M-TECH in Fuel And Energy Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad

Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Fuel and Energy Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This Fuel and Energy Engineering program at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad focuses on sustainable energy solutions and advanced fuel utilization. It addresses India''''s growing energy demand, emphasizing clean technologies and efficient resource management. The program integrates cutting-edge research with practical applications relevant to the Indian energy sector, preparing graduates for diverse roles in a rapidly evolving industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates in chemical, mechanical, mining, petroleum, or related disciplines seeking entry into the energy industry. It also suits working professionals aiming to upgrade their skills in sustainable energy, energy management, or advanced fuel technologies. Career changers looking to transition into India''''s vibrant renewable energy or clean fuel sectors will find this curriculum highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles in power generation, petroleum refining, renewable energy development, and energy consulting across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with certifications in energy auditing and management, offering robust growth trajectories in PSUs, private sector, and research institutions.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Core Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus diligently on advanced thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, and fuel characterization. These subjects form the bedrock of energy systems. Regularly solve numerical problems and understand theoretical concepts deeply.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on chemical/mechanical engineering fundamentals, Standard textbooks (e.g., Cengel, Incropera), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation ensures understanding of complex energy processes required for design, operation, and troubleshooting in power plants and fuel industries.
Master Computational and Experimental Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in advanced computation techniques and lab sessions. Learn to use simulation software like MATLAB or Aspen Plus and experimental equipment for fuel analysis and energy system performance.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Software tutorials, Online coding platforms (e.g., Python for scientific computing), Departmental workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in computational modeling and experimental validation is crucial for R&D roles, process optimization, and data-driven decision making in the energy sector.
Explore Emerging Energy Trends and Technologies- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, read up on current developments in renewable energy, clean coal technologies, and energy storage. Attend webinars, seminars, and industry talks to understand India''''s energy landscape.
Tools & Resources
IEA reports, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) publications, E-journals, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad''''s research seminars
Career Connection
Early exposure helps identify areas of interest for specialization, project work, and aligns academic learning with industry needs and future job prospects.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize Through Electives and Mini-Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose program electives that align with your career interests (e.g., solar, wind, biomass, CCS). Engage in departmental mini-projects or research internships to gain hands-on experience in your chosen niche.
Tools & Resources
Department faculty advisors, Industry contacts, Research journals, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad''''s research groups
Career Connection
Deep specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles and provides a competitive edge in specific energy domains.
Develop Strong Communication and Ethics- (Semester 2)
Actively participate in the Scientific Communication & Publication Ethics course. Practice writing research proposals, presenting technical papers, and adhering to ethical guidelines in research.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint), Academic integrity guidelines
Career Connection
Essential for roles in R&D, academia, and consulting, where clear communication of complex technical information and ethical conduct are paramount.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 2-3)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and career fairs organized by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad or external bodies. Connect with alumni and professionals on LinkedIn to explore potential mentors and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIT (ISM) Alumni Association, Institutional career services, Energy industry events
Career Connection
Builds professional relationships, opens doors to internships, placements, and collaborative projects, and provides insights into industry expectations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research- (Semester 3-4)
Devote significant effort to your Dissertation Part-I and Part-II. Choose a research topic aligned with industry needs or impactful scientific questions. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously collecting and analyzing data.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research labs, Library resources, Statistical software (e.g., R), Academic writing tools
Career Connection
The dissertation demonstrates research capability, problem-solving skills, and deep subject matter expertise, highly valued by employers and for further academic pursuits.
Prepare for Placements and Interviews- (Semester 3-4)
Begin placement preparation early. Update your resume, practice technical and HR interview questions, and participate in mock interviews. Focus on articulating your project work and specialized knowledge effectively.
Tools & Resources
Career development cell, Interview preparation guides, Company-specific technical interview questions, Alumni mentorship
Career Connection
Ensures you are well-prepared to secure competitive placements in leading energy companies and research organizations.
