A diploma in electrical engineering provides practical skills and job-ready training. This 3-year course emphasizes application-based learning, leading to a starting salary of INR 3 Lakh per annum and an average salary of INR 7 Lakh per annum, making it a strong career choice in India.
What is Diploma in Electrical Engineering?
The Diploma in Electrical Engineering is a 3-year polytechnic course for students after completing their 10th standard. The course emphasizes practical skills and technical knowledge in electromagnetics, electronics, and electricity. With India’s power sector projected to reach 500 GW by 2030 and the growth of electric vehicles (EVs), skilled electrical engineers are in high demand. Core subjects include Power Systems, Electrical Machines, Power Electronics, and PLC/SCADA.
Here is a quick overview of the course:
Feature
Key Details
Full Form
Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Polytechnic Diploma)
Duration
3 years (6 semesters) after Class 10; 2 years (lateral entry) after Class 12/ITI
Eligibility
Class 10 pass with Science & Maths (min. 35–50% marks, varies by state/board); lateral entry requires 12th/ITI
Admission Process
Merit-based or state polytechnic entrance exams
Focus
Practical & skill-based training in electrical systems, circuits, machines, power, maintenance, and basic electronics
Key Subjects
Electrical Circuit Theory, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Electronics Devices & Circuits and more
Fees (Approx.)
Government: ₹10,000–₹50,000
Private: ₹50,000–₹3 lakhs
Mode
Full-time; some institutes offer part-time/distance options
Career Paths
Electrical Technician, Junior Engineer, Supervisor, Maintenance Engine and more
Average Starting Salary
₹2.5–4.5 LPA (₹15,000–₹35,000/month); higher in PSUs and private firms for experienced professionals
Higher Studies Options
Lateral entry to BTech (2nd year), followed by MTech; certifications in automation/renewable energy
Scope
Quick job entry in industries (power, manufacturing, construction); good demand for technicians; stepping stone to degree-level roles
Diploma in Electrical Engineering Eligibility & Admission Process
To be eligible for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, you must have passed 10th standard with at least 35% marks, including Mathematics and Science. Admission requires appearing for entrance exams like JEECUP, Delhi CET, and MAH CET, held between April and June 2026. Further, several institutes also offer merit-based admission to students pursuing Diploma in Electrical Engineering.
Here is a list of popular state entrance exams for this course:
Exam Name
State
Tentative Exam Date
JEECUP (UPJEE Polytechnic)
Uttar Pradesh
May 15 to 22, 2026 (Officially announced)
TS POLYCET
Telangana
May 13, 2026 (Officially announced)
AP POLYCET
Andhra Pradesh
April 2026 (Tentative, fourth week expected)
Delhi CET
Delhi
July 2026 (Tentative)
DCECE (Polytechnic)
Bihar
May/June 2026 (Tentative)
Top Colleges for Diploma in Electrical Engineering
The following table provides an overview of top diploma electrical colleges in India, including fees, lab facilities, and partners. These colleges offer a 3-year diploma in electrical engineering, focusing on practical skills and application-based knowledge. Top choices include:
Top Government Colleges
College Name
Admission (Entrance/Merit)
Course Fees (Total for 3 years, approx.)
Government Polytechnic, Mumbai
Entrance (DTE Maharashtra CAP)
₹18,100
Government Polytechnic, Pune
Entrance (DTE Maharashtra CAP)
₹8,750 – ₹31,000
Pusa Institute of Technology (DSEU), Delhi
Entrance (Delhi CET)
₹15,000 – ₹31,050
Aryabhatt Institute of Technology (DSEU), Delhi
Entrance (Delhi CET)
₹31,050
Government Polytechnic, Lucknow
Entrance (JEECUP, Uttar Pradesh)
₹11,870 – ₹35,610
Top Private Colleges
College Name
Admission (Entrance/Merit)
Course Fees (Total for 3 years, approx.)
Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar
Merit-based / LPUNEST (university test)
₹90,000 – ₹3,00,000
Galgotias University, Greater Noida
Merit-based / University entrance or direct
₹1,00,000 – ₹1,75,000
Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur
Merit-based / University criteria
₹2,22,000
MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU), Pune
Merit-based
₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 (varies by program)
JIS School of Polytechnic, Kolkata
Merit-based / WBJEE Polytechnic or direct
₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000
Top State-wise Colleges for Diploma in Electrical Engineering
State
Key Colleges
Uttar Pradesh
1. Government Polytechnic, Lucknow
2. Government Polytechnic, Gorakhpur
3. Government Polytechnic, Kanpur
Maharashtra
1. Government Polytechnic, Mumbai
2. Government Polytechnic, Pune
3. Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai (offers diploma programs)
Tamil Nadu
1. Government Polytechnic College, Chennai
2. Central Polytechnic College, Chennai
3. PSG Polytechnic College, Coimbatore
Andhra Pradesh
1. Government Polytechnic, Vijayawada
2. Government Polytechnic, Visakhapatnam
3. Andhra Polytechnic, Kakinada
Telangana
1. Government Polytechnic, Masab Tank (Hyderabad)
2. Government Polytechnic, Warangal
3. Government Polytechnic, Hyderabad (various campuses)
Delhi
1. Pusa Institute of Technology (DSEU), Delhi
2. Aryabhatt Institute of Technology (DSEU), Delhi
3. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DSEU), Delhi
Syllabus for Diploma in Electrical Engineering
The Diploma spans six semesters, balancing theoretical and practical aspects. Here is a detailed breakdown of the course syllabus:
Semester 2: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Circuit Theory
Circuit Analysis Lab, Workshop Practice
Semester 3: Electrical Machines I, Digital Electronics, Signals and Systems
Electrical Machines Lab I, Digital Electronics Lab
Semester 4: Electrical Machines II, Microcontrollers, Control Systems
Electrical Machines Lab II, Microcontroller Lab
Semester 5: Power Systems I, Electrical Drives, PLC/SCADA Systems
Power Systems Lab I, Electrical Drives Lab, PLC/SCADA Lab
Semester 6: Power Systems II, Industrial Automation, Project Work
Power Systems Lab II, Industrial Automation Lab, Project
MATLAB basics and programming
MATLAB Lab and Project
Electronic Circuits and Communication Systems
Electronic Circuits Lab and Communication Systems Lab
Electrical Measurements and Instrumentation
Electrical Measurements Lab and Instrumentation Lab
Power Electronics and Control Systems
Power Electronics Lab and Control Systems Lab
Diploma Electrical Fees
Diploma in Electrical Engineering fees in India vary by institution and location. Government colleges typically charge between ₹25,000 to ₹75,000 for the entire course, with SC/ST students often eligible for a full waiver. Private colleges can range from ₹1 lakh to ₹4.5 lakhs. Scholarships are available, including those for SC/ST students, post-matric scholarships, labour welfare scholarships, and the Pragati scholarship.
Career After Diploma Electrical
A Diploma in Electrical Engineering leads to diverse career opportunities in India’s public and private sectors. Graduates can find roles in power generation, distribution, and maintenance, as well as manufacturing and automation. Take a look at the top job roles in this sector along with salary packages and key employers
Jobs
Key Employer (PSUs)
Key Employer (Private)
Salary
Junior Engineer at BSPHCL
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
₹4.2-7.8 LPA (₹35-65K/month)
Junior Engineer at UPPCL
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
Siemens
₹3.6-6.6 LPA (₹30-55K/month)
Junior Engineer at MSEB
Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCI)
ABB
₹4.5-8.5 LPA (₹37-70K/month)
Electrical Technician
Indian Railways
Tata Power
₹3-6 LPA (₹25-50K/month)
Maintenance Technician
Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL)
Reliance Infrastructure
₹3.5-7 LPA (₹29-58K/month)
Electrical Design Assistant
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
Adani Power
₹4-8 LPA (₹33-66K/month)
Junior Engineer at Railways
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
Jindal Steel and Power
₹5-9 LPA (₹42-75K/month)
Substation Engineer
Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)
Hero MotoCorp
₹6-12 LPA (₹50-100K/month)
Transmission Engineer
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL)
₹7-14 LPA (₹58-116K/month)
Distribution Engineer
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL)
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
₹8-16 LPA (₹66-133K/month)
Diploma Electrical Salary
The salary for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering graduate depends on the sector, job role, and location. The table below provides a salary overview for diploma holders in electrical engineering across different sectors:
Designation
PSU
Private
Gulf
Junior Engineer
₹4.5-8 LPA
₹3-6 LPA
₹6-12 LPA
Electrical Technician
₹3.5-6 LPA
₹2.5-4.5 LPA
₹4-8 LPA
Govt JE (Experienced)
₹4.5-8 LPA
₹3-6 LPA
₹6-12 LPA
EV Skills (Technician)
₹4.2-7.2 LPA
₹3-5.4 LPA
₹4.8-9.6 LPA
Scope for Higher Studies After Diploma in Electrical Engineering
A Diploma in Electrical Engineering equips you with strong practical skills and opens immediate job opportunities. However, many diploma holders aspire to advance further for better roles, higher salaries, and eligibility in PSUs or research. The most popular and seamless pathway is lateral entry into the second year of a BTech/BE program in Electrical Engineering, discussed ahead in detail. This allows you to complete the bachelor’s degree in just three years instead of four, building directly on your diploma foundation and significantly boosting long-term career prospects.
