How Civil Engineers Can Become Professional Quantity Surveyors in India?

Becoming a professional quantity surveyor as a civil engineer in India is an excellent career path, especially for those who want to expand their expertise beyond traditional civil engineering roles and move into a more technical and commercial domain. Quantity surveying is a highly sought-after profession, both in India and abroad, particularly in regions like the Gulf countries, where large-scale infrastructure projects require skilled professionals to manage costs and contracts efficiently.

If you're a civil engineer based in one of India's many bustling cities—such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Nagpur, Bhopal, Patna, Surat, Vadodara, Indore, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ranchi, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Amritsar, Agra, Vishakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Mysore, Kochi, and Jodhpur—you may be wondering how you can transition into quantity surveying and what role an institute like Bhadani’s Quantity Surveying Training Institute can play in your journey.

How Civil Engineers Can Become Professional Quantity Surveyors

Civil engineers already possess a strong foundation in construction, project management, and structural knowledge. However, transitioning to a quantity surveyor role requires additional skills and qualifications in areas like cost estimation, procurement, contract management, and financial planning. Here’s how you, as a civil engineer, can make the shift:

1. Acquiring Relevant Skills

While civil engineers are well-versed in the technical aspects of construction, quantity surveying requires an understanding of the commercial side as well. As a quantity surveyor, you'll be expected to:

  • Prepare detailed cost estimates for projects.
  • Manage contracts and ensure that projects adhere to budgetary constraints.
  • Oversee procurement processes and manage relationships with suppliers and contractors.
  • Handle cost reporting and risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

These skills are often outside the realm of traditional civil engineering education, which is why additional training is essential.

2. Pursuing Professional Certifications

To stand out as a professional quantity surveyor, obtaining certifications that are recognised internationally is crucial. These certifications, such as those offered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), make you more competitive, especially if you're looking to work abroad. Bhadani’s Quantity Surveying Institute offers courses that prepare you for these certifications.

3. Understanding International Standards

Quantity surveying is not only about managing costs; it’s about adhering to international standards like FIDIC contracts (which are used globally, especially in the Middle East). Knowing these standards is key to becoming a successful quantity surveyor, and institutes like Bhadani’s ensure you are trained in these international practices.

Role of a Quantity Surveyor

The role of a quantity surveyor is indeed a techno-commercial profile, meaning it involves both technical knowledge and commercial acumen. Here's a detailed breakdown of what a quantity surveyor does:

1. Cost Estimation and Budget Management

One of the primary responsibilities of a quantity surveyor is to estimate the costs involved in a construction project. This includes everything from the initial materials and labour costs to ongoing expenses throughout the project. For example, if a major infrastructure project is being planned in Mumbai, it would be the quantity surveyor's job to ensure that the project stays within the allocated budget, avoiding any cost overruns.

2. Contract Management

Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts with suppliers and contractors. In cities like Delhi and Hyderabad, where large infrastructure projects are common, the ability to manage contracts effectively ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.

3. Procurement

Procurement is another vital aspect of quantity surveying. Whether you're working on a new metro line in Chennai or an industrial complex in Ahmedabad, procurement involves securing the best prices for materials, equipment, and labour without compromising on quality.

4. Risk Management

Quantity surveyors also assess the risks involved in a project. For instance, in cities like Kolkata and Jaipur, where monsoons and other weather conditions can cause project delays, it’s important for the quantity surveyor to include risk management strategies in their cost planning.

5. Client Communication

A quantity surveyor often acts as a bridge between the client, contractors, and engineers. Whether it's a commercial project in Pune or a residential development in Bangalore, the quantity surveyor must ensure that all parties are aligned in terms of costs, timelines, and expectations.

