Structural Engineering

What is Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering course is a sub-discipline of civil engineering. The structural engineering professionals design the main integral part of the structures which are man-made. They need to keep in mind the stability, strength and rigidity of these structures. The designs made by them are then integrated with the architects and service engineer to build an amazing building out of it. The structural engineering students are also involved in the design of machinery, medical equipment and the vehicles which would have the structural integrity which would affect the functioning and safety of these structures.

Structural engineering involves the theories of physical laws and the empirical knowledge gained by applying different materials and geometries. They design complex structural buildings by using simple structural concepts. They make building very creative and efficient by using the least amount of funds, elements and materials.

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Structural Engineering

Mentioned below is the eligibility criteria for Structural Engineering course (both for UG and PG). However, criteria shared below may vary from college to college. Therefore, these are the general eligibility criteria: 

For Structural Engineering UG Course

• Students should have completed 10+2 or competent examinations with minimum aggregate marks of 45% in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

• Students having diploma degrees in civil engineering are also eligible for this course.

• Along with the above criteria, the student should also clear the entrance exams.

For Structural Engineering  PG Course

• Students should have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with minimum aggregate scores of 55%

• Students who have a master’s degree in environmental science are also eligible for this course. 

The entrance exams check the basic understanding of the students in the subject of physics, chemistry and mathematics. Some of the entrance exams for Structural Engineering course are: 

For Structural Engineering UG Course

• IIT-JEE (JEE Main and JEE Advanced) - This is the national level engineering undergraduate entrance examination. NTA (National Test Agency) conducts JEE Main for all the eligible candidates twice a year. Candidates qualifying JEE Main are eligible for admission in IITs, NITs and other institutes accepting its score. All those candidates who qualify JEE Main are eligible for JEE Advanced based on which they are offered admission in IITs and other premier institutes.

• HITSEEE: HITSEEE – Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science Engineering Entrance Examinationis a university level examination. This is the only college that offers Bachelor’s in Automobile Technology along with the specialisation in Autotronics. It is an online exam for a duration of 2 hours.

• SRMJEEE (SRM University Joint Engineering Entrance Exam)- SRMEEE is a university level examination. After qualifying the students can apply for one of the four campuses of SRM. 

• BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani Admission Test)- 6 colleges of BITS under the UG are open to students after they qualify for this exam. This exam would be 3 hours long and students will have to attempt it online.

• VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam)- 5 colleges of VIT under the UG program will be available for admission for the students. The exam is 2.5 hours which is conducted online. 

• NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies)- NPAT UG exam conducted by NMIMS is a university exam. It gives admission to UG and integrated UG programs. These integrated programs may be with a dual degree of MBA. The NPAT exam consists of 3 papers of English Language, Quantitative and Numerical Ability and Reasoning and General Intelligence. 

• MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)- A state level exam giving the opportunity to students to go to government colleges in Maharashtra after qualifying. It is taken offline with 2 papers, one would be Physics and Chemistry, while other would be Mathematics/Biology. 

For Structural Engineering PG Course 

• GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)- It being a national level postgraduate engineering entrance exam based on which candidates are offered admission to PG as well as PhD courses in colleges like IISc and IITs all over India. 

• CUSAT (Cochin University of Science and Technology)- It is a university exam. This examination gives admission to students in different UG and PG courses. It is conducted online.  

Required Skillset for Structural Engineering

Having the right skills set will help structural engineering professionals to excel in their career. Some of the skills which are required by them are –

Structural Analysis – Structurally analyse the building and its elements so that no fault is seen in the future in these structures. Use of computer-aided design and analyses to analyse the detailed structure of the building. 

Creative Mind – Coming up with new solutions which will be efficient as well as cost-friendly, would help the organization in many ways. Students pursuing this course are urged to think creatively and develop new solutions.

Analyse – Analysing the different steps during the building process so that the buildings are stress-free and resistant to changes in weather 

Supervision – Paying close attention to the building process so that each element fits in place in the right position. 

Management – Managing an entire team of workers is not an easy task, each individual has their own personal opinions. Therefore, making the team come together and work together is very necessary.