

B-TECH in Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur


Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Mechanical Engineering program at IIT Kanpur focuses on fundamental principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and manufacturing, coupled with modern computational and design methodologies. The curriculum is designed to produce engineers capable of innovation in diverse Indian industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring engineers with a strong aptitude for physics and mathematics, seeking to apply scientific principles to design, analyze, and build complex systems. It suits fresh graduates aiming for core engineering roles, those interested in research and development, or professionals looking to transition into advanced manufacturing and energy sectors in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in R&D, design, production, and project management across leading Indian companies and MNCs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation also prepares students for higher studies and entrepreneurial ventures within India''''s dynamic industrial landscape.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus deeply on understanding the core concepts of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses. Utilize textbook problems, tutorial sessions, and online platforms like Khan Academy or NPTEL for conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, NPTEL courses, Peer study groups, Khan Academy
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for advanced courses, performing well in competitive exams like GATE, and forms the basis for technical interview questions in placements.
Develop Programming and CAD Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in programming assignments (C/C++) and gain proficiency in engineering graphics and basic CAD software. Supplement coursework with online tutorials or workshops for tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360 to build practical design capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Online CAD tutorials (e.g., YouTube, Coursera), Programming practice platforms (HackerRank, LeetCode), Departmental computer labs, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
Career Connection
Essential for modern engineering roles, design, and simulation, these skills are highly valued by industries for internships and placements in product development and manufacturing.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in college clubs (robotics, automotive, aerospace) or technical competitions to apply foundational knowledge to real-world challenges. This fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and a holistic engineering perspective beyond individual subjects.
Tools & Resources
College technical clubs (e.g., Robotics Club, Aero-modelling Club), Inter-departmental projects, Open-source hardware platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
Career Connection
Develops practical problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are key for professional success in diverse engineering teams and innovation-driven companies.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Theoretical Concepts to Practical Problems- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in laboratory sessions, departmental projects, and simulations related to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics. Seek opportunities to work on small research projects with faculty or take up relevant summer internships in industry.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals and experiments, Simulation software (Ansys, SolidWorks Simulation, MATLAB), Departmental workshops and research labs, Summer research/industry internships
Career Connection
Translates theoretical knowledge into practical application, making you a more valuable candidate for internships, project-based roles, and demonstrating hands-on engineering capabilities.
Specialize Through Electives and Workshops- (Semester 4-6)
Strategically choose departmental and open electives that align with your career interests (e.g., robotics, automotive, aerospace, energy). Attend specialized workshops or certification courses in areas like advanced CAD/CAE, Industry 4.0 technologies, or mechatronics.
Tools & Resources
Departmental elective lists and course catalogs, NPTEL advanced courses, Industry certification programs (e.g., Siemens, Dassault Systèmes), Specialized software training (e.g., Abaqus, Star-CCM+)
Career Connection
Builds expertise in niche areas, making you competitive for specialized roles, and demonstrating a clear career trajectory, crucial for higher-paying positions.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3-5)
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and industry conclaves. Connect with alumni and industry professionals through LinkedIn or college networking events. Participate in professional student chapters like SAE, ASME, or ASHRAE to expand your contacts.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Career fairs and industry events, Alumni mentorship programs, Professional body memberships (SAE, ASME, ASHRAE)
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and future job prospects, providing invaluable insights into industry trends and expectations for the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Capstone Projects and Research- (Semester 7-8)
Devote significant effort to your Undergraduate Project (ME490/ME491), aiming for innovative solutions and tangible outcomes. Consider presenting your work at national student conferences or publishing in relevant journals to showcase your research aptitude.
Tools & Resources
Research labs and equipment, Faculty mentors, Project grants and funding opportunities, Academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Conference proceedings
Career Connection
Demonstrates research capabilities, advanced problem-solving skills, and the ability to execute complex projects, highly valued by R&D and product development companies in India.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 6-8)
Begin rigorous preparation for campus placements, focusing on aptitude, technical interviews, and group discussions. Refine your resume, practice mock interviews, and participate in career counseling sessions. Simultaneously, explore options for higher studies (M.Tech/Ph.D.) if interested.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, Online aptitude test platforms (indiabix.com), Interview preparation books and mock interviews, GATE/GRE/TOEFL coaching, Resume building workshops
Career Connection
Directly translates into securing desirable job offers from top Indian companies and MNCs, or admission to prestigious graduate programs in India and abroad.
