A promising career in Ceramic Engineering

By: Kaustov Kashyap
Ceramic engineering is a branch of engineering which deals with the science and technology of creating object from inorganic and non-metallic materials. Ceramic engineering combines principles of chemistry, physics and engineering. Fiber-optic devices, microprocessors and solar panels are some examples of ceramic sciences applied to everyday life.
B.Tech in Ceramic Engineering is amongst the new engineering specializations that cover the production and manufacturing of ceramic products for use in different industries. Being one of the newest fields of engineering, research is one of the major parts of this field.
In this branch of engineering, students learn about different types of ceramic materials and ways to develop and crystalize them. Material strength and mechanics is also a major part of B.Tech in Ceramic Engineering.
What does a Ceramic Engineer do?
A Ceramic engineer focuses on the use of ceramics in the production of various products. The roles and duties of a ceramic engineer are as follows. A ceramic engineer:
· Develops procedure for processing non-metallic inorganic materials into various ceramic products like fibre optics products, glassware, coating for space vehicles, pollution control devices, components of nuclear fuel, etc.
· Does research, product development, production of ceramic products according to the requirements.
· Develops heat tiles for space shuttles and supersonic space planes. Produce ceramic teeth, bones and joints as replacements parts for the human body.
· Contributes toward production of ceramic super conductors, lasers, and optical fibres.
· Helps in developing materials that enclose and support aircraft engines.
Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process
The detailed eligibility criteria for B.Tech Ceramic Engineering course can be checked below –
Educational Qualification: The candidates must have passed Class 12th in PCM or PCB stream with a minimum of 45-50% of marks.
Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for B.Tech Ceramic Engineering course.
The admission process for B.Tech Ceramic Engineering can be checked below –
Admission through Entrance Exam: 
The candidates will have to clear a national-level entrance exam for admission in the respective course. The candidates will have to take part in the online or centralized counselling conducted for admission. The selection will be based on rank/ marks scored by the candidates in the entrance exam. The various national level exams may be: JEE Main, MHT CET,KCET, AP EAMCET ,TS EAMCET ,KEAM ,Goa CET,WBJEEand UPSEE
Direct Admission: Direct admission is possible in various private engineering colleges. The candidates can get admission either by applying through the official website of the college or by visiting the college directly.
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
A graduate in ceramic engineering can find numerous job opportunities in various domains like medicine, mining, aerospace, food and chemical industry, electronics, refinery, Industrial & Transmission Electricity and Guided Light Wave Transmission. Other domains where a ceramic engineer can find job opportunities are: Engine components manufacturing units, Design firms, Ceramic ware manufacturing units, Construction services, Research and testing firms, Table ware Industry, Sanitary ware Industry, Glass bulbs factory, Cutting tools Industry, Enamels factories, Kitchen ware Industry and Decorative ware Industry.
Since this is a new branch of engineering, job opportunities in the core sector are scares, however, there is a lot of scope in research and development. Following are some of the jobs that ceramic engineers can seek:
· Polymer Chemist
· Research Assistant
· Research Engineer
· Ceramic Sales Manager
· Senior Research Fellow
· Ceramic Technologist
· Ceramic Designer
Salaries in this sector vary from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh per annum. However, if candidates have pursued the course from a reputed institute such as an IIT or NIT, the salary packages can be very lucrative. The highest package at the institute can go up to Rs. 11 lakh per annum.
Top Colleges/Universities in India that offer Ceramic Engineering are:
· Anna University
· Chennai College of Engineering and Technology
· Bikaner College of Engineering
· Andhra University Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology
· Indian Institute of Technology
· Banaras Hindu University
· Rajasthan Technical University, Kota.