

M-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 M.Tech program at IIT Kanpur focuses on imparting advanced knowledge and research skills across diverse areas like thermal sciences, design, manufacturing, and mechatronics. It addresses critical challenges in Indian industries, emphasizing innovation and problem-solving through a robust curriculum. The program aims to create highly skilled professionals equipped for leadership roles in various sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a strong foundation in Mechanical Engineering seeking to specialize further and engage in cutting-edge research. It is also suitable for working professionals looking to upskill in advanced mechanical engineering domains, contributing to India''''s manufacturing and R&D sectors. A valid GATE score is a key prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in Indian PSUs, MNCs, and R&D organizations, commanding competitive salaries (entry-level INR 8-15 LPA, experienced significantly higher). They can excel in roles such as R&D engineer, design engineer, thermal analyst, manufacturing specialist, or pursue higher studies (PhD) and academic careers.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Engineering Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly understand the advanced concepts in subjects like Advanced Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, and Solid Mechanics. These form the bedrock for all future specialization and research. Utilize textbooks, online lectures (NPTEL, Coursera), and peer study groups to clarify doubts and deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Standard textbooks (Incropera, Cengel, Shigley), Peer study groups, IITK central library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures proficiency in core engineering principles, essential for excelling in technical interviews and contributing effectively to R&D and design roles.
Develop Advanced Analytical and Computational Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing strong analytical skills, particularly in numerical methods (e.g., ME600) and simulation tools (e.g., Finite Element Methods, CFD). Actively participate in lab sessions and take up small simulation projects to gain practical experience. Familiarize yourself with software like ANSYS, ABAQUS, MATLAB, OpenFOAM.
Tools & Resources
ANSYS/ABAQUS tutorials, MATLAB programming exercises, Online CFD/FEM communities, Departmental computing facilities
Career Connection
Proficiency in simulation and computational tools is highly valued in modern engineering, opening doors to advanced design, analysis, and research positions in product development and R&D.
Engage in Departmental Research Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly attend research seminars and invited talks hosted by the Mechanical Engineering department. This exposes you to ongoing research, emerging trends, and potential thesis topics and supervisors. Proactively interact with faculty and senior research scholars to explore your interests.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Faculty research profiles, Research group meetings
Career Connection
Early exposure to research areas helps in identifying a suitable thesis topic and supervisor, crucial for a successful M.Tech project that can enhance placement opportunities and future academic pursuits.
Intermediate Stage
Initiate Thesis Research and Identify Specialization- (Semester 3)
By the end of the second semester, narrow down your specialization area within Mechanical Engineering (e.g., Thermal, Design, Manufacturing, Robotics) and begin preliminary discussions for your M.Tech thesis (ME791). Start with literature reviews, identify research gaps, and define your research problem under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, IITK Library databases, Faculty consultation, Research proposal templates
Career Connection
A well-defined thesis in a specialized area makes you highly attractive to companies seeking specific expertise, significantly boosting your resume for core engineering placements.
Seek Industry Internships or Research Projects- (Between Semester 2 and 3, or during Semester 3)
Actively look for summer internships or short-term research projects at companies or national research labs (e.g., DRDO, BARC, NAL). Practical exposure to industry problems and professional environments complements academic learning. Leverage IIT Kanpur''''s strong industry network for these opportunities.
Tools & Resources
IITK Career Development Centre (CDC), LinkedIn, Company career pages, Faculty industry contacts
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and enhancing your employability by demonstrating practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join relevant technical clubs and participate in inter-IIT or national level technical competitions (e.g., ASME, SAE, robotics challenges). Attend workshops on advanced software, manufacturing techniques, or emerging technologies. This builds practical skills and expands your professional network.
Tools & Resources
IITK student technical clubs, Inter-IIT tech meets, Workshop announcements, Online learning platforms for certifications
Career Connection
Such participations showcase your initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and practical knowledge, which are critical traits sought by recruiters in Indian and global industries.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Thesis Completion and Publication- (Semester 4)
Dedicate intense effort to complete your M.Tech thesis (ME792), aiming for high-quality research outcomes. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously analyze data, and ensure a robust conclusion. Endeavor to publish your research in a reputable conference or journal, which is highly regarded in academia and industry.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission guidelines, Conference proceedings, LaTeX for thesis writing, Plagiarism check tools
Career Connection
A strong thesis and a publication demonstrate significant research capability and academic rigor, distinguishing you for top R&D positions and providing a strong foundation for future academic endeavors like a PhD.
Targeted Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage in focused placement preparation activities. This includes revising core engineering subjects, practicing aptitude tests, improving communication skills, and preparing for technical and HR interviews. Leverage the CDC''''s resources and participate in mock interviews and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
IITK CDC resources, Online aptitude platforms (e.g., IndiaBix), Mock interview sessions, Company-specific preparation materials
Career Connection
Thorough preparation for placements is crucial for securing desirable roles in your chosen field, ensuring you can articulate your technical knowledge and project experience effectively to recruiters.