Develop Leadership and Soft Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Take on leadership roles in student organizations, manage team projects, and engage in public speaking opportunities. Focus on improving communication, negotiation, and ethical decision-making skills, which are crucial for managerial and leadership roles in the industry.
Tools & Resources
Student clubs and committees, Workshops on soft skills and leadership, Toastmasters International (if available), Peer feedback and self-assessment, Case study competitions
Career Connection
Prepares you for leadership positions, enhances employability beyond technical skills, and facilitates faster career progression in corporate environments and entrepreneurial ventures in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 290 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC101 | Introduction to Engineering | Engineering Fundamental | 6 | Engineering disciplines, Problem solving, Design process, Sustainability and ethics, Basic programming, Measurements |
| MTH101 | Mathematics I | Science | 8 | Calculus of one variable, Sequences and series, Ordinary differential equations, Limit and continuity, Applications of derivatives |
| PHY101 | Physics I | Science | 8 | Newtonian mechanics, Special relativity, Oscillations and waves, Sound and light, Optics |
| PHY103 | Physics Lab I | Science | 3 | Experimental techniques, Error analysis, Basic mechanics experiments, Properties of matter experiments, Optics experiments |
| TA101 | Engineering Graphics | Engineering Fundamental | 5 | Orthographic projections, Isometric views, Sectioning and dimensioning, Development of surfaces, Introduction to CAD |
| HSS1 | Humanities Elective 1 | Humanities | 6 | Social sciences, Literature and arts, Philosophy and ethics, Economics fundamentals, Psychology principles |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC102 | Introduction to Computing | Engineering Fundamental | 8 | Programming in C/C++, Algorithms and flowcharts, Data structures (arrays, lists), Functions and modular programming, Debugging and testing |
| MTH102 | Mathematics II | Science | 8 | Vector calculus, Linear algebra, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, Partial differential equations |
| CHM101 | Chemistry | Science | 8 | Atomic structure and bonding, Chemical thermodynamics, Chemical kinetics, Electrochemistry, Organic chemistry fundamentals |
| CHM103 | Chemistry Lab | Science | 3 | Quantitative analysis, Volumetric analysis, Organic synthesis experiments, Chemical kinetics experiments, Spectroscopic techniques |
| TA201 | Manufacturing Processes | Engineering Fundamental | 5 | Casting processes, Metal forming, Machining operations, Welding and joining, Additive manufacturing, Metrology |
| HSS2 | Humanities Elective 2 | Humanities | 6 | History of science and technology, Sociology and culture, Public policy, Indian philosophy, Modern literature |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME221 | Thermodynamics | Departmental Core | 8 | First law of thermodynamics, Second law of thermodynamics, Entropy, Pure substances and ideal gases, Thermodynamic cycles (Carnot, Rankine, Brayton), Refrigeration cycles |
| ME241 | Engineering Mechanics | Departmental Core | 8 | Statics of particles and rigid bodies, Trusses and frames, Friction, Kinematics of particles and rigid bodies, Kinetics of particles and rigid bodies, Work-energy principle, impulse-momentum |
| ME251 | Solid Mechanics | Departmental Core | 8 | Stress and strain, Hooke''''s law, Torsion of shafts, Bending of beams, Shear stress and deflection, Columns and buckling |
| MTH203 | Mathematics III | Science | 8 | Probability theory, Random variables and distributions, Stochastic processes, Mathematical statistics, Hypothesis testing, Regression analysis |
| EOSc/ESC/LIF | Engineering/Life Sciences Elective | Elective | 6 | Environmental science fundamentals, Advanced computing concepts, Biotechnology principles, Materials science basics, System modeling |
| TA202 | Engineering Design | Engineering Fundamental | 5 | Design process methodology, Ideation and conceptual design, Embodiment design, Detail design, Product development, Project management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME201 | Computer Aided Engineering | Departmental Core | 9 | CAD software basics, CAE and FEA principles, Solid modeling and assembly, Engineering drawing standards, Numerical methods for engineering, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) |
| ME231 | Fluid Mechanics | Departmental Core | 8 | Fluid properties and statics, Fluid kinematics, Bernoulli''''s equation, Control volume analysis, Viscous flow in pipes, Boundary layer theory |
| ME261 | Machine Drawing and Solid Modelling | Departmental Core | 5 | Orthographic projections for machine parts, Assembly drawings, Sectioning and detailing, Tolerancing and fits, Parametric solid modeling, CAD for mechanical components |
