

M-TECH in Printing Graphic Engineering at Jadavpur University


Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Printing & Graphic Engineering at Jadavpur University Kolkata?
This M.Tech. in Printing Engineering and Graphic Communication program at Jadavpur University focuses on advanced printing technologies, digital image processing, packaging, and color management. It addresses the evolving needs of the Indian printing and graphic arts industry, which is experiencing significant growth in digital and functional printing. The program differentiates itself by integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications relevant to modern industrial demands.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech. in various disciplines including Printing, Chemical, Mechanical, IT, etc.) and M.Sc. holders in relevant sciences seeking advanced expertise. It also caters to working professionals in the printing and packaging sectors aiming to upskill for leadership or R&D roles, and individuals aspiring to enter specialized fields like functional printing or digital media.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including R&D in printing and packaging firms, quality control, prepress management, and technical sales. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-20+ LPA. The program aligns with industry certifications in color management and quality, fostering growth trajectories in both traditional and emerging printing domains.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Printing & Imaging Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on foundational subjects like Advanced Printing Technology, Image Processing, and Color Management. Actively participate in lab sessions (Computer Graphics Lab, Printing Materials Lab, Color Management Lab) to gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and equipment. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Industry journals (e.g., TAGA Journal), NPTEL courses on image processing
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is crucial for roles in prepress, quality control, R&D, and production management. It enables effective troubleshooting and innovation in the printing workflow.
Develop Strong Research & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the ''''Research Methodology and IPR'''' and ''''Professional Practice'''' courses by proactively engaging in literature reviews, technical writing, and presentation exercises. Seek feedback on assignments and presentations. Start identifying potential areas of interest for your M.Tech project early.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Grammarly for technical writing, Academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science), LaTeX for scientific documents
Career Connection
Essential for academic pursuits (PhD), R&D roles, and any position requiring clear technical communication, report writing, and patent understanding in industry.
Network with Faculty and Industry Experts- (Semester 1-2)
Attend department seminars, guest lectures, and workshops. Engage with faculty members to discuss research ideas and clarify doubts beyond classroom hours. Proactively seek opportunities to interact with industry professionals through department events or professional body meetings.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Attending local chapter meetings of IPAMA
Career Connection
Builds crucial contacts for internships, project mentorship, and future job opportunities. Helps in understanding current industry trends and requirements.
Intermediate Stage
Engage Deeply in Elective Specialization- (Semester 3)
Choose electives (Elective-III and Elective-IV) strategically based on your career goals and interests, whether it''''s Print Media Management, Functional Printing, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, or AI. Go beyond classroom learning by researching case studies, current industry projects, and engaging with subject matter experts.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, Udemy) for specific topics, Industry whitepapers, Trade magazines (e.g., PrintWeek India)
Career Connection
Specializing through electives helps build a niche expertise, making you a more valuable candidate for specific roles in R&D, product development, or business strategy within the graphic arts industry.
Initiate and Structure M.Tech Project-I- (Semester 3)
For PGE 301 Project-I, identify a relevant research problem, conduct a thorough literature review, and formulate a clear methodology. Collaborate closely with your supervisor, attend review meetings, and consistently document your progress. Aim to present preliminary findings in department seminars.
Tools & Resources
Research journals, Reference management software, Data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python), Technical writing guides
Career Connection
This initial project phase is critical for developing independent research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and laying the groundwork for your final thesis, which is a key credential for R&D roles.
Hone Presentation and Communication for Seminars- (Semester 3)
Take the Seminar course (PGE 302) seriously. Select a topic that showcases your understanding and research aptitude. Practice your presentation rigorously, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and engaging delivery. Prepare for Q&A sessions to demonstrate critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides for presentations, Toastmasters International principles for public speaking, Peer feedback
Career Connection
Strong presentation skills are invaluable for conveying technical ideas to teams, clients, and stakeholders, crucial for roles in consulting, sales, and management.
Advanced Stage
Execute and Document Comprehensive M.Tech Project-II- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to PGE 401 Project-II. Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, interpret results, and write a high-quality thesis. Ensure your work is original and contributes meaningfully to the field. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and incorporate suggestions.
Tools & Resources
Specialized lab equipment, Statistical software (R, SPSS), Academic thesis guidelines, Plagiarism checker tools
Career Connection
A well-executed and documented thesis is your strongest professional portfolio piece, demonstrating advanced problem-solving, analytical, and research skills, leading to premium placements and research opportunities.
Prepare for Placements and Career Transitions- (Semester 4)
Actively engage in placement activities. Refine your resume, practice technical and HR interview questions specific to the printing and graphic arts industry. Network with alumni who are already working in desired companies and attend mock interview sessions.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Online interview platforms (e.g., Glassdoor), Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desired employment in leading Indian and international printing, packaging, and digital media companies.
