

M-TECH in Environmental Engineering at National Institute of Technology Patna


Patna, Bihar
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Environmental Engineering at National Institute of Technology Patna Patna?
This Environmental Engineering M.Tech program at National Institute of Technology Patna focuses on equipping engineers with advanced knowledge and skills to address complex environmental challenges. The curriculum integrates principles of chemistry, microbiology, and process engineering relevant to India''''s burgeoning industrial and urban sectors, emphasizing sustainable solutions and resource management. It prepares students for critical roles in pollution control and environmental protection.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for civil, chemical, or environmental engineering graduates seeking specialized knowledge in pollution control and environmental management. It also suits working professionals from government agencies, industries, or consulting firms who aim to upgrade their technical skills in emerging environmental technologies. Individuals passionate about sustainable development and public health will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including environmental consultant, pollution control engineer, research scientist, and project manager in infrastructure development. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in government bodies like pollution control boards, private consultancies, and industries focused on water, air, and waste management.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Analytical and Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering the fundamental principles of environmental chemistry, microbiology, and treatment processes. Actively participate in all laboratory sessions (Environmental Engineering Lab-I & II) to develop proficiency in instrumental analysis and experimental techniques.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater Analysis (APHA), Textbooks, Online tutorials for instrumental analysis
Career Connection
Essential for roles in environmental monitoring, quality control, and R&D in pollution control industries, ensuring accurate data interpretation and problem-solving.
Engage in Elective Exploration and Foundational Research- (Semester 1-2)
Strategically choose program electives (e.g., Industrial Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Impact Assessment) that align with career interests. Utilize Seminar (CE 7192) and Dissertation Phase-I (CE 7292) to identify potential research areas and begin a thorough literature review, collaborating with faculty.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Institutional library resources, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Helps in identifying niche areas for specialization, building a strong research foundation for dissertation, and preparing for research-oriented roles or higher studies.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with classmates to discuss complex concepts and prepare for exams. Actively seek guidance from professors on coursework, project ideas, and career advice. Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden understanding and identify potential mentors.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Academic social platforms (if any), Regular office hours
Career Connection
Establishes a professional network, facilitates peer learning, and opens doors to research assistantships or recommendations, crucial for placements and future collaborations.
Intermediate Stage
Maximize Industry Internship Experience- (Semester 3)
Leverage the Internship (CE 8111) opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or manufacturing industries. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, project management, and report writing.
Tools & Resources
Internship coordinator, Company mentors, LinkedIn for industry insights, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, builds industry contacts, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, significantly enhancing employability in the Indian market.
Drive Dissertation Research and Publication- (Semester 3)
Dedicate significant effort to Dissertation Phase-II (CE 8191), focusing on experimental work, data acquisition, and robust analysis. Aim to publish research findings in peer-reviewed national or international conferences/journals, collaborating closely with your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Research lab facilities, Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS), Academic writing tools, Scopus/IEEE publication guidelines
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, strengthens academic profile, and is a strong differentiator for R&D roles, academic positions, or further doctoral studies.
Develop Specialized Software and Modeling Skills- (Semester 3)
Actively learn and apply specialized environmental engineering software for modeling (e.g., WASP, QUAL2K for water quality; AERMOD for air dispersion; GIS for spatial analysis). Integrate these tools into dissertation work and projects.
Tools & Resources
Software licenses (often available via institution), Online courses (Coursera, NPTEL), Workshops, Dedicated textbooks
Career Connection
Highly valued in environmental consulting, regulatory bodies, and research, as these skills enable efficient data analysis, prediction, and design of environmental systems.
Advanced Stage
Master Thesis Completion and Defense- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on Dissertation Phase-III (CE 8291) for finalizing the thesis, ensuring clarity, logical flow, and rigorous data presentation. Prepare thoroughly for the viva-voce examination, articulating research findings, methodology, and contributions confidently.
Tools & Resources
Thesis formatting guidelines, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Beamer), Mock viva sessions with peers/mentors
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research, analytical, and communication skills, which are crucial for any professional role and for pursuing higher academic degrees (Ph.D.).
