.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Petroleum Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Petroleum Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This PhD program in Petroleum Engineering at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad focuses on advanced research and innovation in hydrocarbon exploration, production, and reservoir management. The program is tailored to address the evolving energy landscape and critical needs of the Indian and global oil and gas industry, emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements. It delves into complex challenges in upstream and downstream operations, distinguishing itself through its strong analytical and experimental research focus.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals with a Master''''s degree in Petroleum Engineering or related fields, seeking to contribute significantly to research and development. It also attracts experienced industry professionals aiming to delve deeper into specific technical areas, fresh graduates with exceptional academic records and research aptitude looking for a career in academia or advanced R&D roles in major oil and gas companies within India and abroad.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure top research positions in national oil companies like ONGC, IOCL, and GAIL, as well as international energy majors with operations in India. They are also well-suited for academic roles, R&D labs, and specialized consulting. Entry-level salaries for PhDs in India can range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals leading research teams. The program aligns with the need for specialized expertise in India''''s energy security efforts.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Coursework- (First 1-2 semesters)
Actively engage with the advanced M.Tech/PhD level coursework (e.g., Advanced Reservoir Engineering, EOR Techniques) to build a robust theoretical foundation. Focus on understanding the core principles and underlying mathematics. Attend all lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments diligently.
Tools & Resources
Departmental course materials, peer study groups, NPTEL advanced petroleum engineering courses, reference textbooks by Dake, Craft, Lake
Career Connection
A strong grasp of coursework forms the bedrock for your comprehensive examination and subsequent research, crucial for demonstrating intellectual depth to potential employers or academic institutions.
Identify a Research Area and Advisor- (First 1-2 semesters)
Early on, explore various research areas within Petroleum Engineering by reading recent journal articles, attending departmental seminars, and discussing with faculty members. Proactively engage with potential supervisors to align your interests with ongoing research projects. This early identification is crucial for a focused PhD journey.
Tools & Resources
Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, departmental research profiles, faculty meetings
Career Connection
A well-defined research topic and a supportive advisor are critical for timely thesis completion and for building expertise in a niche area highly valued in research and industry roles.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Ongoing from semester 1)
Practice writing concise literature reviews and research proposals. Seek feedback from your peers and supervisor. Participate in departmental colloquia to present your initial thoughts and improve your public speaking and scientific communication abilities, which are vital for conferences and thesis defense.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, LaTeX, Microsoft PowerPoint, academic writing workshops, Toastmasters International (if available)
Career Connection
Effective communication of complex research is essential for publishing in high-impact journals, securing funding, and excelling in academic or R&D leadership positions.
Intermediate Stage
Conduct Comprehensive Literature Review and Experimental/Simulation Setup- (Semesters 3-5)
Deep dive into the existing literature, identify research gaps, and formulate clear research questions. For experimental work, focus on designing and setting up laboratory experiments; for simulation, master relevant software and computational techniques. Document every step meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Lab equipment manuals, Commercial simulators (e.g., ECLIPSE, CMG, Petrel), Python/MATLAB for coding, institutional HPC facilities
Career Connection
Thorough literature review and robust experimental/simulation design are hallmarks of rigorous research, enhancing the quality and impact of your thesis, making you a more desirable candidate for specialized R&D roles.
Participate in National and International Conferences- (Semesters 3-6 (depending on research progress))
Submit abstracts of your ongoing research to relevant national (e.g., SPG, Petrotech) and international (e.g., SPE, AAPG) conferences. Present your findings, engage with other researchers, and network with industry professionals. This provides exposure and valuable feedback.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites, travel grants from DST/SERB or institute, networking events
Career Connection
Conference participation builds your professional network, showcases your research, and provides opportunities for collaborations, often leading to job offers or postdoctoral positions.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semesters 4-7)
Aim to publish at least 1-2 research papers in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. This demonstrates your ability to produce original and significant contributions to the field. Work closely with your supervisor to refine manuscripts and navigate the publication process.
Tools & Resources
Journal selection tools (e.g., JournalFinder), academic publishing guidelines, ORCID iD
Career Connection
Publications are a crucial metric for academic and R&D careers, enhancing your profile significantly for faculty positions, research scientist roles, and highly competitive grants.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Comprehensive Examination and Synopsis Submission- (Semesters 5-6)
Systematically revise all core coursework and foundational knowledge. Prepare rigorously for the comprehensive examination and viva-voce, which assesses your overall understanding of Petroleum Engineering. Concurrently, prepare a detailed synopsis of your research, outlining objectives, methodology, and key findings.
