Chapter 31: Engineering and Technology – Alternative Routes

Introduction

The professional organisations, variously called Societies, Associations, Institutes, Institutions are established by professionals working in different disciplines with the objectives of, among other, promoting and advancing knowledge in their respective areas, improving educational and professional standards and enforcement of professional ethics. Such organisations in the field of engineering and technology also conduct examinations for augmenting the qualified manpower resources. It had been a common practice in Great Britain for the professional organisations, under the Royal Charter, to conduct examinations in various branches of engineering and technology.

The qualifications thus acquired were widely accepted as legitimate ones for employment and undertaking professional practice. The first such professional body in India is the Institutions of Mechanical Engineers (India) established in 1914. This was followed by the founding, in 1920, of a broad-based organisation, the Institution of Engineers (India), the most visible one among the professional bodies. At present there are about 14 professional societies and institutions which conduct examinations in different branches of engineering and technology. (See Annexure 1). Students can pursue the courses offered by then according to their own convenience through self-study, as an alternative route for acquiring educational qualifications equivalent to university degrees in engineering and technology.

A pre-requisite for appearing in the examinations is enrolment as a member (generally called Student Member) of the concerned institution. The rule for admission to student membership and thereafter, graduating to associate membership and finally to full membership vary from institution to institution. Some institutions prescribe practical experience in the related field as an essential requirement, while in some others membership has to be sponsored by a “Corporate Member” of the Institution. Some institutions have prescribed that a candidate can appear in the examination only after a gap of a specified period after enrolment. The minimum age of entry as student members is also specified.

The qualification requirements for appearing in examinations also vary. At least two institutions, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (India) and the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, have prescribed a pass in Class 10 examination with a science subject for appearing in the diploma level examinations. This is also the eligibility requirement for admission to diploma courses in polytechnics. Students who qualify in the diploma level examination can then prepare for the degree level examinations.

The Institution of Engineers (India) for a long time has a similar provision which has been withdrawn since 1999. Eligibility requirement for appearing in its first level examination (Section A – Non-diploma Stream) is a pass in Class 10+2 examination with science subjects. The Aeronautical Society of India has also prescribed the same qualification for its first level (Section A) examination. The qualification requirement for the examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers is a degree or a diploma. A degree in civil engineering or architecture or a Master’s degree is necessary for appearing in the examinations of the Institute of Town Planners, India.

Examinations for all levels are conducted in parts (generally two). Candidates can clear all the papers in each part in more than one sitting as specified by the institution. Appearing in subsequent parts is generally permitted if the specified number of papers in the preceding one is cleared. The maximum number of years they can take to clear all the papers is also specified in the rules. Candidates possessing higher qualification are generally exempted from appearing in some subjects or even one part altogether. For example, in Part 1 Examination of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineering, science graduates with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are exempted from all the three. Candidates possessing a degree in engineers in any branch can appear directly in the Section B Examination.

Each paper generally carries 100 marks. Minimum marks for passing in most of the examinations are 50. Students passing in all the papers and fulfilling several other requirements specified in the rules of the institutions (for example, acquiring practical experience), are designated as Associate Members of the concerned institution. The abbreviated forms such as AIME (Associate Member of Institute of Engineers), AMAeSI (Associate Member of Aeronautical Society of India) can be used after the names indicating the designation and qualification. After acquiring experience for the specified period, Associate Members are accorded full membership, e.g., MIE (Member of Institution of Engineers).

The Associate Memberships of many institutions are recognised by several authorities such as the Union Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Education as equivalent to the corresponding university degrees in the concerned subjects for purposes of recruitment to superior posts and services in governments. The decision of the Ministry to grant equivalence is based on the recommendations of the Board of Assessment of Technical and Professional Qualifications of the Ministry. Associate Members of several Institutions are also eligible to appear in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for admission to IITs and Universities for higher studies. Some of the universities in India and abroad also admit them for higher studies.

These institutions do not provide any study material. The prospectuses give lists of prescribed text books. Some provide library facilities generally at the head quarters offices. The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers has recently established Centre for Distance Education Through Satellite (C-DETS) to help students to prepare for the examinations. Direct Receiving System (DRS) had been installed at eight of its Centres to enable students to view the programmes in a class room.

