Mechanical Engineering Subjects by Semester

Introduction

Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering that is popular among students and focuses on the design, analysis, development, and maintenance of mechanical equipment and machinery.

The topics in Mechanical Engineering modules are a perfect mix of core and elective topics, along with practical work via lab experiments, internship involvement, technical skills, and the final year project, which is research-based.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the mechanical engineering subjects semester-wise, covering the BE and B Tech mechanical engineering syllabus from 1st to 6th semester. Whether you’re looking for a quick guide or building your semester plans, this is your go-to list.

1st Year Mechanical Engineering Subjects (Common to All Branches)

Your first year is more of a foundation year, where you learn basics common to most engineering disciplines.

Typical Subjects Include:

Mathematics I & II
Physics / Chemistry
Engineering Graphics
Engineering Mechanics
Basic Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Programming in C / Python
Environmental Science
Workshop Practice
English / Communication Skills

So, if you’re in BE Mechanical Engineering, spend a year of sharpening your basics before diving deep into your core subjects.

2nd Year: Core Mechanical Begins (3rd & 4th Semesters)

This is where you start learning the core subjects and you officially become a B.Tech mechanical engineering student.

3rd Semester Mechanical Engineering Subjects

Engineering Thermodynamics
Strength of Materials
Fluid Mechanics
Manufacturing Technology I
Kinematics of Machinery
Materials Science
Engineering Metrology & Measurements (Lab)
Thermal Engineering Lab
CAD Lab

This semester lays the foundation for everything mechanical like fluids, forces, and fabrication.

Mechanical Engineering 4th Sem Subjects

Applied Thermodynamics
Dynamics of Machinery
Machine Elements / Mechanics of Machines
Manufacturing Technology II
Heat & Mass Transfer
Electrical Machines & Drives
Mechanical Measurements & Instrumentation
CAM & Manufacturing Lab
Fluid Mechanics Lab

The subjects get more machine-heavy now. Labs are super important and you start with hands-on learning.

3rd Year: Deeper into Design & Systems (5th & 6th Semesters)

At this point, you’ve built a strong foundation. Now it’s time to apply it with design, analysis, and real-time simulations.

5th Semester Subjects

Design of Machine Elements
Thermal Engineering
Mechatronics
Finite Element Analysis
Production Planning & Control
Vibration & Noise Control
Thermal Engineering Lab
Mechatronics Lab

You’ll learn how machines are designed and optimized in the real world.

Mechanical Engineering 6th Sem Subjects

Design of Transmission Systems
Automobile Engineering
Robotics
Industrial Engineering & Management
Renewable Energy Systems
Project Phase I
Simulation & Analysis Lab
Design Lab

This is the the future-facing side of mechanical engineering with robotics, renewables, and real-time industrial design.

4th Year – Specializations, Projects & Industry Readiness (7th & 8th Semesters)

Your final year is all about applying everything you’ve learned. This is where you’ll work on major projects, explore electives, and prepare to step into the professional world.

7th Semester Mechanical Engineering Subjects

Design of Heat Exchangers
Elective I (e.g., Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Nanotechnology)
Elective II (e.g., Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical, Industrial Safety)
Professional Ethics / Constitution of India
Open Elective (from another department like CSE or ECE)
Project Phase II (Design/Research Work)
Internship / Industrial Training

You can also start taking electives based on your interests.

8th Semester Mechanical Engineering Subjects

Elective III (e.g., Advanced IC Engines, Smart Materials)
Elective IV (e.g., Advanced Robotics, Product Lifecycle Management)
Comprehensive Viva Voce
Major Project (Final Submission & Presentation)
Seminar / Technical Paper Presentation

This semester is lighter in terms of subjects but heavier on final-year project work and industry exposure. It’s the perfect opportunity for placements or higher studies, an important step in shaping your career after a mechanical engineering degree.

Karpagam College of Engineering also provide elective courses, permitting students to become specialists in particular areas of mechanical engineering relevant to their passion and career aspirations.

Career Paths After Studying These Subjects

Once you complete your mechanical engineering syllabus, you’ll have multiple job opportunities waiting for you in industries like:

Automobile and Aerospace
Thermal Power Plants
Robotics and Automation
Manufacturing & Tool Design
Renewable Energy
Oil & Gas
Defense and Public Sector Units (PSUs)
Research & Development (R&D)

And if you’re aiming high, graduating from one of the Best Mechanical Engineering Colleges in Tamilnadu can give you a head start with better placements, internships, and industry exposure.

Top Recruiters for Bachelor of Technology (Mechanical Engineering) Graduates

Google
Wipro
TCS
Infosys
HCL Technologies
SAIL

What Are the Subjects in Mechanical Engineering All About?

Here’s a simple breakdown of subject categories you’ll encounter through all semesters:

Design-Based Subjects

Engineering Graphics
Machine Design
CAD/CAM
Finite Element Methods

Thermal Sciences

Thermodynamics
Heat Transfer
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Manufacturing & Production

Manufacturing Tech I & II
Material Science
Industrial Engineering
Mechatronics

Simulation & Software

MATLAB
ANSYS
SolidWorks
AutoCAD

Each subject is designed to prepare you for real-world applications, whether you’re planning a new engine or optimizing a factory floor.

Conclusion

Mechanical engineering is about using logic, design and precision in everything you do to solve real-world problem. As the mechanical engineering market expands and is driven by innovations, the demand for well-versed professionals is at an all-time high.

No matter if you are in your first semester or your sixth, every subject prepares you to finally get out there and solve the real world problems.

FAQs

1. What are the subjects in mechanical engineering?

Mechanical engineering includes subjects like Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Manufacturing Technology, Machine Design, Heat Transfer, and Robotics. It covers design, thermal, and production areas.

2. How many subjects are there in mechanical engineering per semester?

On average, there are 6 to 8 subjects per semester, including theory papers, labs, and electives, depending on the university syllabus.

3. What are the Core subjects in mechanical engineering?

Core subjects include: Thermodynamics,Fluid Mechanics,Strength of Materials,Heat Transfer,Machine Design,Manufacturing Processes,Dynamics of Machines.

4. Which subjects are taught in mechanical engineering 4th semester?

Common 4th semester subjects are: Applied Thermodynamics,Dynamics of Machinery,Manufacturing Technology II,Heat and Mass Transfer,Electrical Machines,Lab sessions (Thermal, Fluid, and Manufacturing)

About Karpagam College of Engineering

Karpagam College of Engineering (KCE), established in 2000, is an autonomous institution located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Affiliated with Anna University, KCE is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an ‘A++’ grade.

The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various engineering disciplines, including Civil, Mechanical, Computer Science, Electronics and Communication, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

The institution emphasizes industry collaboration, providing students with practical exposure and placement opportunities in reputable companies. KCE boasts modern infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and facilities for sports and extracurricular activities, fostering a holistic learning environment.

Mechanical Engineering Subjects for Every Semester