

PHD in Materials And Metallurgical Engineering at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal


Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal Bhopal?
This Materials and Metallurgical Engineering PhD program at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal focuses on advanced research into material properties, processing, and applications. It addresses critical needs of Indian industries like automotive, defense, and infrastructure by fostering innovation in material science and metallurgy. The program emphasizes deep theoretical understanding coupled with experimental and computational skills for developing next-generation materials.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Tech/M.E. graduates in metallurgical or materials engineering seeking advanced research opportunities, and for B.Tech graduates with exceptional academic records. It also suits working professionals in R&D departments of Indian manufacturing or materials companies looking to pursue doctoral studies and contribute to technological advancements. Candidates should possess a strong foundation in engineering sciences and a passion for material innovation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue high-impact careers as research scientists in national laboratories, R&D engineers in major Indian industries (e.g., Tata Steel, Hindalco, DRDO), or as faculty members in academic institutions. The specialized knowledge in advanced materials and processing is highly valued, leading to competitive salary ranges (starting from INR 8-15 LPA for fresh PhDs). This program aligns with India''''s ''''Make in India'''' initiative, creating experts for indigenous material development.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Coursework and Research Methodology- (Coursework Semesters (typically 1-2))
Thoroughly engage with advanced M.Tech subjects relevant to Materials and Metallurgical Engineering during the initial coursework phase. Simultaneously, dedicate time to study research methodology, statistical analysis, and scientific writing, which are foundational for PhD success.
Tools & Resources
Institute Library databases (Scopus, Web of Science), NPTEL courses on Research Methodology, MATLAB/Python for basic data analysis
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures robust research proposals, successful experimental design, and publications, crucial for both academic and industrial R&D careers.
Identify a Focused Research Area and Supervisor- (First 6-12 months)
Actively attend departmental seminars, interact with faculty, and review their publications to identify potential research interests and supervisors. Develop a preliminary research problem statement aligned with available lab facilities and faculty expertise.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research brochures, Faculty profiles on MANIT website, Research papers on Google Scholar
Career Connection
Choosing a relevant and feasible research topic with an active supervisor is paramount for timely thesis completion and impactful contributions to the field, enhancing employability.
Cultivate Strong Peer and Mentor Networks- (Ongoing throughout PhD)
Engage with fellow PhD scholars, post-docs, and senior researchers in the department. Form study groups, discuss research challenges, and seek guidance from supervisors and senior mentors regularly. Attend departmental research presentations.
Tools & Resources
Departmental WhatsApp groups/forums, Bi-weekly meetings with supervisor, Research collaboration tools
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborative opportunities, funding information, and future career prospects within the Indian and global scientific community.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Experimental and Simulation Skills- (Semesters 3-5 (Years 2-3))
Master the operation of key characterization equipment (e.g., SEM, XRD, TEM) and advanced simulation software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, CALPHAD tools). Seek workshops and hands-on training to become proficient in your chosen research techniques.
Tools & Resources
MANIT central instrumentation facility, NPTEL advanced courses, Industry-led workshops on simulation software
Career Connection
Expertise in advanced experimental and computational techniques is highly sought after by R&D companies and research labs in India, enhancing your technical skill set.
Present Research at National Conferences- (Semesters 4-6 (Years 2-3))
Prepare and present your preliminary research findings at national conferences and symposia. This helps in receiving feedback, refining your research direction, and building a professional network within the Indian materials science community.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., NMD-ATM, MRSI), Presentation software, Feedback from supervisor/peers
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance your visibility, communication skills, and open avenues for collaborations and post-doctoral opportunities in India.
Begin Manuscript Preparation and Publication- (Semesters 5-7 (Years 3-4))
Start drafting research papers based on your experimental results or simulations. Aim for publications in peer-reviewed national and international journals, which are crucial for PhD degree requirements and building an academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Scopus/Web of Science for journal selection, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), MANIT research publication guidelines
Career Connection
A strong publication record significantly boosts your profile for academic positions, research grants, and R&D roles in competitive Indian industries.
Advanced Stage
Write a Comprehensive Thesis and Prepare for Defense- (Semesters 7-10 (Years 4-5))
Systematically compile all your research work, analyses, and conclusions into a coherent and well-structured thesis. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and thesis advisory committee. Practice your defense presentation thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Microsoft Word for thesis writing, MANIT thesis format guidelines, Mock defense sessions with committee members
Career Connection
A well-written thesis and a confident defense are the final steps to earning your degree, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research and communicate complex ideas.
Explore Post-Doctoral and Industry Research Opportunities- (Final 6-12 months before thesis submission)
Actively search for post-doctoral positions in India (e.g., IITs, IISc, CSIR labs) or abroad, or R&D roles in major metallurgical and materials companies. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your specialized research skills and publications.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals, LinkedIn for industry roles, Networking contacts from conferences
Career Connection
Proactive job searching during the final year ensures a smooth transition to your desired career path, leveraging your PhD expertise immediately after graduation.
Engage in Grant Writing and Project Proposal Development- (Final year and post-PhD)
If aspiring for an academic or independent research career, start familiarizing yourself with grant application processes and develop preliminary project proposals. This can involve collaborating with faculty on ongoing projects.