How Bhadani’s Quantity Surveying Training Institute Can Help

Bhadani’s Institute is an excellent choice for civil engineers looking to make the leap into quantity surveying. Their courses are structured into five levels, each designed to progressively build your expertise in the field. Here's how each level can help:

Syllabus From Level 1 to 5 :-

Quantity Surveying & Estimation and Costing ,QA and QCLevel 1 - Duration :- 30 Days

  1. Understanding the Role of BHADANI'S Construction Management Training and Role of Construction Managers in the Construction Industry
  2. Artificial Intelligence Introduction (**New**)
  3. Quality Control and Quality Assurance Techniques used (Basics)
  4. Construction Methodologies of Civil Works and How it works in Construction Industry
  5. Construction Activities Identification Analysis and Report Generation
  6. Making Project Chartered and Feasible Reports
  7. Project Risk Analysis and Action Reports
  8. Understanding and Reading the Structural and Architectural Drawings
  9. Quantity Take off From the Drawings Like PCC , RCC , Reinforcement , Shuttering Etc.
  10. Quantity Take off From the Architectural Drawings (Like Brickwork, Plaster Painting Putty Work Etc.)
  11. Faster Take off Methodologies from Drawings of Civil
  12. Analysis of All Kinds of Civil Drawings with Proper Presentation in Excel Formats
  13. Management Information System (MIS) Generation and Preparation in Proper Formats as per IS Standards
  14. Estimation of All Kinds of CIVIL , INTERIOR, BRIDGE, ROADS, HIGHWAYS, CANAL, CULVERTS, DRAINS, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING , RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS TRAINING
  15. Estimation Technique During Design Phase
  16. Estimation Technique During Pre-Construction Phase
  17. Estimation Technique During Post-Construction Phase
  18. Calculator Making of Concrete Steel, Brickwork, Plaster Painting Etc.
  19. Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) Estimation
  20. Costing Techniques of All Kinds of CIVIL , INTERIOR, BRIDGE, ROADS, HIGHWAYS, CANAL, CULVERTS, DRAINS, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING , RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS TRAINING
  21. Costing Techniques- Risk Based Costing
  22. Costing Techniques - Parametric Costing
  23. Costing Techniques - Machinery Transport Management and Costing
  24. ​Costing Techniques - Scope Estimation and Cost Analysis
  25. Costing Techniques - Artificial Intelligence (**New**)
  26. Costing Techniques - Consulting Part and Software Usage Part for the Construction Project
  27. ​S-Curve Reporting
  28. Labour Deployment Planning As per Budget
  29. Labour Economics and Productivity Analysis
  30. Labour Output Analysis as per IS Code, Schedule of Rates and As per BHADANI'S New Technique
  31. Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Management​
  32. Machinery Output Analysis as per Market Standards
  33. Profit and Loss Analysis in Labour and Machinery Deployed at Construction Site
  34. Daily Work Report (DWR) Preparation as per Quantity Surveyor Standards
  35. Bar Bending Schedule (BBS) of All RCC Structures Like Footing Beams Slabs, Columns , Raft , Footing, Staircase Etc.
  36. ​Bill of Quantity (BOQ) Take off (Material and Preparation)
  37. Rate Analysis of All Kinds of Civil Works
  38. Material Reconciliation Techniques from Contractor and Client's Side
  39. Material Procurement Strategies as per the techniques used in Quantity Surveying
  40. FREE LANCE Quantity Surveying with Hands on Practice
​After Completing Level 1 ~ You can Apply for the Position of Junior Quantity Surveyor , Estimator, Cost Engineer, BBS Engineer , Document Controller Etc. for the Projects of Building, Roads, Highways and Bridges
Billing EngineeringLevel 2 Duration :- 15 Days
  1. Understanding the Role of BHADANI'S Billing Engineer / Invoice Engineering in the Construction Management and Industry of India and World
  2. Billing Engineering Tasks at Site Office and Understanding the Role in Head office with the Client Coordiation
  3. Account Basics requirement for Billing Engineer
  4. Construction Billing Procedures From Client Side as well as Contractor Side
  5. Interim Payment Certification (IPC) from Client Sides as well as Contractor Side
  6. RA Bill Making - Client Billing - Subcontracting
  7. Billing with GST and Without GST - hands of Expertise
  8. CPWD and Corporations and PSU's Techniques of Billing
  9. Invoice Generation Through ERP
  10. Claim and Dispute Settlement Procedures and all required techniques in Billing and MIS Generation for the same
  11. Material Engineering Bills for Both Client Side as well as Contractor's Side
  12. ​Third Party Contractor Billing
  13. Joint Venture Companies / Contractor Billing
  14. Petty/ Vendor Billing
  15. Preliminary Billing - Post Construction Billing