Tools & Resources
Past comprehensive exam questions (if available), departmental guidelines for synopsis, mock viva sessions
Career Connection
Successfully passing the comprehensive exam and defending your synopsis marks a major milestone, demonstrating readiness for advanced independent research, a key requirement for research positions.
Network and Engage with Industry/Academia for Career Planning- (Semesters 6-8)
Actively network with professionals at industry events, alumni gatherings, and departmental talks. Explore potential job openings, postdoctoral fellowships, or collaborations. Seek mentorship to understand diverse career paths and tailor your thesis to industry needs if pursuing an industrial career.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry association meetings (SPE, SPG), career fairs, alumni relations cell
Career Connection
Proactive networking is vital for securing desired positions, leveraging connections for referrals, and gaining insights into industry trends that can shape your career trajectory.
Master Thesis Writing and Defense- (Semesters 7-8 and beyond until completion)
Dedicate significant time to writing a high-quality thesis that clearly articulates your research contributions. Pay attention to structure, clarity, and scientific rigor. Prepare thoroughly for the final thesis defense, anticipating questions and practicing your presentation.
Tools & Resources
Institute''''s thesis writing guidelines, professional editing services, mock defense sessions with committee members
Career Connection
A well-written and successfully defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD, opening doors to advanced research positions, academic roles, and showcasing your capability for independent scientific contribution.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Engineering/Technology/Science or equivalent, OR Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering/Technology with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale or 75% marks with valid GATE/NET score. Specific disciplines mentioned include Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Applied Geology, Applied Geophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Science, etc., with specific requirements detailed in the PhD admission brochure.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 7 years
Credits: Minimum 6 credits (for M.Tech/M.E./M.Sc. qualified candidates) or 12 credits (for B.Tech/B.E. qualified candidates) in coursework. Credits
Assessment: Internal: Varies per course, typically includes mid-semester exams, assignments, quizzes, presentations., External: Varies per course, typically includes end-semester examinations. Overall PhD assessment also includes comprehensive examination, synopsis submission, and thesis defense.
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPC5101 | Advanced Reservoir Engineering | Core/Elective for PhD coursework | 4 | Fluid flow in porous media, Advanced decline curve analysis, Reservoir simulation concepts, Water and gas coning, Pressure transient analysis, EOR Screening |
| PPC5102 | Advanced Drilling Engineering | Core/Elective for PhD coursework | 4 | Drill string design, Directional drilling, Well control techniques, Drilling fluid rheology, Wellbore stability, Stuck pipe prevention |
| PPC5103 | Advanced Production Engineering | Core/Elective for PhD coursework | 4 | Inflow performance relationship, Artificial lift systems, Production logging, Hydraulic fracturing, Surface production facilities, Corrosion in production systems |
| PPC5104 | Petroleum Economics and Risk Analysis | Core/Elective for PhD coursework | 4 | Oil and gas reserves evaluation, Cash flow analysis, Investment appraisal techniques, Risk and uncertainty in petroleum projects, Fiscal regimes, Decision tree analysis |
| PPE5115 | Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques | Elective for PhD coursework | 3 | Chemical EOR methods, Miscible and immiscible gas injection, Thermal EOR processes, Microbial EOR, Screening criteria for EOR, Field application and design |
| PPE5118 | Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources | Elective for PhD coursework | 3 | Shale gas and oil development, Coal bed methane production, Gas hydrates, Heavy oil and tar sands, Reservoir characterization of unconventional plays, Drilling and completion challenges |
| PPE5122 | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Petroleum Engineering | Elective for PhD coursework | 3 | Introduction to AI/ML in E&P, Data preprocessing for petroleum data, Regression and classification in reservoir studies, Neural networks for petrophysical interpretation, Optimization algorithms in production, Predictive maintenance for oilfield equipment |
| PPE5107 | Well Testing | Elective for PhD coursework | 3 | Principles of transient flow, Drawdown and build-up tests, Interpretation of pressure transient data, Wellbore storage and skin effect, Interference and pulse testing, Type curve analysis |
