Difference Between B.E. and B.Tech. – A Complete Guide for Students

Engineering continues to rank among the highest paying jobs in India. With nearly 67% of Indian Unicorn Founders originating from Engineering background, the field continues to shape the country’s economy with tech and innovation.

Did you know, nearly 85% of Indian Unicorn Founders were engineers almost three years ago!

No wonder why students even today choose engineering to lead a secure and affluent life. For most students, pursuing Engineering in their undergraduate degree is a sure shot decision.

Things get tricky, when they are asked to choose between Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.). Most students are oblivious to the underlying difference between B.E. and B.Tech. degrees, which sometimes even leads to aspirants making a wrong choice that they regret later.

But you can save the regret by strategically weighing the difference between B.E. and B.Tech. to assess which is a more suitable option for you!

In this blog, you will walk through the key differences between both the UG programmes step by step to gain a thorough knowledge of the best option for you.

B.E. vs B.Tech. - An Overview

• B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering)

The B.E. degree typically places greater emphasis on the theoretical factors of engineering and the simple standards of science and mathematics. It is designed to equip you with a robust theoretical historical past that may be applied to a large number of engineering problems.

• B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology)

The B.Tech. degree, on the contrary, is more practical-oriented. It emphasises practical knowledge and skills wherein their applications in the industry can be directly ascertained.

B.Tech. programmes often include laboratory training, industrial internship, and project works to improve the possibility of employment after education is complete. Generally, B.Tech. programmes are offered by technical universities and institutes of technology and innovation.

Now that you have a basic understanding of both the courses, take a look at some key similarities between them.

B.E. and B.Tech. - Key Similarities

B.E. and B.Tech. are both engineering degrees. This means that you can undertake any of these programmes to be able to become an engineer. Despite B.E. and B.Tech. being two different courses by name, they have some similarities. Let's elaborate them:

• Course duration: In India, both degrees have a duration of 4 years. College-level programmes lead you to an advanced level of knowledge in your specialisation.

In India, the Bachelor of Technology degree is offered after completion of four years (and in some cases even five) of full-time study, and a similar case is for the B.E. degree also.

• Eligibility criteria: You need to pass the 12th class with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. You should hold an intermediate (12th) with good grades so that you would be able to seek admission in most of the universities or colleges or can apply for an engineering entrance exam in India.

• Specialisations: Both B.E. and B.Tech. students can get specialisation in disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Engine Engineering, Design of Machine Equipment, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (ECE), etc.

• Accreditation and Recognition:E. and B.Tech. degrees are both accredited and recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in India.

• Entrance Exams: Admissions to both B.E. and B.Tech. in India require entrance applications and are frequently based on comparable entrance assessments. In India, these can include:
  • JEE Main (Joint Entrance Examination): A common entrance examination for admission to engineering programmes across diverse colleges and universities including NITs, IIITs, etc.
  • JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Examination): Once you clear and pass the cutoff for the JEE Main, he/she becomes eligible for JEE Advanced, through which they can get into IITs (Indian Institute of Technology).
  • State-Level Entrance Exams: Such as the MHT CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test), WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination), or KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test), which are particular to exclusive states.
  • University Entrance Exams Specific to the Institution: Some universities might conduct their entrance exams on an individual basis by themselves, like BMU’s BMU-SAT.

• Syllabus: Bachelor of Engineering has a similar course of study with a Bachelor of Technology programme. They both have analogous curriculums in engineering. Students, in both, shall learn basic technical topics, e.g:
  • Mathematics: Fundamental theorems of algebra, differential equations, and advanced mathematical topics that are central to engineering.
  • Physics and Chemistry: The basic principles of physics and chemistry with which students are familiar apply to a variety of technologies.
  • Engineering Subdomain Topics: A wide range of subdomain-related issues is covered in both programmes, depending on the specialisation, viz. electrical circuits, thermodynamics, materials science, computer programming, mechanics, etc.

Evidently, these undergraduate degrees turn out to be more similar. Move forwards to understand the major difference between B.E. and B.Tech., that sets them apart.

