

M-TECH in Environmental Engineering And Management at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur


Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Environmental Engineering and Management at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Environmental Engineering program at IIT Kanpur focuses on equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and skills to address complex environmental challenges in India and globally. It emphasizes sustainable solutions for air, water, and soil pollution, waste management, and climate change. The program distinguishes itself through a strong foundation in physicochemical and biological principles, coupled with advanced modeling and design tools, crucial for the rapidly evolving environmental sector in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for civil, chemical, and environmental engineering graduates seeking to specialize in environmental management. It also caters to working professionals in public and private sectors, including regulatory bodies and consulting firms, looking to upskill and contribute to sustainable development. Aspiring researchers and academicians with a strong interest in environmental science and technology will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as environmental consultants, project managers, regulatory compliance officers, and researchers in government agencies (e.g., CPCB, SPCB), industries, and NGOs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong research focus aligns with opportunities in advanced R&D and policy formulation.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Scientific Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to mastering the foundational physicochemical and biological principles. Actively participate in laboratory sessions (CE611) to gain hands-on experience in environmental analysis techniques. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses on environmental science and engineering to reinforce classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, IITK Library, CE611 Lab Manuals
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is essential for understanding advanced concepts and designing effective solutions, which is highly valued in environmental consulting and research roles.
Develop Environmental Modeling Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the Environmental Modeling and Design Laboratory (CE612) and related courses. Practice using simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, R, GIS tools) for environmental data analysis and process modeling. Seek opportunities to apply these skills to small-scale projects or case studies.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB, R Studio, ArcGIS/QGIS, Spreadsheet software
Career Connection
Proficiency in environmental modeling is critical for roles in impact assessment, risk management, and smart city planning, enhancing employability in both public and private sectors.
Network with Faculty and Peers- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures to broaden your understanding of current environmental issues and research. Engage with faculty members for mentorship and explore potential research areas. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics and collaborate on assignments.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, Faculty office hours, Student clubs
Career Connection
Building a strong academic network opens doors to research opportunities, industry insights, and future collaborations, crucial for a successful career trajectory.
Intermediate Stage
Strategically Choose Program Electives- (Semester 2-3)
Based on career interests (e.g., water, air, waste management, climate change), select program electives that provide specialized knowledge. Consult with faculty advisors to understand the depth and career relevance of each elective. Aim to build a coherent specialization path.
Tools & Resources
Curriculum guide, Faculty advisors, Alumni network
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge gained from electives makes you a more targeted and attractive candidate for specific roles in sectors like water treatment, pollution control, or sustainable resource management.
Seek Research and Internship Opportunities- (Semester 2-3)
Actively search for summer internships at research institutions, environmental consulting firms, or relevant industries (e.g., water utilities, waste management companies). Engage with faculty on ongoing research projects (e.g., as a research assistant) to gain practical exposure to cutting-edge environmental solutions.
Tools & Resources
IITK Career Development Centre, Departmental announcements, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry exposure and practical experience, often leading to pre-placement offers. Research experience enhances problem-solving skills and is crucial for academic or R&D careers.
Participate in Environmental Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Join environmental design competitions, hackathons focused on sustainability, or workshops on emerging environmental technologies. These activities provide a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, innovate solutions, and develop teamwork skills.
Tools & Resources
Student technical clubs, National/International environmental contests
Career Connection
Participation showcases your practical skills and problem-solving abilities to potential employers, demonstrating initiative and a passion for environmental innovation, boosting your profile for placements.
Advanced Stage
Excel in M.Tech Project (CE699)- (Semester 3-4)
Treat your M.Tech project as a flagship research endeavor. Choose a topic aligned with your specialization and career goals, focusing on a real-world environmental problem. Dedicate substantial effort to literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and high-quality thesis writing and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, IITK Library resources, Statistical software (SPSS, R)
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates your ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and communicate findings effectively, directly impacting your placement success or PhD admissions.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Begin placement preparation early by refining your resume, practicing technical interviews related to environmental engineering, and preparing for aptitude tests. For those aiming for higher studies (PhD), work on research statements and connect with potential supervisors.
Tools & Resources
Career Development Centre, Mock interview platforms, GRE/TOEFL resources
Career Connection
Proactive preparation ensures you are well-positioned for top placements in environmental engineering firms, government bodies, or securing admissions to prestigious PhD programs globally.
