

M-TECH in Petroleum Engineering at School of Technology


Gandhinagar, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Petroleum Engineering at School of Technology Gandhinagar?
This M.Tech Petroleum Engineering program at the School of Technology, PDEU focuses on advanced concepts and practical applications across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. It addresses the increasing demand for specialized engineers in India''''s growing energy landscape, emphasizing sustainable exploration, production, and processing technologies. The program aims to equip students with expertise in modern petroleum industry challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates, especially those with a background in Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, or Production Engineering, seeking advanced knowledge in hydrocarbon exploration and production. It also caters to industry professionals aiming to enhance their skills in areas like reservoir engineering, drilling, and production optimization, contributing to India''''s energy security initiatives and technological advancements.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in oil and gas majors, service companies, and research organizations within India and globally. Roles include Reservoir Engineer, Production Engineer, Drilling Engineer, and EOR specialist. Starting salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA for freshers, with significant growth potential. The program aligns with industry needs, fostering skills for leadership and innovation.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Petroleum Engineering Principles- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to understanding fundamentals of fluid flow, reservoir engineering, production engineering, and EOR techniques. Utilize textbooks, lecture notes, and online resources. Seek conceptual clarity as a base for advanced topics in Semester 1.
Tools & Resources
Standard petroleum engineering textbooks (e.g., Dake, Craft & Hawkins), NPTEL lectures, Online petroleum engineering tutorials
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is indispensable for all entry-level technical roles and for excelling in subsequent specialized courses.
Develop Software Application Proficiency- (Semester 1)
Actively engage in the Software Applications in Petroleum Engineering Lab (MP 1061). Learn to use industry-relevant software for reservoir modeling, production optimization, and data analysis. Practice problem-solving using these tools beyond lab exercises in Semester 1.
Tools & Resources
Software like Petrel, ECLIPSE, CMG (trial/academic versions), MATLAB, Python libraries for data science, Online software tutorials
Career Connection
Hands-on software skills are critical for analytical and design roles in petroleum companies, making candidates highly employable.
Cultivate Effective Research and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1)
Focus on the Research Methodology & Project Management (MP 1051) and Communication Skills & Technical Writing (MP 1071) courses. Practice critical literature review, structured report writing, and delivering clear technical presentations in Semester 1.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Reference managers (Mendeley), Presentation software, Feedback from peers and faculty
Career Connection
Essential for communicating technical findings, writing project proposals, and effectively presenting during interviews and professional engagements.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Specialized Elective Knowledge & Practical Exposure- (Semester 2)
Carefully choose Electives I and II based on career interests (e.g., unconventional resources, offshore engineering, natural gas). Supplement classroom learning with relevant industry case studies, guest lectures, and site visits if available during Semester 2.
Tools & Resources
Industry publications (SPE Journal), Online courses on specialized topics (Coursera, edX), Networking with industry professionals
Career Connection
Specialization through electives makes you more competitive for specific roles and provides a deeper understanding for your seminar/term paper.
Enhance Practical Skills in Production Operations- (Semester 2)
Maximize learning from Petroleum Production Engineering Lab (MP 2051). Seek opportunities to understand the working principles of artificial lift systems, well completion techniques, and multiphase flow analysis through experiments and simulations in Semester 2.
Tools & Resources
Lab equipment manuals, Simulation software, Technical videos demonstrating field operations
Career Connection
Direct practical skills are highly valued by production and field operations companies, improving readiness for on-site roles.
Begin Focused Research for Dissertation- (Semester 2)
Utilize the Seminar & Term Paper (MP 2061) to identify potential dissertation topics, conduct extensive literature reviews, and articulate research questions. Start networking with faculty members to find a suitable supervisor for your Stage-I project during Semester 2.
Tools & Resources
Research papers, Academic databases, Faculty consultation, Research proposal templates
Career Connection
Lays the groundwork for a successful dissertation, which is a significant component of M.Tech and a strong differentiator for future employment or PhD studies.
Advanced Stage
Drive Independent Research & Innovation- (Semester 3-4)
Immerse completely in Project/Dissertation Stage-I (MP 3031) and Project/Dissertation Stage-II (MP 4011). Conduct thorough research, experiments, or simulations. Aim for publishable quality work and present findings at internal or external conferences during Semesters 3-4.
Tools & Resources
Research lab facilities, High-performance computing resources, Advanced simulation software, Scientific writing tools, Conference submission guidelines
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates problem-solving, analytical rigor, and innovation, significantly boosting prospects for R&D roles, academia, or advanced technical positions.
