

PHD in Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur


Howrah, West Bengal
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur Howrah?
This PhD program at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur focuses on advanced research in Electrical Engineering, addressing cutting-edge challenges relevant to India''''s burgeoning industrial and technological landscape. The specialization emphasizes deep theoretical understanding coupled with practical applications across various domains such as power systems, control engineering, power electronics, and advanced signal processing. It prepares scholars to contribute significantly to innovation and development within the nation''''s core infrastructure and high-tech sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals holding an M.E./M.Tech. in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field, seeking to pursue an academic career, or aiming for leadership roles in R&D departments in Indian industries. It also caters to bright B.E./B.Tech. graduates with exceptional academic records and valid GATE scores, who possess a strong aptitude for research and desire to contribute to foundational and applied engineering sciences. Working professionals looking to enhance their credentials and impact through advanced research are also well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as Assistant Professors in leading engineering colleges, Senior Scientists in government research organizations like DRDO or ISRO, or R&D leads in major Indian companies such as Tata Power, Siemens India, L&T, and ABB. Entry-level salaries for PhDs in India can range from INR 8-15 LPA in industry, escalating significantly with experience and impactful research. The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, essential for long-term growth trajectories in a technology-driven economy.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Core Research Areas- (First 1-2 semesters)
Actively engage with the chosen coursework subjects (e.g., Advanced Power System Dynamics, Advanced Machine Learning for Electrical Systems). Focus on understanding the foundational theories and identifying open research problems within these domains. Attend departmental research seminars and interact with faculty to gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL advanced courses, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, departmental seminar series, faculty consultation hours
Career Connection
Builds a strong theoretical base and helps in identifying a concrete research problem, crucial for timely thesis submission and impactful publications.
Develop Strong Research Methodology Skills- (First 1-2 semesters)
Pay special attention to the Research Methodology course (EE 9012) and apply its principles diligently. Learn about research design, data collection, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. Start exploring relevant software tools for simulation, modeling, or data analysis based on potential research directions.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Simulink, Python (Numpy, Pandas, Scikit-learn), LaTeX for thesis writing, academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Equips scholars with essential skills for conducting rigorous research, publishing high-quality papers, and effectively communicating their findings, which are vital for academic and industrial R&D roles.
Cultivate Scientific Writing and Presentation Prowess- (First 1-2 semesters and ongoing)
Engage actively in Technical Communication and Seminar (EE 9013) to refine academic writing and presentation skills. Practice summarizing complex research concepts clearly and concisely. Begin drafting literature reviews or research proposals early, seeking feedback from supervisors and peers.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, presentation software (PowerPoint/Keynote/Beamer), departmental journal clubs
Career Connection
Mastering scientific communication is paramount for publishing in top-tier journals and presenting at international conferences, which are key performance indicators for PhD graduates in India and globally.
Intermediate Stage
Prolific Publication and Conference Participation- (Second year onwards)
Aim to publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed journal or present at a reputable national/international conference annually. Actively seek out calls for papers, collaborate with supervisors, and diligently work towards achieving research milestones that translate into publications.
Tools & Resources
Springer, Elsevier, IEEE, IET journal submission portals, national/international conference websites (e.g., TENCON, PEDES, INDICON)
Career Connection
A strong publication record is the most significant differentiator for PhD graduates, directly impacting their employability in academia and their standing in R&D roles, often leading to better salary packages and recognition.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Networking- (Second year onwards)
Explore opportunities for collaboration with researchers from other departments (e.g., Computer Science, Electronics, Management) or external institutions, both within India and abroad, if feasible. Attend workshops, seminars, and networking events to build professional connections.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, research collaborations platforms, departmental research groups
Career Connection
Broadens research perspectives, opens doors to diverse career opportunities, and builds a professional network that can be invaluable for post-PhD career progression and future collaborations.
Secure Research Grants and Project Involvement- (Second year onwards)
Under the guidance of your supervisor, actively identify and apply for small research grants or fellowships (e.g., from SERB, DST, CSIR, UGC) to support your research. Participate in ongoing departmental projects to gain experience in project management and grant writing.
Tools & Resources
Government funding agency websites (SERB, DST), university research grants office
Career Connection
Grant acquisition experience is highly valued in academia and demonstrates initiative and capability for independent research leadership, enhancing career prospects significantly.
Advanced Stage
Rigorous Thesis Writing and Defense Preparation- (Final 1-1.5 years)
Allocate dedicated time for structured thesis writing, ensuring all research contributions are clearly documented and articulated. Prepare thoroughly for the comprehensive examination and thesis viva voce by practicing presentations and anticipating questions from external examiners.
Tools & Resources
Thesis templates, academic editors, mock viva sessions, supervisor feedback
Career Connection
A well-written thesis and a confident defense are crucial for successful completion of the PhD, leading directly to the degree and validation of one''''s research contributions, essential for all career paths.
Strategic Career Planning and Job Search- (Last 6-12 months of the program)
Actively engage in career counseling sessions, explore different career paths (academia, industry R&D, entrepreneurship), and tailor your CV/resume and cover letters accordingly. Start applying for post-doctoral positions, academic faculty roles, or industry R&D jobs well in advance of thesis submission.
Tools & Resources
University career services, professional networking platforms, job portals (LinkedIn, Naukri.com, specifically for academic jobs), university recruitment drives
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic job searching ensures a smooth transition from PhD to employment, aligning individual career goals with available opportunities in the competitive Indian job market.
Mentor and Lead Junior Researchers- (Final year)
As a senior PhD scholar, mentor junior M.Tech students or new PhD candidates in their research endeavors. Take on leadership roles in departmental activities or research group discussions. This hones leadership, teaching, and collaborative skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental student mentor programs, research group meetings, teaching assistant roles
Career Connection
Demonstrates leadership and teaching aptitude, which is highly beneficial for academic positions and managerial roles in industry R&D, positioning the scholar as a future leader in their field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent degree in relevant discipline from a recognized University/Institute with a minimum of 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale or 60% marks in aggregate. OR B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degree in relevant discipline from a recognized University/Institute with a minimum of 8.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale or 80% marks in aggregate, along with valid GATE score / NET / equivalent national level fellowship. OR M.Sc./M.A. or equivalent degree in relevant discipline from a recognized University/Institute with a minimum of 6.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale or 65% marks in aggregate, along with valid NET / equivalent national level fellowship (for specific disciplines). All applicants must appear for a written test and interview conducted by the Department/Centre/School.
Duration: Minimum 3 years for full-time scholars, minimum 4 years for part-time scholars (excluding coursework duration)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per institute norms for postgraduate courses, External: As per institute norms for postgraduate courses
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE 9001 | Advanced Power System Dynamics and Control | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9002 | Advanced Control Systems | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9003 | Advanced Electrical Drives | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9004 | Advanced Power Electronics | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9005 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9006 | Advanced Communication Systems | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9007 | Advanced Computer Networks | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9008 | Advanced Digital System Design | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9009 | Advanced VLSI Design | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9010 | Advanced Robotics | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9011 | Advanced Machine Learning for Electrical Systems | Elective Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9012 | Research Methodology | Mandatory Core (PhD Level) | 4 | |
| EE 9013 | Technical Communication and Seminar | Skill/Seminar (PhD Level) | 2 |




