Entry Level Qualification 

Class 12

Career Fields 

Engineering & Technology, Information Technology & Computer Science

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

CUET UG, TRIPURA JEE, COMEDK, CUSAT, JEE MAIN BE/BTECH, JEE ADVANCED, GATE, MHTCET, WBJEE, KEAM, GUJCET

About Career 

As a Software Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and maintain different kinds of software solutions to meet the requirements of the client using standard software engineering principles, programming languages, programming tools and technologies. Apart from this, you will test software systems for bugs/errors, debug, resolve system errors, and audit and evaluate software systems to identify the scope of improvement in the software and upgrade it accordingly.

Usually, Software Engineers specialize in a particular area of software development including operating systems, desktop applications, applications on the cloud (network of servers on the internet), web/mobile applications, database architecture, computer networks, etc. Each of these areas demands a specific set of skills and knowledge (programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, C, C++, HTML, development environments, various tools and technologies, etc.)

Key roles and responsibilities:

1. Writing and testing code.

2. Monitoring system performance.

3. Testing new software and fixing bugs and errors.

4. Managing the complete development lifecycle of software.

5. Developing and executing project plans.

6. Researching, designing, and writing new software programs.

7. Upgrading existing programs by analyzing and identifying areas for modification.

8. Integrating existing software products with compatible platforms for optimal efficiency.

9. Maintaining existing systems by monitoring and fixing software defects/faults.

10. Writing operational documentation with Technical Writers.

11. Analyzing data to effectively facilitate the installation of new systems or aid the modification of existing systems.

12. Applying standard Mathematical and Statistical procedures to solve complex problems.

13. Working in close collaboration with clients and cross-functional departments to communicate project statuses and proposals.

14. Communicating key project data to team members and fostering cohesion among teams.

15. Continually updating technical knowledge and programming skills by attending in-house as well as external courses, reading manuals and experimenting with new applications/technologies.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelor of Engineering/B.Tech in Computer Engineering/Computer Science & Engineering/similar courses

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. Then, you can pursue your graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a B.Tech in Computer Engineering/Computer Science & Engineering or any other such similar courses.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelors’ degree in Information Technology / Computer Applications / Computer Science or in any similar discipline with or without Mathematics

After completing Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for a Bachelor degree program in Information Technology / Computer Applications / Computer Science or in any similar discipline with or without Mathematics.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelors’ degree Information Technology / Computer Applications / Computer Science or in any similar discipline

After completing Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for a Bachelor degree program in Information Technology / Computer Applications / Computer Science or in any similar discipline

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelors’ degree in any Engineering discipline - Short term course in programming languages / Information Technology / machine learning / coding / data science

After completing Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies, then your Bachelors’ degree in any Engineering discipline other than Computer Science / IT / Software, you can finish short term course in programming languages / Information Technology / machine learning / coding / data science or related subjects.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Mathematics/Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelors degree / Associate level programs in Computer Science/ Information Technology / Computer Applications or related disciplines

After completing Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Mathematics/Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for a Bachelor degree or Associate level programs in Computer Science/ Information Technology / Computer Applications or related disciplines.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics / Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies -Bachelor degree / Associate level programs in Computer Science/ Information Technology / Computer Applications

After completing Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics / Biology along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Computer along with any other subject as per scheme of studies, you can do a Bachelor degree or Associate level programs in Computer Science/ Information Technology / Computer Applications.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelor of Engineering/B. Tech in Computer Engineering/Computer Science & Engineering/similar courses - Master of Engineering/M. Tech in Software Engineering

After completing Class 10 with any subjects then Class 11-12 in Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics then Bachelor of Engineering/B. Tech in Computer Engineering/Computer Science & Engineering or similar courses, you can pursue Master of Engineering/M. Tech in Software Engineering or similar.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelor of Engineering/B.Tech in Computer Engineering/Bachelor Degree or Associate level programs in Computer Science / Information Technology / Computer Applications or similar - ME/M.Tech/Masters Program in Computer Science and Engineering, Software/Electronics/Electrical/Electronics and Communication Engineering / Computer Applications or IT or similar

After completing your secondary level school studies (class 10), you need to complete your higher secondary studies in the Science discipline with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as your core subjects. Then, you can pursue your graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a B.Tech in Computer Engineering/Computer Science & Engineering or any other such similar courses. For further studies, you can opt for M.E (Master of Engineering) course or M.Tech in Software Engineering.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelor degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science & Engineering, Computer Applications, IT, any discipline of STEM or similar - MBA in Information Technology

After completing Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. Then, you can pursue your graduation with a Bachelor degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Science & Engineering, Computer Applications, IT, any discipline of STEM or similar. For further studies, you can choose to do an MBA in Information Technology.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelor degree in any discipline with Mathematics - Masters Program (like MCA or M. Sc.) in Computer Applications or IT or similar

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After Class 11-12 Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies then your graduation with a Bachelor degree in any discipline with Mathematics, you can pursue a Masters Program (like MCA or M. Sc.) in Computer Applications or IT or in similar subjects.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

Undergraduate studies after school:

To build a career in Software Engineering, you can complete your graduation with a B.E. or B.Tech in Computer Engineering / Computer Science & Engineering or similar courses or in any branch of Engineering. For these courses, you must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in class 11-12.

