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M-TECH in Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This M.Tech Chemical Engineering program at IIT Kanpur focuses on advanced principles and applications in core chemical engineering areas. With a strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary learning, it prepares students for leadership roles in India''''s rapidly growing chemical, petrochemical, and allied industries, addressing challenges in energy, environment, and materials science.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Tech/B.E. Chemical Engineering graduates with a strong academic record and a valid GATE score, seeking to deepen their theoretical knowledge and research capabilities. It also caters to industry professionals looking to upgrade their skills for R&D, process optimization, or managerial positions in diverse sectors across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect fulfilling careers in R&D, process engineering, design, and consulting roles within India''''s top PSUs, private sector giants, and burgeoning startups. Potential roles include Process Engineer, Research Scientist, and Project Manager, with competitive starting salaries ranging from INR 8-15 LPA, and significant growth opportunities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Rigor- (Semester 1)
Focus intently on the foundational advanced chemical engineering courses (Thermodynamics, Transport Phenomena) in the first semester. Utilize office hours, form study groups, and solve challenging problems from textbooks and previous year papers to build a strong theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., Prausnitz, Bird, Levenspiel), IITK Library resources, NPTEL advanced modules
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for tackling complex research problems and excelling in technical interviews for R&D and process design roles.
Initiate Project Work Early- (Semester 1)
Begin exploring research interests and potential advisors for your M.Tech project (CHE697). Engage in literature review, attend departmental seminars, and discuss potential problem statements to get an early start on your thesis.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Departmental faculty profiles, Research groups
Career Connection
Early engagement fosters strong research skills, helps in defining an impactful project, and strengthens your profile for research-oriented careers or PhD applications.
Engage in Departmental Activities- (Semester 1)
Actively participate in departmental workshops, guest lectures, and student chapters (e.g., IIChE student chapter). This helps in networking with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, and broadens your perspective on current industry trends and research.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Student organization portals
Career Connection
Builds soft skills, expands professional network, and provides insights into diverse career paths beyond academics.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Elective Specialization- (Semester 2)
Strategically choose electives that align with your M.Tech project and long-term career goals (e.g., advanced materials, energy, environmental engineering). Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to specific industry challenges.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Faculty expertise areas, Industry reports
Career Connection
Specialization enhances employability for niche roles and provides a competitive edge in specific industrial sectors.
Advance Research Methodology- (Semester 2)
For CHE698, refine your experimental design, simulation techniques, or theoretical modeling skills. Attend specialized workshops on software like Aspen Plus, ANSYS Fluent, MATLAB, or Python for chemical engineering applications.
Tools & Resources
IITK''''s central computing facility, Specialized software licenses, Online tutorials (Coursera, edX)
Career Connection
Proficiency in modern computational tools and robust research methodology are critical for R&D and process simulation roles.
Seek Industry Internships/Collaborations- (After Semester 2 (Summer))
Actively look for summer internships or short-term projects in relevant industries or research labs after the first year. Leverage the IITK alumni network and career development center for opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Career Development Centre (CDC) portal, LinkedIn, Alumni connect platforms
Career Connection
Practical industry exposure enhances resume, provides valuable networking, and can often lead to pre-placement offers.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Thesis Completion & Defense Preparation- (Semesters 3 & 4)
Dedicate significant time to the CHE699 M.Tech Project, focusing on data analysis, interpretation, and thesis writing. Prepare thoroughly for your pre-thesis and final thesis defense presentations, seeking feedback from your advisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word for thesis writing, Presentation software, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
A high-quality thesis demonstrates independent research capability, critical thinking, and communication skills, vital for both industry R&D and academia.
Targeted Placement & Interview Preparation- (Semester 3 & 4)
Actively engage with the CDC for placement preparation workshops, mock interviews, and resume building. Focus on company-specific roles (e.g., Process Engineer, Data Scientist for Chemical Applications) and tailor your skills accordingly.
Tools & Resources
CDC resources, Previous year placement papers, Interview preparation platforms (e.g., Glassdoor, InterviewBit)
Career Connection
Direct preparation leads to successful placements in top Indian and international companies, securing desired career roles and competitive packages.
