Engineering as concept has existed since ancient times. Humans have always been devising basic inventions such as the pulley, lever, and wheel. Each of these inventions is consistent with the modern definition of engineering, exploiting basic mechanical principles to develop useful tools and objects. Engineering as a subject is a discipline and profession of applying technical and scientific knowledge, utilizing natural laws and physical resources in order to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes that safely aim a desired objective which meets a specified criteria.
Only students from the science stream at +2 level (XI and XII) are eligible for the Bachelor of Engineering course.
Students are admitted on the basis of std XII marks or State-Commom Entrance Test (CET) or Deemed University entrance Exam or centralized All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE). Selection to BE is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through 'JEE' (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other institutions through their own separate entrance exams and other state level and national level exams. Most of the institutes conducting engineering courses in Aeronautics consider JEE score as the qualifying grade. Diploma holders in engineering are also eligible for entry into B.E. Diploma holders of engineering enter degree course, by lateral entry, which gives some concessions in study of subjects.