Karnataka Declares September 15 as Engineers’ Day and Allows ‘Er.’ Prefix

Karnataka declared September 15 as Engineers’ Day in 2026 and made the annual observance an official state event. The State government also allowed engineers to use the prefix “Er.” before their names, on the pattern of “Tr.” for teachers.

Engineers’ Day in India

Engineers’ Day in India is observed on September 15 to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of the best-known civil engineers in Indian history. Sir M. Visvesvaraya was born on September 15, 1861, and he received the Bharat Ratna in 1955.

State Recognition and Professional Prefix

The Karnataka government issued the order on September 15, 2026, after approving a proposal to give official status to the celebration. The same order permitted the use of “Er.” as a professional prefix for engineers, similar to prefixes used in other professions in India.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Engineering Legacy

Sir M. Visvesvaraya served as the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918 and is associated with irrigation, flood control, and industrial planning. He designed the automatic sluice gates for the Krishnaraja Sagara dam, a major engineering work in Karnataka.

Important Facts for Exams

• Engineers’ Day in India is observed on September 15 every year.
• September 15 is the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
• Sir M. Visvesvaraya received the Bharat Ratna in 1955.
• Karnataka also allowed the prefix “Er.” for engineers in 2026.

Engineering Education in Karnataka

Karnataka has a large engineering education base, with more than one lakh engineers graduating annually. Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other urban centres in the State host several engineering colleges, technical universities, and research institutions.

Official Observance and State Policy

The decision places Engineers’ Day among the official state observances of Karnataka. The government stated that the detailed modalities of the celebration would be finalised after discussions with officials.