

M-TECH in Electronics And Communication Engineering at National Institute of Technology Rourkela


Sundargarh, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Electronics and Communication Engineering at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Sundargarh?
This Communication Engineering program at National Institute of Technology Rourkela focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge in areas vital for India''''s digital transformation. It delves into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of wireless, optical, and digital communication systems. The program addresses the rapidly increasing demand for skilled professionals in the Indian telecommunications, networking, and digital media industries, contributing to national technological advancements.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh ECE/EEE/IT graduates aspiring for challenging R&D roles in telecom firms. It also serves working professionals looking to upskill in advanced communication technologies for career progression. Furthermore, it attracts career changers transitioning into cutting-edge communication domains, requiring a strong foundation in engineering and often a valid GATE score for admission.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure promising career paths in leading telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and R&D labs across India. Potential roles include communication engineer, network architect, R&D scientist, or project manager. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth trajectories in Indian companies as experience and expertise build, aligning with industry demand for specialists.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Communication Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Dedicate intensive effort to deeply understand core subjects like Advanced Digital Communication, Probability and Random Processes, and Advanced Digital Signal Processing. Utilize supplementary resources such as NPTEL lectures, online problem-solving platforms like GeeksforGeeks, and simulation tutorials (e.g., MATLAB). This strong theoretical base is crucial for tackling advanced topics and excelling in technical interviews for R&D and core engineering roles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL Lectures, GeeksforGeeks, MATLAB Tutorials, Study Groups
Career Connection
A solid grasp of fundamentals is a prerequisite for top-tier companies in communication and signal processing, ensuring readiness for technical assessment rounds.
Develop Hands-on Lab Proficiency- (Semester 1)
Actively engage in Advanced Digital Communication Lab and Advanced Digital Signal Processing Lab to gain practical experience with essential tools. Learn to effectively use software like MATLAB, Simulink, and Python for communication system design and analysis. Participate in departmental mini-projects to apply theoretical concepts, which enhances the practical skills highly sought after by telecom and embedded systems companies.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB, Simulink, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy), Departmental Mini-Projects
Career Connection
Practical lab skills and project experience are vital for hands-on engineering roles and differentiate candidates in competitive placement scenarios.
Cultivate Peer Learning and Networking- (Semester 1)
Form collaborative study groups to discuss complex topics, solve challenging problems, and prepare for exams. Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and technical events to broaden your knowledge and interact with faculty and senior students. This fosters a supportive academic environment and helps develop essential communication and teamwork skills for future industry roles.
Tools & Resources
Study Groups, Departmental Seminars/Workshops, LinkedIn (for initial networking)
Career Connection
Strong networking and collaborative skills are crucial for team-based industrial projects and gaining insights into industry trends and opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Specialization- (Semesters 2-3)
Carefully choose program and open electives (e.g., Information Theory & Coding, Wireless Networks, Machine Learning for Communication Systems) that align with your career aspirations and emerging industry trends. Supplement these with online certifications from platforms like Coursera or edX in areas like 5G, IoT, or advanced network security. This builds a specialized profile, making you more attractive to niche roles in the communication sector.
Tools & Resources
Elective Course Catalog, Coursera/edX Certifications, NPTEL advanced courses
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge from electives directly impacts eligibility for specific roles (e.g., RF Engineer, Network Security Analyst) and enhances career growth.
Engage in Research and Dissertation Planning- (Semesters 2-3)
Actively participate in the Seminar (EC6198) by researching and presenting on cutting-edge topics in communication engineering. Begin identifying potential dissertation topics (Dissertation Part-I) that address current industry challenges or research gaps. Seek mentorship from faculty and explore opportunities for collaboration with research labs or industry partners to build a strong research foundation.
Tools & Resources
Research Papers (IEEE Xplore, ACM), Academic Journals, Faculty Mentorship, LaTeX for documentation
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a significant resume builder, demonstrating advanced problem-solving, research capabilities, and opens doors to R&D positions or further academic pursuits.
Gain Industry Exposure and Networking- (Semesters 2-3)
Attend webinars, tech talks, and conferences (local or virtual, such as IEEE events) related to communication engineering to stay updated on industry trends. Connect with alumni and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Actively seek out summer internships at prominent companies like TCS, Wipro, Ericsson, or telecom startups to gain real-world exposure and expand your professional network, which is vital for placements.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IEEE events, Company Career Pages, Industry News Portals
Career Connection
Internships provide practical experience, enhance employability, and often lead to pre-placement offers, accelerating career entry into the Indian telecom industry.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Research Output- (Semester 4)
Dedicate rigorous effort to Dissertation Part-II, aiming for high-quality research, development, and robust experimental validation. Target publication in reputed conferences or journals, if feasible, to showcase your research contributions. This demonstrates independent research capability, innovative thinking, and advanced problem-solving skills, which are crucial for R&D roles and for those considering Ph.D. studies.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Simulation Tools (e.g., NS-3, OptiSystem), Research Data Analysis Software, Academic Publication Guidelines, Thesis Writing Software
Career Connection
A strong dissertation, especially with publications, significantly boosts your profile for R&D positions, technical leadership roles, and academic careers.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Systematically prepare for campus placements by reviewing all core communication concepts, practicing aptitude tests, and actively participating in mock interviews (technical and HR rounds). Focus on developing strong communication and presentation skills for group discussions. Leverage the institute''''s career development cell resources and alumni network for guidance and practice, ensuring readiness for top-tier companies.