| ME371 | Manufacturing Science | Departmental Core | 8 | Metal cutting theories, Forming processes (rolling, forging), Joining processes (welding, brazing), Casting processes, Powder metallurgy, Surface finishing |
| ME222 | Applied Thermodynamics | Departmental Core | 8 | Power generation cycles, Vapor compression refrigeration, Psychrometry and air conditioning, Combustion principles, Heat engines and pumps, Renewable energy systems |
| ME212 | Dynamics (DC1) | Departmental Core | 6 | Kinematics of particles and rigid bodies, Kinetics of particles and rigid bodies, Work and energy method, Impulse and momentum method, Vibrations of single DOF systems, Multi-body dynamics |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME342 | Machine Design I | Departmental Core | 8 | Stress analysis in machine elements, Failure theories (static and fatigue), Design for static loading, Design of shafts and keys, Design of fasteners (riveted, bolted), Design of welded joints |
| ME331 | Heat and Mass Transfer | Departmental Core | 8 | Conduction heat transfer, Convection heat transfer (forced and natural), Thermal radiation, Heat exchangers, Phase change heat transfer, Mass diffusion |
| ME351 | Vibrations | Departmental Core | 8 | Single-degree-of-freedom systems, Free and forced vibration, Damping and resonance, Multi-degree-of-freedom systems, Modal analysis, Vibration isolation |
| ME372 | Machine Tools and Metrology | Departmental Core | 9 | Lathe, milling, drilling operations, Grinding and finishing processes, CNC machining fundamentals, Cutting tool materials and geometry, Metrology instruments, Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) |
| HSS3 | Humanities Elective 3 | Humanities | 6 | Professional ethics, Organizational behavior, Entrepreneurship, Environmental studies, Creative writing |
| DE1 | Departmental Elective 1 | Departmental Elective | 6 | Advanced fluid mechanics, Advanced solid mechanics, Renewable energy systems, Robotics and automation, Manufacturing systems |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME343 | Machine Design II | Departmental Core | 8 | Design of gears, Design of bearings (sliding and rolling), Design of clutches and brakes, Design of springs, Power transmission systems (belts, chains), Mechanism synthesis |
| ME381 | Automatic Control | Departmental Core | 8 | System modeling (transfer functions, state space), Feedback control systems, Stability analysis (Routh-Hurwitz, Nyquist), PID controllers, Root locus technique, Frequency response analysis |
| ME391 | Engineering Economics | Departmental Core | 6 | Time value of money, Present worth analysis, Future worth and annual equivalent, Benefit-cost ratio, Depreciation and taxation, Project evaluation and selection |
| DE2 | Departmental Elective 2 | Departmental Elective | 6 | Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Finite element analysis (FEA), Advanced manufacturing processes, Internal combustion engines, Refrigeration and air conditioning |
| OE1 | Open Elective 1 | Open Elective | 6 | Introduction to data science, Principles of management, Advanced programming, Environmental policy, Innovation and entrepreneurship |
| UOC1 | Unspecified Optional Course 1 | Unspecified Optional Course | 6 | Special topics in engineering, Independent study project, Advanced software skills, Research methodology, Emerging technologies |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3 | Departmental Elective 3 | Departmental Elective | 6 | Smart materials and structures, Additive manufacturing, Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), Automotive engineering, Aerospace propulsion |
| OE2 | Open Elective 2 | Open Elective | 6 | Artificial intelligence in engineering, Supply chain management, Digital marketing, Humanities and social sciences advanced topics, Introduction to finance |
| UOC2 | Unspecified Optional Course 2 | Unspecified Optional Course | 6 | Advanced interdisciplinary projects, Industrial training report, Societal impact of technology, Technical communication, Case studies in engineering |
| ME490 | Undergraduate Project I | Project | 9 | Project problem identification, Literature review, Methodology development, Experimental setup design, Preliminary analysis, Project proposal writing |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4 | Departmental Elective 4 | Departmental Elective | 6 | Biomechanical engineering, Nano-manufacturing, Robotics and control systems, Gas dynamics and propulsion, Cryogenic engineering |
| OE3 | Open Elective 3 | Open Elective | 6 | Operations research, Intellectual property rights, Cybersecurity fundamentals, Urban planning and infrastructure, Healthcare management |
| UOC3 | Unspecified Optional Course 3 | Unspecified Optional Course | 6 | Advanced seminar series, Start-up ecosystem study, Professional development workshops, Industrial tour and report, Global engineering challenges |
| ME491 | Undergraduate Project II | Project | 9 | Experimental work and data collection, Computational simulations, Data analysis and interpretation, Result validation, Technical report writing, Project presentation and defense |