There are now a large number of coaching schools which prepare students for the examinations conducted, in particular, by the Institution of Engineers (India), the Institution Mechanical Engineers (India), Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers, and Aeronautical Society of India. Many such schools publish misleading to qualifications which give the impression that they offer programmes leading to qualifications which are equivalent to university degrees. A typical advertisement reads “Applications are invited for Recognised Courses by (sic) Ministry of Education, Government of India, Ministry of Human Resources Development as equivalent to BE/B.Tech in the following field of Engineers (Sic): (1) Electronics, (2) Computers, (3) Mechanical, (4) Marine, (5) Electrical, (6) Architectural, (7) Aeronautical”. What the advertisements do not disclose is that they only prepare students for the Associate Membership Examinations of the institutions in these fields.

The Aeronautical Society of India, in its prospectus has warned that the “Society has not given recognition to any private coaching institution/college. The Society is also not in a position to recommend the suitability of any such institution for coaching. Candidates are expected to take our examination by self-study”. The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers also does not recognise nor accept affiliation of any private coaching institute. Nevertheless, the quality of coaching in some institutes is of high standard. However, selection of a coaching institute should be done carefully.

A brief account of the courses offered by some selected institutions follows, Annexure 2 gives the contents of syllabuses of selected examinations:

The Institution of Engineers (India)

Established in 1920, the Institution is a premier professional society covering all branches of engineering disciplines. It now conducts three examinations: (i) Section A (Non-diploma Stream) Examination; (ii) Section A (Diploma Stream) Examination, and (iii) Section B Examination. The Studentship Examination has been withdrawn from 1999.

Section A (Non-Diploma Stream) Examination

Candidates who are on the rolls of the Institution as Technician Members for a period of one year are entitled to appear in this examination. The qualification requirement is 10+2 with English, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates must have secured 45% marks in aggregate as well as 45% marks in aggregate in science subjects also. There are ten subjects in the areas of Basic Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and Communication. The total marks in each subject are 100. The pass mark in each subject is 35 and for final pass a candidate is required to secure 50% in aggregate. A candidate is permitted to appear for an examination in one or more subjects, but not exceeding five at a time. A candidate must pas all the examinations within a period of six years. After passing the examinations, the candidates are required to work under an engineer and prepare s Self-Assessment Report under the guidance of a referee or project guide pertaining to the work undertaken by him during the period of one year. They are permitted to appear in the Section B Examination only if the report is found satisfactory.

Section A (Diploma Stream) Examination

Only a Senior Technician member possessing a diploma in engineering is eligible for appearing in the examination. Besides diploma, candidates possessing many other qualifications as listed in the prospectus are also eligible. There are five papers, the full marks for each being 100. The pass mark in each is 35, but for a final pass a candidate is required to secure 50% in the aggregate. A candidate may appear in one or more subjects, but nor exceeding three at a time. All the subjects have to be cleared within a period of six years. The rule relating to the preparation of a Self-Assessment Report as described in respect of Section A (Non-Diploma Stream) is also applicable to candidates qualifying in this Stream.

Section B Examination

Only candidates who have passed the Section A Examination and fulfilled the required conditions are allowed to appear in Section B Examination. At this stage, the candidates shall have to choose one branch of engineering. At present as many as 11 branches are offered viz., Architecture, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Metallurgy and Material Science, Mining, Production, and Textile. There are seven compulsory papers and three optional papers (specialisation). Of the seven compulsory papers, two are common for all branches. As regards optional papers, all the three can be chosen from one group of specialisation or any one from each group. Each subject carries 100 marks. A candidate can appear in one or more subjects but not exceeding five at a time. All the subjects have to be cleared within six years. The pass mark in each subject in 35. For final pass, a candidate in required to secure 50% in the aggregate. On passing the Section B Examination and fulfilling other requirements, the candidate is admitted as an Associate Member (AMIE). AMIE is recognised as equivalent to BE/B.Tech degree awarded by universities.

The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE)

Founded in 1953, as the Institution of Telecommunication Engineers, it is considered as a national apex body involved in furthering the cause of development in Electronics, Telecommunication, Computer Engineering and allied disciplines. At present, it conducts two examinations: (1) Diploma level examination in two disciplines (Part A-Electronics and Telecommunication, and Part B-Computer Science and Engineering) leading to Dip IETE (2) Graduate level examination also in two disciplines (Part A-Electronics and Telecommunication, and Part B-Computer Science and Engineering) leading to the Associate Membership (AMIETE). It also conducts a postgraduate course, viz., Advanced Level Course in Computer Science (ALCCS).

