1. Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have completed a B.E./B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from a recognized institute.

• A minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or 6.0 CGPA out of 10) is generally required. For SC/ST/PwD candidates, a relaxation of 5% is usually applicable.

• A valid GATE score in Mechanical Engineering (ME) is essential for regular admission.

2. Direct Admission (Without GATE)

• Candidates who have completed their B.Tech from any IIT with a high CGPA (usually above 8.0 or 8.5) may be eligible for direct admission without a GATE score.

• For IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur, this provision mainly applies to IIT B.Tech graduates.

3. Admission Process

• Through COAP Portal:
  After qualifying GATE, candidates must register on the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP). Offers for M.Tech admission are communicated through COAP based on GATE scores.

• Application to IITs Separately:
  Candidates must also apply separately on the official websites of IIT Roorkee and IIT Kanpur for M.Tech programs. Personal, academic, and GATE details must be filled carefully.

4. Selection Criteria

• Direct admission is mostly offered based on GATE scores without any interviews or written tests for regular M.Tech programs.

• For some specializations or research-based M.Tech programs, candidates might be called for a written test or interview.

5. Specifics for IIT Roorkee

• The Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department offers various M.Tech specializations.

• High GATE scorers typically get direct admission into the program.

6. Specifics for IIT Kanpur

• The Mechanical Engineering Department offers a two-year M.Tech program with strong research exposure.

• Selection is primarily through GATE scores. In some cases, written tests or interviews may be conducted depending on the specialization.

7. Important Points to Remember

• Admission notifications are usually released around March to April every year.

• Required documents include GATE scorecard, academic certificates, identity proof, and category certificates (if applicable).

• M.Tech students usually receive a stipend of Rs 12,400 per month under the Ministry of Education norms after GATE qualification.

• COAP conducts multiple rounds for offer acceptance, so candidates must regularly check the portal for updates.

Yes, Mechanical Engineering can indeed be helpful for aspiring Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs). The role of an ALP primarily involves the operation and maintenance of locomotives, ensuring that they function properly during their journey. While the position itself does not require a mechanical engineering degree, having a background in Mechanical Engineering can give an aspirant a significant advantage.

Mechanical Engineering involves the study of systems and machinery, including engines, thermodynamics, hydraulics, and other essential mechanical systems. This knowledge is crucial when it comes to understanding the workings of locomotives, which are complex machines that rely on precise mechanical components to operate efficiently.

Here’s why a Mechanical Engineering background is beneficial:

1. In-depth Knowledge of Locomotives : ALPs are required to operate and perform basic troubleshooting and maintenance on trains. A mechanical engineering background gives them the expertise to understand how engines and mechanical systems function, helping them identify and address potential issues quickly.

2. Problem-Solving Skills : Mechanical Engineers are trained to approach problems analytically and come up with efficient solutions. This is a crucial skill for an ALP, especially when dealing with unexpected technical difficulties or emergencies.

3. Better Job Performance : Knowledge of mechanical systems ensures that an ALP is more efficient in their job. They can contribute to keeping the train in optimal working condition, improving the safety and reliability of the services they oversee.

4. Opportunities for Career Growth : Mechanical engineers may also have opportunities to advance into higher roles within the railway sector, such as in locomotive engineering or technical management, due to their technical expertise.

In conclusion, while a mechanical engineering degree is not mandatory to become an Assistant Loco Pilot, it provides valuable skills and knowledge that can help in performing the job efficiently and safely. Additionally, it opens doors to further career growth within the railway industry.

For most, DTU Mechanical would be the better choice compared to NSUT ICE. DTU is generally considered a higher-ranked institution, especially for mechanical engineering. NSUT's ICE placements, while good, might not be as high as some other fields at NSUT or as high as DTU's Mechanical.

Hello Vaibhav,

You're in a good spot with a 97 percentile and solid IIIT/NIT/BIT Mesra options.

If your aim is software/tech industry (coding, product, startups, placements): opt for CSE at any of the IIITs at Dharwad, Ranchi, Bhagalpur or Manipur. Even tier-3 IIITs (CSE) will lead to better placements and internship opportunities in software roles than core branches at NITs. These will lead to better ROI than core branches, due to the tech placements and remote work.

Your next best option: IIIT ECE at Sri City or Una (ECE at Sri City has good industry engagement since it is close to Chennai & tech parks).

Recommended Prioritisation (if you are comfortable pursuing a tech career):

1. IIIT CSE (Dharwad > Ranchi > Bhagalpur > Manipur)
2. BIT Mesra – ECC/EEE
3. IIIT ECE (Sri City > Una > Nagpur > others)
4. NIT JSR – Civil > Metallurgy > Production
5. IIITDM Kancheepuram (Mech).

• Good chances for Mechanical in GFTIs and some lower NITs .

• IIITs may offer related or lower-demand branches.

• Use Career360 Predictor for accurate college options:
  JEE Main College Predictor – Career360

Branch Preference (General Scope-Based)

• Mechanical Engineering – Versatile, strong core branch, govt/PSU jobs.

