

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


Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Design Engineering at National Institute of Technology Patna Patna?
This M.Tech Design Engineering program at National Institute of Technology Patna focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in product design, development, and analysis. It integrates core engineering principles with modern computational tools, addressing the increasing demand for innovative and efficient product solutions in various Indian industries. The program emphasizes a holistic approach from conceptualization to manufacturing.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical engineering graduates holding a B.E./B.Tech degree who aspire to careers in product design, R&D, and manufacturing. It also caters to working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in advanced design methodologies, CAD/CAE, and optimization techniques. Candidates with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and an interest in creating next-generation products will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as Design Engineers, R&D Engineers, CAE Analysts, and Product Development Specialists in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for leadership roles in design and innovation, aligning with industry demands for skilled professionals in areas like automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Design Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with advanced solid mechanics, vibrations, and optimization concepts. Focus on understanding the theoretical underpinnings and their practical applications through problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL videos on advanced mechanics, CAE software tutorials (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus), Academic textbooks
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for excelling in design and analysis roles, forming the base for complex problem-solving in industrial R&D departments.
Develop Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to master CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) and CAE (e.g., Ansys, Abaqus, Nastran) tools through lab sessions, self-practice, and online certification courses.
Tools & Resources
Official software documentation, Online tutorials (YouTube, Coursera), Departmental computer labs, Industry-standard software trials
Career Connection
High proficiency in design and analysis software is a mandatory skill for all modern design engineering roles, significantly boosting employability and project efficiency.
Engage in Technical Seminars and Clubs- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and student clubs related to mechanical and design engineering. Present research topics and engage in design challenges to foster critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
IEEE/ASME student chapters, Departmental technical societies, Online research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Technical paper reading groups
Career Connection
Enhances presentation skills, critical thinking, networking with peers and faculty, and exposes students to emerging technologies and research areas relevant to their specialization.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out and engage in minor projects (as part of the curriculum) and external internships in design or manufacturing firms. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering problems.
Tools & Resources
Industry contacts, Career services cell, LinkedIn for internship searches, Project mentors from faculty/industry
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, builds a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, improving industry readiness.
Specialize through Electives- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective subjects that align with specific career interests, whether it''''s product lifecycle management, smart materials, or robotics. Deep dive into these chosen areas for specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Industry trend reports, Guest lectures by domain experts, Specialized textbooks and journals
Career Connection
Develops a niche skill set, making candidates more attractive for specialized roles and accelerating career progression in chosen domains such as automotive or aerospace design.
Participate in Design Competitions- (Semester 3)
Join teams for national-level design and innovation competitions such as BAJA SAE, Formula Bharat, or other engineering solution challenges. Apply design principles to solve complex problems under constraints.
Tools & Resources
Team collaboration platforms, Mentorship from senior students/faculty, Workshop facilities at NIT Patna, Competition rulebooks and past projects
Career Connection
Fosters teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, innovation, and practical application of design principles, all highly valued attributes by leading Indian employers.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Project and Thesis- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Tech Major Project, ensuring a strong research methodology, robust analysis, and clear presentation of findings. Aim for publishable quality work and thorough documentation.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Advanced simulation software, Academic databases, Thesis writing guides, Faculty supervision and feedback
Career Connection
The major project is often a key talking point in interviews, demonstrating in-depth knowledge, research capabilities, and problem-solving aptitude, essential for R&D and academic roles.
Network Strategically and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 4)
Attend industry conferences, connect with alumni, and actively participate in placement preparation activities, including mock interviews, resume building workshops, and company-specific preparation.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni networks, NIT Patna placement cell, Industry-specific job portals, Interview preparation materials
Career Connection
Maximizes placement opportunities, provides insights into industry expectations, and helps secure desirable job roles upon graduation in top Indian and multinational companies.
Explore Entrepreneurship and Innovation- (Semester 4)
For those inclined, explore entrepreneurship opportunities by refining major project ideas into potential startups or participating in incubation programs offered by the institution or external bodies.
