Mechanical CAD Diploma Program
Drafting, 3D modelling and manufacturing, from AutoCAD Mechanical and SOLIDWORKS to CATIA and CNC.
9 months
What this pathway covers
This programme is built from the following tracks. Each has its own syllabus, projects and placement support.
- AutoCAD MechanicalMachine drawings, tolerances and assembly sheets in AutoCAD for mechanical work.2 Months
- SOLIDWORKSParametric part and assembly modelling for mechanical design.2 Months
- CATIASurface and solid modelling for automotive and aerospace workflows.2 Months
- CAM ProgrammingToolpaths, simulation and posted G-code for CNC milling and turning.2 Months
- CNC ProgrammingWriting G-code and M-code by hand, and reading anyone else's.6 Weeks
- MastercamMill and lathe programming on one of the most widely used CAM packages.6 Weeks
What you'll learn
Skills you build in 9 months
A 9-month diploma programme is the fullest route: two connected skill areas, larger projects and time set aside for a portfolio, interview preparation and placement support.
- Mechanical CAD
AutoCAD Mechanical
Machine drawings, tolerances and assembly sheets in AutoCAD for mechanical work.
- Draw orthographic, sectional and isometric views of a component
- Dimension drawings with limits, fits and tolerances
- Draw fasteners, shafts and other standard machine elements
- Prepare an assembly drawing with a bill of materials
- Mechanical CAD
SOLIDWORKS
Parametric part and assembly modelling for mechanical design.
- Build fully defined, editable sketches
- Model parts with clear design intent
- Assemble components and check interference
- Produce drawings with a bill of materials
- Mechanical CAD
CATIA
Surface and solid modelling for automotive and aerospace workflows.
- Model parts in the Part Design workbench
- Constrain and analyse assemblies
- Build and evaluate surfaces
- Check continuity across joined surfaces
- CAD/CAM
CAM Programming
Toolpaths, simulation and posted G-code for CNC milling and turning.
- Plan a machining sequence from a part drawing
- Select tools and set speeds and feeds
- Create 2D and 3D milling toolpaths
- Create turning, grooving and threading toolpaths
- Mechanical CAD
CNC Programming
Writing G-code and M-code by hand, and reading anyone else's.
- Read and write G-code and M-code
- Set work and tool offsets correctly
- Use canned cycles and cutter compensation
- Write mill and lathe programmes by hand
- Mechanical CAD
Mastercam
Mill and lathe programming on one of the most widely used CAM packages.
- Prepare geometry and stock for a job
- Program mill toolpaths for real parts
- Program basic turning operations
- Verify toolpaths against stock
Curriculum
What each track covers
The modules of every track in the programme. Open one to see the topics inside it.
AutoCAD Mechanical4 modules
- Drafting basics — Draw & modify commands, Layers & linetypes, Orthographic projection, Isometric views
- Machine drawing — Sectional views, Dimensioning standards, Limits, fits & tolerances, Surface finish & welding symbols
- Standard parts & assemblies — Fasteners & threads, Shafts, keys & bearings, Assembly drawings, Bill of materials & balloons
- 3D solids & plotting — Solid modelling basics, Views from a 3D model, Title blocks & templates, Plotting to scale
SOLIDWORKS4 modules
- Sketching & constraints — Sketch entities, Relations, Dimensions, Design intent
- Part modelling — Extrude & revolve, Sweep & loft, Patterns, Fillets
- Assemblies — Mates, Sub-assemblies, Interference, Exploded views
- Drawings & sheet metal — Drawing views, BOM, Sheet metal, Flat patterns
CATIA4 modules
- Sketcher & part design — Sketcher, Pads & pockets, Dress-up features, Transformations
- Assembly design — Constraints, Product structure, Clash analysis, Scenes
- Generative shape design — Wireframe, Surfaces, Joins & trims, Continuity
- Drafting — Views, Sections, Dimensions, Standards
CAM Programming4 modules
- Machining & CAM fundamentals — CNC machine types & axes, Work holding & work offsets, Cutting tools, Speeds & feeds
- 2D milling toolpaths — Facing & contouring, Pocketing, Drilling & tapping cycles, Stock setup
- 3D milling & turning — Roughing & finishing strategies, Rest machining, Turning, facing & grooving, Threading
- Simulation, G-code & setup — Toolpath verification, Post-processing, Reading & editing G and M codes, Setup sheets & tool lists
CNC Programming3 modules
- G-code fundamentals — Program structure, G & M codes, Coordinate systems, Offsets
- Milling programmes — Linear & circular, Cutter comp, Canned cycles, Subprograms
- Turning & debugging — Turning cycles, Threading, Dry run, Fault finding
Mastercam3 modules
- Geometry & setup — Geometry import, Levels, Stock setup, Tool manager
- Mill toolpaths — Contour, Pocket, Drill, Surface finishing
- Lathe & posting — Roughing & finishing, Threading, Parting, Post processing
Tools
Software you will actually work with
Every session is on a computer in the lab, on the software used in offices and studios.
