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Journalism of Courage
(‘The Right Choice’ is a series by The Indian Express that addresses common questions, misconceptions, and doubts surrounding undergraduate admissions. You can read the stories here.)
— Tanya Singh
Electricity is essential to our society — and those who learn to master it are creating the future. From energizing cities to enabling global communication, the disciplines of Electrical Engineering (EE) and Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering (EECE) are at the center of the modern world. This is not only about circuits and signals; this is where science, technology, and innovation propel advancement across all spectrums of life in a connected world.
EE and EECE are based on an in-depth engineering core, and each offers an equally valuable, distinct range of options for students eager to pursue careers at the interface of energy, electronics, and communication. The diversity of each option is also essential for anyone wanting to reflect upon a well-considered and motivated direction for further study or career, and this includes a discussion of the subject matter in both options – not only do I want to characterize the topic matters, but there are distinctions concerning employment opportunities in each area of study.
Electrical Engineering is one of the oldest and broadest areas of engineering. The general concept of electrical engineering captures the study, design, and invention of electricity.
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Electrical engineering is a field that designs our world. A few of the roles electrical engineers fulfill include designing and maintaining generation plants, designing and maintaining transmission lines, transformers, and developing electric motor arrays and controlled systems that all play a vital role in industries, infrastructure, and renewable energy grids.
Electrical engineers stabilize, provide consistent, efficient, and sustainable energy for the world through an efficient, sustainable energy supply, thereby enabling each nation to grow and develop.
Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering incorporates basic knowledge of electrical engineering with more in-depth concepts and studies of electronic and communication technologies. It studies how electro-mechanical systems communicate information, how semiconductors and microprocessors work, and how to properly and securely transmit information across communications systems.
EECE students will learn how electrical devices communicate with each other, how information travels through wired and wireless applications, and how to understand the mechanics behind digital technology that shapes communication in today’s sessions and applications. If electrical engineering represents the world of “power,” EECE actually represents the world of “information” –
Both disciplines start with a common base of mathematics, physics, and circuit theory. Nonetheless, as students progress through degree programmes, the distinction of focus areas becomes apparent.
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In the emphasis of Electrical Engineering, courses are placed on electrical machines, power systems, control systems, renewable energy, power electronics, and high voltage engineering. In these courses, students develop the skills to generate, supply, and utilize electrical energy safely and effectively. As the advent of smart grids and transmission of renewable energy into the power system markets continues to develop, electrical engineers will work at the intersection of sustainability, automation, and progress.
In the Electronics and Electrical Communications Engineering, we concentrate on areas of study such as analog and digital electronics, communication systems, signal processing, embedded system design, VLSI circuit design, and microwave and optical communication. Students who are part of this programme also investigate the technologies that form the foundation of many modern communication systems, from wireless networks to chips and satellite communication systems. This programme has a strong focus on the creation of information, transmission of the information, and processing of that information in real time. Many of the projects our graduates work on involve the integration of hardware and software to create the “smart” connected systems of the future.
Career prospects for both branches are plentiful and lucrative, although their areas of focus vary.
Electrical Engineering graduates generally become employed by power generation or distribution companies, renewable energy companies, industrial automation, or government employment. The expansion of electric vehicles globally and the increased push for clean energy have made electrical engineers relevant again. They are players in capacity energy systems, installation of EV charging infrastructure, and planning smart city solutions related to energy and sustainability.
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Both fields present an attractive avenue for graduate studies and research. Those who have studied electrical engineering often engage in graduate studies in areas such as power systems, control engineering, or energy studies focused on sustainable power generation and grid optimization.
Graduates of EECE are also likely to pursue interests within a similar field of study, such as communication systems, VLSI design, and signal processing, or even a hybrid field involving Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, as these areas overlap with communication technologies. Across the globe, research institutions and universities continually seek engineer candidates from both fields to drive major advancements in areas that range from smart energy networks to next-generation communication satellites.
The indications in industry suggest a similar recovery in the markets for both fields, reflecting globalization around innovative sustainability issues. In Electrical Engineering, green energy and automation have shifted traditional positions in a more favorable direction. Engineers are now working on smart grids utilizing real-time data to intelligently manage the supply and demand of power with higher efficiencies. Electric mobility, and specifically electric vehicles, is a new industry emerging from sustainable energy that demands electrical engineers with knowledge in the design, test, and maintenance of the newest high-efficiency systems.
Fusing the two programs will provide engineering candidates from both fields the opportunity to become better situated with sustainable development.
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For Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, improvement currently lies in the digital revolution. The global introduction of 5G and the advances in 6G mean that the world of communication technologies is changing. Along with this, the semiconductor sector—at the crux of any electronic device—continues to expand rapidly, bringing fantastic opportunities for designers and microelectronics specialists. With the proliferation of IoT and AI entering our lives —from working together in the smart home and driverless vehicles to connected health—and everything in between, future EECE graduates will surely have inspiring and fulfilling careers in these technology futures.
This respective introduction points to student interest and affinity for either chosen pathway. Students who are excited by large systems, power machinery, and the sustainability of energy sources should think about studying Electrical Engineering.
Students will take joy in working on systems that energise industry and cities. For students with an interest in devices, digital systems, and communication technologies, it may also be desirable to consider Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, which highlights the transparency of the direction of future technology and allows students to have careers in areas that enable digital technology. Both areas of study value the development of analytical reasoning, creativity, and flexibility, all of which will be required for jobs in the future as technology continues to change.
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Regarding compensation packages, fresh graduates from recognized institutions can expect starting packages usually in the range of Rs 5 lakh – Rs 8 lakh per annum, depending on the qualifications and the employer. With proper experience developed and attention to specialization, it is quite easy for these packages to rise to Rs 12 lakh – Rs 20 lakh per annum for someone with mid-level experience.
For those working in more advanced design, R&D, or managerial roles for top companies or MNCs, the package could exceed Rs 25 lakh+ per annum. Aside from salary, one of the true values in studying and working in these fields is that you will be future-proofed. With the world moving towards smart cities, renewable energy ecosystems, AI-enabled automation, and digital connectivity, engineers from EE and EECE will continue to be at the forefront of making a sustainable and technologically advanced future. For students whose ambition is to design how the world is powered — and how it communicates — these are the fields to get into for a stimulating, high-impact, globally relevant career path.
(Dr Tanya Singh is dean of academics at Noida International University)
