
PHD in Centre For Sustainable Energy at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Centre for Sustainable Energy at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This PhD program in Centre for Sustainable Energy at IIT Roorkee focuses on advanced research and innovation in various facets of sustainable energy, including renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, and policy. It aims to address India''''s growing energy demands through cutting-edge solutions, fostering interdisciplinary research crucial for national energy security and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes a holistic approach from fundamental science to technology deployment.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated individuals holding a Master''''s degree in engineering or science disciplines, or exceptional Bachelor''''s degree holders, with a strong academic record and a passion for energy research. It suits those aiming for a career in academia, R&D institutions, or leadership roles in energy policy and technology development within India. Researchers seeking to contribute to India''''s clean energy transition will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading experts in sustainable energy, capable of independent research and critical problem-solving. Career paths in India include professorships at IITs/NITs, senior scientist roles at CSIR labs, R&D positions in energy companies (e.g., NTPC, ONGC, Tata Power), and consulting in sustainable development. Entry-level salaries for PhDs can range from INR 10-25 LPA, with significant growth potential in academia and industry, contributing to India''''s energy sector.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Energy Concepts- (First 1-2 Semesters)
Actively engage with core coursework like Renewable Energy Technology, Energy Systems Engineering, and Energy Materials. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses on energy, MOOCs from edX/Coursera, and specialized textbooks. This builds a strong base for advanced research and helps in identifying niche areas.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, edX/Coursera, Academic Textbooks
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for developing specialized research skills and for understanding the broader energy landscape, enabling effective problem-solving in future R&D roles.
Extensive Literature Review and Gap Identification- (First 2-3 Semesters)
Conduct comprehensive literature reviews in chosen sub-domains of sustainable energy. Use academic databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Identify existing research gaps and formulate initial research questions, which is crucial for thesis proposal development.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management
Career Connection
Developing expertise in identifying research gaps is essential for innovation, positioning graduates as thought leaders in their field within R&D and academic settings.
Develop Research Methodology Skills- (First 2-3 Semesters)
Attend workshops on research methodology, data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Python, R, ANSYS, COMSOL), and scientific writing. Collaborate with seniors or post-docs to understand experimental design and simulation techniques, essential for structuring the PhD work.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB, Python, R, ANSYS, COMSOL, IIT Roorkee workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced research tools and methodologies enhances problem-solving capabilities, making graduates highly sought after in R&D and analytical roles across various energy sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Active Participation in Research Projects- (Semesters 3-5 (Year 2-3))
Integrate into ongoing lab projects or initiate independent research under supervision. Aim to present findings at national/international conferences (e.g., TERI Energy Summit, India Smart Grid Week) and target at least one peer-reviewed publication. This builds practical skills and enhances academic visibility.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Conference proceedings, Peer-reviewed journals
Career Connection
Published research and conference presentations build a strong academic profile, crucial for securing post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, or advanced R&D jobs in India and abroad.
Network with Industry and Academia- (Semesters 3-6 (Year 2-3))
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and industry conclaves organized by IIT Roorkee or other institutions. Engage with faculty, industry experts, and fellow researchers. Join professional bodies like IEEE, SESI (Solar Energy Society of India) to foster collaborations and explore future career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences, IITR alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and job opportunities, providing insights into industry trends and enhancing career prospects in the Indian energy market.
Develop Specialization and Problem-Solving- (Semesters 4-6 (Year 2-3))
Focus on a specific research problem within sustainable energy, conducting in-depth experiments, simulations, or theoretical analyses. Continuously refine problem-solving skills, analyze data rigorously, and interpret results critically to contribute novel insights.
Tools & Resources
Specialized lab equipment, High-performance computing resources, Scientific literature
Career Connection
Deep specialization in a sustainable energy domain makes graduates experts in niche areas, making them valuable assets for specific R&D initiatives and strategic positions in energy companies.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Thesis Writing and Review- (Semesters 6-8 (Year 3-4))
Dedicate significant time to writing the PhD thesis, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic standards. Seek regular feedback from the supervisor and thesis advisory committee. Utilize tools like Mendeley or Zotero for citation management and Grammarly for proofreading.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Word/LaTeX, Mendeley/Zotero, Grammarly, Thesis Advisory Committee
Career Connection
A well-written and impactful thesis is the pinnacle of PhD research, demonstrating strong communication and analytical skills, highly valued by academic and research institutions for career advancement.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva-Voce- (Semesters 7-8 (Year 4-5))
Practice presenting research findings effectively to a diverse audience. Anticipate potential questions and prepare comprehensive answers. Engage in mock defense sessions with peers and faculty to gain confidence and refine presentation skills, crucial for successful thesis defense.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint), Mock defense panels, Peer feedback
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense demonstrates mastery of the subject and communication skills, essential for leadership roles, public speaking, and conveying complex ideas in any professional setting.
Strategic Career Planning and Networking- (Semesters 7-8 (Year 4-5))
Actively apply for post-doctoral positions, academic roles, or R&D jobs in relevant Indian and global organizations. Leverage the IIT Roorkee alumni network and career services. Attend job fairs, polish your CV, and prepare for interviews, aligning your skills with industry demands.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Career Development Centre, LinkedIn, Job portals (Naukri, Indeed), Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-PhD, helping graduates secure influential positions in academia, government, or leading energy firms, contributing to India''''s sustainable development goals.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master of Engineering/Technology or equivalent degree in relevant discipline with minimum 60% aggregate marks or 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale; OR Bachelor of Engineering/Technology degree or equivalent in relevant discipline with minimum 75% aggregate marks or 7.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale; OR Master''''s degree in Sciences/Humanities/Social Sciences or equivalent degree with minimum 60% aggregate marks or 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale and a valid GATE/NET or equivalent qualification.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, up to 7 years (typically 3-5 years for completion)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for M.E./M.Tech. degree holders; minimum 12 credits for B.Tech. degree holders (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEN-701 | Renewable Energy Technology | Core/Elective (PG Level, relevant for PhD coursework) | 3 | Solar Photovoltaic Technology, Wind Energy Conversion Systems, Hydro Power Development, Biomass Energy Systems, Geothermal and Ocean Energy |
| MEN-701 | Energy Systems Engineering | Core/Elective (PG Level, relevant for PhD coursework) | 3 | Energy Demand and Supply, Thermodynamics of Energy Systems, Heat Transfer Applications in Energy, Fluid Mechanics in Energy Systems, Energy Conservation Principles |
| CEN-701 | Energy Audit and Management | Core/Elective (PG Level, relevant for PhD coursework) | 3 | Energy Audit Methodologies, Energy Management Strategies, Industrial Energy Efficiency, Building Energy Systems, Energy Performance Assessment |
| CHN-701 | Energy Materials and Devices | Core/Elective (PG Level, relevant for PhD coursework) | 3 | Materials for Energy Conversion, Energy Storage Devices, Fuel Cell Technology, Battery Systems, Thermoelectric Materials |
| EEN-702 | Power Electronics for Renewable Energy Systems | Core/Elective (PG Level, relevant for PhD coursework) | 3 | DC-DC Converters, DC-AC Inverters, Grid Integration of Renewables, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), Power Quality Issues |
| EEN-703 | Smart Grid Technology | Core/Elective (PG Level, relevant for PhD coursework) | 3 | Smart Grid Architecture, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Demand Response Management, Distributed Generation Integration, Cyber Security in Smart Grids |
| CSE-702 | Research Methodology for Energy Systems | Core (PG/PhD Level) | 3 | Research Design and Planning, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Statistical Methods for Research, Simulation and Modeling Tools, Scientific Writing and Publication Ethics |




