Engineering is one of the most sought-after career paths in Pakistan, offering a blend of technical innovation, social impact, and financial stability. With the country’s expanding infrastructure, energy demands, and tech sectors, the need for skilled engineers has never been higher. But with so many disciplines to choose from, students often wonder: what are the different types of engineering in Pakistan? Whether you're a student choosing your major after matric or FSc, or a graduate looking to specialise further, understanding the available engineering fields is the first step toward a successful career. This guide explores the major branches of engineering in Pakistan, their scope, demand, and future potential—helping you make an informed decision based on interests and market trends.

Table of Contents

• List of Types of Engineering in Pakistan
• Overview of Engineering in Pakistan
• Popular Engineering Disciplines
• Top 10 Engineering Fields in Pakistan (Ranked)
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of the types of engineering that are offered in universities across Pakistan:

• Software/Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
• Industrial/Mechatronics Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental and Renewable Energy Engineering

Keep reading and learn more details about each field of engineering.

Engineering in Pakistan attracts thousands of students each year at the undergraduate level. After Matric and FSc (Pre-Engineering), students prepare for competitive entry tests (like ECAT) to join 4-year engineering courses in Pakistan. The types of engineering in Pakistan cover a wide array – from traditional branches like Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering to modern specializations like Software Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Overall, engineering in Pakistan remains a popular field, offering careers in infrastructure, industry, technology, and the public sector. Preparing early (for example using platforms like Maqsad for ECAT preparation) can help students plan their engineering pathway and choose the right discipline.

Pakistan’s engineering landscape includes many fields.  Some of the most prominent types of engineering in Pakistan are:

Software / Computer Engineering:

• With Pakistan’s growing IT sector, Software Engineering and Computer Science are in high demand.
• Graduates work in software development, apps, AI, fintech, and exports.
• Pakistani software engineers earn high salaries (around Rs 1,131,083 per year on average) and often secure jobs at tech companies or startups.
• Top universities include NUST, FAST-NUCES, GIKI and COMSATS.

To better understand the difference between Software vs. Computer Engineering in Pakistan, read this article.

Electrical & Electronics Engineering:

• This field covers power systems, telecommunications, electronics and control.
• Electrical engineers design grids, telecom networks, embedded systems and automation.
• The demand is strong due to energy projects and electronics industries.
• Average pay is about Rs 495,851 per year.
• Leading programs are at NUST, NED University, UET Lahore and PIEAS.

Mechanical Engineering:

• Mechanical engineers work on machines, engines, vehicles, HVAC systems and manufacturing.
• This versatile field is key for Pakistan’s automotive, manufacturing and heavy industries.
• Mechanical engineering graduates earn roughly Rs 508,682 annually on average.
• Top schools include GIKI, NUST, UET Lahore and UET Taxila.

Civil Engineering:

• As one of the oldest branches, civil engineers design and build infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings, dams).
• Pakistan’s ongoing construction projects and urban development keep civil engineering in constant demand.
• The average civil engineer salary is about Rs 488,351 per year.
• NUST, UET Lahore, NED and COMSATS are among the leading civil engineering programs.

Chemical Engineering:

• Chemical engineers work in oil refineries, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and manufacturing processes.
• They turn raw materials into useful products (fuels, plastics, medicines).
• Pakistan’s energy and chemical industries give this field significant scope.
• Average pay is around Rs 591,795/year.
• NED, UET Lahore, UET Peshawar and NUST have strong chemical engineering departments.

Petroleum Engineering:

• Specialized petroleum engineers focus on oil and gas exploration, drilling and production.
• Pakistan’s large gas and oil reserves (in Sindh and Balochistan) mean petroleum engineering graduates have excellent job prospects.
• In fact, petroleum is one of the highest paid engineering fields in Pakistan – average salaries can exceed Rs 4,610,556 per year.
• Leading universities for petroleum engineering include UET Peshawar, NED University and GIKI.

Aerospace / Aeronautical Engineering:

• This branch covers aircraft and spacecraft design.
• While smaller in Pakistan, it is growing with the aviation industry and defense sector.
• Pakistan Air Force colleges and institutions like NUST and Air University offer aerospace programs.
• Salaries are quite high (around Rs 982,635/year on average), reflecting the technical expertise required.