Engage with Professional Bodies- (Semester 3-4)
Become a student member of relevant professional organizations like the Indian Association for Environmental Management (IAEM) or the Institution of Engineers (India). Attend their conferences, seminars, and networking events to stay updated on industry trends and expand your professional network.
Tools & Resources
IAEM website, IEI website, Environmental conferences
Career Connection
Involvement with professional bodies provides continuous learning opportunities, exposes you to industry leaders, and enhances your professional credibility, which is beneficial for long-term career growth in India''''s environmental sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech./B.E. degree in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or allied disciplines with a minimum of first class or 60% marks (or 6.0 CPI on a 10-point scale). A valid GATE score (in CE, CH, BT, XE) is mandatory, except for IIT graduates with a CPI of 8.0 or above.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 112 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE603 | Physicochemical Principles in Environmental Engineering | Core | 9 | Mass Balance and Stoichiometry, Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Reactor Design Fundamentals, Acid-Base and Precipitation-Dissolution Reactions, Oxidation-Reduction and Colloidal Phenomena, Mass Transfer and Interfacial Processes |
| CE604 | Biological Principles in Environmental Engineering | Core | 9 | Environmental Microbiology, Microbial Metabolism and Bioenergetics, Microbial Growth and Enzyme Kinetics, Biological Reactor Systems, Aerobic and Anaerobic Processes, Bioremediation and Microbial Ecology |
| CE611 | Environmental Chemical and Biological Laboratory | Core | 3 | Water and Wastewater Quality Analysis, Air and Soil Quality Monitoring Techniques, Microbial Enumeration and Characterization, Bioreactor Operation and Performance Evaluation, Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Methods, Analytical Techniques for Environmental Samples |
| PE-1 | Program Elective 1 | Elective | 9 | Students choose from the list of departmental program electives |
| OE-1 | Open Elective 1 | Elective | 3 | Students choose any M.Tech level course from any department at IIT Kanpur |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE612 | Environmental Modeling and Design Laboratory | Core | 3 | Environmental Data Analysis and Statistical Methods, Process Simulation Software Application, CAD for Environmental Systems, GIS Applications in Environmental Planning, Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Exercises, Air Pollution Dispersion Modeling |
| CE613 | Environmental Systems Analysis and Design | Core | 9 | Systems Approach to Environmental Problems, Optimization Techniques and Linear/Non-Linear Programming, Decision-Making under Uncertainty and Risk Assessment, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Design and Policy Analysis of Environmental Systems |
| PE-2 | Program Elective 2 | Elective | 9 | Students choose from the list of departmental program electives |
| PE-3 | Program Elective 3 | Elective | 9 | Students choose from the list of departmental program electives |
| OE-2 | Open Elective 2 | Elective | 3 | Students choose any M.Tech level course from any department at IIT Kanpur |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE699 | M.Tech Project Part 1 | Project | 20 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Methodology Development and Experimental Design, Preliminary Data Collection and Analysis, Mid-Term Project Report and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| PE-4 | Program Elective 4 | Elective | 9 | Students choose from the list of departmental program electives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE699 | M.Tech Project Part 2 | Project | 20 | Advanced Data Collection and Analysis, Interpretation of Results and Discussion, Conclusion and Future Work, Thesis Writing and Formatting, Pre-Submission Presentation and Revisions, Final Thesis Defense Preparation |
Semester electives
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE601 | Air Pollution Control Engineering | Elective | 9 | Air Pollutant Sources and Effects, Atmospheric Dispersion Modeling, Particulate Control Devices, Gaseous Pollutant Control Technologies, Indoor Air Quality Management, Air Quality Regulations and Standards |
| CE602 | Water and Wastewater Engineering | Elective | 9 | Water Quality Standards and Characteristics, Physical Water Treatment Processes, Chemical Water Treatment Processes, Biological Wastewater Treatment, Sludge Management and Disposal, Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies |
