
M-TECH in Electronic Systems Engineering at Indian Institute of Science


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Electronic Systems Engineering at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru?
This Electronic Systems Engineering program at IISc Bengaluru focuses on the interdisciplinary aspects of designing complex electronic systems, integrating hardware, software, and algorithms. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s rapidly expanding electronics manufacturing, embedded systems, and IoT sectors. The program''''s strength lies in its research-intensive approach and emphasis on cutting-edge technologies relevant to modern industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a B.E./B.Tech. in Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, or related fields, holding a valid GATE score, who aspire to work in advanced R&D and product development roles. It also caters to working professionals seeking to upskill in areas like VLSI design, embedded systems, signal processing, and machine learning, offering a strong academic foundation for career advancement in the Indian electronics industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure high-impact roles in R&D departments of top MNCs and Indian tech companies, government research organizations like DRDO and ISRO, and innovative startups. Typical career paths include embedded systems engineer, VLSI design engineer, DSP engineer, system architect, and machine learning engineer. Entry-level salaries range from 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning 18-40+ LPA. The program also fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, aligning with India''''s focus on self-reliance in technology.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Engineering Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to solidifying fundamental concepts in analog/digital electronics, signal processing, and embedded systems during the first two semesters. Utilize resources like NPTEL courses, online tutorials, and reference textbooks alongside classroom lectures. A strong grasp of these basics is crucial for advanced subjects and project work.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera/edX for foundational courses, Textbooks like Sedra/Smith, Oppenheim
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are the bedrock for acing technical interviews and performing well in core engineering roles (e.g., design, verification, test) across all specializations.
Proactive Lab Engagement and Mini-Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in laboratory sessions, aiming to understand the practical implications of theoretical concepts. Beyond prescribed experiments, seek opportunities to work on small-scale mini-projects or contribute to ongoing research in DESE''''s advanced labs. This hands-on experience builds crucial practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, Microcontroller development boards (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), EDA tools (e.g., Cadence, Synopsis)
Career Connection
Practical experience through labs and mini-projects makes you a desirable candidate for product development and R&D roles, demonstrating problem-solving and implementation capabilities.
Cultivate a Problem-Solving Mindset and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly engage in problem-solving challenges related to embedded systems, VLSI, and signal processing. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, solve problems collaboratively, and prepare for exams. Participation in technical clubs (e.g., robotics, electronics) helps apply learning to real-world scenarios and fosters teamwork.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, LeetCode (for coding aspects), Internal study groups, Technical student clubs
Career Connection
Developing strong problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are highly valued by employers, enhancing your chances in challenging technical roles and leadership positions.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection and Research Project Deep Dive- (Semester 2-3)
In semesters 2 and 3, carefully select electives that align with your career aspirations (e.g., specializing in VLSI, AI/ML for ESE, IoT, or advanced signal processing). Begin intensive work on your M.Tech project (ES 299) from Semester 2, aiming for innovative solutions and potential publications. Proactively engage with your faculty advisor for guidance and research direction.
Tools & Resources
IISc course catalog, Research papers (IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library), Specialized software/hardware platforms for your project
Career Connection
Focused specialization through electives and a impactful M.Tech project directly enhances your expertise, making you highly competitive for specialized roles in R&D and advanced engineering.
Networking and Industry Exposure- (Semester 2-3)
Actively participate in seminars, workshops, and industry talks organized by IISc and various departments. Network with visiting faculty, industry experts, and IISc alumni. These interactions provide insights into industry trends, potential career paths, and internship opportunities, leveraging IISc''''s strong industry ties.
Tools & Resources
IISc DESE website for event announcements, LinkedIn for professional networking, Industry conferences and tech meetups
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network can open doors to internships, mentorship, and coveted job opportunities that might not be publicly advertised.
Develop Advanced Technical and Presentation Skills- (Semester 2-3)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, focus on developing advanced simulation, design, and prototyping skills relevant to your specialization. Prepare diligently for project reviews and seminar presentations, practicing clear and concise communication of complex technical ideas. Seek feedback on your presentation style and technical writing from faculty and peers.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL, custom simulation platforms), LaTeX for thesis/report writing, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote)
Career Connection
Mastering advanced tools and effective communication skills are critical for roles requiring complex problem-solving, research dissemination, and stakeholder interaction.