Industrial / Mechatronics Engineering:

• Industrial engineers optimize manufacturing processes and systems (lean production, robotics, systems engineering).
• Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and computer controls, important in automation and modern factories.
• With industry 4.0 trends, demand is rising.
• Industrial engineers earn about Rs 707,497 per year on average.
• NUST, UET Lahore and COMSATS are known for these programs.

Learn more about the Scope of Mechatronics Engineering in this article.

Biomedical Engineering:

• An emerging field combining medicine and engineering.
• Biomedical engineers design medical devices (imaging systems, prosthetics, health monitoring).
• In Pakistan’s healthcare and biotech sectors, this multidisciplinary field is “witnessing substantial development”.
• Salaries are lower (around Rs 287,500/year), but demand is growing with hospitals and research institutes.
• NED University, NUST and COMSATS offer biomedical engineering degrees.

Environmental & Renewable Energy Engineering:

• As Pakistan focuses on sustainability, environmental engineering (waste management, water resources, pollution control) and renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric) are gaining prominence.
• Government clean-energy initiatives and global green trends are creating jobs in these areas.
• Institutions like NUST, UET and NED have started specialized programs in environmental engineering and renewable energy technologies.

Globally, many of these fields align with “major” engineering disciplines.  For example, common engineering fields worldwide include civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, aerospace and computer engineering.  Pakistani universities cover all these core areas plus newer specializations.

Related: Read this article to learn about the Best Engineering Universities in Karachi

The table below ranks the top engineering fields in Pakistan based on job scope, salary and demand.  These fields offer strong career prospects and cutting-edge technology opportunities:

Note: Salaries are approximate averages for Pakistan (2025) based on industry data.

Related: Best Computer Fields in Pakistan

Choosing the right engineering field in Pakistan is more than just following trends—it's about aligning your strengths, interests, and long-term goals with market demand. Pakistan’s growing need for infrastructure, technology, and sustainable development ensures that all major engineering domains will continue to evolve. As you explore the types of engineering in Pakistan, consider not only your academic background but also the future scope, earning potential, and societal impact of each field. Still unsure where to start? Platforms like Maqsad can guide you with career counselling, subject-specific resources, and preparation tools for entry tests and university applications. Access a FREE ECAT Practice Test and see how you perform!

Which is the best type of engineering in Pakistan?

Fields like Software (Computer Science) and Electrical Engineering are currently very popular due to Pakistan’s growing tech sector. Civil and Mechanical remain in demand for infrastructure and industry.

What are the 7 types of engineers?

There is no fixed list, but seven broad engineering categories often cited are: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Aerospace, Computer (Software), and Environmental.

Which engineering is highest paid in Pakistan?

Petroleum Engineering typically commands the highest salaries in Pakistan (often several million PKR per year). Aerospace and specialized IT/Software engineering roles also pay very well compared to average sectors.

What are the big 5 types of engineering?

Commonly the “big 5” are considered to be: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronics, Chemical, and Computer (Software) Engineering.

What is the highest paid engineer?

Globally and in Pakistan, petroleum and chemical engineers often top salary lists, followed by aerospace and senior software engineers. Again, compensation varies by experience and company.

Which type of engineering is best?

Consider where your strengths lie: If you love coding, Software/Computer Engineering may be best. If you prefer math and electronics, Electrical could suit you. Choose based on interest, market demand and your career vision.

Which engineering is hardest?

Difficulty is subjective, but many find Chemical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering challenging due to advanced math, physics and complex concepts.

What is a level 7 engineer?

In some tech companies (like Google), “Level 7” refers to a very senior engineering role (often Staff or Principal Engineer). It simply means a high-level engineer with significant experience and leadership responsibilities.

Which engineering is No. 1?

Rankings vary by criteria. In Pakistan, Software and Electrical Engineering often top popularity lists due to sector growth. On average pay, Petroleum ranks highest.

Which engineering is best for girls?

Female students excel in any engineering discipline. More women are entering all fields. Some may choose Biochemical or Environmental engineering (fields with higher female enrollment), but opportunities are equal across all branches.

Who are the universal engineers?

The term “universal engineer” is sometimes used to describe chemical engineers, because their broad training allows them to work in many industries (petroleum, biotech, materials, etc.).