| CE605 | Industrial Waste Management | Elective | 9 | Industrial Waste Generation and Characterization, Waste Minimization and Prevention, Physical and Chemical Treatment of Industrial Wastes, Biological Treatment of Industrial Wastes, Hazardous Industrial Waste Management, Case Studies and Regulatory Framework |
| CE606 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Management | Elective | 9 | Solid Waste Characterization and Generation, Collection and Transportation Systems, Processing and Resource Recovery, Landfilling and Incineration Technologies, Hazardous Waste Identification and Treatment, Waste Management Policies and Regulations |
| CE607 | Environmental Impact Assessment and Management | Elective | 9 | EIA Principles and Methodologies, Baseline Data Collection and Analysis, Impact Prediction and Evaluation, Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Plans, Public Participation and Decision Making, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) |
| CE608 | Environmental Biotechnology | Elective | 9 | Microbial Ecology in Environmental Systems, Bioremediation of Contaminated Sites, Bioenergy Production Technologies, Enzyme Technology in Environmental Applications, Molecular Techniques in Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Genomics and Proteomics |
| CE609 | Environmental Quality and Health | Elective | 9 | Environmental Pollutants and Exposure Pathways, Epidemiology and Health Risk Assessment, Waterborne and Airborne Diseases, Vector-borne Diseases and Control, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health Regulations and Policies |
| CE610 | Environmental Risk Assessment and Management | Elective | 9 | Introduction to Risk Assessment, Hazard Identification and Exposure Assessment, Dose-Response Assessment, Risk Characterization and Uncertainty Analysis, Risk Communication and Perception, Risk Management Strategies and Policies |
| CE614 | Climate Change: Science and Policy | Elective | 9 | Climate System and Greenhouse Effect, Observed Climate Change and Impacts, Climate Models and Projections, Mitigation Technologies and Policies, Adaptation Strategies and Vulnerability Assessment, International Climate Regimes and Agreements |
| CE615 | Environmental Data Science | Elective | 9 | Environmental Big Data Concepts, Statistical Analysis for Environmental Data, Machine Learning in Environmental Applications, Geospatial Data Analysis and Remote Sensing, Environmental Forecasting and Prediction Models, Data Visualization and Communication |
| CE616 | Renewable Energy Systems and Design | Elective | 9 | Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal Systems, Wind Energy Conversion Systems, Biomass and Bioenergy Technologies, Hydroelectric Power Generation, Geothermal and Ocean Energy Systems, Energy Storage and Grid Integration |
| CE617 | Urban Environmental Management | Elective | 9 | Urbanization and Environmental Challenges, Urban Air and Water Pollution Control, Solid Waste Management in Cities, Sustainable Urban Planning and Development, Green Infrastructure and Eco-cities, Urban Environmental Governance and Policy |
| CE618 | Sustainable Water Resources Engineering | Elective | 9 | Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Water Demand Management and Conservation, Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge, Decentralized Water and Wastewater Systems, Water-Energy-Food Nexus, Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources |
| CE621 | Applied Hydraulics | Elective | 9 | Flow in Pipes and Channels, Hydraulic Machinery and Pumps, Hydraulic Structures Design, Water Distribution Networks, Stormwater Management, Physical and Numerical Modeling in Hydraulics |
| CE624 | Open Channel Hydraulics | Elective | 9 | Uniform Flow and Gradually Varied Flow, Rapidly Varied Flow and Hydraulic Jumps, Flow through Transitions and Controls, Sediment Transport in Open Channels, Numerical Methods for Open Channel Flow, Design of Canals and Drainage Systems |
| CE625 | Transport Phenomena in Environmental Systems | Elective | 9 | Momentum Transport and Fluid Mechanics, Mass Transport Mechanisms (Diffusion, Advection), Heat Transport Principles, Turbulence and Mixing Processes, Interfacial Transport Phenomena, Applications in Air, Water, and Soil Systems |
| CE626 | Contaminant Transport in Subsurface Systems | Elective | 9 | Porous Media Hydrology, Contaminant Sources and Types, Advection-Dispersion-Reaction Equation, Sorption and Biodegradation Processes, Groundwater Contamination Modeling, Remediation Technologies for Subsurface |
| CE627 | Advanced Hydrology | Elective | 9 | Hydrologic Cycle and Processes, Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Analysis, Infiltration and Runoff Generation, Streamflow Measurement and Hydrograph Analysis, Flood Routing and Forecasting, Hydrologic Modeling and Remote Sensing in Hydrology |