Tools & Resources
NIT Patna Incubation Centre, Startup mentorship programs, Government schemes for startups (e.g., Startup India), Business plan development workshops
Career Connection
Develops an entrepreneurial mindset, leadership skills, and an understanding of market dynamics, opening diverse career paths beyond traditional employment in the Indian ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 6.5/60% marks (for Gen/OBC/EWS) or 6.0/55% marks (for SC/ST/PwD). Valid GATE score in Mechanical Engineering.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDD-501 | Advanced Solid Mechanics | Core | 3 | Stress and Strain Analysis, Theory of Elasticity, Plasticity and Viscoelasticity, Energy Methods, Fracture Mechanics |
| MDD-503 | Engineering Design Optimization | Core | 3 | Optimization Techniques, Linear and Non-linear Programming, Genetic Algorithms, Multi-objective Optimization, Reliability-Based Design |
| MDD-505 | Advanced Manufacturing Processes | Core | 3 | Non-traditional Machining, Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping, Advanced Joining Processes, Surface Engineering |
| MDD-507 | Advanced Mechanical Vibrations | Core | 3 | Single and Multi-DOF Systems, Free and Forced Vibrations, Damping and Isolation, Rotor Dynamics, Random Vibrations |
| MDD-551 | Design Engineering Lab-I | Lab | 3 | Stress Analysis Experiments, Machine Element Testing, CAD/CAM Applications, Material Characterization, FEA Basic Applications |
| MDD-553 | Simulation and Analysis Lab | Lab | 3 | FEA Software Application, CFD Simulation Basics, System Dynamics Modeling, Design Validation, Kinematic Simulation |
| MDD-555 | Technical Seminar | Seminar | 2 | Literature Review Techniques, Technical Presentation Skills, Report Writing, Research Methodology, Current Trends in Design Engineering |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDD-502 | Finite Element Methods | Core | 3 | FEM Fundamentals, Element Formulation, Stress Analysis Applications, Heat Transfer Analysis, Dynamic Analysis |
| MDD-504 | Computer Aided Design | Core | 3 | Geometric Modeling, CAD Software Principles, Product Data Management, Feature-Based Design, Reverse Engineering |
| MDD-506 | Theory of Elasticity and Plasticity | Core | 3 | Stress and Strain Tensors, Constitutive Relations, Yield Criteria, Elasto-Plastic Analysis, Creep and Fatigue |
| Elective - I | Elective - I (Choice from list below) | Elective | 3 | Advanced concepts in specialized design areas, Application of theoretical models, Problem-solving methodologies, Emerging technologies, Case studies and industrial relevance |
| Elective - II | Elective - II (Choice from list below) | Elective | 3 | Advanced concepts in specialized design areas, Application of theoretical models, Problem-solving methodologies, Emerging technologies, Case studies and industrial relevance |
| MDD-552 | Design Engineering Lab-II | Lab | 3 | Advanced CAD Modeling, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, Simulation of Dynamic Systems, Kinematic Analysis, Experimental Stress Analysis |
| MDD-554 | Minor Project | Project | 2 | Project Planning, Literature Survey, Design Methodology, Data Analysis, Technical Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elective - III | Elective - III (Choice from list below) | Elective | 3 | Advanced topics in design and manufacturing, Integrated system design, Quality and reliability engineering, Sustainable design practices, Innovation and product management |
| Elective - IV | Elective - IV (Choice from list below) | Elective | 3 | Advanced topics in design and manufacturing, Integrated system design, Quality and reliability engineering, Sustainable design practices, Innovation and product management |
| MDD-601 | Major Project Part – I | Project | 8 | Research Problem Definition, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology Development, Experimental/Simulation Setup, Preliminary Results Analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDD-602 | Major Project Part – II | Project | 10 | Advanced Experimental/Numerical Work, Comprehensive Data Analysis, Discussion of Results, Thesis Preparation, Technical Presentation and Viva-voce |