BTech Lateral Entry
The BTech Lateral Entry program allows diploma holders to enter the second year of a BTech program, shortening the course duration. Eligibility typically requires passing exams like LEET or JEE Main. After completing a BTech, graduates can take the GATE exam for opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). A BTech degree is often required for higher-paying jobs and roles like Executive Engineer, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Expert, Web Development Expert and more.
Take a look at popular lateral entry exams in the table below:
Exam Name
State
AP ECET
Andhra Pradesh
TS ECET
Telangana
JEECUP (Lateral Entry)
Uttar Pradesh
JELET
West Bengal
OJEE (Lateral Entry)
Odisha
Haryana LEET
Haryana
IPU CET (Lateral Entry)
Delhi
DSE / Maharashtra Lateral Entry
Maharashtra
Diploma in Electrical Engineering vs BTech in Electrical Engineering
The following table compares a Diploma in Electrical Engineering with a BTech in Electrical Engineering, highlighting differences in duration, focus, curriculum, and career opportunities.
Aspect
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
BTech in Electrical Engineering
Full Form
Diploma (Polytechnic level)
Bachelor of Technology
Duration
3 years (after 10th) or 2 years (lateral entry after 12th/ITI)
4 years (8 semesters) after 12th
Eligibility
Class 10th pass (with Science & Maths); merit/entrance-based
Class 12th pass with PCM (min. 50%); entrance exams like JEE Main/State CET/CUET
Admission Process
Merit-based or polytechnic entrance exam (e.g., JEECUP, Polytechnic CET)
Entrance-based (JEE Main, state exams, or university tests) + counselling
Focus/Curriculum
Practical, skill-based; hands-on training in wiring, maintenance, basic circuits
In-depth theory + practical; advanced topics like power systems, control, electronics, design
Fees (Approx. India)
Govt: ₹10,000–₹50,000 total Private: ₹50,000–₹3 lakhs total
Govt (IIT/NIT): ₹2–10 lakhs total Private: ₹4–15 lakhs total
Q1. What is the duration of a Diploma in Electrical Engineering?
The duration of a Diploma in Electrical Engineering is 3 years, divided into 6 semesters. This contrasts with a 4-year (8 semesters) B.Tech in Electrical Engineering. The diploma course focuses on application-based, practical skills, preparing students for jobs upon completion.
Q2. What are the eligibility exams for Diploma in Electrical Engineering?
Eligibility exams for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering include AIE CET (AICTE), JEECUP (Uttar Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination Council), Delhi CET (Department of Training and Technical Education, Delhi), and MAH CET (State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra). These exams are conducted by different bodies and accepted by polytechnics in various states.
Q3. What is the starting salary for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering holder?
The starting salary for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering holder in India typically ranges from ₹2.5 to ₹4.5 LPA, depending on the job role, location, and company.
Q4. What is the total fee for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering at KIT Kanpur?
The total fee for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering (3 years) at KIT Kanpur is approximately ₹1.35 lakhs, including tuition fees.
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