| CE628 | Water Resources Systems Planning and Management | Elective | 9 | Water Resources Systems Components, Demand and Supply Forecasting, Optimization Models for Water Allocation, Reservoir Operation and Management, Drought and Flood Management, Water Resources Policy and Institutional Aspects |
| CE629 | Groundwater Hydrology | Elective | 9 | Aquifer Properties and Groundwater Flow, Darcy''''s Law and Flow Equations, Well Hydraulics and Pumping Tests, Groundwater Modeling Techniques, Groundwater Quality and Contamination, Groundwater Management and Artificial Recharge |
| CE630 | Environmental Geotechnology | Elective | 9 | Soil Properties and Behavior, Contaminant Migration in Soils, Landfill Design and Liner Systems, Geosynthetics in Environmental Applications, Ground Improvement for Contaminated Sites, Geoenvironmental Site Characterization |
| CE631 | Remote Sensing and GIS in Water Resources | Elective | 9 | Principles of Remote Sensing, GIS Data Models and Analysis, Satellite Imagery for Hydrological Applications, Digital Elevation Models (DEM) in Water Studies, GIS for Watershed Delineation and Modeling, Applications in Flood Mapping and Drought Monitoring |
| CE632 | Ecohydrology | Elective | 9 | Interactions between Hydrology and Ecosystems, Water Use by Vegetation, Wetland Hydrology and Ecology, Stream Ecology and Water Quality, Impact of Land Use on Hydrological Processes, Ecohydrological Modeling and Management |
| CE633 | Water-Energy-Food Nexus | Elective | 9 | Interdependencies of Water, Energy, and Food Systems, Resource Scarcity and Security Challenges, Modeling and Analysis of Nexus Interactions, Sustainable Resource Management Strategies, Policy Frameworks for Nexus Governance, Case Studies in India and Globally |
| CE634 | Environmental Nanotechnology | Elective | 9 | Nanoscience Fundamentals, Nanomaterials for Water Treatment, Nanomaterials for Air Pollution Control, Nanoremediation of Contaminated Sites, Environmental Health and Safety of Nanomaterials, Regulations and Ethical Considerations |
| CE635 | Advanced Air Quality Modeling | Elective | 9 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, Gaussian Plume Models, Lagrangian and Eulerian Models, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Air Quality, Model Evaluation and Uncertainty Analysis, Policy Applications of Air Quality Models |
| CE636 | Water Treatment Plant Design | Elective | 9 | Design Principles of Water Treatment Plants, Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation Tank Design, Filtration Systems Design, Disinfection Systems Design, Water Softening and Demineralization, Plant Layout and Cost Estimation |
| CE637 | Wastewater Treatment Plant Design | Elective | 9 | Wastewater Characteristics and Flow Estimation, Preliminary and Primary Treatment Design, Activated Sludge Process Design, Attached Growth System Design, Sludge Treatment and Disposal Design, Advanced Wastewater Treatment Design |
| CE638 | Solid Waste Management System Design | Elective | 9 | Solid Waste Generation and Characterization, Collection Route Optimization, Transfer Stations Design, Material Recovery Facilities Design, Landfill Design and Operation, Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Systems |
| CE639 | Hazardous Waste Management System Design | Elective | 9 | Hazardous Waste Classification and Regulations, Minimization and Characterization, Physical and Chemical Treatment Design, Biological Treatment for Hazardous Wastes, Incineration and Landfill Design, Site Remediation Technologies |
| CE640 | Environmental Chemistry | Elective | 9 | Atmospheric Chemistry and Photochemistry, Aquatic Chemistry and Water Pollution, Soil Chemistry and Contaminant Interactions, Organic and Inorganic Pollutants, Analytical Techniques in Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Transformations in Environmental Media |
| CE641 | Environmental Microbiology | Elective | 9 | Microbial Diversity in Environmental Systems, Biogeochemical Cycles, Microbial Ecology of Water and Soil, Pathogenic Microorganisms and Detection, Microbial Indicators of Pollution, Molecular Methods in Environmental Microbiology |
| CE642 | Aquatic Chemistry | Elective | 9 | Properties of Water and Hydration, Acid-Base Equilibria in Natural Waters, Solubility and Complexation, Redox Reactions in Aquatic Systems, Nutrient Cycling in Lakes and Rivers, Pollutant Speciation and Fate |
| CE643 | Advanced Unit Operations and Processes in Environmental Engineering | Elective | 9 | Membrane Separation Processes, Advanced Oxidation Processes, Adsorption and Ion Exchange, Biological Nutrient Removal, Disinfection Technologies, Emerging Contaminant Treatment |
| CE644 | Biological Nutrient Removal | Elective | 9 | Nitrogen Cycle and Denitrification, Phosphorus Cycle and Biological Phosphorus Removal, Reactor Configurations for BNR, Process Control and Optimization, Modeling BNR Systems, Full-Scale BNR Applications |