  16. InterAlia Billing , International Billing Challan Generation
  17. Claim Management Procedures used by Invoice Engineers
  18. Claim of Price Variations as per Norms of Govt. of INDIA
  19. Claim of Quantity Variations as per the Norms of Govt. of INDIA
  20. Mode of Measurement as per IS Codes with Nomenclatures
  21. Claim of Extra Item Analysis of All Kinds of Civil Works During the Site Execution as well as Post Contracting Period
  22. Vendor Vs. Client Bill Reconciliation
​After Completing Level 1 and 2 ~ You can Apply for the Position of Billing Engineer / Invoice Engineer , Technical Invoice Expert Junior Quantity Surveyor , Estimator, Cost Engineer, BBS Engineer , Document Controller Etc. for the Projects of Building, Roads, Highways and Bridges
Tendering and Construction Contracts Management (Contract Engineering)LEVEL 3 & 4:-​​​ DURATION :- 30 DAYS
  1. Tendering Documents Preparation
  2. Tendering Documents Submission Guidelines
  3. Tender Review Reports Generation (T.R.R) for the Contractors as well as Consultants
  4. Technical Bidding As per Government Laws and as per BHADANI'S Technique
  5. Financial Bidding As per Government Laws and as per BHADANI'S Technique
  6. ​Statutory Documents Preparation Techniques for the Tender
  7. Purchasing and Negotiation Techniques used by Clients and as well as Contractor's Side
  8. Pre-Bid Meeting Strategy Building and Coordination with Client
  9. Finding Deviations and Clarify with the Client
  10. Tender Hunting
  11. Reverse Auctioning Strategy Building and Pressurizing client for the tender
  12. Pooling Technique to use effectively for the Tender to get Maximize Benefits
  13. Evaluation Strategy - Bidding Strategy - Relationship Building
  14. Indemnify the Tender with the Use of Effective Monitoring of the Tender
  15. Entering Into Contracts - Strategy Building Approach - Scientific Approach
  16. Construction Contracts Documents Formulation and Preparation
  17. Procedures in Contract Management - Pre - Construction and Post Construction Phase
  18. Clearing , Forwarding and Transport
  19. Transport Management
  20. Interpretation of Contracts and Contract Terms
  21. Cost Overrun and Time Overrun - Strategy Building Approach
  22. Indian Laws for Construction Contract Management
  23. FIDIC International Laws (EPC Turnkey Projects)
  24. Work Order Preparation ( Like Alstom Siemens Etc.)
  25. ​Live Project Training for Procurement and Negotiation Techniques
​After Completing Level 1 to 4 ~ You can Apply for the Position of Tendering Engineer, Contracts Engineer, Business Development Manager/ Executive, Contract Executive, Construction Contract Manager, Billing Engineer / Invoice Engineer , Technical Invoice Expert Junior Quantity Surveyor , Estimator, Cost Engineer, BBS Engineer , Document Controller Etc. for the Projects of Building, Roads, Highways and Bridges
PROJECTS MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING ENGINEERINGLevel 5 Duration :- 25 Days
  1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Approach
  2. Strategical Thinking and Risk Analysis
  3. Project Planning - Master Plan Generation
  4. Project Management Procedures Used for Construction Industry by Big MNC's and Construction Companies of India and World
  5. Role of Project Manager in Construction Industry
  6. Project Budget Preparation with all factors analysis in Hand
  7. Actual Situation Comparison with Budget Amount
  8. Progress Monitoring with the Key Indicators Strategy
  9. MS Project - Scheduling and Primavera P6 Software
  10. Project Coordination Techniques with Accounts , HR , Purchase and Procurement Departments with easy solutions
  11. Management Information Generation
  12. Modern Building Construction Trends Execution Plan & Strategy Building
  13. Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) for speedy progress of work
  14. Quality Assurance with Total Quality Control Planning
  15. Site (Field) Management Techniques used by Project Managers at Site
  16. Management of Emergencies in High Rise Buildings
  17. Self Inspection for Quality Construction at Site
  18. Cost and Time Controlling Strategies used for Construction Projects
  19. Cash Flow Monitoring - Budget Vs Actual Comparison
  20. Green Sheet Report - Profit and Loss Determination for Construction Projects
  21. SWOT Analysis for Construction Project
  22. JIT Implementation in any Construction Project
  23. ​Earned Value Management (EVM) in Construction Project
​After Completing Level 1 to Level 5 ~ You can Apply for the Position of Planning Engineer, Project Manager, General Manager, Incharge, Tendering Engineer, Business Development Manager/ Executive, Contract Executive, Construction Contract Manager, Billing Engineer / Invoice Engineer , Technical Invoice Expert Junior Quantity Surveyor , Estimator, Cost Engineer, BBS Engineer , Document Controller Etc. for the Projects of Building, Roads, Highways and Bridges