Explore Publication and Patent Opportunities- (Semester 4)
If your M.Tech project yields significant results, discuss with your supervisor the possibility of publishing your work in reputed conferences or journals (as per PGE 304A Elective on Research Publication & Ethics if taken). Understand the process for filing patents if your research has innovative commercial potential.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Patent databases (e.g., Indian Patent Office website)
Career Connection
Publications and patents enhance your professional profile, demonstrating research acumen and innovation, opening doors to advanced R&D roles, academic positions, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Printing Engineering/Printing Technology, Chemical Engineering/Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Information Technology, Materials Engineering/Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering/Technology, Instrumentation Engineering/Technology, Ceramic Engineering/Technology, Textile Engineering/Technology, Polymer Engineering/Technology, Industrial Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering/Technology. Or M.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics/Computer Science/Information Technology. With valid GATE score in relevant branches (preference given to GATE qualified candidates). Or sponsored candidates with B.E./B.Tech. in Printing Engineering/Printing Technology from relevant industries with minimum two years of professional experience.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 78 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE 101 | Advanced Printing Technology | Core | 4 | Recent trends in printing processes, Flexography and Gravure, Offset Lithography advancements, Digital Printing technologies, Hybrid printing systems |
| PGE 102 | Image Processing for Graphic Arts | Core | 4 | Digital image fundamentals, Image acquisition and enhancement, Image restoration techniques, Image compression methods, Color image processing |
| PGE 103 | Advanced Material Science for Graphic Applications | Core | 4 | Polymers and adhesives, Nanomaterials in printing, Paper and paperboard properties, Inks and their constituents, Substrates and surface treatment |
| PGE 104 | Research Methodology and IPR | Core | 3 | Research design and methods, Data collection and analysis, Report writing and presentation, Intellectual property rights, Patents and copyrights |
| PGE 105 | Professional Practice | Core | 3 | Communication skills development, Technical writing principles, Presentation techniques, Ethics in engineering, Project management fundamentals |
| PGE 106 | Computer Graphics Lab | Lab | 2 | Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, InDesign for layout design, CorelDRAW applications, Prepress operations |
| PGE 107 | Printing Materials Lab | Lab | 2 | Ink properties testing, Paper and board analysis, Substrate characterization, Adhesion and printability tests, Material quality control |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE 201 | Color Management and Reproduction | Core | 4 | Color theory and perception, Color models and spaces, Color management systems, Device calibration and profiling, ICC profiles and soft proofing |
| PGE 202 | Packaging Technology | Core | 4 | Packaging materials science, Packaging design principles, Package printing methods, Flexible and rigid packaging, Packaging testing and sustainability |
| PGE 203 | Digital Publishing and Workflow Management | Core | 4 | Digital workflow concepts, PDF/X, JDF, CIP4 standards, XML for content management, Automated prepress solutions, Web-to-print and variable data printing |
| PGE 204A | Advanced Quality Control in Printing | Elective-I | 3 | Statistical process control, Quality tools and methodologies, Print quality metrics, Defects analysis and prevention, ISO standards in printing |
| PGE 204B | Surface Chemistry for Graphic Applications | Elective-I | 3 | Surface tension and wetting phenomena, Adhesion principles, Colloids and emulsions, Surfactants in ink formulations, Ink-substrate interactions |
| PGE 204C | Flexible Electronics and Printed Sensors | Elective-I | 3 | Flexible substrates for electronics, Conductive and functional inks, Printing methods for electronics, Printed sensors and RFID, Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) |
| PGE 205A | Security Printing and Brand Protection | Elective-II | 3 | Anti-counterfeiting features, Holograms and optically variable devices, Specialty inks for security, Digital watermarking techniques, Track & trace solutions |
| PGE 205B | Nanotechnology in Printing | Elective-II | 3 | Nanomaterials synthesis, Nanocoatings for surfaces, Nanoinks development, Nanocomposites in printing, Applications of nanotechnology |
| PGE 205C | Green Printing Technologies | Elective-II | 3 | Sustainable ink formulations, Recyclable substrates, Eco-friendly printing processes, Life cycle assessment, Environmental regulations and compliance |
| PGE 206 | Color Management Lab | Lab | 2 | Spectrophotometry and densitometry, Colorimeter applications, Monitor calibration procedures, Printer profiling techniques, Soft proofing setup and evaluation |
| PGE 207 | Packaging Technology Lab | Lab | 2 | Package material testing, Barrier properties analysis, Drop and burst strength tests, Compression resistance testing, Leakage and seal integrity tests |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE 301 | Project - I | Project | 8 | Problem identification and definition, Extensive literature review, Methodology development, Experimental design, Preliminary data analysis |
| PGE 302 | Seminar | Core | 2 | Technical presentation skills, Research topic selection, Public speaking and delivery, Critical analysis of research, Question and answer session handling |
| PGE 303A | Print Media Management | Elective-III | 3 | Printing business models, Costing and estimation, Workflow optimization, Marketing strategies, Customer relationship management |
| PGE 303B | Functional Printing and Advanced Materials | Elective-III | 3 | Printed electronics applications, Biomedical printing, Smart packaging solutions, 3D printing technologies, Conductive polymers and composites |
| PGE 303C | Data Analytics for Graphic Arts | Elective-III | 3 | Big data concepts, Data visualization techniques, Machine learning in printing, Predictive analytics, Production optimization |
| PGE 304A | Research Publication & Ethics | Elective-IV | 3 | Journal selection strategies, Manuscript preparation guidelines, Peer review process, Publication ethics and integrity, Open access publishing |
| PGE 304B | Entrepreneurship for Printing & Packaging | Elective-IV | 3 | Business plan development, Market research and analysis, Funding opportunities, Legal aspects of startups, Innovation and startup ecosystem |
| PGE 304C | Artificial Intelligence in Graphic Arts | Elective-IV | 3 | AI applications in graphic arts, Machine learning algorithms, Deep learning techniques, Computer vision for print inspection, Natural language processing and automation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE 401 | Project - II | Project | 18 | Research execution and experimentation, Data collection and analysis, Results interpretation and discussion, Thesis writing and documentation, Presentation and viva-voce |




