

M-TECH in Petro Explo Production at Dibrugarh University


Dibrugarh, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Petro. Explo & Production at Dibrugarh University Dibrugarh?
This Petroleum Exploration and Production program at Dibrugarh University focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in finding, extracting, and processing hydrocarbons. It addresses the critical energy needs of India by training professionals for the upstream and midstream sectors. The program''''s strength lies in its comprehensive curriculum covering geology, reservoir engineering, drilling, and production, catering to the growing demand for skilled petroleum engineers in the country''''s energy landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Petroleum, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering seeking entry into the lucrative oil and gas industry. It also suits working professionals who wish to upgrade their technical expertise and career prospects in exploration, drilling, or production roles. Individuals aspiring for research careers in hydrocarbon exploration and production technologies will find the program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in oil and gas companies (ONGC, OIL, Reliance, Cairn India), service providers, and research organizations across India. Typical roles include Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Production Engineer, and Exploration Geoscientist. Starting salaries can range from INR 6-12 lakhs per annum, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals, aligning with global industry standards and domestic energy sector expansion.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Petroleum Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental subjects like Advanced Petroleum Geology, Well Logging, and Drilling Technology. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, solve problems, and clarify doubts. Utilize university library resources and online petroleum engineering forums for supplementary learning.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on petroleum engineering, NPTEL lectures on geology and drilling, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for passing competitive entrance exams (e.g., ONGC, OIL recruitment) and excelling in initial interview rounds for core industry roles.
Develop Lab and Software Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in laboratory sessions for subjects like Advanced Petroleum Geology Lab. Seek opportunities to learn and practice industry-standard software for reservoir characterization, log interpretation, and drilling simulation. This can include commercial software or open-source alternatives relevant to petroleum engineering.
Tools & Resources
Petrel (learning version), Eclipse (simulators), Open-source CFD tools, University lab facilities
Career Connection
Proficiency in practical lab techniques and simulation software is highly valued by employers, significantly enhancing your resume for technical roles in exploration and production.
Engage in Technical Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Attend all departmental seminars, guest lectures, and workshops by industry experts. Proactively ask questions and engage in discussions to expand your knowledge beyond the curriculum. Seek out university-organized workshops on technical writing and presentation skills, which are crucial for academic and professional growth.
Tools & Resources
University seminar series, Industry association events, Technical communication workshops
Career Connection
Networking with professionals and honing presentation skills early on prepares you for technical interviews and professional communication within the industry.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Internships and Industry Training- (Semester 2-3 (during breaks))
Actively seek summer internships or short-term training programs with oil and gas companies (e.g., ONGC, OIL, private operators) or service providers. Apply the theoretical knowledge gained in Reservoir Engineering and Production Engineering to real-world scenarios. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in field operations or data analysis.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Company career portals, University placement cell
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry exposure, build a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers or significantly boost placement chances.
Specialize through Electives and Mini-Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Carefully choose elective subjects like Computational Fluid Dynamics or Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources based on your career interests. Undertake mini-projects or term papers that allow deeper exploration into these specialized areas. Collaborate with faculty members on small research initiatives to gain project experience.
Tools & Resources
Journal papers (SPE, AAPG), Department research groups, Industry case studies
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles and provides a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Case Studies- (Semester 2-3)
Join university teams for national-level technical paper presentations, petroleum quiz competitions, or case study challenges organized by SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) student chapters or other professional bodies. This fosters problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Tools & Resources
SPE student chapter events, Industry-sponsored hackathons/competitions
Career Connection
Winning or participating in such events showcases your technical prowess and soft skills to potential employers, enhancing your profile for campus placements.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Phase I & II- (Semester 3-4)
Treat your M.Tech project as a flagship opportunity to demonstrate your research and engineering capabilities. Select a relevant, industry-oriented project topic, conduct thorough literature reviews, execute experimental or simulation work meticulously, and present your findings effectively in the thesis and defense.
Tools & Resources
Research journals and databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Advanced simulation software, Faculty advisors
Career Connection
A strong M.Tech project is a major talking point in interviews, demonstrating problem-solving, analytical, and independent research skills, crucial for R&D roles or higher studies.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Begin rigorous preparation for campus placements early in the final year. Focus on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and in-depth subject knowledge from core petroleum engineering disciplines. Practice mock interviews, group discussions, and technical tests tailored for the oil and gas sector.
Tools & Resources
Online aptitude platforms, Interview preparation guides, University placement cell mock sessions
Career Connection
Effective preparation is key to converting placement opportunities into job offers from top-tier companies visiting the campus or through off-campus drives.
