

M-TECH in Ceramic Engineering at National Institute of Technology Rourkela


Sundargarh, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Ceramic Engineering at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Sundargarh?
This Ceramic Engineering program at National Institute of Technology Rourkela focuses on the science and technology of creating materials from inorganic, non-metallic substances. It addresses the growing demand for advanced ceramic materials in sectors like aerospace, biomedical, electronics, and energy in India. The program emphasizes both fundamental understanding and practical applications, preparing engineers for innovative roles in manufacturing and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Ceramic, Chemical, Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering, as well as M.Sc. holders in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring to enter high-tech manufacturing, and working professionals seeking to specialize in advanced materials development or transition into R&D roles within the Indian ceramics industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in R&D, production, quality control, and process engineering across industries like refractories, glass, electronics, and advanced composites. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 5-8 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation in materials science also opens avenues for higher studies and entrepreneurial ventures in a booming Indian market.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Ceramic Science Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time in Semesters 1-2 to master core subjects like ceramic processing, characterization, and thermodynamics. Form study groups, utilize online courses from NPTEL for deeper understanding, and regularly solve problems to build a robust theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Textbooks, Study Groups, MIT OpenCourseware
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for understanding advanced topics, excelling in research projects, and performing well in technical interviews for R&D roles in materials science companies.
Engage in Early Lab-Based Skill Development- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all laboratory sessions, focusing on gaining hands-on experience with ceramic material synthesis, processing, and characterization equipment. Seek opportunities for extra lab time or assist seniors in their research to familiarize yourself with advanced instrumentation.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Labs, Lab Manuals, Faculty/PhD Student Mentorship
Career Connection
Practical skills are highly valued in the ceramics industry. Early exposure helps in selecting specialization areas, secures internships, and prepares you for practical challenges in industry or research.
Cultivate Scientific Reading and Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Begin reading research papers and review articles relevant to ceramic engineering from leading journals. Practice summarizing complex scientific information and write clear, concise lab reports. Attend departmental seminars to understand current research trends.
Tools & Resources
Elsevier, Springer, Google Scholar, Departmental Seminars
Career Connection
Effective scientific communication is vital for thesis writing, publishing research, and presenting findings in both academic and industrial settings, enhancing your professional profile.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Summer Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Identify faculty members'''' research interests and seek opportunities for short-term projects or summer internships within the department or at external research labs/industries. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems in ceramic materials.
Tools & Resources
Faculty Research Portfolios, NIT Rourkela Internship Cell, Industry Contacts
Career Connection
These experiences provide practical exposure, strengthen your resume, and often lead to valuable recommendations or pre-placement offers, distinguishing you in the job market.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Courses- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose elective subjects that align with your career aspirations (e.g., refractories, biomaterials, electronic ceramics, composites). Deep dive into these areas, leveraging advanced textbooks and research papers beyond the prescribed syllabus.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Elective Lists, Specialized Journals, Online Forums
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a niche expert, highly sought after by companies in specific ceramic domains, leading to more targeted and impactful career roles.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Attend industry workshops, conferences, and seminars organized by professional bodies or the institute. Connect with NIT Rourkela alumni working in the ceramics sector on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potential mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Indian Ceramic Society Events, Departmental Alumni Meets
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for uncovering hidden job opportunities, getting referrals, and understanding industry expectations, significantly improving your placement prospects and career trajectory.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Master''''s Thesis/Dissertation Project- (Semester 3-4 (ongoing through 4))
Commit to an in-depth, research-oriented thesis project under faculty guidance. Aim for innovative solutions, publish findings in reputed conferences or journals, and present your work effectively. This is the culmination of your M.Tech learning.
Tools & Resources
Research Databases, Statistical Software, Advanced Lab Equipment, Thesis Supervisor
Career Connection
A strong thesis demonstrates research capability, problem-solving skills, and deep subject matter expertise, essential for R&D positions, academic careers, or even starting your own venture.
Target Industry-Specific Certifications and Training- (Semester 4)
Explore certifications or short-term training programs in areas like Quality Management (e.g., Six Sigma), advanced material characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD operation), or specific simulation software relevant to ceramic design and manufacturing.
Tools & Resources
Industry Training Institutes, Online Certification Platforms, Professional Bodies
Career Connection
Certifications add tangible skills beyond academics, making you more marketable for specialized roles and demonstrating proactive skill development to potential employers.