Prepare for Placements and Career Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives. Prepare a strong resume highlighting projects, internships, and research publications. Practice technical and HR interview questions specific to environmental engineering roles in India, focusing on problem-solving scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Career development cell, Mock interview platforms, Company-specific interview prep guides, Networking with alumni
Career Connection
Directly leads to securing desired positions in environmental engineering firms, public sector undertakings, or research organizations, setting the foundation for a successful career.
Cultivate Professional Ethics and Leadership Qualities- (Semester 3-4 (Ongoing))
Throughout the program, cultivate a strong sense of professional ethics, integrity, and social responsibility, particularly in environmental decision-making. Seek opportunities to lead small project teams or organize departmental events to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
Tools & Resources
Professional body guidelines (e.g., IEI), Leadership workshops, Peer group projects
Career Connection
Essential for long-term career growth, enabling graduates to take on leadership roles, influence policy, and contribute ethically to sustainable development initiatives in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech/B.E. in Civil/Environmental/Chemical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum CGPA/percentage, and a valid GATE score in CE/CH/ES. (Information from general NIT Patna M.Tech admission criteria, not explicitly in the syllabus document)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Sessional 20% + Mid Semester Exam 30% for theory courses), External: 50% (End Semester Exam for theory courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE 7111 | Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology | Core | 4 | Principles of Environmental Chemistry, Water & Wastewater Analysis, Aerobic & Anaerobic processes, Microbial growth kinetics, Water quality parameters |
| CE 7112 | Air Pollution and Control | Core | 4 | Sources and Classification of Air Pollutants, Atmospheric Dispersion, Air Quality Standards, Air Pollution Control Equipment, Particulate and Gaseous Pollutants |
| CE 7113 | Physico-Chemical Treatment Processes | Core | 4 | Water and Wastewater Characteristics, Coagulation and Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, Adsorption, Membrane Processes, Disinfection |
| CE 7141 | Industrial Wastewater Treatment (Program Elective-I Example) | Elective | 4 | Characteristics of Industrial Wastes, Treatment Technologies, Zero Liquid Discharge, Effluent Standards, Case Studies in Industrial Effluent Treatment |
| CE 7191 | Environmental Engineering Lab-I | Lab | 2 | Water and Wastewater Quality Parameters, Air Quality Monitoring, Spectrophotometric Analysis, Microbial Culture Techniques, COD & BOD Measurement |
| CE 7192 | Seminar | Project/Seminar | 2 | Literature Review, Research Topic Selection, Technical Report Writing, Oral Presentation Skills, Critical Analysis of Scientific Papers |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE 7211 | Biological Treatment Processes | Core | 4 | Principles of Biological Treatment, Suspended Growth Systems, Attached Growth Systems, Anaerobic Digestion, Nutrient Removal, Sludge Management |
| CE 7212 | Water Resources and Quality Management | Core | 4 | Water Resources Planning, Water Quality Modeling, River Pollution Control, Groundwater Contamination, Integrated Water Management |
| CE 7213 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Management | Core | 4 | Waste Generation and Characteristics, Collection and Transport Systems, Landfill Design, Composting, Hazardous Waste Treatment, Waste-to-Energy |
| CE 7245 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Design (Program Elective-II Example) | Elective | 4 | Design Criteria for Treatment Units, Hydraulic Design, Pumping Stations, Process Selection, Cost Estimation, Design Case Studies |
| CE 7291 | Environmental Engineering Lab-II | Lab | 2 | Advanced Water Treatment Experiments, Air Pollution Control System Analysis, Solid Waste Characterization, Environmental Modeling Software Applications, Spectroscopic Analysis |
| CE 7292 | Dissertation Phase-I | Project | 2 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Data Collection Planning, Preliminary Experimental Design |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE 8111 | Internship | Internship | 4 | Industrial Exposure, Practical Problem Solving, Report Writing, Professional Ethics, Project Management |
| CE 8191 | Dissertation Phase-II | Project | 8 | Experimental Setup, Data Acquisition, Data Analysis, Interim Report Preparation, Scientific Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE 8291 | Dissertation Phase-III | Project | 12 | Thesis Writing, Research Paper Publication, Viva Voce Preparation, Research Presentation, Conclusion and Future Work |




