Computer Engineering

Computers!! - are slowly becoming a quintessential aspect which can be found everywhere; i,e in car engines, watches, microwave ovens, telephones, video games, x-ray machines, ATM's, touching every facet of our lives. Due to the rapid growth of Information Technology, computer industry has become one of the fastest growing segments of our economy. As a result, there exists a huge demand for Computer engineering professionals for the development of faster hardware components, new communication systems and software. Here comes the importance of Computer Engineering. Computer Engineering involves designing and testing of computer components. It is a branch of Engineering, which studies elements from both electrical engineering and computer science angles, combining the principle and techniques of these two for the making and development of computer and computer-based systems. Professionals who work with computer hardware and software are termed as Computer Engineers. Computer engineers are a part of a team who apply their knowledge of mathematics and science for the design and development of a computer. Those who deal with the computer equipment as such, are termed as computer hardware engineers and those who deal with the computer programs are called computer software engineers. Computer software or software is a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that performs the major tasks on a computer system. Software engineers should have strong programming skills as they are concerned with the design and development of many types of software, including computer games, word processing and business applications, operating systems and network distribution and compilers, which convert programs to machine language for execution on a computer. Hardware engineers are involved in the research, designing, testing, manufacturing and installation of computer hardware such as computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and related equipments. Their work is similar to that of electronic engineers but their work is exclusively limited to computers and computer-related equipments. Computer engineers have the option of moving into hardware or software positions or blending the two. On projects, both these engineers usually work together as a team. It is these computer engineers who design software and hard ware computer-based systems for embedded micro controllers, designing - VLSI chips, analog sensors, mixed signal circuit boards and operating systems. Eligibility Students who wish to pursue a career in computer science and engineering need a strong foundation in both mathematics and science, particularly chemistry and physics. To become a computer engineer one should have a graduate degree (B.E / B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) or at least have a diploma in Computer Engineering. A Diploma holder in Computer Engineering can become a junior engineer in various public and private sector jobs. Masters Degree in Computer Engineering is required for teaching. Educational : The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech in Computer Engineering is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The eligibility for Diploma in Computer Engineering is 10 + 2 with Science Subjects. After bachelor's degree, one can go in for a post graduate degree; i.e M.E/ M.Tech. The eligibility for ME/ M.Tech in Computer Engineering is BE/B Tech in Computer Engineering. The Associate Memberships of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) also offers courses in computer engineering in distance mode, equivalent to BE/B Tech provided by other institutes/universities. There are various universities and technological institutions in various parts of our country offering PhD programs in computer Engineering. Selection : Admission to the B.E/ B.Tech courses is highly competitive and only those with high academic performance in the board examination i.e in the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and in the entrance test can expect admission. Selection is generally made on the basis of the marks obtained in +2 and the merit in Common Entrance Test (CET), conducted by the competent authority. Admission to the IIT's (Indian Institute of Technology) is through IIT JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other major institutions through AIEEE (All India Engineering/Pharmacy/Architecture Entrance Examination) OR their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Admission to the BE/BTech in computer engineering in the Associate Memberships of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE) is done through the Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers. Selection to the ME/ MTech programs in various engineering colleges and universities like the IITs and NITs is through GATE (The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ). Duration : BE / B.Tech courses in Computer Engineering are of 4 years (8 semesters). Diploma course in Computer Engineering are of 3 years. ME/ M.Tech in Computer Engineering is 2 years (4 semesters) Personal skill: A Computer Engineer must have the ability to create and invent things, a good knowledge in technology and an interest in mathematics and science. He/ she should be familiar with programming and computer hardware / software. They should have good analytical skills, an eye for detail, sustained attention and the ability to solve problems. They should posses good communication skills, be proficient in analyzing and evaluating data and have the skill to make decisions, to work in teams and to express their ideas both orally and in writing. They need to have a detailed knowledge of the core electrical and computer engineering subjects – including electronics, electrical systems, computers, circuits, design and modeling. Some of the best colleges abroad offer online Master Degree in Computer Engineering and getting a degree from these reputed colleges improves the career prospects of the candidates.