
M-TECH in Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Science


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru?
This M.Tech Electrical Engineering program at IISc Bengaluru focuses on cutting-edge research and advanced coursework across diverse domains like Signal Processing, Power Systems, VLSI Design, Photonics, and Control. It addresses critical needs of the Indian technology and manufacturing sectors, fostering innovation and expertise in fields vital for national development. The program''''s strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach and deep theoretical foundations.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for bright engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech.) in Electrical, Electronics, Instrumentation, or Telecommunication Engineering with a strong academic record and a valid GATE score. It caters to those passionate about advanced research, design, and development, aiming for leadership roles in R&D, academia, or specialized engineering positions within the Indian and global technology landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure high-impact roles in core electrical engineering, semiconductor, power, and telecommunications industries in India. Career paths include R&D Engineer, Design Engineer, Research Scientist, or pursuing PhDs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 10-25 LPA in top-tier Indian and MNC companies, with significant growth trajectories towards senior management and technical specialist roles.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Linear Algebra- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding foundational subjects like Linear Algebra, Probability, and Signal Processing. Leverage online platforms like NPTEL and MIT OpenCourseware for supplementary learning. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex problems and collaborate on assignments, building a strong academic network early on.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL (Linear Algebra, Probability, DSP), MIT OpenCourseware, Peer Study Groups, Textbooks recommended by faculty
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for advanced coursework, research projects, and ultimately, for solving real-world engineering challenges in industry roles.
Proactively Engage in Lab Courses- (Semester 1-2)
Treat lab courses not just as credit requirements but as opportunities for hands-on learning. Actively participate in experiments, understand the underlying theory, and go beyond prescribed procedures. Document observations meticulously and seek faculty guidance for deeper insights. This builds practical skills highly valued by Indian industries.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Labs & Equipment, Lab Manuals, Faculty/TA Mentorship, Online Simulation Tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, SPICE)
Career Connection
Practical application skills gained in labs directly translate to readiness for R&D and design roles, enhancing employability and project success in companies.
Explore Research Areas and Faculty Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and faculty research presentations. Reach out to professors whose work aligns with your interests to understand potential M.Tech project opportunities. Early engagement helps in choosing a relevant specialization and a strong dissertation topic, critical for IISc''''s research-heavy program.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Seminar Series, Faculty Research Pages, IISc Research Spotlights, Alumni Networking Events
Career Connection
Aligning with a strong research group and project can lead to publications, patents, and direct industry connections, significantly boosting your profile for advanced roles or PhD admissions.
Intermediate Stage
Strategically Select Electives for Specialization- (Semester 2-3)
Choose elective courses that build depth in your chosen specialization (e.g., VLSI, Power Systems, Signal Processing). Prioritize courses with strong project components or those taught by faculty whose research interests you. This focused learning differentiates your skill set for specific Indian industry niches.
Tools & Resources
IISc Course Catalogue, Faculty Advisors, Industry Trend Reports, Elective Course Reviews (unofficial student forums)
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge from electives makes you a targeted candidate for specific roles in semiconductor, power, telecom, or automotive sectors, commanding higher demand and salary.
Seek Internships and Industry Exposure- (Semester 2-3)
Actively pursue summer internships (post-Semester 2) at reputable Indian PSUs, private sector companies, or R&D labs. Focus on gaining hands-on experience on real-world projects. Networking during internships can lead to pre-placement offers (PPOs), a common and highly sought-after route for placements in India.
Tools & Resources
IISc Career Development Centre, LinkedIn, Company Career Pages, Alumni Network
Career Connection
Internships are paramount for converting academic knowledge into practical skills, understanding industry expectations, and securing placements in competitive Indian job markets.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Engage in national-level technical competitions, hackathons, or workshops relevant to Electrical Engineering. This not only hones your problem-solving skills but also builds an impressive portfolio and exposes you to new technologies. Platforms like Hackerearth or specific company-sponsored contests are valuable.
Tools & Resources
IEEEXtreme, Smart India Hackathon, Robotics Competitions, Local IEEE/IET Chapters
Career Connection
Participation demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and practical skills to potential employers, especially important for roles in product development and R&D in Indian startups and MNCs.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Project for Research Impact- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate extensive effort to your M.Tech dissertation. Aim for innovative solutions, publishable results, and a robust defense. Collaborate with your supervisor, attend review meetings diligently, and prepare a high-quality thesis. A strong dissertation is a hallmark of IISc graduates and a key differentiator.
Tools & Resources
IISc Library & Research Databases, Thesis Writing Guides, LaTeX/Word Processors, Presentation Software
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation enhances your profile for R&D roles, academic positions, or PhD admissions, showcasing your ability to conduct independent, high-impact research.
