Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) is a specialized undergraduate program offered for the duration of 2-3 years. It trains individuals to maintain and repair aircraft, ensuring their safe and efficient operation. AME course is approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is the regulatory authority for civil aviation in the country.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering offers two types of courses namely A and B, which differs in terms of the focus of study and specialization within the aircraft maintenance field. To fulfill AME Eligibiity Cirteria, the candidate must have passed 10+2 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or hold an Engineering Diploma or relative fields. Some institutes offer admission based on the merit of the last qualifying examination, while some take institute-level or national entrance tests like AME CET or AIAEE.
Several prestigious institutes offer AME courses in India including the Indian Institute of Aeronautics (IIA), Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (IAME), and Hindustan Aviation Academy (HAA). By opting for the AME course students get practical exposure and hands-on experience working on actual aircraft. Post completion, candidates can work in the aviation industry for the job roles of an aircraft maintenance engineer, technician, quality control inspector, etc.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Highlights
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Aircraft Maintenance Engineering |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Duration | 2-4 years |
| Course Fee | INR 3 lakhs - INR 10 lakhs |
| Course Specializations | Mechanical, Avionics |
| Eligibility Criteria | Passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering |
| Entrance Exams | AME CET, AIAEE, JEE-AME, IIACET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Indus University, Pune Institute of Aviation Technology, Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology, etc. |
| Job Profile | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Technician, Quality Control Inspector, Line Maintenance Mechanic, Overhaul Mechanic, etc. |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 5 LPA - INR 6 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Air India, IndiGo, Spice Jet, Go Air, Vistara, Air Asia, etc. |
What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
What is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is a specialized course within the aviation industry that involves the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft to ensure their safe and reliable operations. The curriculum of the course includes subjects like aerodynamics, avionics, aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and regulatory requirements. The AME course provides classroom training along with hands-on training using real aircraft components and equipment. During the training, students can choose from two primary specializations of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering:
- AME Mechanical (Airframe, Powerplant)
- AME Avionics (Electronics)
The license in Mechanical covers topics like structural repair, engines, and aircraft systems. The license of Avionics covers avionics, electrical systems, and instrumentation. The course duration or length could range from 2,000 to 2,400 hours based on the program selected by students.
Types of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Courses
Types of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Courses
Following are the types of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering courses available in India
AME Category A: It is usually a 2-year course in which the first year involves academic training and the second year involves practical training in the live environment in Airlines, overhaul (MRO) organizations, and aerospace manufacturing companies. Students can also get a stipend during the practical training. After completion of the course, students can apply for a license through DGCA. The license is issued to individuals as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, who can perform maintenance, repairs, and inspection on aircraft.
AME Category B: It is generally a 3-4 year of program which includes two years of academic sessions and one or two years of practical training in the Airlines (MRO) organizations, and aerospace manufacturing companies. Post-completion of the course, the DGCA will issue a license. Category B is further divided into B1 and B2. A B1 license is for a mechanical stream that is related to the aircraft components like Jet Engine, Piston Engine, Fuselage, Landing Gear, Wings, etc. While a B2 license is for the avionics stream which is related to the electronics system of the aircraft.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Syllabus
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Syllabus
The syllabus of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering may vary according to the specialization chosen by individuals. However, the AME syllabus generally covers the following modules in the curriculum:
- Module 1: Mathematics
- Module 2: Physics
- Module 3: Electrical Fundamentals
- Module 4: Electronic Fundamentals
- Module 5: Digital Techniques Electronic Instrument System
- Module 6: Materials and Hardware
- Module 7: Maintenance Practices
- Module 8: Basic Aerodynamics
- Module 9: Human Factors
- Module 10: Aviation Legislation
- Module 11A: Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures, and Systems
- Module 11B: Piston Aeroplane Aerodynamics, Structures, and Systems
- Module 12: Helicopter Aerodynamics, Structures, and System
- Module 13: Aircraft Aerodynamics, Structures, and System
- Module 14: Propulsion
- Module 15: Gas Turbine Engine
- Module 16: Piston Engine
- Module 17: Propeller
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Eligibility
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering may vary based on the institute and the level of the course. However, the general AME eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Educational Qualification: Candidate must have passed the 10+2 exam in the science stream having Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- Diploma holders in the engineering field are also eligible to apply for the course. However, remember that some institutes may only allow students in specific fields like Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and Aeronautical Engineering.