Alternatively, you can study for a Bachelor degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science, Information Technology or a Bachelor degree in any subject with Mathematics as a subject. You may also study a Bachelor degree without Mathematics, if you had studied Mathematics in your class 11-12.

For studying for a Bachelor degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science, Information Technology in a good college, you will need to have studied Mathematics in class 11-12. But some colleges offer admission to BCA and Bachelor of Information Technology courses to students from all streams of senior or higher secondary (class 11-12) education.

Bachelor degree in Engineering, Computer Applications, Computer Science, or Information Technology can get you an entry level job in software engineering. If you opt for Bachelor degree without Mathematics (provided you had studied Mathematics in your class 11-12), then you do an MCA (Master of Computer Applications) to get an entry level job.

Post Graduate studies:

For postgraduate level studies in this field, you can choose to get and M.E. / M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering / Computer Engineer / Software Engineering/ a similar field. You will eligible for these courses if you have studied for a Bachelor degree in Computer Engineering / Computer Science and Engineering / Electronics Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Electronics and Communication Engineering / similar fields.

Alternatively, you can do a Master degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science, Information Technology, or similar courses after your Bachelor degree in Computer Applications, Computer Science, Information Technology, or similar courses. If you have studied for a Bachelor degree with any subjects and Mathematics, you can do an MCA or M.Sc. IT or a similar course. Even if you have dones a Bachelor degree in any subjects but had Mathematics in class 11-12, you will be eligible for an MCA in some colleges.

Also, if you want to pursue an MBA after graduation, you can choose to do an MBA in Information Technology. Graduates from any stream can do this specialisation in MBA but it is advisable that you choose this option if you have a Bachelor degree in Engineering / Computer Applications / Computer Science / Information Technilogy / in a similar field.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

1. Investigative - You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve the use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem-solving.

2. Conventional - You should have interests for Conventional Occupations. Conventional occupations involve repetitive and routine tasks as well as fixed processes or procedures for getting things done. These occupations involve working more with data, systems, and procedures and less with ideas or creativity.

3. Realistic - You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment. 

Personality traits:

1. You are always or mostly organized in your day-to-day life and activities.

2. You are always or mostly careful about your actions and behavior.

3. You are always calm or generally remain calm in most situations.

4. You always prefer to experience new things and have new experiences or you mostly do.

5. You can always act independently or could do so in most situations.

Skills:

1. Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc.

2. Critical Thinking: Skills in the analysis of complex situations, using logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

3. Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.

4. Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

5. Time Management: Skills in prioritizing work, managing time effectively.

6. Coordination: Skills in working together with other people to get things done.

Knowledge:

1. English Language: Knowledge about English grammar, words, spelling, sentence construction, using English to communicate with others, reading in English, etc.

2. Telecommunication and Networking: Knowledge about telecommunication network, telecommunication technologies, network management and operations of various equipment and systems for transmission and broadcasting.

3. Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, and other mathematical disciplines and their applications.

4. Computers: Knowledge of computer hardware and software, computer programming, computer networks, computer, and mobile applications.

5. Customer Service: Knowledge about how to provide customer services. This includes understanding customer needs, helping customers to use products and services, answering customer queries, handling customer complaints and grievances, and evaluating customer satisfaction.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

If you hold degrees like B.E./BCA/B.Tech/B.Sc. Maths/M.Sc. IT/MCA, you can start off your career with entry-level positions such as Programmer Analyst Trainee or Trainee Software Engineer. If you’ve graduated from an IIT or you’ve obtained an M.E./M.Tech. degree from any other prestigious institute in India, you can start off as an Associate Analyst in reputed IT companies.

Software Engineers can find plenty of job opportunities in both the public and the private sectors. They are recruited largely by IT companies :-

Microsoft, Apple, IBM, TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, Capgemini, etc. Software Engineers/Software Developers are also recruited by government agencies, businesses (both large and small), finance and insurance companies, medical institutions, networking/web designing firms, IT companies, and national defense wings.