Publish and Present Research Findings- (Semester 4)
Aim to publish your dissertation findings in peer-reviewed journals or present at national/international conferences. This enhances your academic profile and showcases your contribution to the field.
Tools & Resources
Journal guidelines, Conference submission portals, Faculty guidance, Academic editing services
Career Connection
Boosts credibility for R&D roles, academic positions, and provides a strong foundation for future innovations and leadership in the energy sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology or Master’s degree in Science in appropriate discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or CGPA/CPI of 6.0 (on a 10.0 point scale). A relaxation of 5% marks or 0.5 CGPA is applicable for SC/ST/PwD candidates.
Duration: 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEA 5101 | Advanced Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | Advanced thermodynamic laws, Properties of pure substances, Mixtures and solutions, Chemical and phase equilibria, Statistical thermodynamics |
| FEA 5103 | Advanced Fluid Flow | Core | 4 | Equations of motion, Laminar and turbulent flow, Flow through conduits, Non-Newtonian fluid flow, Multiphase flow |
| FEA 5105 | Fuel Characterization and Processing | Core | 4 | Solid, liquid, gaseous fuels, Fuel properties and analysis, Coal beneficiation techniques, Petroleum refining basics, Gasification and liquefaction |
| FEA 5107 | Heat and Mass Transfer Operations | Core | 4 | Conduction principles, Convection phenomena, Radiation heat transfer, Diffusion processes, Mass transfer coefficients |
| FEA 5109 | Advanced Computation Techniques | Lab | 2 | Numerical methods for engineering, Data analysis and visualization, Simulation tools and software, Programming for scientific applications, Optimization algorithms |
| FEA 5111 | Advanced Fuel Characterization and Processing Lab | Lab | 2 | Fuel analysis experiments, Calorific value determination, Proximate and ultimate analysis, Rheological studies, Spectroscopic techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEA 5201 | Power Generation Technologies | Core | 4 | Thermal power plants, Combined cycle power generation, Renewable energy systems, Nuclear power fundamentals, Emission control technologies |
| FEA 5203 | Combustion Engineering | Core | 4 | Reaction kinetics in combustion, Combustion of solid, liquid, gaseous fuels, Pollutant formation and control, Furnace design principles, Combustion modeling |
| FEA 5205 | Energy Audit and Management | Core | 4 | Energy conservation strategies, Energy efficiency improvement, Energy auditing methodologies, Energy management systems (EnMS), Economic analysis of energy projects |
| FEA 52XX | Program Elective – I | Elective | 4 | Advanced reaction mechanisms, Biomass energy conversion technologies, Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, Petroleum refining and petrochemicals, Wind energy system design |
| FEA 5219 | Power Generation and Combustion Lab | Lab | 2 | Power plant simulations, Combustion experiments and analysis, Flue gas analysis, Engine performance testing, Renewable energy system demonstrations |
| FEA 5220 | Scientific Communication & Publication Ethics | Non-Credit | 0 | Research paper writing, Effective presentation skills, Referencing and citation management, Plagiarism and academic integrity, Intellectual property rights |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEA 6101 | Design of Fuel and Energy Systems | Core | 4 | System design principles, Process optimization techniques, Energy process integration, Safety analysis in energy systems, Techno-economic evaluation |
| FEA 61XX | Program Elective – II | Elective | 4 | Advanced coal utilization technologies, Hydrogen energy production and storage, Carbon capture and storage methods, Nuclear reactor technology, Advanced separation processes |
| FEA 61XX | Program Elective – III | Elective | 4 | Advanced catalysis and reactor design, Waste to energy technologies, Fuel cell technology and applications, Energy storage systems (batteries, thermal), Smart grid and energy management systems |
| FEA 6197 | Dissertation Part-I | Project | 6 | Comprehensive literature review, Research problem identification, Methodology development, Experimental design and planning, Initial data collection and analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEA 6297 | Dissertation Part-II | Project | 18 | Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Results discussion and conclusion formulation, Scientific report and thesis writing, Thesis defense preparation, Potential for scientific publication |