Diploma Examinations

The first step is the enrolment as a Student Member (Diploma Scheme), abbreviated as Student (D). The membership has to be sponsored by a corporate member of the Institution. A Student Member can appear in the examination six months after enrolment. The eligibility requirements are: (i) age not less than 14 years, (ii) has passed Class 10 examination, (iii) possesses working experience in the relevant field or studying for higher qualifications with physics and engineering. The examination for both Part A and Part B consists of two Sections (Section A and Section B), and each Section in turn is divided into two parts (Part I and Part II). Part I of Section A has three subjects while Part II has four. Both the parts of Section B have four subjects each. Of the four subjects in Part II, two are compulsory and two electives to be chosen from five. Besides, there is a compulsory practical examination. The total number of papers is, therefore, 16.

Candidates should appear in these four parts in the above sequence, i.e., first in Part I of Section A followed by Part II, and so on. However, they can appear in Part I of Section B provided they have acquired 18 months of practical or professional experience as laid down in the Institution’s rules. However, those candidates who have passed ITI (two-year course after Class 10) with electronics or Class 10+2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) or B.Sc (with Physics and Mathematics) or Polytechnic diploma in engineering discipline are allowed to appear in any or all subjects of Section A (Part I and Part II) in the first attempt itself. Candidates can appear in Part II even if they not passed in all the papers of the previous part. However, they can appear in Section B, provided they have cleared at least five papers in Section A and have acquired the specified practical experience. Students, however, are not permitted to complete the examinations before three years after the Class 10 examination. The examinations are held in June and December every year. Dip IETE is equivalent to polytechnic diploma in electronics. Dip IETE is likely to get the recognition of AICTE.

Graduateship Examinations

Like the diploma examination, students desirous of appearing in the graduateship examinations should first enrol themselves as Student Members, abbreviated as Student (G), being sponsored by a corporate member. A Student Member can appear in the examination six months after enrolment. The eligibility requirements are: (i) age not less than 16 years, (ii) has passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or holds a diploma in electronics, telecommunications, electrical or any other related field, or has passed the Dip IETE examination, (iii) working experience in relevant field or studying for higher qualification with Physics, Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Engineering. The examination consists of 20 papers equally divided into two Sections (Section A and Section B) each having two parts (Part I and Part II). Each part of Section A has five subjects.

Part I of Section B have five subjects, while Part II has two, a compulsory project, and two electives to be chosen from sixteen subjects. The total number of papers is 20. Candidates can appear in all the ten papers of Section A in one attempt. For appearing in Section B candidates are required to clear at least eight papers of Section A and fulfil the two years of practical training requirement. They can appear in the two elective papers provided that they have passed at least 15 compulsory papers of Section A and B. Examinations are held in June and December every year. Successful completion of the examination and practical training leads to the award of AMIETE certificate. AMIETE is equivalent to a university degree in electronics engineering.

To help students to prepare for various examinations, the IETE has established the Centre for Distance Education through Satellite (C-DETS).

The advanced Level Course in Computer Science, the details of which can be obtained from the IETE office, is recognized by the Human Resource Development as equivalent to M.Tech in Computer Science.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (India)

The Institution established in 1914, of the advancement of knowledge in Mechanical Engineering, is the oldest professional institution in the country. Since 1976 it has been conducting two examinations: (1) Diploma level examination, known as Technician Engineering (TEng) Examination, and (2) Degree level examination, known as Associate Membership Examination (Also known as Chartered Engineers Examination). About 24,000 students appear in these examinations every year.

Diploma Examination

The pre-requisite for appearing in the diploma examination is enrolment as a member of the Institution. The eligibility requirements are: (i) age not less than 16 years, (ii) a pass in Class 10 examination with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and (iii) six months’ experience in engineering related work. The Examination is in two Parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Candidates, who have passed 10+2 examination with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and have enrolled as members, can appear directly in the second part of the examination. The Diploma Examination is offered in four engineering disciplines: (1) Mechanical Engineering, (2) Automobile Engineering, (3) Production Engineering and (4) Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering. All the five papers in the first part are common to all the disciplines. The second part consists of nine papers in each discipline.

Candidates may attempt all the five papers in Part 1 or nine papers in Part 2 at one and the same sitting or in two blocks of three subjects. Examinations must be completed in not more than eight attempts spread over not more than four successive calendar years. The maximum marks allotted to each subject are 100. Candidates are also required to write what is called a Referee Report (a sort of project report) under the guidance of a Corporate Member (a Referee) of his choice. Candidates passing in both the parts and the acceptance of the Referee Report are eligible to use the abbreviated designation. TEng after their names. TEng is equivalent to polytechnic diploma in the concerned discipline.