Master Interview and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Participate in mock interviews, group discussions, and technical presentation sessions. Refine your communication skills, articulate your project work clearly, and prepare for common technical and HR questions. Seek feedback from career services and faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
Career Development Centre, Mock Interview Platforms, Presentation Coaches, Peers
Career Connection
Exceptional interview and presentation skills are critical for converting internship opportunities into full-time roles and securing placements in top-tier companies, showcasing your confidence and competence.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech. in Ceramic Engg. / Chemical Engg. / Metallurgical & Materials Engg. / Materials Engg. / Mechanical Engg. / Polymer Engg. / Industrial Design / allied branches or M.Sc. in Physics / Chemistry / Materials Science / Solid State Physics / Solid State Chemistry / Nanotechnology / Applied Physics / Applied Chemistry / Earth Science / Geophysics. GATE Score in related branch of Engg. / Science is essential (GATE in Ceramic Engg. / Materials Engg. / Metallurgical Engg. / Chemical Engg. / Mechanical Engg. / Physics / Chemistry).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 65 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE6101 | Advanced Physical Ceramics | Program Core | 3 | Ceramic crystal structures, Point and line defects, Grain boundaries and surfaces, Sintering mechanisms, Mechanical properties of ceramics, Thermal and electrical properties |
| CE6103 | Advanced Chemical Ceramics | Program Core | 3 | Solution chemistry fundamentals, Precursor synthesis routes, Sol-gel processing principles, Hydrothermal and sonochemical methods, Chemical vapor deposition techniques, Ceramic matrix composites synthesis |
| CE6105 | Advanced Characterization of Ceramic Materials | Program Core | 3 | X-ray diffraction theory, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Thermal analysis techniques (TGA, DTA), Spectroscopic methods (FTIR, Raman), Mechanical and electrical testing |
| CE6107 | Advanced Ceramic Processing Lab | Program Core (Lab) | 2 | Powder synthesis and preparation, Particle size analysis, Green body formation, Sintering studies, Density and porosity measurement, Mechanical strength evaluation |
| CE6109 | Adv. Characterization Lab of Ceramic Materials | Program Core (Lab) | 2 | XRD pattern analysis, SEM microstructure imaging, TEM sample preparation and imaging, Thermal expansion measurements, Dielectric property determination, Spectroscopic characterization |
| PE-1 | Program Elective - 1 | Program Elective | 3 | |
| RM6101 | Research Methodology & IPR | Research Methodology | 2 | Problem identification and literature survey, Research design and methods, Data collection and statistical analysis, Thesis and report writing, Intellectual property rights overview, Patent search and filing procedures |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE6102 | Advanced Refractory Technology | Program Core | 3 | Refractory raw materials, Physicochemical properties of refractories, Manufacturing processes of refractories, Refractory selection criteria, Applications in high temperature industries, Testing and characterization of refractories |
| CE6104 | Structure-Property Correlation in Ceramics | Program Core | 3 | Crystal chemistry and bonding, Microstructure and grain boundaries, Mechanical properties and fracture, Electrical and dielectric behavior, Thermal properties and expansion, Optical properties and transparency |
| CE6106 | Functional Ceramics | Program Core | 3 | Dielectric ceramics, Piezoelectric and ferroelectric ceramics, Magnetic ceramics, Ionic conductors and solid electrolytes, Semiconducting ceramics, Optical and smart ceramics |
| CE6108 | Ceramic Testing Lab | Program Core (Lab) | 2 | Density and porosity testing, Mechanical strength tests (flexural, compressive), Thermal shock resistance, Refractoriness under load, Creep resistance measurement, Dielectric constant and loss measurement |
| PE-2 | Program Elective - 2 | Program Elective | 3 | |
| PE-3 | Program Elective - 3 | Program Elective | 3 | |
| OE-1 | Open Elective - 1 | Open Elective | 3 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE7101 | Dissertation Part-I | Project | 9 | Problem identification and literature review, Experimental design and methodology, Preliminary data collection and analysis, Progress report writing, Oral presentation of findings, Research proposal development |
| PE-4 | Program Elective - 4 | Program Elective | 3 | |
| OE-2 | Open Elective - 2 | Open Elective | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CE7102 | Dissertation Part-II | Project | 12 | Advanced experimental work, Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and formatting, Results discussion and conclusions, Oral defense of dissertation, Research publication preparation |