- The minimum marks requirement may vary as per the institute but generally varies between 45 – 50%.
- Age Limit: The age limit for the AME course is 16 – 28 years.
- Medical Fitness: As per DGCA norms, Candidates must be medically fit with no physical impairments including color blindness.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Entrance Exams
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Entrance Exams
Admission to the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course is either merit-based or entrance test based. The institutes consider national-level entrance tests like AMECET and AIAEE or conduct their own entrance test to enroll students in the AME course. The entrance tests for the AME course in India are represented below:
| Entrance Exam | Exam Level | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Test (AME CET) | National | May 6 – May 10, 2023 |
| All India AME Entrance Examination (AIAEE) | National | May 10 – June 10, 2023 |
| IAE Common Entrance Test (IAE CET) | Institute | May 2023 |
| IIA Delhi Common Entrance Test (IIA CET) | Institute | July 2023 |
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in India
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in India
There are many reputed institutes that offer the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering course in various specializations. According to their popularity, some of the top colleges for AME course in India are as follows
| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indus University, Ahmedabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 in PCM securing at least 45% marks or a 3-year engineering diploma in any discipline. The age of the candidate should be between 16 to 28 years with no physical impairments, including color blindness. | INR 5.60 lakhs | - |
| Pune Institute of Aviation Technology, Pune | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering from a state technical education board. | INR 5.44 lakhs | - |
| Thakur Institute of Aviation Technology - [TIAT], Mumbai | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering from a state technical education board. | INR 6.01 lakhs | - |
| JRN Institute of Aviation Technology - [JRNIAT], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM from a recognized board. The minimum age criteria is 16 years. | INR 3.76 lakhs - INR 7.26 lakhs | - |
| Hindustan Institute of Engineering Technology [HIET], Chennai | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering. | INR 5.30 lakhs | Highest: INR 12 LPA |
| Alpine Group of Institutions – [AGI], Dehradun | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year diploma in any discipline from a recognized board | INR 4.25 lakhs | - |
| VSM Institute of Aerospace Engineering and Technology, Bangalore | Candidate should have passed 10+2/ PUC with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering or a higher qualification in science with PCM. | INR 1.82 lakhs | - |
| Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized Board/ University or passed from NIOS. Candidate must pass the General Medical and Colour Blindness test. | INR 5.36 lakhs | INR 2.50 lakhs |
| Western India Institute of Aeronautics – [WIIA], Ahmedabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering. The minimum age of the candidate should be 16 years with no physical disabilities or color blindness. | INR 6.25 lakhs | - |
| Falcon Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers – [FIAME], Lucknow | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering. The age should be between 16-28 with no physical disabilities or color blindness. Candidate must pass physical fitness and eyesight test. | INR 4.45 lakhs | - |
| Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt Ltd, Pune | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics). The age should be between 16-28 with no physical disabilities or color blindness. Candidate must pass physical fitness and eyesight test. | INR 2.80 lakhs | - |
| Telangana State Aviation Academy, Hyderabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized Board/ University. | INR 4.90 lakhs | - |
| Bharat Institute of Aeronautics – [BIA], Patna | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering. | INR 5.36 lakhs | - |
| Indian Institute of Aeronautics – [IIA], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering. The minimum age should be 16 years with no physical impairments. | INR 5.13 lakhs | - |
| Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering – [IIAE], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 0+2 with PCM or a Diploma in any stream of Engineering from a recognized board/ university. | INR 6 lakhs | - |
| Indira Institute of Aircraft Engineering, Pune | Candidate must have passed 10+2 with PCM or equivalent from a recognized board. The candidate should not have any physical disabilities or color blindness. | INR 3.20 lakhs | INR 3.50 LPA |
| Indraprastha Institute of Aeronautics – [IIAG], Gurgaon | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering. Candidate must be medically fit having no color blindness. | INR 2.65 lakhs - INR 5.45 lakhs | - |
| Institute of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – [IAME], Gorakhpur | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or its equivalent from a recognized board/ university. The candidate should be medically fit. | INR 2.40 lakhs | - |
| Regional Institute of Aviation, Thiruvananthapuram | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics from a recognized board/university. The minimum age requirement is 17 years. | INR 5.45 lakhs | - |
