Best Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

Petroleum Engineering is one of the most lucrative and in-demand engineering disciplines in India and across the globe. As the world continues to rely on fossil fuels, there is a constant need for skilled professionals in oil exploration, drilling, and reservoir management. India, being home to major oil reserves and refineries, offers excellent opportunities for petroleum engineers. With companies like ONGC, Reliance Industries, Indian Oil, BPCL, and Schlumberger actively hiring graduates, pursuing a BTech in Petroleum Engineering from a reputed institute can open doors to high-paying careers.

Choosing the right college is crucial as it impacts your knowledge, industry exposure, and placement opportunities. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of the best petroleum engineering colleges in India, their eligibility criteria, admission process, fees, placements, and much more.

Key Areas of Petroleum Engineering

• Reservoir Engineering – Analyzes underground reservoirs to maximize oil and gas recovery using advanced techniques like enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
• Drilling Engineering – Designs and supervises drilling operations to extract oil and gas safely and efficiently.
• Production Engineering – Manages the process of bringing hydrocarbons to the surface and optimizing production.
• Petroleum Geology – Studies rock formations to identify potential oil and gas reserves.
• Refining and Processing – Focuses on transforming crude oil into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals.

Best Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

1. Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad

ISM Dhanbad is the premier institute for petroleum engineering in India. With state-of-the-art research facilities and industry collaborations, it ranks among the best petroleum engineering colleges in India.

• Location: Jharkhand
• Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: JEE Advanced for B.Tech, GATE for M.Tech

2. University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun

UPES is a leading private institution specializing in energy and petroleum studies. It is known for its best petroleum engineering schools status, offering strong industry connections and placement support.

• Location: Uttarakhand
• Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: UPESEAT, JEE Main

3. Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gandhinagar

Formerly known as PDPU, this university offers cutting-edge research facilities and collaborations with global energy companies. It is a top choice for students searching for petroleum engineering colleges near me in western India.

• Location: Gujarat
• Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: GUJCET, JEE Main

4. Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT-WPU), Pune

MIT-WPU offers a well-structured petroleum engineering program with strong industry partnerships. It is one of the best petroleum engineering colleges in western India.

• Location: Maharashtra
• Courses Offered: B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: JEE Main, MHT-CET

5. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Amethi

RGIPT is an institute of national importance, supported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It ranks among the top petroleum engineering colleges due to its excellent faculty and placement records.

• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: JEE Advanced, GATE

6. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai

ICT Mumbai is renowned for its chemical and petroleum engineering programs. It has been consistently ranked among the best petroleum engineering schools in India.

• Location: Maharashtra
• Courses Offered: B.Tech in Petrochemical Engineering
• Entrance Exam: JEE Main, MHT-CET

7. Chandigarh University, Punjab

Chandigarh University offers modern labs and global research collaborations, making it a strong contender for students seeking top petroleum engineering colleges in India.

• Location: Punjab
• Courses Offered: B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: JEE Main, CUET

8. DIT University, Dehradun

DIT University has strong academic-industry linkages and provides excellent placement support in the petroleum sector.

• Location: Uttarakhand
• Courses Offered: B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: JEE Main, Direct Admission

9. Anna University, Chennai

Anna University is one of the best public institutions offering petroleum engineering in South India, with extensive research and development opportunities.

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• Courses Offered: B.Tech in Petrochemical Engineering
• Entrance Exam: TNEA

10. LPU (Lovely Professional University), Punjab

LPU is known for its modern curriculum, international collaborations, and strong placement records in the petroleum sector.

• Location: Punjab
• Courses Offered: B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
• Entrance Exam: LPUNEST, JEE Main

Overview Table: Best Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

Also Read: Top Aeronautical Engineering Colleges in India

Eligibility Criteria for Petroleum Engineering

To secure admission in top petroleum engineering colleges in India, candidates must meet specific academic and entrance exam requirements.

Undergraduate (BTech/B.E.)

• Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as core subjects.
• A minimum aggregate score of 50-60% (varies by university) is required.
• Admission is based on performance in national and state-level entrance exams such as JEE Advanced, JEE Main, BITSAT, UPESEAT, and state CETs.
• Private universities may offer direct admission based on 12th-grade marks or their own entrance exams.

Postgraduate (MTech/M.E.)

• A bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Candidates must qualify in GATE or university-specific entrance tests.
• Some universities conduct personal interviews for MTech admissions.

Meeting these criteria is essential for securing admission to India’s top petroleum engineering institutes and kickstarting a rewarding career in this field.

Admission Process for Petroleum Engineering

Admission to petroleum engineering colleges in India is primarily based on entrance exams. Here’s a general overview:

• JEE Main & Advanced: Required for IITs, NITs, and other top institutions.
• GATE: Required for M.Tech admissions in premier colleges.
• State-Level Exams: MHT-CET (Maharashtra), GUJCET (Gujarat), TNEA (Tamil Nadu).
• Private University Exams: UPESEAT (UPES), LPUNEST (LPU).

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Petroleum Engineering College

Selecting the right college is crucial for building a successful career in petroleum engineering. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Accreditation & Recognition: Ensure that the university is approved by AICTE, UGC, NBA, and has NAAC accreditation.
• Curriculum & Specializations: A well-structured course covering subjects like reservoir engineering, drilling technology, and offshore engineering is important.
• Placement Records & Recruiters: Research the average salary package, top recruiters, and internship opportunities provided by the college.
• Infrastructure & Labs: Modern petroleum engineering laboratories, simulation centers, and research facilities enhance learning.
• Industrial Exposure: Universities collaborating with ONGC, Shell, Schlumberger, and BP provide hands-on experience through industry projects and internships.
• Alumni Network & Global Exposure: A strong alumni network can help in career growth and global opportunities.

Career Opportunities and Salary Trends

Graduates from top petroleum engineering colleges in India have excellent job opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Job Roles for Petroleum Engineers

Top Recruiters for Petroleum Engineers

Salary Trends in Petroleum Engineering:

• Fresh Graduates: ₹6 – ₹12 LPA
• Mid-level Professionals: ₹15 – ₹30 LPA
• Senior Engineers: ₹30+ LPA

FAQs About Petroleum Engineering Colleges in India

Conclusion

Choosing the best petroleum engineering college in India can significantly impact career growth. Institutes like IIT Dhanbad, RGIPT, and UPES provide excellent academic exposure, industry collaborations, and placement opportunities. With a rising demand for energy professionals, petroleum engineering remains a promising field offering high salaries and global career prospects.