

M-TECH in Aerospace Engineering at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur


Howrah, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Aerospace Engineering at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur Howrah?
This Aerospace Engineering program at IIEST Shibpur focuses on advanced concepts in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics. It is designed to equip engineers with expertise for India''''s burgeoning aerospace and defense sectors, including contributions to national space missions and commercial aviation advancements. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates, especially from Aeronautical, Mechanical, and Civil disciplines, seeking entry into the aerospace industry or pursuing research. It also benefits working professionals looking to upskill in specialized areas like aircraft design, propulsion systems, or space dynamics, contributing to their career progression within Indian aerospace organizations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in organizations like ISRO, DRDO, HAL, private airlines, and aerospace OEMs in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential. The advanced skill set gained aligns with the needs of the Indian space program and the expanding commercial aviation sector.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Concepts & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with advanced engineering mathematics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for supplementary learning and problem-solving groups with peers to tackle complex derivations and numerical problems. This builds a robust analytical foundation essential for advanced design and research roles in aerospace.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Peer study groups, Advanced textbooks
Career Connection
Develops problem-solving abilities crucial for design, analysis, and research positions in aerospace firms and R&D organizations.
Hands-on Lab Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Maximize learning in Aerospace Engineering Lab I and II by meticulously understanding experimental setups, data acquisition, and analysis. Document procedures thoroughly and explore simulation tools like ANSYS or ABAQUS to complement practical work. This prepares students for experimental research and product development roles.
Tools & Resources
Aerospace labs, ANSYS, ABAQUS, MATLAB/Python for data analysis
Career Connection
Enhances practical skills in testing, instrumentation, and simulation, vital for roles in aerospace R&D, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Develop Technical Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the ''''Seminar & Technical Writing'''' course to refine research, presentation, and scientific writing abilities. Participate in departmental seminars and workshops, seeking feedback on technical reports. Strong communication is crucial for publishing research and effectively presenting project outcomes in industry.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Technical writing guides, Presentation software
Career Connection
Essential for presenting research findings, writing project reports, and communicating effectively in professional and academic settings, improving visibility in placements.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Elective Mastery- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose professional electives based on career interests (e.g., structures, propulsion, space). Deep dive into these subjects using advanced textbooks and research papers. This builds a specialized skill set highly valued by companies like DRDO or specific aerospace OEMs.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks, Research papers (e.g., AIAA journals), MOOCs for advanced topics
Career Connection
Develops a niche expertise, making graduates more attractive for specific roles in aerospace design, analysis, and R&D departments.
Initiate Research & Project Work- (Semester 3)
Begin identifying a dissertation topic early, focusing on current industry challenges or research gaps relevant to India''''s aerospace landscape. Collaborate with faculty and explore potential industry mentors. This early engagement is vital for a strong M.Tech thesis and opens doors to R&D positions.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), IIEST research groups
Career Connection
Cultivates independent research skills and problem-solving, highly valued for advanced R&D roles in organizations like ISRO and DRDO.
Networking & Industry Engagement- (Semester 3)
Attend workshops, conferences, and industry events (e.g., Aero India, Space Expo) to network with professionals and understand market trends. Look for guest lectures from industry experts to gain practical insights. Building professional connections can lead to internships and placement opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences, Industry seminars
Career Connection
Expands professional network, leads to internship opportunities, and provides insights into industry demands, enhancing placement prospects.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation Completion- (Semester 4)
Dedicate full effort to the M.Tech Dissertation Part II, ensuring rigorous data analysis, validation, and comprehensive thesis writing. Aim for publishable quality research, collaborating closely with your supervisor for guidance and feedback.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., R, Python), LaTeX for thesis writing, Academic writing support
Career Connection
A high-quality dissertation is a strong portfolio piece, demonstrating expertise and research capability crucial for R&D roles and further academic pursuits.
Placement & Interview Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, preparing for technical interviews, aptitude tests, and group discussions specifically tailored for aerospace companies. Focus on project work and core concepts, practicing mock interviews with career services or alumni.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Mock interview platforms, Company-specific preparation materials
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for recruitment processes, significantly increasing their chances of securing desirable placements in aerospace companies and PSUs.