      

Work Environment

Software Engineers usually work in comfortable surroundings that are well-lit and air-conditioned. They have to spend a significant portion of their working hours in front of a computer/laptop. Client meetings will be almost a regular part of your work schedule. While most Software Engineers work around 9-10 hours every day, sometimes they may also have to work on weekends and extra hours to meet project deadlines or solve unexpected technical problems.

SPECIALISATION TRACKS IN THIS CAREER

Software Engineer (System Software)

A Systems Software Engineer designs computer software systems that help enhance and streamline internal operations including communications, inventory and record keeping, etc. They also design and maintain device drivers, file systems, other operating system components, compilers, debuggers, and intranets that connect the various departments within an organization. Apart from this, they also design the company's computer security system and provide technical support.

Software Engineer (Application Software)

Application Software Engineers focus on designing and developing software applications including both utility programs and general application software. Their job responsibilities include overseeing the installation of software systems; monitoring equipment functioning; modifying existing software to fix problems, optimizing functioning, and enabling its use on new hardware platforms; perform testing and validation of software systems to ensure that applications work properly, among other things. While some Application Software Engineers design and develop commercially sold software suites, many are involved in designing or customizing applications for businesses or other organizations.

Software Engineer (Web Development)

Web Development Engineers focus lies on the broad umbrella of web development that covers the entire process of developing websites including web design, web content development, developing website functionalities, client-side/server-side scripting, network security configuration, and much more.

Software Engineer (Mobile Application Development)

As the name suggests, Mobile App Developers specialize in the software technology that is used in mobile phones. They build applications for Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone platforms. Usually, Mobile App Developers first choose the operating system they will develop for and then they learn the programming languages and software development environment for that platform.

System Analyst

System Analysts are IT professionals who specialize in designing, analyzing, and implementing information systems. They use a combination of analysis and design techniques to solve business problems using information technology. Also, it is their responsibility to determine the suitability of information systems with respect to their intended outcomes and interact with end users, software vendors and programmers to find ways to achieve such outcomes.

System Architect

Systems Architects are technology professionals who develop and implement computer systems and networks for an organization/company. They define the architecture of a system by breaking down the system into components, defining component interactions and interfaces, and/or deciding on the technologies and resources to be used in the design. Systems Architects develop, configure, operate, and maintain both networking and computer systems.

CAREER GROWTH

At the beginning of your career, you can bag entry-level roles such as Programmer Analyst Trainee, Trainee Software Engineer, Assistant Systems Engineer, Junior Web Developer, Associate Software Engineer, etc.

After you’ve gained nearly 7-10 years of experience, you can get promoted to roles like Senior Software Developer, Senior Software Engineer, Lead Software Engineer, Senior Technical Architect, etc.

In about 12-15 years’ time, you can upgrade to senior-level management/administrative roles such as Development Team Lead, Software Development Manager, Director, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and so on.

Salary Offered  

1. In entry-level Software Engineering jobs, you can expect a monthly salary package of around Rs. 18,000 - 45,000. After 2-3 years of experience, Rs. 20,000 - 60,000 or more a month.

2. As you gain about 6-10 years of experience and move on to mid-level roles in the field, your average monthly salary will be anywhere around Rs. 30,000 - 1,50,000, depending upon your job title and position.

3. For senior-level job positions (with 12-20 years of experience), the salary package is much higher and ranges anywhere between Rs. 50,000 - 5,00,000 or even more per month.

4. The salaries of Software Engineers also depend on the companies they’re working for. For instance, the salary package of a Software Engineer at Google ranges between Rs. 4,50,000 - 38,00,000 lakh per annum in the mid-level only; at Microsoft, it usually ranges between Rs. 3,60,000 - 26,00,000 lakh per annum in the mid-level, and at Intel, the average salary package is around Rs. 6,90,000 - 29,00,000.

MONTHLY EARNINGS IN INDIAN RUPEE 

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience 

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience 

3. Mid-Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience 

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Information not available.

Work Activities 

1. Working with computers, programming and performing technical tasks: Using computers and computer systems, both hardware and software for programming, developing software and/or hardware, developing computer applications, systems, and networks; developing mobile applications.

2. Decision making and problem-solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

3. Creative thinking: Developing new ideas, concepts, innovative solutions to problems, newer ways of getting things done, designing products and services, creating work of art and craft, etc.

4. Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

5. Analysis and interpretation of data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision making.

6. Information processing: Searching, compiling, tabulating, calculating, auditing, verifying or otherwise dealing with information processing including data entry, transcription, recording, storing and maintaining databases.

7. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large.

8. Organizing, planning and prioritizing tasks: Planning and organizing tasks in order to achieve work goals; prioritizing tasks to achieve goals and making the best use of the time available.