Major Differences Between B.E. and B.Tech.

Despite the notable similarities, there is a large difference between B.E. and B.Tech. programmes. Let’s understand this difference in various aspects-

Difference Between B.E. and B.Tech. - Core Subjects & Specialisations

The specialisation offered by both the degrees are different with a difference in the emphasis of core subjects.

Difference Between B.E. and B.Tech. - Career Opportunities

Graduate students holding B.E. or B.Tech. degrees are in high demand for engineers. Nevertheless, the divergence of the type of programme they took and the courses they pass makes a difference between B.E. and B.Tech. career opportunities available to them.

• E. Graduates: The engineering graduates who have done their B.E. degree, with their strong theoretical basis, can be easily employed in positions such as design engineers, or service engineers.

They can also work in R&D, which is more theoretical and conceptual, or in the academic field where they can teach their research work among other things.

Consequently, they will also be able to gain proficiency in jobs requiring strong technical knowledge and constructive thinking abilities for example design engineers and systems engineers.

• Tech. Graduates: B.Tech. graduates, through their practical skills and industry exposure, are more likely to have a better head start in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Their options follow the paths of logistics/SCM, production engineering, quality control, software engineering, mechanical engineering, technical sales, etc.

B.Tech. students, apart from the above skills and knowledge of the industry, are realistic project managers as they have practical experience and understand the technicalities involved.

They have hands-on training who easily fit into technology-based industries, and on top of that, they are already industry-ready with their knowledge of current technologies and their hands-on experience and industry-related know-how.

Difference Between B.E. and B.Tech. - Based on Industries to Work In

 B.E. graduates typically work in core engineering sectors whereas B.Tech. graduates tend to follow technology focused industries.

B.E. vs B.Tech. - Salary Comparison

“B.E. vs B.Tech., which pays more?”

A pressing question in the mind of young aspirants. When judged on the earning spectrum, Bachelors in Engineering and Bachelors in Technology differ minutely.

Factors affecting the monetary compensation awarded to the undergraduate are several like the industry, specialisation, job location, among others.

The average salaries of B.E. and B.Tech. undergrads is similar ranging from Rs. 3.5 to 6 LPA on entry level jobs.

However, in certain prospects, B.Tech. graduates tend to make slightly higher income due to the practical learning, application based and industry relevant nature of their course.

Difference Between B.E. and B.Tech. - Higher Study Options

Securing a Bachelor degree in Engineering or in Technology both opens doors for you to pursue higher studies in the field.

Difference Between B.E. and B.Tech. Degree’s Recognition - Global Perspective 

Recognised globally B.E. and B.Tech. are widely accepted in India and other parts of the world.

Countries including USA, Canada, and India weigh B.Tech. more owing to its hand-on approach and technical training.

In parts of Europe, the UK, and Australia, theoretical base and academic prowess holds more weight.

Notably, both degrees hold equal relevance and equivalence globally.

B.E. or B.Tech. - What Should You Pursue?

• Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.)

Those who prefer the practical, hands-on application of engineering concepts are better suited for tech degrees. A B.Tech. might be a good option if you want to work in fields linked to IT, software development, or cutting-edge technologies. B.Tech. programmes may be better suitable for those who would rather have a curriculum that has a strong emphasis on industrial applications, internships, and hands-on projects.

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)

Those who are interested in research or design-oriented professions and have a strong interest in the theoretical components of engineering may find B.E. programmes are more interesting. B.E. can be a suitable choice if you have a preference for traditional engineering fields like electronics and communications engineering (ECE), mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering.

B.E. programmes may be a good fit for individuals who want to further their engineering education, investigate novel approaches to engineering challenges, do research and development, or contribute to the creation of new technologies.

Key Aspects to Consider Before Choosing Between B.E. and B.Tech.

If you are struggling to choose between Bachelors in Engineering and Bachelors of Technology, then you need to evaluate the difference of approach, curriculum, and career outcomes along with your learning style.