• Chemical Engineering – Good in pharma, petroleum; strong research opportunities.

• Civil Engineering – Good for govt jobs, infrastructure sector.

• Metallurgy – Niche field, fewer colleges, limited core jobs.

Recommended Order : Mechanical > Chemical > Civil > Metallurgy

The cutoff ranks for Mechanical Engineering in National Institutes of Technology (NITs) vary each year based on factors like the number of applicants, difficulty level of the JEE exam, and the specific NIT. For candidates belonging to the OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer) category, the cutoff rank required for admission in Mechanical Engineering can be quite competitive.

At a rank of 4 lakh, gaining admission to Mechanical Engineering in top NITs may be quite difficult, as the demand for this branch is high. However, it is possible to secure a seat at NITs with relatively lower cutoffs, depending on the year and specific institution.

1. Top NITs (High Cutoff Ranks) :

   • NIT Trichy

   • NIT Surathkal

   • NIT Warangal

   • NIT Calicut

These NITs usually have a cutoff rank significantly lower than 4 lakh, and getting admission in Mechanical Engineering at these institutes is highly competitive for OBC-NCL candidates.

2. NITs with Lower Cutoffs for Mechanical Engineering :
   At a rank of 4 lakh, it might still be possible to secure a seat in NITs with relatively lower cutoffs, including:

   • NIT Durgapur

   • NIT Jamshedpur

   • NIT Bhopal

   • NIT Patna

3. Important Notes :

   • The cutoffs for NITs vary each year, so it’s essential to check the official JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) website for the latest updates and trends in cutoffs.

   • Other factors such as the number of available seats, the number of applicants, and your category rank can affect the final decision.

In conclusion, while a 4 lakh rank may make it difficult to secure a seat in top NITs, there is still a possibility of admission in NITs with lower cutoffs, particularly in Mechanical Engineering. Make sure to check previous year cutoffs and be prepared to explore a range of options.

With your CRL rank of 212093 and OBC rank of 72722, it's unlikely you'll get admission to Mechanical Engineering at NIT Hamirpur. The OBC closing rank for Mechanical Engineering at NIT Hamirpur is typically much lower, around 20,000-40,000. While a rank of 212093 might be good enough for some NITs, particularly those with less competitive programs, it's unlikely to be competitive for Mechanical Engineering at NIT Hamirpur.

Check college predictor here-

https://engineering.careers360.com/jee-main-college-predictor?utm_source=jee_main_cp&utm_medium=GoogleAds&utm_campaign=1001&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtpLABhC7ARIsALBOCVomserFpNSaWVacPuCEJLx3vNW1tjPiPAcfKjEUTuHefQmlTvI7oWIaAkBqEALw_wcB

With a category rank of 34527 in the SC category for Mechanical Engineering in the 2025 JEE Main exam, you have a good chance of securing a seat in several National Institutes of Technology (NITs). However, admission to the top-ranked NITs for the Mechanical Engineering branch might be competitive even with the SC category reservation.

Based on the previous year's cutoff trends, particularly for the SC category, you can likely get into some of the newer NITs. These NITs often have lower cutoff ranks compared to the older, more established ones. You might find opportunities in NITs located in states like the North-Eastern states, some of the centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs), or even some of the state NITs where the closing ranks for the SC category in Mechanical Engineering fall within your rank range.

To give you a more specific idea, you should refer to the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counseling data from previous years. Look for the closing ranks for the SC category specifically for Mechanical Engineering in each NIT.

Keep in mind that cutoff ranks can vary each year depending on factors such as the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of available seats. Therefore, it is crucial to check the official JoSAA counseling website for the most up-to-date information during the counseling process in 2025.

During the JoSAA counseling, it is advisable to fill in as many choices of NITs and their Mechanical Engineering programs as possible, starting from your most preferred to the least preferred options. This increases your chances of securing a seat in one of the NITs based on your rank and category. Good luck with the counseling process!

Visit our College predictor tool:- https://engineering.careers360.com/jee-main-college-predictor?ici=nav-header_engg&icn=jee-main_cp-lp

Government College of Engineering (GCE), Karad, primarily offers B.Tech admissions through the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) rather than JEE Main. However, for All India Seats under the Centralized Admission Process (CAP), JEE Main scores are considered.

For Mechanical Engineering, based on the CAP Round I cutoff for the academic year 2022-23, the closing rank for Mechanical Engineering was 34,893 for the General Open (GOPEN) category.

Additional Information:

- Admission Process: For Maharashtra State Quota seats, admissions are based on MHT CET scores. For All India Seats, JEE Main scores are used.

- Category-Specific Cutoffs: Cutoff ranks vary based on categories such as General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS.

- Closing Ranks: The closing ranks mentioned are based on previous years and may vary annually.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official notifications from the Maharashtra State CET Cell. GCR karad

Yes, you can pursue a degree after completing a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Many universities and institutions offer lateral entry programs for diploma holders, allowing you to directly join the second year of a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. You may need to meet specific eligibility requirements and go through an entrance exam, depending on the institution.

Degree after diploma