Level 1: Foundation in Quantity Surveying

This level is aimed at those new to the field and provides a strong foundation in basic quantity surveying principles. As a civil engineer from Surat or Vadodara, this level would teach you the basics of cost estimation, contract management, and the roles and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor. You’ll also get introduced to tools like AutoCAD and BIM, which are essential in modern quantity surveying.

Level 2: Intermediate Skills

Once you’ve mastered the basics, the second level focuses on enhancing your knowledge in cost management, procurement, and financial reporting. If you’re based in Ludhiana or Chandigarh, this is where you’ll start learning more advanced techniques for managing large-scale projects. For instance, you’ll learn how to apply cost-control measures to keep a project on budget, whether it's a new housing complex or a highway project.

Level 3: Advanced Commercial Management

At this level, the course shifts to advanced topics like contract law and commercial management. For civil engineers in cities like Lucknow or Kanpur, this is particularly valuable, as you’ll learn how to handle complex contract negotiations and manage commercial relationships effectively. You’ll also dive deeper into FIDIC contract principles, which are essential if you want to work on international projects, particularly in the Middle East.

Level 4: International Standards and Certifications

This level prepares you for international work. If you’re from Thiruvananthapuram or Coimbatore and you’re looking to work in the Gulf or other international markets, Bhadani’s ensures you’re well-versed in standards like RICS and FIDIC, giving you the qualifications needed to be competitive in these regions.

Level 5: Professional Competency

The final level is all about making you a complete professional quantity surveyor. By now, you’ll have developed the skills to manage complex projects in cities like Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, or even internationally. You’ll also receive help with interview preparation, CV building, and placement assistance, which is especially useful if you’re looking to secure a job abroad or with top firms in India.

Is Quantity Surveying a Techno-Commercial Role?

Yes, quantity surveying is a techno-commercial role. As a quantity surveyor, you're not only involved in the technical aspects of construction, such as measurements and material estimates, but you also play a key role in the commercial side. You’ll be responsible for negotiating contracts, managing finances, and ensuring that projects stay on budget. In cities like Raipur and Ranchi, where new projects are booming, quantity surveyors are essential for balancing technical and commercial interests.

For civil engineers in India, whether you’re in a metro city like Delhi or a growing hub like Jodhpur, becoming a professional quantity surveyor can open up new career opportunities both locally and internationally. With the right training, such as that offered by Bhadani’s Quantity Surveying Training Institute, you can develop the technical and commercial skills needed to succeed in this field. From mastering cost estimation and contract management to obtaining international certifications like RICS, Bhadani’s Level 1 to 5 courses provide a clear path to becoming a professional quantity surveyor.

In this techno-commercial role, you’ll not only have the chance to work on exciting projects but also play a crucial role in managing the financial and contractual aspects that make those projects successful. Whether your goal is to work in cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Hyderabad, or to seek international opportunities in the Gulf, Bhadani’s can help you achieve your professional aspirations.

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