| CE645 | Membrane Separation Processes | Elective | 9 | Membrane Materials and Fabrication, Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis, Membrane Fouling and Cleaning, Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs), Applications in Water and Wastewater Treatment |
| CE646 | Adsorption and Ion Exchange | Elective | 9 | Adsorption Isotherms and Kinetics, Adsorbent Materials and Properties, Design of Adsorption Systems, Ion Exchange Resins and Mechanisms, Ion Exchange System Design, Applications in Water Purification and Separation |
| CE647 | Advanced Oxidation Processes | Elective | 9 | Fundamentals of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), Ozonation and UV-based AOPs, Fenton and Photo-Fenton Processes, Sonolysis and Electrochemical AOPs, Kinetic Modeling of AOPs, Applications for Recalcitrant Pollutant Degradation |
| CE648 | Environmental Remediation Technologies | Elective | 9 | Site Characterization and Contaminant Assessment, Physical and Chemical Remediation Techniques, Biological Remediation (Bioremediation, Phytoremediation), Thermal Remediation Methods, In Situ and Ex Situ Treatment Options, Emerging Remediation Technologies |
| CE649 | Environmental Health and Safety | Elective | 9 | Fundamentals of Industrial Safety, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, Occupational Health Hazards, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Environmental Laws and Regulations, Safety Management Systems |
| CE650 | Industrial Ecology and Life Cycle Assessment | Elective | 9 | Principles of Industrial Ecology, Material and Energy Flow Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology, Inventory Analysis and Impact Assessment, Interpretation and Application of LCA, Circular Economy Concepts and Industrial Symbiosis |
| CE651 | Green Engineering and Sustainable Development | Elective | 9 | Principles of Green Engineering, Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency, Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction, Sustainable Materials and Products, Ecological Economics and Policy |
| CE652 | Circular Economy and Waste Valorization | Elective | 9 | Linear vs. Circular Economy Models, Resource Efficiency and Optimization, Waste to Energy Technologies, Material Recovery and Recycling Systems, Industrial Symbiosis and By-product Utilization, Business Models for Circularity |
| CE653 | Environmental Management Systems | Elective | 9 | Introduction to EMS (ISO 14001), Environmental Policy and Planning, Implementation and Operation of EMS, Checking and Corrective Action, Management Review and Continual Improvement, Auditing and Certification |
| CE654 | Environmental Economics and Policy | Elective | 9 | Environmental Externalities and Market Failure, Valuation of Environmental Resources, Cost-Benefit Analysis in Environmental Projects, Environmental Policy Instruments (Taxes, Subsidies), Economic Models of Pollution Control, International Environmental Agreements |
| CE655 | Environmental Law and Governance | Elective | 9 | Principles of Environmental Law, Major Environmental Acts in India (EPA, Water Act, Air Act), Environmental Jurisprudence and Green Tribunals, International Environmental Law and Treaties, Environmental Governance and Institutions, Role of Public Participation and NGOs |
| CE656 | Public Health Engineering | Elective | 9 | Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Water Supply and Sanitation Systems, Solid Waste Management and Public Health, Vector Control and Disease Prevention, Housing and Indoor Environmental Quality, Disaster Management in Public Health |
| CE657 | Environmental Risk Assessment and Management | Elective | 9 | Risk Assessment Frameworks, Hazard Identification and Source Term Characterization, Exposure Assessment and Pathways, Toxicity Assessment and Dose-Response, Risk Characterization and Uncertainty, Risk Management and Communication Strategies |
| CE658 | Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) | Elective | 9 | Global WASH Challenges, Water Supply Technologies for Rural/Urban Areas, Sanitation Systems and Fecal Sludge Management, Hygiene Promotion and Behavior Change, WASH in Emergency Settings, Policy and Financing for WASH Programs |
| CE659 | Disaster Risk Reduction in Environmental Systems | Elective | 9 | Disaster Types and Environmental Linkages, Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment, Early Warning Systems, Resilience Building and Adaptation, Post-Disaster Environmental Management, Policy and Governance for DRR |
| CE660 | Advanced Topics in Environmental Engineering | Elective | 9 | Emerging Environmental Pollutants, Frontier Technologies in Environmental Management, Advanced Analytical Techniques, Interdisciplinary Environmental Research, Current Trends in Environmental Policy, Innovative Solutions for Sustainability |