Build a Professional Network and Personal Brand- (Semester 3-4)
Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty members. Attend industry conferences or webinars, even virtually. Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile showcasing your skills, projects, and achievements. Consider publishing research papers from your M.Tech project to establish your expertise.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences (e.g., PETROTECH, PETROFAB), Alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
A strong professional network can open doors to opportunities beyond campus placements and provides valuable career guidance throughout your professional journey.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent relevant discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC) from a recognized university. Preference is given to GATE-qualified candidates; non-GATE candidates may be admitted based on an entrance examination conducted by the university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT 101 | Advanced Petroleum Geology | Core | 4 | Origin and accumulation of petroleum, Sedimentary basins of India, Reservoir rock properties, Structural and stratigraphic traps, Geochemical exploration |
| MPT 102 | Well Logging and Formation Evaluation | Core | 4 | Principles of logging, Electrical logs, Nuclear and Acoustic logs, Log interpretation methods, Hydrocarbon saturation |
| MPT 103 | Well Drilling and Completion Technology | Core | 4 | Drilling fluid properties, Drilling bits and Casing design, Cementing operations, Well completion techniques, Horizontal drilling |
| MPT 104 | Petroleum Exploration Methods | Core | 4 | Geophysical methods (Seismic, Gravity, Magnetic), Geochemical methods, Remote sensing and Basin analysis, Prospect evaluation |
| MPT 105 | Research Methodology & Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 4 | Research design and Data analysis, Technical writing, IPR fundamentals, Patents and Copyrights |
| MPT 106 | Seminar I | Seminar | 2 | Presentation skills, Technical report writing, Literature review |
| MPT 107 | Advanced Petroleum Geology Lab | Lab | 2 | Core analysis, Rock porosity and permeability, Microscopic analysis of sediments |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT 201 | Reservoir Engineering | Core | 4 | Fluid flow in porous media, Material balance equations, Drive mechanisms, Reservoir simulation, Enhanced oil recovery |
| MPT 202 | Petroleum Production Engineering | Core | 4 | Well inflow performance, Artificial lift systems, Production optimization, Surface facilities, Flow assurance |
| MPT 203 | Petroleum Refining & Petrochemicals | Core | 4 | Crude oil distillation, Conversion processes, Treatment processes, Petrochemical feedstocks, Major petrochemicals |
| MPT 204 | Health, Safety & Environment in Petroleum Industry | Core | 4 | Hazard identification and Risk assessment, Safety management systems, Environmental impact assessment, Waste management, Industrial safety regulations |
| MPT 205.1 | Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Petroleum Engineering | Elective I (Option 1) | 4 | Governing equations of fluid flow, Numerical methods, Grid generation, Application in reservoirs, Pipelines |
| MPT 205.2 | Advanced Drilling Engineering | Elective I (Option 2) | 4 | Directional drilling, Underbalanced drilling, Managed pressure drilling, Drilling string design, Offshore drilling challenges |
| MPT 205.3 | Well Test Analysis | Elective I (Option 3) | 4 | Pressure transient testing, Drawdown and buildup tests, Skin factor, Boundary effects, Type curve analysis |
| MPT 206 | Seminar II | Seminar | 2 | Advanced presentation techniques, Technical discussions, Case studies and analysis |
| MPT 207 | Petroleum Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Relative permeability measurement, Viscosity of crude oil, PVT analysis, Artificial lift equipment operation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT 301.1 | Geostatistics for Petroleum Engineers | Elective II (Option 1) | 4 | Spatial data analysis, Variogram modeling, Kriging, Conditional simulation, Reservoir characterization |
| MPT 301.2 | Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources | Elective II (Option 2) | 4 | Shale gas and Coal bed methane, Gas hydrates, Heavy oil and Oil sands, Extraction technologies |
| MPT 301.3 | Petroleum Economics and Project Management | Elective II (Option 3) | 4 | Economic analysis of projects, Risk and uncertainty, Cash flow analysis, Capital budgeting, Project planning and control |
| MPT 302 | Project Phase I | Project | 6 | Problem identification, Literature survey, Methodology design, Preliminary data collection |
| MPT 303 | Comprehensive Viva-Voce | Viva-Voce | 2 | Overall understanding of curriculum, Subject matter expertise, Communication skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT 401 | Project Phase II | Project | 12 | Experimental work and Data analysis, Thesis writing and Presentation, Final defense |