B.E. vs B.Tech. - Admission Process

When it comes to the admission procedure the difference between B.E. and B.Tech. programmes is not wide but crucial to note. Eligibility criteria, entrance examinations, and selection approaches can vary by a minute difference hence as a prospective student, understanding the admission process will smoothen the process of getting into one of the academic institutes.

Let’s take a detailed look at the admission process of B.E. and B.Tech. programmes.

• Eligibility

• B.E.: You need to have qualifications from an equivalent high school and study high school physics, chemistry, and mathematics for a B.E. degree. The cut-off aggregate percent required may be institution-based.

• B.Tech.: Students studying for a B.Tech. degree are also being required the same as for B.E. The major focus is on subjects about science. However, certain additional stipulations regarding B.Tech. programmes may also include the rank points of the candidate in the unconventional tests or subject-specific requirements.

• Entrance Exams
  • B.E.: Most public or private educational institutes offer admission in B.E. programmes based on the entrance tests such as Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main or MHT-CET (Maharashtra), KCET (Karnataka), WBJEE (West Bengal). Some of these institutes also organise entrance examinations on their own.

• B.Tech.: Like most candidates seeking admission in a Bachelor in Technology course, you are required to clear an entrance exam, the most common being the JEE Main exam conducted by NTA.

  However, BML Munjal University’s B.Tech. programmes also take into consideration your academic performance in 12th grade, with a complete counselling process. Admission is offered to students with diverse strengths and skills through this comprehensive method of admission.

• Selection Process
  • B.E.: In the case of most institutions providing B.E. programmes, the admission process is determined by the rank scored in the entrance examinations. Some universities may also consider the 12th-class examination performance of the applicant. There is usually a merit review selection at the end where the seats are awarded according to the rank list.

• B.Tech.: The selection process for the B.Tech. programmes may be slightly detailed. For instance, at BML Munjal University, the selection procedure consists of several levels and criteria to qualify applicants including exams, academic experience, BMU-SAT exam, etc. This strategy makes it possible to determine candidates that have constructive academic qualifications and expect them to be quite productive in their engineering careers.

Why Choose BML Munjal University for B.Tech.?

The School of Engineering and Technology at BML Munjal University (BMU) offers a world-class B.Tech. programme with trending specialisations such as computer science and engineering, electronics and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering, preparing you for a rapidly evolving profession. Here’s why you should choose this university for pursuing a B.Tech. degree:

• Industry-Oriented Curriculum

BMU’s B.Tech. programme syllabus is created by industry experts so that it fits perfectly with recent developments in technology and real-world businesses as well. The theoretical approach is extended by practical content i.e. lab sessions and workshops or projects related to it. You deal with issues pertinent to the industry, which helps to further develop your skills thereby bridging the gap between the theoretical aspects of a complete engineer.

• Hands-on Learning

Continuing with the current developments in places, BMU provides you a chance to study this way. You are permitted to use concepts learned in theory courses and implement them in actual practice.

• Eminent Faculty

Through cutting-edge research and top-notch engineering education, the faculty at BML Munjal University’s School of Engineering & Technology (SOET) collaborates with businesses to help solve tomorrow's problems.

• World-class Facilities

Cutting-edge facilities, industrial connections, and esteemed faculty members at BMU offer an ideal setting for study and experimentation.

• Excellent Placement Track Record

The Career Guidance and Development Centre (CGDC) at BMU has initiated a comprehensive industry interaction strategy aimed at assisting you in navigating a successful career trajectory. Over the years, a strong, all-encompassing strategy has resulted in a notable increase in the total number of B.Tech. placements with some of the best companies in the sector.

Conclusion

Choosing between a B.E. and a B.Tech. degree is a choice that will have a significant influence on your career as an engineer. Although both degrees provide proper education and training, knowing how they differ in curriculum, delivery, and what careers are available may affect your selection.

When choosing between the two, try to analyse your career expectations and your learning style, as well as the educational process that you would like to undergo. Regardless of whether you go for a B.E. or a B.Tech. degree, ensure that such a decision will bolster your ambition and direct you towards a successful career in engineering.