

M-TECH in Sustainable Energy Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur


Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Sustainable Energy Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Sustainable Energy Engineering program at IIT Kanpur focuses on interdisciplinary aspects of energy generation, conversion, storage, and utilization with an emphasis on sustainable practices. Leveraging cutting-edge research, the program addresses India''''s growing energy demands and environmental concerns by integrating science, engineering, and policy. It aims to develop solutions for a cleaner, more efficient energy future for the nation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates holding a B.Tech/B.E. in any engineering discipline or an M.Sc. in relevant sciences, seeking entry into the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill in sustainable technologies and energy management, or career changers transitioning into green industries. A valid GATE score is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in renewable energy companies, research and development organizations, government agencies, and energy consulting firms. Roles might include Energy Systems Engineer, Renewable Project Manager, or Sustainable Technology Specialist, with starting salaries ranging from INR 6-12 LPA for freshers, growing significantly with experience in companies like Tata Power, Adani Green, NTPC, or MNRE.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Energy Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on foundational courses like Thermodynamics, Power Electronics, and Energy Systems Modeling. Build a strong conceptual base through rigorous problem-solving, utilizing textbooks, online lectures (e.g., NPTEL), and peer study groups. This ensures a solid understanding for advanced topics and prepares for early project work.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Official textbooks, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for tackling complex engineering problems and are highly valued in entry-level engineering roles.
Engage in Departmental Research Labs- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities to visit or volunteer in SEE department labs (e.g., Solar Energy, Battery Storage, Smart Grid labs). Interact with PhD scholars and faculty to understand ongoing research, identify areas of interest, and potentially contribute to minor projects. This early exposure builds practical skills and clarifies research inclinations.
Tools & Resources
IITK SEE Labs, Faculty interaction
Career Connection
Develops practical skills and research acumen, valuable for R&D roles and higher studies.
Develop Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Acquire hands-on experience with energy system modeling and simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, HOMER, TRNSYS, Python for data analysis). Attend workshops, complete online tutorials, and apply these tools in course assignments. Strong software skills are crucial for modern energy analysis and highly valued by employers.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Simulink, HOMER, TRNSYS, Python libraries, Online tutorials
Career Connection
Enhances analytical capabilities for roles in energy system design, optimization, and data analysis.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Elective & Project Alignment- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose elective courses that align with specific career interests (e.g., advanced solar, wind, smart grids, energy storage). Ensure the M.Tech project topic (SEE698/699) is robust, addresses a relevant industry challenge, and demonstrates deep specialization. Collaborate closely with faculty mentors for impactful research.
Tools & Resources
Course catalog, Faculty advisors, Research papers
Career Connection
Creates a specialized skill set sought by specific industry niches and forms the basis for a strong portfolio.
Industry Internships & Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Actively pursue summer internships with leading energy companies (e.g., renewable developers, energy consultants, PSUs) or research organizations. Participate in industry workshops, conferences, and technical symposiums to network with professionals, gain practical insights, and stay updated on emerging technologies and market trends in India.
Tools & Resources
IITK Career Development Centre, Industry conferences, LinkedIn networking
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Publish and Present Research- (Semester 2-3)
Aim to publish M.Tech project findings in reputable conferences or journals. Presenting research enhances communication skills, validates technical capabilities, and significantly boosts a resume. Utilize IIT Kanpur''''s resources for technical writing and presentation guidance.
Tools & Resources
Research journals, Conferences (e.g., IEEE, national energy conferences), IITK writing center
Career Connection
Establishes credibility as a researcher/expert, opens doors for R&D roles and academic careers.
Advanced Stage
High-Impact Thesis/Project Completion- (Semester 4)
Dedicate maximum effort to completing the M.Tech Project Part-III (SEE799) with a strong, defensible thesis that showcases original research or a viable engineering solution. Ensure the project outcome has potential for real-world application or intellectual property.
Tools & Resources
Faculty guidance, Research literature, IITK library resources
Career Connection
A strong final project is a key differentiator in placements, demonstrating problem-solving and innovation skills.
Targeted Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin intensive preparation for placements well in advance. Polish resume and cover letter, practice technical and HR interview skills, and attend mock interviews. Leverage the career development center and alumni network for guidance, focusing on companies and roles specific to sustainable energy engineering.
Tools & Resources
IITK Placement Cell, Mock interviews, Resume building workshops, Alumni network
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements in top-tier sustainable energy companies and organizations.
Professional Networking and Continuous Learning- (Post-graduation)
Maintain and expand professional networks established during internships and conferences. Post-graduation, continue to engage with industry forums and pursue certifications (e.g., Certified Energy Manager, Green Building certifications) to stay competitive and contribute to India''''s sustainable development goals.
Tools & Resources
Industry associations, Online professional courses, Certification bodies (e.g., AEE, IGBC)
Career Connection
Ensures lifelong career growth, leadership opportunities, and relevance in a rapidly evolving energy sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech./B.E./B.S. in any branch of Engineering/Technology (e.g., Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics, Energy, Engineering Science, Environmental, Mechanical, Materials, Metallurgical, Mining, Petroleum, Power, Production, Pulp & Paper, or equivalent) or M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent from an Institute of repute (Minimum CPI of 6.5 out of 10 or 60% of marks) with a Valid GATE score in an acceptable discipline (AE, CH, CE, CS, EE, EC, ES, ME, MN, MT, PE, PI, TF, XL, CY, PH).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 100 (minimum) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEE601 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Energy | Core | 4 | Energy Sources, Energy Conversion Technologies, Energy Policy and Economics, Energy and Environment, Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Storage |
| SEE602 | Energy Systems Modeling and Analysis | Core | 4 | Energy Demand Forecasting, Energy System Optimization, Linear and Non-linear Programming, Stochastic and Multi-objective Optimization, Simulation Models, Energy System Analysis Software |
| SEE603 | Energy Materials and Devices | Core | 4 | Materials for Energy Generation, Materials for Energy Storage, Semiconductor Materials, Thermoelectric and Piezoelectric Materials, Batteries, Fuel Cells, Solar Cells, Hydrogen Storage Materials |
| SEE604 | Thermal and Fluid Sciences for Energy Systems | Core | 4 | Thermodynamics Fundamentals, Heat Transfer Modes, Fluid Mechanics Principles, Energy Conversion Devices, Boilers, Turbines, Heat Exchangers, HVAC Systems and Energy Efficiency |
| SEE605 | Power Electronics and Machines for Energy Applications | Core | 4 | Power Semiconductor Devices, DC-DC Converters and DC-AC Inverters, Electric Machines Fundamentals, DC and AC Machines, Induction and Synchronous Motors, Grid Integration of Renewable Energy |
| HSS6XX | HSS Elective | Elective | 4 | |
| SEE Elective 1 | Departmental/Other Departmental Elective | Elective | 4 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEE606 | Renewable Energy Technologies | Core | 4 | Solar Photovoltaic and Thermal, Wind Energy, Hydropower and Biomass Energy, Geothermal and Ocean Energy, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Distributed Generation and Grid Integration |
| SEE Elective 2 | Departmental/Other Departmental Elective | Elective | 4 | |
| SEE Elective 3 | Departmental/Other Departmental Elective | Elective | 4 | |
| SEE Elective 4 | Departmental/Other Departmental Elective | Elective | 4 | |
| SEE698 | M.Tech Project-Part I | Project | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEE699 | M.Tech Project-Part II | Project | 18 | |
| SEE Elective 5 | Departmental/Other Departmental Elective | Elective | 4 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEE799 | M.Tech Project-Part III | Project | 24 |




