

PH-D in Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur


Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Electrical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Electrical Engineering Ph.D. program at IIT Kanpur focuses on fostering cutting-edge research across diverse domains, including microelectronics, signal processing, communications, power electronics, control systems, and RF and photonics. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to address complex challenges relevant to India''''s technological self-reliance and global advancements, making significant contributions to both fundamental knowledge and applied engineering.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated M.Tech graduates, exceptionally talented B.Tech achievers, aspiring researchers, university faculty, and R&D professionals seeking to make profound contributions to science and technology. Candidates with a strong academic record, research aptitude, and a passion for deep inquiry into electrical engineering principles and their applications are best suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers in academia as professors, join premier national and international R&D laboratories, or lead innovation teams in top Indian and multinational companies. Career paths include Principal Scientist, Research Engineer, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Faculty positions, contributing to India''''s scientific ecosystem with significant impact potential and competitive salary packages.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Core EE Concepts- (Initial 1-2 years (during coursework phase))
Thoroughly review and master fundamental and advanced Electrical Engineering concepts through coursework and self-study. Engage actively in classes and seek mentorship from faculty to strengthen conceptual understanding, crucial for comprehensive exams.
Tools & Resources
Departmental graduate course offerings, NPTEL/Coursera for foundational refreshers, Textbooks and research papers recommended by faculty
Career Connection
A strong foundation is essential for tackling complex research problems and excelling in qualifying examinations, paving the way for advanced research.
Engage in Research Seminars and Workshops- (Throughout the program, especially Year 1-2)
Actively attend and participate in departmental seminars, colloquia, and specialized workshops. This exposes students to diverse research frontiers, helps identify potential research areas, and fosters critical thinking about ongoing scientific discourse.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Workshop announcements on IITK website, Research group meetings
Career Connection
Builds a broad knowledge base, aids in selecting a research advisor, and hones presentation and critical analysis skills vital for academic and industrial research roles.
Formulate a Strong Research Problem- (End of Year 1 to Mid-Year 2)
Collaborate closely with your advisor to identify a novel, significant, and feasible research problem. This involves extensive literature review, brainstorming, and initial exploratory work to define clear objectives and methodology for your doctoral thesis.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, Research group discussions, Advisor consultation
Career Connection
A well-defined problem forms the backbone of a successful Ph.D., leading to impactful publications and a strong thesis, which are critical for academic and R&D positions.
Intermediate Stage
Master Advanced Research Tools and Software- (Year 2-4)
Gain proficiency in specialized simulation tools, programming languages, and experimental setups relevant to your research domain. This hands-on expertise is crucial for conducting experiments, data analysis, and validating theoretical models.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB/Simulink, Python (TensorFlow/PyTorch), Cadence/ANSYS, LabVIEW, Departmental lab facilities, Online tutorials and documentation
Career Connection
Practical skills are highly valued in both academic research and industry R&D roles, enabling efficient problem-solving and innovation.
Active Collaboration with Research Groups- (Year 2-4)
Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within the department or across other IITK departments, and potentially with external institutions. This broadens perspective, fosters knowledge exchange, and can lead to co-authored publications.
Tools & Resources
Research group meetings, Conferences and symposia, Networking events
Career Connection
Enhances networking, develops teamwork skills, and increases publication opportunities, which are critical for a strong research profile and career progression.
Develop Strong Technical Writing Skills- (Year 2-5)
Practice writing research papers, technical reports, and thesis chapters regularly. Seek feedback from your advisor and peers to refine clarity, conciseness, and adherence to scientific publishing standards.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, LaTeX templates, Academic writing workshops, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Effective communication of research is paramount for academic publications, grant applications, and presenting work in conferences, directly impacting career visibility and success.
Advanced Stage
Publish High-Quality Research Papers- (Year 3-5)
Focus on publishing your novel research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals and top-tier conferences. Aim for quality over quantity, as impactful publications are key indicators of research excellence.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Conference proceedings, EndNote/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
A strong publication record is fundamental for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, and leading R&D positions in industry, significantly boosting your academic and professional credibility.
Network with Industry and Academic Leaders- (Year 3-5)
Actively participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and industry events. Network with established researchers, industry experts, and potential employers to explore collaborations and career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional society memberships (IEEE, IEI), Conference networking sessions
Career Connection
Builds professional relationships, opens doors for future collaborations, and provides insights into diverse career paths, essential for career advancement beyond the Ph.D.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Career Path- (Final 6-12 months)
Systematically prepare for your thesis defense by consolidating your research, practicing presentations, and anticipating challenging questions. Simultaneously, actively plan your post-Ph.D. career by applying for positions, preparing CVs, and practicing interviews.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guidelines, Mock defense presentations, Career development center at IITK, Job portals for academia/R&D
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense is the culmination of the Ph.D., and proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into impactful roles in academia, research, or industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- M.Tech./M.E. degree in Electrical Engineering or allied disciplines with a minimum CPI of 6.5/10 (or 60% equivalent), OR B.Tech./B.S./B.E. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Communication, Instrumentation, or Computer Science from an IIT with a minimum CPI of 8.0/10, OR B.Tech./B.S./B.E. from other recognized institutions with a minimum CPI of 8.0/10 (or 75% equivalent) and a valid GATE score or national fellowships (e.g., CSIR/UGC JRF, INSPIRE, DST-INSPIRE Ph.D. fellowship). Specific eligibility may vary for sponsored/part-time candidates.
Duration: Typically 4-5 years, minimum 3 years (for M.Tech. candidates) or 2 years (for IIT B.Tech. direct Ph.D.)
Credits: 12-18 credits (for coursework component, depending on prior degree) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester phase
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE601A | Research Methodology | Core/Mandatory Coursework | 3 | Research problem identification, Comprehensive literature survey techniques, Experimental design and statistical data analysis, Ethical considerations in engineering research, Academic writing and scientific presentation, Intellectual property rights and patents |
| EE610A | Advanced Digital Communications | Elective (Advanced Graduate Course) | 3 | Information theory and channel capacity, Advanced error control coding techniques, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, Channel estimation and equalization, Detection and estimation theory for communications |
| EE630A | Advanced VLSI Design | Elective (Advanced Graduate Course) | 3 | CMOS fabrication process and scaling issues, Digital circuit design techniques (sequential and combinational), Analog/Mixed-signal VLSI design considerations, Low-power design strategies for ICs, Design for testability (DFT) and verification, ASIC and FPGA design methodologies |
| EE650A | Advanced Power Electronic Converters | Elective (Advanced Graduate Course) | 3 | High-power semiconductor devices and their characteristics, Multi-level inverter topologies, Resonant and soft-switching converters, Control techniques for grid-tied converters, Applications in renewable energy systems, Electric vehicle charging infrastructure |
| EE660A | Optimal and Robust Control | Elective (Advanced Graduate Course) | 3 | Calculus of variations and optimal control theory, Pontryagin''''s Minimum Principle, Dynamic programming and Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation, Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and Kalman filter, H-infinity and Mu-synthesis robust control, Adaptive and learning-based control systems |