Network Strategically & Prepare for Placements- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in industry workshops, seminars, and career fairs organized by the university. Network with alumni and industry professionals. Start preparing for technical interviews, aptitude tests, and group discussions early in Semesters 3-4.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, University placement cell, Mock interview sessions, Company websites for job descriptions
Career Connection
Direct engagement with the industry significantly increases internship and placement opportunities, leading to successful career transitions.
Deepen Specialization and Stay Updated- (Semester 3-4)
Through Electives III and IV, further specialize in niche areas of petroleum engineering. Continuously follow industry news, technological advancements, and regulatory changes (e.g., energy transition, carbon capture). Join professional bodies like the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) during Semesters 3-4.
Tools & Resources
SPE publications, Industry magazines (Oil & Gas Journal), Technical webinars, Professional body memberships
Career Connection
Staying current with industry trends and continuous learning is vital for long-term career growth, adaptability, and leadership roles in a dynamic energy sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Petroleum Engineering/Petroleum Technology / Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Production Engineering / Marine Engineering / Energy Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University/Institution with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CPI/CGPA out of 10. Valid GATE score preferred.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 1011 | Fluid Flow & Heat Transfer in Petroleum Industry | Core | 3 | Fluid properties and flow regimes, Pressure drop calculations, Heat transfer mechanisms, Heat exchangers design, Fluid flow in porous media |
| MP 1021 | Petroleum Production Engineering I | Core | 3 | Well productivity and IPR, Artificial lift techniques, Well completion and workover, Perforating technology, Surface production facilities |
| MP 1031 | Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques | Core | 3 | Water flooding and immiscible gas injection, Miscible gas injection processes, Chemical flooding methods, Thermal EOR processes, Emerging EOR technologies |
| MP 1041 | Advanced Reservoir Engineering | Core | 3 | Material balance equations, Fluid flow in porous media, Reservoir drive mechanisms, Reservoir simulation fundamentals, Well testing analysis |
| MP 1051 | Research Methodology & Project Management | Core | 3 | Research design and methods, Data collection and analysis, Project planning and scheduling, Risk management in projects, Intellectual property rights |
| MP 1061 | Software Applications in Petroleum Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Reservoir simulation software applications, Wellbore hydraulics modeling, Production optimization tools, Data analysis in petroleum engineering, GIS for oil and gas |
| MP 1071 | Communication Skills & Technical Writing | Core (Audit) | 0 | Principles of technical writing, Report and proposal writing, Effective presentation skills, Scientific paper structure, Professional communication strategies |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 2011 | Drilling Engineering II | Core | 3 | Directional and horizontal drilling, Well control principles, Drilling fluids technology, Cementing operations, Casing design and selection |
| MP 2021 | Offshore Petroleum Engineering | Core | 3 | Offshore drilling platforms, Subsea production systems, Offshore pipelines and risers, Environmental regulations in offshore, Offshore safety management |
| MP 203X | Elective I (Department Elective) | Elective | 3 | Advanced Well Testing, Coal Bed Methane, Pipeline Engineering, Gas Hydrates |
| MP 204X | Elective II (Department Elective) | Elective | 3 | Natural Gas Engineering, Optimization Techniques in Petroleum Engineering, Shale Gas and Tight Oil, Deep Water Technology |
| MP 2051 | Petroleum Production Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Artificial lift system experiments, Well completion practices, Multiphase flow analysis, EOR experimental setups, Production data acquisition and analysis |
| MP 2061 | Seminar & Term Paper | Project/Seminar | 2 | Literature review techniques, Technical presentation skills, Research proposal development, Scientific writing standards, In-depth study on specific PE topics |
| MP 2071 | Energy, Environment & Economics | Core (Audit) | 0 | Global energy scenario, Environmental impact of oil & gas, Petroleum project economics, Regulatory framework, Sustainable development in energy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 301X | Elective III (Department Elective) | Elective | 3 | Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage, Geothermal Energy, Reservoir Characterization |
| MP 302X | Elective IV (Department Elective) | Elective | 3 | HSE in Petroleum Industry, Artificial Intelligence in Petroleum Engineering, Refinery and Petrochemicals, Well Stimulation |
| MP 3031 | Project/Dissertation Stage-I | Project | 10 | Problem identification and definition, Extensive literature survey, Methodology design and planning, Preliminary data collection/analysis, Project proposal and presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 4011 | Project/Dissertation Stage-II | Project | 16 | Advanced experimental/simulation work, Data interpretation and validation, Comprehensive thesis writing, Results discussion and conclusions, Dissertation defense and viva-voce |