Explore Entrepreneurial/Doctoral Paths- (Semester 3 & 4)
If inclined towards entrepreneurship, explore opportunities at IITK''''s Incubation Centre. For doctoral aspirations, connect with faculty for PhD research prospects, scholarship information, and prepare for relevant entrance exams or applications.
Tools & Resources
IITK SIDBI Innovation & Incubation Centre (SIIC), Research journals, GRE/TOEFL preparation materials
Career Connection
Opens avenues for innovation-driven careers, startup development, or advanced academic research, contributing significantly to India''''s knowledge economy.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech/BE degree in an appropriate branch of engineering with CPI 6.5 or 60% marks, and a valid GATE score. For IIT graduates, GATE is not mandatory with CPI 7.5. For sponsored candidates, GATE not mandatory with 2 years of relevant work experience.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE601 | Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Core | 6 | Fundamental Laws of Thermodynamics, Equations of State, Fugacity and Activity Coefficients, Phase Equilibria (VLE, LLE, SLE), Chemical Reaction Equilibria, Statistical Thermodynamics |
| CHE602 | Advanced Transport Phenomena | Core | 6 | Momentum Transfer in Laminar and Turbulent Flow, Shell Balances and Equation of Change, Energy Transfer (Heat Conduction, Convection, Radiation), Mass Transfer (Diffusion, Convection), Boundary Layer Theory, Non-Newtonian Fluids and Multiphase Systems |
| Elective I | Elective Course | Elective | 6 | Various advanced topics in Chemical Engineering and related disciplines, Specialized areas based on student interest and faculty expertise, Interdisciplinary subjects from other engineering departments |
| CHE697 | M.Tech. Project Part-I | Project | 10 | Research problem identification and literature review, Formulation of research objectives, Initial experimental design or theoretical framework, Preliminary data collection and analysis, Project planning and methodology development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE603 | Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | Core | 6 | Review of Reactor Design Principles, Non-Ideal Flow and Residence Time Distribution, Non-Isothermal Reactors, Multiple Reactions and Selectivity, Heterogeneous Catalysis and Reactor Design, Multiphase Reactors and Bioreactors |
| CHE604 | Advanced Process Control | Core | 6 | Review of Dynamic Systems and Feedback Control, Frequency Response Analysis and Stability, Advanced Control Strategies (Cascade, Feedforward, Ratio), Multivariable Control Systems, Optimal Control and Model Predictive Control, Inferential Control and Process Optimization |
| Elective II | Elective Course | Elective | 6 | Various advanced topics in Chemical Engineering and related disciplines, Specialized areas based on student interest and faculty expertise, Interdisciplinary subjects from other engineering departments |
| Elective III | Elective Course | Elective | 6 | Various advanced topics in Chemical Engineering and related disciplines, Specialized areas based on student interest and faculty expertise, Interdisciplinary subjects from other engineering departments |
| CHE698 | M.Tech. Project Part-II | Project | 10 | Execution of experiments or simulations, Detailed data acquisition and preliminary analysis, Development of theoretical models or computational algorithms, Progress report writing and presentation, Refinement of research methodology |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elective IV | Elective Course | Elective | 6 | Various advanced topics in Chemical Engineering and related disciplines, Specialized areas based on student interest and faculty expertise, Interdisciplinary subjects from other engineering departments |
| Elective V | Elective Course | Elective | 6 | Various advanced topics in Chemical Engineering and related disciplines, Specialized areas based on student interest and faculty expertise, Interdisciplinary subjects from other engineering departments |
| CHE699 | M.Tech. Project Part-III | Project | 26 | Advanced experimental work and data analysis, Model validation and simulation studies, Result interpretation and discussion, Thesis writing and scientific communication, Pre-submission presentation and review |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE699 (Cont.) | M.Tech. Project Part-III (Continuation) | Project | 0 | Finalization of thesis manuscript, Preparation for thesis defense, Addressing reviewer comments and revisions, Oral presentation and final defense, Submission of M.Tech thesis |