Tools & Resources
UGC/DST/SERB grant guidelines, Mentorship from experienced faculty members
Career Connection
Developing grant writing skills is crucial for securing funding for future research, establishing your independent research career, and contributing to national scientific initiatives.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Engineering/Technology (M.E./M.Tech. or equivalent) in relevant discipline with CGPA of at least 6.5 on a 10-point scale or 60% marks. OR Bachelor''''s degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent) in relevant discipline with CGPA of at least 7.5 on a 10-point scale or 70% marks. OR Master''''s degree in Science (M.Sc./M.S. or equivalent) in relevant discipline with CGPA of at least 6.5 on a 10-point scale or 60% marks and a valid GATE score/NET JRF. (Specific additional criteria apply for sponsored candidates/Institute staff).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (full-time) / 7 years (part-time)
Credits: Minimum 8, maximum 12 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester semester
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MME 501 | Advanced Engineering Materials | Core | 4 | Crystal Structure and Imperfections, Phase Transformations and Microstructure, Advanced Alloys and Composites, Polymers and Ceramics, Materials Design and Selection |
| MME 502 | Mechanical Behavior of Materials | Core | 4 | Stress, Strain and Elasticity, Plastic Deformation Mechanisms, Fracture Mechanics, Fatigue and Creep, Hardness and Toughness Testing |
| MME 503 | Materials Characterization | Core | 4 | X-Ray Diffraction Techniques, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Spectroscopic Techniques (EDS, XPS), Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA) |
| MME 504 | Material Engineering Lab I | Lab | 2 | Microstructural Examination, Mechanical Testing, Heat Treatment Experiments, Corrosion Rate Measurement, Non-Destructive Testing |
| MME 505 | Applied Thermodynamics | Elective | 3 | Laws of Thermodynamics, Phase Equilibria, Solution Thermodynamics, Thermodynamics of Surfaces, Computational Thermodynamics |
| MME 506 | Iron & Steel Making | Elective | 3 | Blast Furnace Technology, Oxygen Steelmaking Processes, Electric Arc Furnace, Secondary Metallurgy, Continuous Casting |
| MME 507 | Foundry Technology | Elective | 3 | Pattern Design and Materials, Molding and Core Making, Melting and Pouring, Solidification of Castings, Defects and Inspection |
| MME 508 | Non-Ferrous Extractive Metallurgy | Elective | 3 | Principles of Extractive Metallurgy, Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy, Electrometallurgy, Extraction of Aluminum, Copper, Zinc |
| MME 509 | Composites and Smart Materials | Elective | 3 | Fiber Reinforced Composites, Matrix Materials, Fabrication Techniques, Mechanical Properties of Composites, Shape Memory Alloys, Piezoelectric Materials |
| MME 510 | Corrosion Engineering | Elective | 3 | Electrochemistry of Corrosion, Types of Corrosion, Corrosion Testing, Corrosion Prevention Methods, Material Selection for Corrosion Resistance |
| MME 511 | Modern Manufacturing Processes | Elective | 3 | Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Laser and Electron Beam Machining, Advanced Forming Processes, Powder Metallurgy Techniques, Non-Conventional Machining |
| MME 512 | Computational Techniques in Materials Engineering | Elective | 3 | Numerical Methods for Materials Science, Finite Element Method (FEM), Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Phase-Field Modeling, Data Analysis and Machine Learning |
Semester semester
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MME 551 | Surface Engineering | Core | 4 | Surface Hardening Techniques, Coating Technologies (PVD, CVD), Thermal Spraying, Plasma Nitriding and Carburizing, Wear and Friction Phenomena |
| MME 552 | Physical Metallurgy | Core | 4 | Solidification Processes, Diffusion in Solids, Phase Transformations in Alloys, Recrystallization and Grain Growth, Metallurgical Failure Analysis |
| MME 553 | Materials Testing | Core | 4 | Destructive Testing (Tensile, Impact), Non-Destructive Testing (Ultrasonic, Radiography), Hardness and Microhardness Testing, Creep and Fatigue Testing, Fractography |
| MME 554 | Material Engineering Lab II | Lab | 2 | NDT Techniques Application, Fracture Toughness Measurement, Wear Testing, High-Temperature Creep Testing, Surface Coating Characterization |
| MME 555 | Welding Metallurgy | Elective | 3 | Welding Processes, Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), Solidification in Welding, Weldability of Steels and Non-Ferrous Alloys, Welding Defects and Inspection |
| MME 556 | Powder Metallurgy | Elective | 3 | Powder Production Methods, Compaction Techniques, Sintering Mechanisms, Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), Applications of Powder Metallurgy |
| MME 557 | Heat Treatment Technology | Elective | 3 | Annealing and Normalizing, Hardening and Tempering, Carburizing and Nitriding, Age Hardening, Heat Treatment of Non-Ferrous Alloys |
| MME 558 | Nano Materials and Technology | Elective | 3 | Synthesis of Nanomaterials, Characterization of Nanostructures, Quantum Dots and Nanowires, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene, Applications of Nanomaterials |
| MME 559 | Polymer Science and Engineering | Elective | 3 | Polymer Structure and Classification, Polymerization Techniques, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polymers, Polymer Processing, Biodegradable Polymers |
| MME 560 | Fuel and Furnaces | Elective | 3 | Classification of Fuels, Combustion Principles, Furnace Design and Efficiency, Refractories, Energy Conservation in Furnaces |
| MME 561 | Waste Management in Metallurgical Industry | Elective | 3 | Sources of Metallurgical Waste, Treatment of Solid Waste, Effluent Treatment, Air Pollution Control, Recycling and Resource Recovery |
| MME 562 | Biomaterials | Elective | 3 | Classes of Biomaterials, Biocompatibility, Metallic Biomaterials, Ceramic and Polymeric Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering Applications |
| MME 563 | Failure Analysis and Prevention | Elective | 3 | Causes of Material Failure, Visual and Metallographic Examination, Fracture Modes, Creep and Fatigue Failures, Preventive Measures and Design |