Degree Level Examination

The entry requirements for the degree level examination are: (i) age not less than 18 years, (ii) Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or allied disciplines, or TEng; and (iii) three-and-a-half years’ experience. The diploma holders are required to enrol as members. The examination is in two sections: Section A and Section B. Besides, a candidate is required to submit a project report. Section A consists of six papers, while Section B examination has a total of eight papers of which five are compulsory and three optional to be chosen from nine groups. Candidates can appear in Section B examination only if they pass the Section A examination. On successful completion of the examinations and the acceptance of the project report, they are admitted as Associate Members and can use the abbreviated designations AMIMechW (I) and C.Eng (Chartered Engineers). They should, by then, have attained the age of 22 years. Before admission to membership he should also have acquired one year professional experience in mechanical engineering.

According to several press reports, the infighting between two groups of the Council members of the Institution, one headed by the Honorary Secretary, has been undermining the credibility of its examinations. Charges of irregularities and corruption in conducting the examinations have been brought against the Honorary Secretary’s group.

The Aeronautical Society of India

The Society, established in 1948, conducts Associate Membership Examination consisting of two sections (Section A and Section B). Section A has eight compulsory papers. A candidate who has passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, obtaining 50% or more marks in each subject is eligible for appearing in this examination. In addition, candidates possessing other qualifications, as detailed in the prospectus, are also eligible. Section B has eight specialist streams, each consisting of seven papers. Those who have completed the Section A Examination are eligible to appear in the Section B Examination. However, candidates possessing a degree in any branch of engineering can directly appear in Section B. They will, however, be required to appear and pass in the subject “Principles of Flight” of Section A. The marks allotted to each subject are 100. Pass marks in each subject are 50. Examinations are half twice a year, in June and December, in nine centres. Successful candidates are designated as Associate Member of the Aeronautical Society of India (AMAeSI) which is recognized as equivalent to B.Tech (Aeronautical Engineering).

The Indian Institute of Architects

The Indian Institute of Architects conducts its examination in four parts. Candidates desirous of taking the examination have to enrol themselves as Student Members. The minimum qualification requirement is a pass in Class 10 examination with English, Mathematics and Science as compulsory subjects. He should be working in the office of an architect who is registered with the Council of Architects. Candidates possessing higher qualifications, such as 10+2 pass, diploma holders in Architectural Assistantship and Civil Engineering and degree in civil engineering are exempted from appearing in some subjects.

The plan of the examinations is as follows: Part I (Group A – D). Total number of papers: 10, Total Marks: 900; Part II (Groups A and B). Total number of papers: 7, Total Marks: 1100; Part III (Group A). Total number of papers: 7, Total marks: 1150, and Part III (Group B), viva-voce 100 marks; and Part IV – Dissertation (400 marks), Viva-voce (100 marks) and Architectural Appraisal.

Pass mark in each paper is 50%. Candidates are permitted to appear in the subsequent parts only if they clear all the papers in the preceding parts. Successful candidates of Parts I, II, and III are permitted to appear in the subsequent papers only after a gap of one year. Examinations are held in June and December, every year. Candidates are awarded first class or second class, if they pass the examinations in one attempt. Otherwise, they are declared as “pass”. During the entire period of studentship, i.e., from the date of enrolment till passing the final part of the examination, the students must acquire practical experience.

Candidates successfully completing the examinations are admitted as associate members – Associate of the Indian Institute of Architects (AIIA). Associate Members, subsequently may be elected as full members (MIIA) and Fellow Members (FIIA). These abbreviations may be used, indicative of their professional qualifications in architecture. The Associates become eligible for registration with the Council of Architecture, the regulatory authority for architectural education, established under the Architects Act, 1972. They are then entitled to undertake practice. The registration with Council would remain valid only if they continue their memberships of the Institute by paying the prescribed subscription.

Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers

The Institute established in 1947, introduced the Associate Membership Examination in 1960. The examination consists of three parts: Part 1 has seven compulsory papers. Candidates possessing specified qualifications are exempted from appearing in some of the papers. The qualification requirements for appearing in the first part is any one of the following: (a) A degree in engineering or technology other then Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, (b) degree in science with Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, (c) diploma in engineering in any branch, (d) Associate Membership by examination of any other recognized professional institution, and (e) a degree in pharmacy. In addition, a candidate must have at least two years of experience in related field as a full time employee. The candidates should not be less than 21 years of age.