Target Placements and Refine Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for campus placements by honing your technical interview skills, practicing aptitude tests, and mock interviews. Leverage IISc''''s strong placement cell for company-specific guidance. Focus on clear communication of your project work and understanding of core EE concepts relevant to target companies.
Tools & Resources
IISc Placement Cell, Online Coding/Aptitude Platforms (e.g., LeetCode, IndiaBix), Mock Interview Sessions, Professional Networking Platforms
Career Connection
Effective preparation is crucial for securing placements in top Indian and international companies, ensuring you articulate your IISc expertise effectively to recruiters.
Develop Professional Networking and Soft Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Continue building a professional network with alumni, industry leaders, and faculty. Attend conferences and workshops to stay updated with industry trends. Simultaneously, work on soft skills like presentation, technical writing, and teamwork, which are highly valued for leadership and collaborative roles in Indian engineering firms.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IEEE/IET Conferences, Technical Communication Workshops, Toastmasters/Public Speaking Clubs
Career Connection
Strong networking and soft skills are vital for career progression, leadership opportunities, and navigating the professional landscape in any Indian or global organization.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degree in Electrical/Electronics/Telecommunication/Instrumentation Engineering; valid GATE score in EE, EC, or IN (specific minimum percentage/CGPA requirements apply, typically 50% for SC/ST and 55% for others).
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies by course, decided by instructor (continuous assessment components), External: Varies by course, decided by instructor (final examination components)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL 201 | Linear Algebra and Probability Theory | Core | 3 | Vector Spaces & Linear Maps, Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors, Probability Axioms, Random Variables & Distributions, Joint and Conditional Probability, Law of Large Numbers |
| EL 205 | Digital Signal Processing | Core | 3 | Discrete-Time Systems, Z-Transform, DFT & FFT Algorithms, FIR and IIR Filter Design, Multirate Signal Processing, Adaptive Filters |
| EL 206 | Modern Control Theory | Core | 3 | State-Space Representation, Controllability & Observability, Optimal Control, Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), Lyapunov Stability, Observer Design |
| EL 207 | VLSI Devices and Technology | Core | 3 | Semiconductor Physics, PN Junction & Diodes, Bipolar Junction Transistors, MOSFET Operation & Characteristics, CMOS Fabrication Processes, Device Scaling |
| EL 290 | Electrical Engineering Lab 1 | Lab | 2 | Signal Processing Experiments, Control Systems Implementation, Digital Circuit Design, Analog Circuit Design, Microcontroller Applications, Communication Systems Concepts |
| EL 202 | Applied Stochastic Processes | Elective | 3 | Random Processes, Markov Chains, Poisson Processes, Gaussian Processes, Wiener Process, Filtering and Prediction |
| EL 203 | Estimation and Detection Theory | Elective | 3 | Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Bayesian Estimation, Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Cramer-Rao Bound, Kalman and Wiener Filtering, Signal Detection |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL 291 | Electrical Engineering Lab 2 | Lab | 2 | Advanced DSP Applications, Power Electronics Circuits, VLSI Design Verification, Embedded Systems Programming, RF and Microwave Measurements, Optoelectronics Characterization |
| EL 204 | Information Theory | Elective | 3 | Entropy & Mutual Information, Source Coding (Huffman, Lempel-Ziv), Channel Capacity (Shannon''''s Theorem), Error Control Coding, Rate Distortion Theory |
| EL 208 | Digital VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | CMOS Logic & Inverter, Combinational & Sequential Logic, ASIC Design Flow, FPGA Architectures, Timing Analysis, Design for Testability |
| EL 209 | Analog VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | MOS Device Modeling, Current Mirrors & Biasing, Differential Amplifiers, Operational Amplifiers, Voltage References, Data Converters (ADC/DAC) |
| EL 210 | Power Electronics | Elective | 3 | Power Semiconductor Devices, DC-DC Converters, AC-DC Rectifiers, DC-AC Inverters, PWM Control Techniques, Resonant Converters |
| EL 211 | Power System Dynamics and Control | Elective | 3 | Power System Stability (Rotor Angle, Voltage), Small Signal Stability, Transient Stability, Excitation Systems, FACTS Devices, Wide-Area Control |
| EL 212 | Electrical Machine Analysis | Elective | 3 | DC Machine Principles, Induction Motor Analysis, Synchronous Machine Modeling, Permanent Magnet Motors, Drive Systems, Machine Control |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL 301 | M.Tech Dissertation Project (Part 1) | Project | 16 | Literature Survey, Problem Formulation, Methodology Development, Experimental Setup/Simulation, Preliminary Results, Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL 302 | M.Tech Dissertation Project (Part 2) | Project | 16 | Advanced Research & Development, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Optimization & Validation, Thesis Writing & Presentation, Journal/Conference Publication, Defense & Viva Voce |