| Star Aviation Academy – [SAA], Gurgaon | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics from a recognized board/university. The candidate should be physically fit. | INR 4.65 lakhs | - |
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in Pune
According to their popularity, the top colleges for AME in Pune are as follows:
| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pune Institute of Aviation Technology, Pune | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering from a state technical education board. | INR 5.44 lakhs | - |
| Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt Ltd, Pune | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics). The age should be between 16-28 with no physical disabilities or color blindness. Candidate must pass physical fitness and eyesight test. | INR 2.80 lakhs | - |
| Indira Institute of Aircraft Engineering, Pune | Candidate must have passed 10+2 with PCM or equivalent from a recognized board. The candidate should not have any physical disabilities or color blindness. | INR 3.20 lakhs | INR 3.50 LPA |
| Hindustan Aerospace & Engineering - [HAE], Pune | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering. The minimum age should be 14 years with no physical impairment. | INR 6.25 lakhs | - |
| Wingsss College of Aviation Technology – [WCAT], Pune | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM from a recognized board or a Diploma in Mechanical, Aeronautics, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering. | INR 5.95 lakhs | INR 4.3 LPA |
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in Delhi
According to their popularity, the top colleges for AME in Delhi are as follows:
| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRN Institute of Aviation Technology - [JRNIAT], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM from a recognized board. The minimum age criteria is 16 years. | INR 3.76 lakhs - INR 7.26 lakhs | - |
| Indian Institute of Aeronautics – [IIA], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering. The minimum age should be 16 years with no physical impairments. | INR 5.13 lakhs | - |
| Indian Institute of Aircraft Engineering – [IIAE], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 0+2 with PCM or a Diploma in any stream of Engineering from a recognized board/ university. | INR 6 lakhs | - |
| School of Aviation Science & Technology – [SAST], Delhi Flying Club, New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized Board. | INR 4.50 lakhs | Highest – 6 LPA |
| School of Aeronautics – [SOA], New Delhi | Candidate should have passed 10+2 pre-degree/intermediate or equivalent with PCM or
Diploma in Engineering with at least 50% marks. Or B.Sc in PCM. |
INR 5.68 lakhs | INR 2-3 lakhs |
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in Bangalore
According to their popularity, top colleges for AME in Bangalore are as follows:
| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSM Institute of Aerospace Engineering and Technology, Bangalore | Candidate should have passed 10+2/ PUC with PCM or a 3-year Diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, or Instrumentation Engineering or a higher qualification in science with PCM. | INR 1.82 lakhs | - |
| Hindustan Aviation Academy – [HAA], Bangalore | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in any stream of Engineering from a recognized board. | INR 2.62 lakhs | - |
| Academy of Aviation and Engineering – [AAE], Bangalore | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering. | INR 3.60 lakhs |
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
According to their popularity, the top colleges for AME in Tami Nadu are as follows:
| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindustan Institute of Engineering Technology [HIET], Chennai | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering. | INR 5.30 lakhs | Highest: INR 12 LPA |
| Nehru College of Aeronautics and Applied Sciences – [NCASS], Coimbatore | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering. | INR 2.80 lakhs | - |
Top Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Colleges in Ahmedabad
According to their popularity, the top colleges for AME in Ahmedabad are as follows:
| College Name | Eligibility Criteria | Average Fees | Average Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indus University, Ahmedabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 in PCM securing at least 45% marks or a 3-year engineering diploma in any discipline. The age of the candidate should be between 16 to 28 years with no any physical impairments, including color blindness. | INR 5.60 lakhs | - |
| Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized Board/ University or passed from NIOS. Candidate must pass the General Medical and Colour Blindness test. | INR 5.36 lakhs | INR 2.50 lakhs |
| Western India Institute of Aeronautics – [WIIA], Ahmedabad | Candidate should have passed 10+2 with PCM or a diploma in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering. The minimum age of the candidate should be 16 years with no physical disabilities or color blindness. | INR 6.25 lakhs | - |
What After Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
What After Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
The future scope of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering holds great potential due to the rapidly growing aviation industry. As technological advancements continue to shape the field, aircraft maintenance engineers will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. Due to the advanced materials, sophisticated avionic systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the demand for skilled professionals capable of maintaining and repairing this complex machine will increase in the future.
