What is A&R / RA?
Automation and Robotics focuses on machines that work on their own: robotic arms on an assembly line, warehouse robots, automated inspection stations, CNC cells and drones. You learn how to design a robot's mechanism, model its motion (kinematics and dynamics), pick sensors and actuators, program it, and connect it to factory systems using PLCs, SCADA and industrial networks.
Early semesters cover the engineering basics and a mix of mechanical and electronics subjects. Later you study robot kinematics, control systems, industrial automation, hydraulics and pneumatics, machine vision, the Robot Operating System (ROS) and AI for robotics. Lab time with industrial robots, PLC trainers and simulation software is central to the course.
How it differs from Mechatronics: both blend mechanical, electronics and software, but Mechatronics is broader (any smart electromechanical product), while Automation and Robotics is narrower and more applied, aimed at industrial automation and robot systems. Programmes named Robotics and AI (for example at Amrita) put more weight on AI and software. Because the branch is new, check each college's labs, faculty and placement record carefully.
Who is this course for?
- Students who love building and programming robots
- Those curious about how modern factories and warehouses are automated
- Students who like a mix of hardware, electronics and coding
- Robotics competition participants (e.g. Robocon, FIRST, WRO)
- People interested in AI applied to physical machines
- Students who want hands-on, project-based learning
What you study
- Year 1
- Engineering Mathematics I & II
- Engineering Physics
- Programming in C/Python
- Engineering Mechanics
- Basic Electrical and Electronics
- Engineering Graphics
- Year 2
- Digital Electronics and Microprocessors
- Theory of Machines
- Sensors and Actuators
- Strength of Materials
- Data Structures
- Electrical Machines and Drives
- Year 3
- Robot Kinematics and Dynamics
- Control Systems
- PLC, SCADA and Industrial Automation
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Embedded Systems
- Machine Learning
- Year 4
- Machine Vision
- Robot Operating System (ROS) and Path Planning
- Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
- Electives (Mobile Robots / Drones / Collaborative Robots)
- Capstone Project
- Internship
Specialisations and electives
Industrial roboticsPLC/SCADA and process automationMobile and autonomous robotsDrones and aerial roboticsMachine vision and AICollaborative robots (cobots)Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0Medical and service robotics
Eligibility & admission
- Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics and Mathematics compulsory, plus Chemistry/Biology/Computer Science/technical subject.
- AICTE minimum: 45% (40% reserved); private universities often ask 50–60% in PCM.
- GGSIPU (USAR) admits through JEE Main ranks in IPU counselling; Maharashtra colleges through MHT CET/JEE Main and CAP; Tamil Nadu colleges through TNEA.
- No upper age limit for JEE Main or state CETs.
- Lateral entry: diploma holders can join the second year where state rules allow (e.g. Maharashtra DSE).
How admission works
- Take JEE Main and your state CET (e.g. MHT CET) or university test
- Register for the relevant counselling: GGSIPU, Maharashtra CAP, TNEA or university
- List Automation and Robotics / Robotics and Automation among your choices
- Accept the allotted seat and pay the fee
- Complete document verification and report to the college
Entrance exams
JEE Mainfor USAR (GGSIPU) and many private and state colleges
MHT CETfor Pune and other Maharashtra colleges offering the branch
TNEAClass 12 marks-based counselling for PSG College of Technology
Amrita Entrance Exam (AEEE) / JEE Mainfor Amrita's B.Tech Robotics and AI
SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) / JEE Mainfor Symbiosis Institute of Technology
Planning to study A&R / RA?The AISEE merit scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees at participating colleges. One online exam, results by rank.
Apply for AISEE-2027
Top colleges for A&R / RA
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| University School of Automation and Robotics (USAR), GGSIPU | New Delhi | State university school; B.Tech Automation and Robotics (dual-degree option) |
| PSG College of Technology | Coimbatore | Government-aided; B.E. Robotics and Automation via TNEA |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore / Bengaluru / Amritapuri | Private deemed university; B.Tech Robotics and Artificial Intelligence |
| Symbiosis Institute of Technology | Pune | Private; B.Tech Robotics and Automation |
| AISSMS College of Engineering | Pune | SPPU-affiliated; B.Tech/B.E. Robotics and Automation |
| JSPM Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering | Pune | Autonomous, SPPU-affiliated; Department of Automation and Robotics |
| D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi | Pune | SPPU-affiliated; B.E. Robotics and Automation |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Robotics EngineerDesigns, programs and tests robots for industry and services.
Automation / PLC EngineerBuilds and maintains automated production lines using PLCs and SCADA.
Robot Programmer / IntegratorSets up and programs industrial robots for welding, painting or handling.
Machine Vision EngineerDevelops camera-based inspection and guidance systems.
Controls EngineerDesigns control logic and tunes motion systems.
Field Service / Commissioning EngineerInstalls and troubleshoots automation systems at customer sites.
Drone / Autonomous Systems EngineerWorks on navigation, perception and control for drones and mobile robots.
Top recruiters & sectors
ABB RoboticsKUKAFANUC IndiaYaskawaSiemensRockwell AutomationSchneider ElectricAddverb TechnologiesGreyOrangeTata MotorsMaruti SuzukiDRDO
Salary
Freshers usually start at ₹4–7 LPA (approx.) in automation integrators, robot makers and manufacturing companies; strong programmers placed in robotics software or vision roles can earn more. After 5–8 years, robotics and automation leads typically earn ₹10–20 LPA (approx.).
Practical skills drive pay: PLC programming (Siemens/Allen-Bradley), robot programming, ROS, Python and machine vision, plus internships and competition projects. Because the branch is new, placement data is limited at many colleges. Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
Factories, warehouses and logistics hubs in India are automating to raise quality and reduce costs, and government programmes for manufacturing, electronics and defence production are speeding this up. Robotics start-ups in warehousing, agriculture and inspection are also growing, and drones are being used widely in surveying and agriculture.
Since the degree is new, some employers and PSU notifications may not list it as an eligible branch yet. Students should build a strong portfolio of projects, choose colleges with real industrial robot labs, and be ready to apply for mechanical, electrical or electronics-linked roles too.
After this course
- M.Tech in Robotics, Automation or Control via GATE (ME/EE/IN)
- MS in Robotics abroad (USA, Germany, Japan)
- M.Tech in Industrial Automation and Robotics
- PhD in robotics, AI or autonomous systems
- Certifications in PLC, robot programming (FANUC/ABB) or ROS
A&R / RA FAQs
Is Automation and Robotics a good branch in 2026?
It is a growing field with good demand for skilled engineers in automation and robot integration. The branch is new, so choose a college with proper labs and check its placement record.
What is the difference between Automation and Robotics and Mechatronics?
Both combine mechanical, electronics and software. Automation and Robotics focuses on industrial automation and robots, while Mechatronics covers a wider range of smart machines and products.
Can I get a robotics job with Mechanical or CSE instead?
Yes. Many robotics engineers come from Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or CSE and add robotics through projects, electives and an M.Tech or MS.
Which GATE paper suits Automation and Robotics graduates?
There is no dedicated paper; most take Mechanical (ME), Electrical (EE) or Instrumentation (IN). Check eligibility in the M.Tech or PSU notification.
Is coding important in Automation and Robotics?
Very important. You will program robots, PLCs and vision systems using languages like Python, C++ and ladder logic.
AISEE - 2027 Online Scholarship Application Available 
