, Micro-machining |
| 2151006 | Automobile Body Engineering (Elective-I Option) | Program Elective-I | 3 | Vehicle body structure, Aerodynamics, Ergonomics, Safety, Body materials, Manufacturing of body components |
| 2151007 | Composite Materials (Elective-I Option) | Program Elective-I | 3 | Composite material types, Manufacturing processes, Mechanical properties, Applications |
| 2151008 | Engineering Project-I | Project | 2 | Problem identification, Literature review, Methodology, Project planning, Report writing, Presentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2160001 | Entrepreneurship Development | Humanities and Social Science | 2 | Entrepreneurship concepts, Business plan, Market analysis, Financial management, Legal aspects, Funding |
| 2161001 | Vehicle Dynamics | Program Core | 4 | Longitudinal dynamics, Lateral dynamics, Vertical dynamics, Ride comfort, Handling |
| 2161002 | Automobile Component Design | Program Core | 4 | Design of engine components, Transmission components, Brake system components, Steering components |
| 2161003 | Automotive Pollution & Control | Program Core | 4 | Emissions from IC engines, Pollutant formation, Emission standards, Control technologies, Alternative fuels |
| 2161004 | CAD/CAM (Elective-II Option) | Program Elective-II | 3 | CAD modeling, CAM software, CNC machining, CMM, Reverse engineering |
| 2161005 | Mechatronics (Elective-II Option) | Program Elective-II | 3 | Sensors, Actuators, Microcontrollers, PLC, System integration, Robotics |
| 2161006 | Vehicle Maintenance (Elective-II Option) | Program Elective-II | 3 | Scheduled maintenance, Troubleshooting, Engine overhauling, Electrical systems maintenance |
| 2161007 | Engineering Project-II | Project | 2 | Project execution, Data analysis, Results and discussion, Report refinement, Presentation |
| 2161008 | Summer Internship | Internship | 2 | Industry exposure, Practical skills, Professional communication, Report writing |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2170001 | Intellectual Property Rights | Humanities and Social Science | 2 | Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Industrial designs, Geographical indications, IP management |
| 2171001 | Vehicle Body Engineering | Program Core | 4 | Vehicle structure, Safety, Ergonomics, Aerodynamics, Body materials, Manufacturing processes |
| 2171002 | Hybrid and Electric Vehicles | Program Core | 4 | Electric vehicle components, Hybrid vehicle configurations, Energy storage, Charging, Performance |
| 2171003 | Automotive Safety (Elective-III Option) | Program Elective-III | 3 | Active safety systems, Passive safety systems, Crashworthiness, Vehicle testing |
| 2171004 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics (Elective-III Option) | Program Elective-III | 3 | Compressible flow, Boundary layer theory, Turbulence, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) |
| 2171005 | Robotics (Elective-III Option) | Program Elective-III | 3 | Robot kinematics, Robot dynamics, Sensors and actuators, Robot control, Industrial applications |
| OPEN ELECTIVE-I | Open Elective-I | Open Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on chosen elective from university-wide options |
| 2171006 | Project-I | Project | 6 | Research methodology, Design and analysis, Implementation, Testing and evaluation, Technical report |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2180001 | Management & Marketing | Humanities and Social Science | 2 | Principles of management, Organizational structures, Marketing concepts, Market research, Product life cycle |
| 2181001 | Transport Management (Elective-IV Option) | Program Elective-IV | 3 | Transportation planning, Fleet management, Logistics, Supply chain, Vehicle scheduling |
| 2181002 | Vehicle Aerodynamics (Elective-IV Option) | Program Elective-IV | 3 | Aerodynamic forces, Drag and lift, Flow separation, Wind tunnel testing, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) |
| 2181003 | Vehicle Body Design (Elective-IV Option) | Program Elective-IV | 3 | Conceptual design, Styling, Structural analysis, Crash energy management |
| OPEN ELECTIVE-II | Open Elective-II | Open Elective | 3 | Topics vary based on chosen elective from university-wide options |
| 2181004 | Project-II | Project | 10 | Advanced research, Prototype development, Experimental validation, Comprehensive report, Oral defense |