Tools & Resources
Placement Cell Resources, Online Aptitude Test Platforms, Mock Interview Sessions, Company-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Comprehensive preparation is key to securing desirable placements in leading Indian and multinational companies operating in the telecom and IT sectors.
Enhance Professional and Soft Skills- (Semester 4)
Develop critical soft skills such as professional presentation, technical report writing, and effective teamwork through your dissertation work and departmental activities. Consider learning advanced software tools relevant to communication system design and data analysis (e.g., Python for machine learning in communication, LabVIEW for test & measurement). These holistic skills improve overall employability and prepare you for leadership roles in the fast-evolving telecom sector.
Tools & Resources
Presentation Software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote), Technical Writing Guides, Python Libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch), LabVIEW
Career Connection
Beyond technical skills, strong soft skills are essential for career progression, effective collaboration, and leadership in any engineering domain.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology or equivalent with 6.5 CGPA or 60% marks and a valid GATE score.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC6101 | Advanced Digital Communication | Core | 4 | Signal Space Analysis, Optimal Receivers and Detection, Digital Modulation Techniques (ASK, PSK, FSK, QAM), Channel Coding (Block Codes, Convolutional Codes), Spread Spectrum Communication |
| EC6103 | Probability and Random Processes | Core | 4 | Probability Theory and Axioms, Random Variables and Distributions, Random Processes (Stationary, Ergodic), Correlation and Covariance, Spectral Density |
| EC6105 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Core | 4 | Discrete-Time Signals and Systems, DFT and FFT Algorithms, FIR and IIR Filter Design, Multirate Signal Processing, Adaptive Filtering |
| EC6107 | Advanced Digital Communication Lab | Lab | 2 | Modulation and Demodulation Techniques, Channel Coding Implementations, Spread Spectrum Systems, Performance Analysis (BER, SNR), MATLAB/Simulink for Communication Systems |
| EC6109 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing Lab | Lab | 2 | DFT and FFT Implementation, FIR and IIR Filter Design, Multi-rate Signal Processing, Adaptive Filter Applications, Real-time DSP using hardware |
| PE-I | Program Elective I | Elective | 3 | Topics from chosen elective (e.g., Information Theory & Coding, Satellite Communication) |
| PE-II | Program Elective II | Elective | 3 | Topics from chosen elective (e.g., Microwave Devices & Circuits, Sensor Networks) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC6102 | Wireless Communication | Core | 4 | Wireless Channel Characteristics (Fading, Multipath), Cellular System Concepts, Multiple Access Techniques (FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA), MIMO Systems, 5G and Beyond Concepts |
| EC6104 | Advanced Optical Communication | Core | 4 | Optical Fibers and Waveguides, Optical Sources and Detectors, Optical Modulation Techniques, Optical Amplifiers, WDM Systems |
| EC6106 | Wireless Communication Lab | Lab | 2 | Wireless Channel Simulation, OFDM and MIMO Systems, Spread Spectrum Techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) Basics, Performance Evaluation of Wireless Systems |
| EC6108 | Simulation Lab for Communication Systems | Lab | 2 | Simulation Tools for Communication (MATLAB, NS-3), Digital Modulation Schemes, Error Control Coding, Channel Models, Network Simulation Protocols |
| PE-III | Program Elective III | Elective | 3 | Topics from chosen elective (e.g., Estimation & Detection Theory, Cryptography and Network Security) |
| PE-IV | Program Elective IV | Elective | 3 | Topics from chosen elective (e.g., RF and Antenna Design, Broadband Wireless Networks) |
| EC6198 | Seminar | Seminar | 1 | Literature Review, Technical Presentation Skills, Research Methodology, Current Trends in Communication Engineering, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE-V | Program Elective V | Elective | 3 | Topics from chosen elective (e.g., MIMO Communication, Pattern Recognition) |
| OE-I | Open Elective I | Elective | 3 | Topics from other departments (e.g., Management, Computer Science, etc.) as per student choice |
| EC7197 | Dissertation Part-I | Project | 10 | Problem Identification and Literature Survey, Research Proposal Development, Methodology Design, Preliminary Implementation/Simulation, Interim Report and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC7198 | Dissertation Part-II | Project | 16 | Advanced Research and Development, System Design and Implementation, Results Analysis and Validation, Thesis Writing and Defense, Publication of Research Findings (if applicable) |