Advanced Stage
Optimize Project for Impact and Placement- (Semester 3-4)
In the final semesters, refine your M.Tech project to demonstrate strong technical prowess, originality, and potential impact. Document your work meticulously, preparing a compelling thesis and presentation for defense. Aim for high-quality research output, potentially leading to publications or patent applications, which significantly boosts your profile.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guidelines, Plagiarism check software, Academic journal submission platforms
Career Connection
A well-executed and documented M.Tech project is your primary portfolio for placements, showcasing your expertise and research capabilities to prospective employers.
Intensify Interview Preparation and Skill Refinement- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in rigorous technical interview preparation, focusing on core ESE domains, coding, and problem-solving. Practice with mock interviews and aptitude tests. Enhance your soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, and teamwork, as these are crucial for securing and excelling in professional roles.
Tools & Resources
Interview-specific online platforms (e.g., InterviewBit, HackerRank), Company-specific interview guides, IISc Career Development Centre resources
Career Connection
Comprehensive interview preparation, combining technical depth with strong soft skills, directly translates into successful placements with top-tier companies.
Strategic Career Planning and Alumni Engagement- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives and explore off-campus opportunities through the IISc alumni network. Research target companies and roles thoroughly, tailoring your resume and application. Leverage the strong IISc brand and alumni connections for mentorship and insights into industry-specific career trajectories. Consider entrepreneurship support if that''''s your path.
Tools & Resources
IISc Placement Office, Alumni network platforms, Professional networking sites
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and effective utilization of institutional resources and networks are key to securing desired roles and establishing a strong career trajectory post-M.Tech.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Instrumentation Technology, Computer Science & Engineering, Information Technology, Mechatronics, or related disciplines. Valid GATE score in an appropriate discipline (e.g., EC, EE, CS, IN) is mandatory for regular admission. Sponsored candidates also require relevant work experience.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 (minimum) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 201 | Electronic System Design | Core | 4 | System design methodology, Mixed-signal design considerations, FPGA/ASIC design flows, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, Power management in electronic systems, Signal integrity and reliability |
| ES 202 | Signal Processing for Electronic Systems | Core | 4 | Discrete-time signals and systems, Digital filter design (FIR, IIR), Spectral analysis techniques, Adaptive filtering algorithms, Signal compression fundamentals, Real-time signal processing applications |
| ES 203 | Microprocessor Systems and Interfacing | Core | 4 | Microprocessor architectures (ARM, x86), Embedded C programming, Peripheral interfacing techniques, Interrupt handling mechanisms, Real-time operating systems (RTOS), Low-power design strategies |
| ES 204 | Analog and Mixed-Signal VLSI Design | Elective (Core Basket) | 4 | CMOS analog circuit fundamentals, Operational amplifier (Op-Amp) design, Data converter architectures (ADC/DAC), Phase-locked loops (PLLs), Noise and distortion analysis, Mixed-signal layout techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 205 | Digital VLSI Design | Elective (Core Basket) | 4 | CMOS logic and circuit styles, Combinational and sequential circuit design, Interconnect analysis and optimization, Timing analysis and synchronization, Low-power digital design, Design for testability (DFT) |
| ES 206 | Embedded System Design | Elective (Core Basket) | 4 | Microcontroller architectures and peripherals, Real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts, Device drivers development, Embedded Linux principles, Network protocols for embedded systems, System-on-chip (SoC) design considerations |
| ES 291 | Seminar | Core | 2 | Literature review and research paper analysis, Topic selection and scope definition, Scientific presentation techniques, Question and answer session handling, Technical report writing, Current trends in electronic systems |
| ES 299 | M.Tech Project (Part 1) | Project | 6 | Problem definition and literature survey, Project proposal development, Methodology and experimental design, Initial system architecture design, Preliminary simulation and analysis, Project timeline and milestone planning |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 207 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Elective (General) | 4 | Multirate digital signal processing, Wavelet transforms and applications, Spectral estimation techniques, Adaptive filtering for noise cancellation, Compressive sensing principles, Audio and image processing applications |
| ES 209 | Machine Learning for Electronic Systems | Elective (General) | 4 | Supervised and unsupervised learning, Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Reinforcement learning basics, Machine learning hardware acceleration |
| ES 299 | M.Tech Project (Part 2) | Project | 12 | Detailed design and implementation, System integration and testing, Data collection and analysis, Performance evaluation and benchmarking, Intermediate report and presentation, Addressing design challenges and optimizations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 299 | M.Tech Project (Part 3) | Project | 14 | Advanced experimentation and validation, Results interpretation and discussion, Thesis writing and documentation, Preparation for project defense, Paper publication strategies, Future work and commercialization potential |