Network and Build Professional Connections- (Throughout the program, intensifying in Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty. Attend industry seminars, job fairs, and alumni events. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target industries. These connections can provide insights, mentorship, and future career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IITK Alumni Network platform, Industry conferences and expos, Professional societies like ASME, IEI
Career Connection
A strong professional network can open doors to unadvertised opportunities, provide valuable career guidance, and help you navigate the Indian job market more effectively post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech./B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering or allied disciplines with a minimum CPI of 6.5 (or 60% marks) or equivalent, and a valid GATE score.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Course-specific, External: Course-specific
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME600 | Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering | Core | 4 | Finite Difference Methods, Finite Volume Methods, Numerical Integration, Solution of ODEs and PDEs, Iterative Solvers, Error Analysis |
| ME601 | Advanced Heat Transfer | Core | 4 | Conduction in different geometries, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Phase Change Heat Transfer, Heat Exchanger Analysis, Heat transfer in porous media |
| ME603 | Advanced Solid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Stress and Strain Analysis, Theory of Elasticity, Yield Criteria and Plasticity, Energy Methods in Mechanics, Plate and Shell Theories, Contact Mechanics |
| ME606 | Finite Element Methods | Core | 4 | Variational Principles, Element Formulations, Assembly Procedures, Numerical Integration, Solution Techniques, Applications in Solids and Fluids |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME602 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Kinematics of Fluid Flow, Inviscid and Viscous Flows, Boundary Layer Theory, Turbulence Modeling, Compressible Flow, Hydrodynamic Stability |
| ME604 | Advanced Manufacturing Processes | Core | 4 | Advanced Machining, Metal Forming Processes, Welding and Joining, Additive Manufacturing, Metrology and Inspection, Material Characterization |
| ME605 | Advanced Dynamics and Vibrations | Core | 4 | Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics, Multi-body Dynamics, Non-linear Vibrations, Modal Analysis, Vibration Control, Rotordynamics |
| ME607 | Robotics | Elective | 4 | Robot Kinematics, Inverse Kinematics, Robot Dynamics, Trajectory Planning, Robot Control, Robot Vision |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME608 | Mechatronics | Elective | 4 | Sensors and Actuators, Microcontrollers, Data Acquisition Systems, Control System Design, System Integration, Embedded Systems |
| ME609 | Mechanics of Composites | Elective | 4 | Micro and Macro Mechanics, Laminate Theory, Failure Criteria, Composite Manufacturing, Stress Analysis of Composites, Damage Mechanics |
| ME613 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Elective | 4 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Discretization Techniques, Grid Generation, Finite Volume Method, Turbulence Models, Boundary Conditions |
| ME624 | Fracture Mechanics | Elective | 4 | Stress Concentration, Stress Intensity Factors, Energy Release Rate, Fatigue Crack Propagation, Ductile and Brittle Fracture, Fracture Toughness Testing |
| ME634 | Additive Manufacturing | Elective | 4 | Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Material Extrusion, Process Parameters, Design for Additive Manufacturing |
| ME791 | M.Tech. Thesis Part 1 | Project | 16 | Literature Review, Problem Formulation, Methodology Development, Experimental Setup/Simulation Design, Preliminary Results, Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME610 | Advanced Thermodynamics | Elective | 4 | Thermodynamic Potentials, Phase Equilibrium, Statistical Thermodynamics, Irreversible Thermodynamics, Combustion Thermodynamics, Exergy Analysis |
| ME617 | Cryogenics | Elective | 4 | Low Temperature Properties of Materials, Cryogenic Refrigerators, Cryogenic Liquefiers, Cryogenic Insulation, Heat Transfer at Cryogenic Temperatures, Cryogenic Applications |
| ME621 | Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines | Elective | 4 | Rigid Body Kinematics, Mechanism Synthesis, Force Analysis, Balancing of Machines, Gear Trains, Cam Design |
| ME631 | Advanced Metal Forming | Elective | 4 | Plasticity Theory, Bulk Forming Processes, Sheet Metal Forming, Friction and Lubrication, Formability Analysis, Simulation of Forming Processes |
| ME641 | Control Systems | Elective | 4 | State-Space Analysis, Stability Analysis, Robust Control, Optimal Control Basics, Linear Quadratic Regulators, Controller Design |
| ME658 | Energy Systems Engineering | Elective | 4 | Energy Conversion Technologies, Thermodynamic Cycles, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Storage, Environmental Impact of Energy Systems |
| ME668 | Bioengineering and Biomechanics | Elective | 4 | Biomechanics of Tissues, Orthopedic Biomechanics, Fluid Mechanics in Biology, Biomedical Instrumentation, Biomaterials, Medical Device Design |
| ME681 | Advanced Mechatronics | Elective | 4 | Advanced Sensor Technologies, Actuator Design, Real-time Control, System Integration and Modelling, Robotics and Automation, Industrial Applications |
| ME695 | Advanced Thermal Systems | Elective | 4 | System Design and Optimization, Heat Recovery Systems, Thermal Management, Energy Storage Systems, Fluid-Thermal Interactions, Renewable Thermal Systems |
| ME792 | M.Tech. Thesis Part 2 | Project | 24 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Results and Discussion, Conclusion and Future Work, Thesis Writing and Formatting, Oral Examination Preparation, Research Contribution |