Post completion of the AME course, students can get placed in the following sectors:
- Airline Maintenance: AMEs can work as aircraft maintenance engineers in the airlines ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aircraft through inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
- MRO: AMEs can work for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) providers as Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Quality Inspectors, Avionics Technicians, or even progress to managerial positions.
- Aircraft Manufacturing: AMEs can work with an aircraft manufacturing company in the role of Aircraft Production Engineer or Manufacturing Support Engineer to provide technical expertise in aircraft production.
- Self-Employment: As self-employed professionals, AMEs can start their own aircraft maintenance business or work as freelance contractors, providing a range of maintenance and repair services.
- Government Jobs: AMEs can work as aircraft maintenance inspectors, and aviation safety inspectors in Government organizations like the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, etc.
Jobs after Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Candidates can apply for various job roles in airlines, aircraft manufacturing companies, MRO, etc. Some of the popular job roles after completion of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is listed below:
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | 8 LPA |
| Trainers | 6 LPA |
| Defense Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | 8 LPA |
| Aviation Professor | 5 LPA |
| Aircraft Maintenance Technician | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Quality Inspector | INR 2 LPA |
Top Recruiters of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
Candidates can find a range of job opportunities in both private and public sectors in India as well as abroad due to the rising aviation industry. The top recruiters of the Aircraft Manufacturer Engineers are listed below:
- Air India
- IndiGo
- Air Asia
- Spice Jet
- Go Air
- Vistara
- Air Asia
- Alliance Air
- Blue Dart
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering FAQs
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering FAQs
Que. Who is eligible for AME?
Candidates who have passed the 10+2 level of education science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or a Diploma in a relevant discipline are eligible for AME. Apart from that, the candidate must be medically fit with no color blindness problem to be eligible to apply for the AME course. The minimum age requirement for the course is 16-28 years.
Que. What is an aircraft maintenance engineer?
An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) is a skilled professional with a license issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). AMEs are involved in the inspection, maintenance, and repairing of aircraft to ensure their safe and efficient operation.
Que. What is the salary of an AME?
The average salary of an AME in India is 8 Lakhs per annum which is 66,700 per month. However, the salary of an aircraft maintenance engineer depends on the skills, experience, and organization of the individual.
Que. Is aircraft maintenance engineer a good career?
As compared to other engineering fields, an aircraft maintenance engineer is a good career option due to the rapidly growing aviation industry. Students can find many great opportunities post-completion of their course in public and private sectors with a good salary package.
Que. How many years course is Aircraft Maintenance Engineering?
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering is offered for the duration of 2-4 years depending on the specialization selected by the candidate. Generally, AME Category A courses last for 2 years, while a Category B course is offered for a duration of 3-4 years.
Que. What is the age limit for AME?
The age limit for AME in India is 16-28 years. However, some institute also allows students with a minimum age of 14 years for the admission to AME course.
Que. What is the AME fees in India?
The average fees for the AME course in India range from INR 3 lakhs – to INR 10 lakhs. Some colleges also offer various scholarships to meritorious students to provide them with the financial assistance to pursue the course.


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