- AutoCAD
- AutoCAD Mechanical toolset
- Standard parts library
- GD&T symbols
- PDF plotting
- SolidWorks
- SolidWorks Drawings
- Sheet Metal
- Assembly Mates
- eDrawings
- CATIA V5
- Part Design
- Assembly Design
- Generative Shape Design
- Drafting
- Mastercam
- SolidWorks CAM (overview)
- CNC simulator
How it runs
How your 9 months are spent
Concepts first, then practice on the same day. Each stage ends in work that is checked.
- 01Months 1–3
First skill area
One track covered in full from the fundamentals, with projects that go into your portfolio.
- 02Months 4–6
Second skill area
The related track that makes you more useful to an employer — and the two used together.
- 03Months 7–8
Larger projects
Briefs with the requirements and deadlines a client or an office would set, reviewed by a mentor.
- 04Month 9
Portfolio and placement
A finished portfolio, the diploma, mock interviews and placement support.
Projects
Hands-on projects you will build
Projects are what you show in an interview. These are drawn from the tracks in this programme.
- Beginner
Machine component drawings
Fully dimensioned production drawings of a bracket, a flange and a stepped shaft.
- Projection
- Dimensioning
- Tolerances
- Intermediate
Sheet metal enclosure
An enclosure modelled, flattened and drawn for fabrication.
- Sheet metal
- Flat pattern
- Drawings
- Advanced
Automotive panel surface
A styled panel built from wireframe and surfaces, checked for continuity.
- Surfacing
- Continuity
- Wireframe
- Intermediate
Milled plate component
A plate with pockets, contours and tapped holes programmed, simulated and posted for a VMC.
- 2D toolpaths
- Tool selection
- G-code
- Beginner
Hand-written mill programme
A drawing turned into a verified programme without CAM.
- Program structure
- Offsets
- Canned cycles
- Intermediate
Turned shaft programme
A shaft roughed, finished, threaded and parted, then posted.
- Turning
- Threading
- Posting
Who can join
Open to any stream after 12th
No entrance test and no prior experience. If you can use a phone or a computer a little, you can start.
Students after 12th
Any stream — arts, commerce, medical or non-medical. Every programme starts at the fundamentals.
College students
Studying for a degree or diploma and wanting a practical skill alongside it. Batches fit around college hours.
Graduates and job seekers
Finished studying and looking for a first job, with nothing practical yet to show an employer.
Working people and business owners
Adding a skill for a promotion, a change of work, or to run your own shop or office better.
Careers
Where this programme can take you
Roles students move into after these tracks, in Manufacturing, Automotive components, Fabrication, Agricultural machinery, Automotive.
- Mechanical Draughtsman
- AutoCAD Operator
- Design Assistant
- Tool Room Draughtsman
- Design Engineer
- Product Designer
- R&D Assistant
- Surfacing Engineer
- CAD Engineer
- Automotive Design Assistant
- CAM Programmer
- CNC Programmer
What you leave with
More than a certificate
What is in your hands on the last day of the programme.
- A diploma on completing the programme
- A portfolio across two skill areas
- Larger projects reviewed by a mentor
- A resume and mock interviews
- Placement support
- A clear route into a first job
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? A ten-minute call with a counsellor usually settles it faster than a page can.
Who can join the Mechanical CAD Diploma Program?
Anyone who has passed Class 12, in any stream. No prior experience is assumed — the programme starts at the fundamentals. College students, graduates and working people join the same batches.
How long is the Mechanical CAD Diploma Program?
It runs for nine months, with weekday and weekend batches at the techcadd centre in Model Town, Hoshiarpur.
What will I learn?
The programme is built from AutoCAD Mechanical, SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, CAM Programming, CNC Programming, Mastercam. Each has its own syllabus and projects, which you can read on its course page.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. You receive a diploma when you complete the programme and its project work.
Can I do this alongside college?
Yes. Batches run in the morning and the evening and at weekends, so the programme can sit alongside regular college classes or a job.
Is there placement support?
Yes: a resume built around your projects, mock interviews with feedback and introductions to employers. We support your job search; we do not promise a particular job or salary.
How do I find out the fee?
Fees depend on the batch and the tracks you take. Call or message the admissions desk, or book a free counselling session, and you will get the current fee and instalment options.
TalktousaboutAutoCADMechanical
Send your question and a counsellor will call you back — batch timings, fees, placement support, certification. No obligation to enrol.
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