The quick answer
Both courses lead to good aviation careers, but they train you for different work. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) trains you to maintain aircraft and leads to a DGCA licence that lets you certify an aircraft as fit to fly. B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering is a four-year degree in how aircraft are designed, built and tested.
If you like working with your hands on real aircraft, AME suits you. If you enjoy design, analysis and research, B.Tech suits you. If you cannot decide, the dual programme gives you both.
AME and B.Tech side by side
| AME | B.Tech Aeronautical | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Training towards a DGCA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence (CAR-66) | A B.Tech degree from an AICTE-approved institution |
| Regulated by | DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation | AICTE and the awarding university |
| Duration | Basic training under CAR-147, then practical experience at a CAR-145 organisation | 4 years, 8 semesters |
| Main focus | Inspection, maintenance, repair and certification of aircraft | Design, manufacturing, testing and research |
| Eligibility | 10+2 PCM, medically fit, no colour blindness | 10+2 PCM with 50% (45% for SC, ST and OBC) |
| Approximate fees | ₹4 to 6 lakh for basic training | ₹4 to 6 lakh for the full course, varies by university |
| Typical employers | Airlines, MROs, cargo carriers, helicopter and charter operators | Aircraft and parts manufacturers, design firms, research bodies such as ISRO, DRDO and CSIR |
| Exams that matter | DGCA module examinations | University semester exams |
Choose AME if…
- You want to work on real aircraft every day, in hangars and on the ramp.
- You want a licensed role with clear responsibility: your signature releases the aircraft for flight.
- You like practical problem-solving: finding a fault and fixing it.
- You are interested in airline and MRO careers in India and abroad.
Read more on our AME course page and in the DGCA AME licence process guide.
Choose B.Tech Aeronautical if…
- You enjoy mathematics, design and analysis more than hands-on work.
- You want to work in aircraft or parts manufacturing, design offices or research.
- You may want a master's degree or a research career later.
Read more on our B.Tech Aeronautical page.
Can't decide? Do both
The Redwings dual programme combines a B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering with AME training. The degree is awarded by Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Sciences (AICTE approved), and AME training is delivered by Redwings Aerotechnique Pvt. Ltd. as per DGCA rules. You graduate with an engineering degree and a head start on the maintenance licence, which widens your options in manufacturing, maintenance organisations and airlines.
Compare the programmes
| Programme | You get | Duration / path | Career focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) | DGCA licence (CAR-66) | Basic training under CAR-147, then practical experience at a CAR-145 organisation | Maintain and certify aircraft as fit to fly |
| B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering | B.Tech degree (AICTE approved) | 4 years, 8 semesters | Design, manufacturing, testing and research |
| Dual programme: AME + B.Tech | Degree and AME training together | Combined programme | Both design and maintenance careers |
| Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) | DGCA licence | 4 months ground school + 8 to 12 months flying (200 hours) | Fly commercial aircraft |
AME, B.Tech and the dual programme need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (or an equivalent diploma); pilot training needs Physics and Mathematics. Admission to all of them is through AMERAT.
Frequently asked questions
Is AME the same as aeronautical engineering?
Which is better, AME or B.Tech Aeronautical?
Can I do AME and B.Tech together?
Is the eligibility the same for both?
How do I get admission to either course?
More AME guides
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