Continuous Learning & Skill Upgradation- (Beyond Semester 4)
Beyond the degree, commit to lifelong learning in emerging aerospace technologies like AI/ML in aviation, advanced manufacturing, or sustainable propulsion. Consider professional certifications where applicable to stay competitive in the fast-evolving Indian aerospace industry.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX), Industry certifications, Technical journals and magazines
Career Connection
Ensures long-term career growth, adaptability to new technologies, and a competitive edge in the dynamic global and Indian aerospace sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline with a valid GATE score (as per general M.Tech admission norms)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA 5101 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Core | 4 | Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Complex Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Methods |
| AS 5101 | Fundamentals of Aerospace Engineering | Core | 4 | Atmospheric properties, Aircraft components, Aerospace materials, Propulsion systems, Space environment, Rockets and launch vehicles |
| AS 5102 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Inviscid and viscous flow, Boundary layer theory, Compressible flow, Potential flow, Turbulent flow, Shock waves |
| AS 5103 | Advanced Mechanics of Solids | Core | 4 | Stress and strain analysis, Elasticity theory, Theories of failure, Plasticity, Torsion, Bending of beams |
| AS 5181 | Aerospace Engineering Lab – I | Lab | 2 | Experimental aerodynamics, Wind tunnel experiments, Material testing, Structural analysis experiments, Data acquisition |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 5201 | Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics | Core | 4 | Airfoil theory, Wing theory, Viscous effects, Boundary layer, Flight performance, Stability and control |
| AS 5202 | Aerospace Propulsion | Core | 4 | Gas turbine cycles, Jet propulsion, Rocket propulsion, Propeller theory, Combustion in engines |
| AS 5203 | Aircraft Design | Core | 4 | Aircraft configuration, Design philosophy, Structural design, Performance estimation, Weight and balance, System integration |
| AS 52XX | Professional Elective – I | Elective | 3 | Students choose one from available electives: Space Dynamics & Rocketry, Advanced Heat Transfer, Finite Element Method, Advanced Vibrations |
| AS 5221 | Space Dynamics & Rocketry | Professional Elective - I Option | 3 | Orbital mechanics, Two-body problem, Satellite maneuvers, Rocket performance, Multi-stage rockets, Re-entry dynamics |
| AS 5222 | Advanced Heat Transfer | Professional Elective - I Option | 3 | Conduction, Convection, Radiation, Phase change, Heat exchangers, Thermal design |
| AS 5223 | Finite Element Method | Professional Elective - I Option | 3 | Variational principles, Discretization, Shape functions, Stiffness matrix, Boundary conditions, Numerical solutions |
| AS 5224 | Advanced Vibrations | Professional Elective - I Option | 3 | Multi-degree-of-freedom systems, Continuous systems, Free and forced vibrations, Damping, Modal analysis |
| AS 5281 | Aerospace Engineering Lab – II | Lab | 2 | Propulsion system testing, Aircraft control experiments, CFD applications, Wind tunnel flow visualization |
| AS 5291 | Seminar & Technical Writing | Project | 2 | Research methodology, Literature review, Technical report writing, Presentation skills, Scientific communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 61XX | Professional Elective – II | Elective | 3 | Students choose one from available electives in Professional Elective - II & III list |
| AS 61XX | Professional Elective – III | Elective | 3 | Students choose one from available electives in Professional Elective - II & III list |
| AS 6121 | Airworthiness & Maintenance | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Aviation regulations, Airworthiness standards, Maintenance programs, Reliability engineering, Inspection techniques, Safety management |
| AS 6122 | High Temperature Materials | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Superalloys, Ceramics, Composites, Creep, Fatigue, Oxidation, Thermal barrier coatings |
| AS 6123 | Composite Materials & Structures | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Micromechanics, Laminate theory, Failure theories, Manufacturing processes, Structural analysis, Sandwich structures |
| AS 6124 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Governing equations, Finite difference method, Finite volume method, Grid generation, Turbulence models, CFD applications |
| AS 6125 | Aircraft Structural Analysis | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Wing and fuselage structures, Stress analysis, Buckling, Fatigue, Crack propagation, Finite element analysis |
| AS 6126 | Wind Tunnel Testing | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Wind tunnel types, Flow visualization, Pressure measurements, Force balance, Data acquisition, Model design |
| AS 6127 | Hypersonic Aerodynamics | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | High temperature gas dynamics, Shock-wave interaction, Boundary layer, Hypersonic vehicles, Scramjet propulsion |
| AS 6128 | Theory of Elasticity | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Stress and strain tensors, Equilibrium equations, Compatibility conditions, Constitutive relations, Torsion, Bending |
| AS 6129 | Space Mechanics and Control | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Orbital maneuvers, Attitude dynamics, Satellite control, Optimal control, Guidance systems, Rendezvous |
| AS 6130 | Helicopter Aerodynamics | Professional Elective - II/III Option | 3 | Rotor dynamics, Blade element theory, Performance analysis, Stability and control, Rotor-fuselage interaction |
| AS 61XX | Open Elective – I | Elective | 3 | To be opted from other Departments (topics will vary based on chosen course) |
| AS 6191 | M. Tech. Dissertation – Part I | Project | 6 | Research problem formulation, Literature survey, Methodology development, Preliminary results, Report writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 6291 | M. Tech. Dissertation – Part II | Project | 12 | Experimental work, Data analysis, Simulation, Thesis writing, Research defense, Project management |