Part 2 has two sections. Section A has nine compulsory papers. In Section B, there are four optional papers from which one has to be chosen. Part 3 called “Home Paper”, is assigned only when candidates successfully complete Parts 1 and 2. The Home Paper must be submitted within three months after it has been assigned to the candidate. There is an oral examination for the Home Paper. All the papers carry 100 marks each, except the Home Paper which carries 300 marks. The pass mark in each paper is 50%. While candidates may appear in one or more papers at any examination, a maximum period of 10 years from the date of registration is allowed to qualify in all the three parts. Examinations are held during March and September every year at a number of centres.

Institute of Town Planners, India

The objectives of the Institute of Town Planners, established in July 1951, among others, are the advancement of the study of town planning, civic design, and kindred subjects and of the sciences and arts as applied to those subjects. The Town Planning Examination Board of the Institute conducts Associateship Examinations in October every year.

Candidates must possess a Bachelor degree in Civil Engineers or Architecture or Master’s degree in Geography, Sociology or Economics, or Post-diploma in Town Planning. They must have obtained a minimum of 55% of marks in qualifying examinations. They should also be working in an organisation or department which is directly engaged in town planning related activities. The examination consists of two stages, each stage having five compulsory core subjects and two electives (i.e., total seven subjects in each stage) each carrying 100 marks. At stage two there is one more paper on Planning Legislation and Professional Practice carrying 100 marks and Thesis (300 marks) and viva-voce (200 marks).

Aggregate marks for three stages are 2000. There are two pre-requisites for appearing in the examinations: (a) submission of a testimony on a subject assigned by the Board, and (b) submission of assignments for each paper in which the candidates desire to appear in the examination. Twenty% marks in each subject are earmarked for the assignments which form part of the final score in each subject. Only when the students clear the testimony stage, they are formally enrolled as student members and permitted to undertake assignments. On clearing the assignments, candidates are eligible to appear in examinations. Minimum qualifying marks in each subject and assignment individually is 50%. Students would be required to complete the course of study including the submission of the Thesis within 6 years of enrolment as a student which can be extended to a maximum of eight years. In order to facilitate the basic understanding of subject of study, the Institute organizes orientation classes in the month of August/September only in Delhi.

The Indian Institute of Metals

The Institute conducts Associate Membership examination in two parts (Part I and Part II). Eligibility requirements are (i) B.Sc degree or Diploma in Engineering in any branch and should preferably be engaged in Metallurgical profession; or (ii) a pass in 10+2 examination with physics, chemistry and mathematics and two years of experience in metallurgy related activities. Candidates should be a Student Member of the Institute for at least three months before they are permitted to appear in the Part I examination. The Student Member would be terminated if they do not sit for the examination within 18 months from the date of enrolment. The Part I examination must be completed within three years (i.e., six sittings) if the candidates are either B.Sc degree or engineering diploma holders. For other candidates, the period is four years (i.e., eight sittings). Part II Examination has to be completed within four years (i.e., eight sittings). Part I examination consists of eight papers, each carrying 100 marks; Part II examination consists of ten papers of which eight are compulsory and two electives. Each paper carries 100 marks. Candidates possessing specified qualifications are exempted from appearing in some subjects. (See Annexure 2).

Candidates who qualify in all papers in both Part I and Part II examinations will have to appear for a viva voce examination (100 marks) on compulsory papers of Part II. In addition, they will have to submit a Technical Report which, however, does not carry any marks.

Indian Institute of Ceramics

The Associate Membership Examination of the institute of generally held in October/November. The examination consists of theoretical papers and practicals and viva voce examinations. The minimum qualification requirement is a B.Sc degree or a Diploma in Ceramics with two years of professional experience in the field of ceramics. The B.Sc degree holders must have passed the examination with Mathematics together with Physics, Chemistry, and Zoology. The examinations are held in Chennai, Gudur and Calcutta.

Indian Institute of Industrial Engineering

The Institution conducts a graduateship examination in Industrial Engineering. The eligibility requirement is a pass in 10+2 examination with two years of experience, or Diploma in Engineers/Technology with one year’s experience or those who have passed first two years of degree course in Engineering/Technology.

Indian Institute of Materials management

Although the Institute is a professional body of Materials Managers, unlike other bodies, its educational programme does not lead to the associate membership of the Institute. It conducts a postgraduate diploma programme in Materials Management (PGDMM) through distance learning mode. The course of three-year duration is approved by the AICTE. The entry requirement is a graduate degree with 55% marks and two years of supervisory experience in materials management.