
M-TECH in Computer Aided Design at SRM Institute of Science and Technology


Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Computer Aided Design at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Computer Aided Design (CAD) program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced design, simulation, and manufacturing techniques. It equips students with skills in geometric modeling, finite element analysis, design optimization, and integrated manufacturing systems. The program addresses the growing demand for CAD/CAM/CAE professionals in India''''s automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing sectors, emphasizing digital product development and advanced engineering solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical, production, automobile, and aerospace engineering graduates seeking expertise in digital design and manufacturing. It suits freshers aiming for research and development roles in product development and working professionals looking to upskill in advanced simulation and automation technologies to enhance their career prospects in the evolving Indian industrial landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as Design Engineers, CAE Analysts, Product Development Specialists, or Manufacturing Process Engineers in Indian multinational corporations and startups. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-20+ LPA. The program aligns with industry certifications in CAD/CAE software and offers strong career growth opportunities in India''''s booming engineering services sector.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master CAD/CAE Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to hands-on practice with industry-standard CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo) and CAE (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus) software. Utilize university labs and free student versions. Focus on building complex models, performing simulations, and interpreting results accurately.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST CAD/CAM Lab, Official software tutorials, Online courses (Coursera, Udemy)
Career Connection
Strong software skills are non-negotiable for design and analysis roles, making graduates immediately employable in engineering services and product development companies across India.
Strengthen Engineering Mathematics & Mechanics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core subjects like Applied Mathematics for Engineers and Advanced Mechanics of Solids. Solve numerous problems, attend tutorial sessions, and form study groups to reinforce theoretical understanding, which is crucial for advanced simulation and design optimization.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, NPTEL courses on relevant topics, Peer study groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation enables critical problem-solving in design and analysis, differentiating graduates in R&D and advanced engineering roles within the Indian industry.
Participate in Design & Innovation Challenges- (Semester 1-2)
Join university-level or national design competitions (e.g., SAE Baja, Formula Bharat, Smart India Hackathon - design track). Apply theoretical knowledge to practical design problems, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. Document your projects thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Engineering clubs, Departmental workshops, Online competition platforms
Career Connection
Builds a strong portfolio of practical experience, demonstrates application skills, and enhances networking opportunities with industry professionals, leading to better internship and placement prospects in India.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Industry-Relevant Mini Projects- (Semester 3)
Collaborate with faculty or seek out opportunities for mini-projects that involve real-world industrial challenges in areas like product design, manufacturing simulation, or material selection. Focus on applying optimization and CIM principles to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research projects, Industry contacts, Faculty guidance, Online project repositories
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure, develops specialized skills, and creates valuable project experience for resumes, attracting recruiters seeking problem-solvers in the Indian manufacturing sector.
Network with CAD/CAM Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend industry seminars, workshops, and conferences focused on CAD, CAM, and advanced manufacturing. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, seek mentorship, and understand current industry trends and requirements specific to the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
Industry events (online/offline), LinkedIn, Alumni network, Professional bodies like Institution of Engineers (India)
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, industry insights, and potential job referrals, crucial for navigating the competitive job market and securing a foothold in India''''s engineering industry.
Specialize in an Advanced CAD/CAE Domain- (Semester 3)
Beyond core subjects, dive deep into a specific area like Generative Design, Topology Optimization, Additive Manufacturing design, or Advanced Composites Analysis through electives and self-study. Aim to become an expert in a niche area highly relevant to Indian industries.
Tools & Resources
Specialized online courses, Research papers, Advanced software modules, Industry webinars
Career Connection
Develops a unique skill set highly valued by companies seeking specialists, leading to more targeted and higher-paying job roles in R&D and advanced engineering within India.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work (Thesis/Dissertation)- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a challenging research problem for your Project Work I & II (thesis) that has significant industry relevance or academic novelty. Dedicate thorough effort to literature review, methodology, execution, and clear thesis writing. Aim for publication in conferences or journals.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Faculty advisors, University library databases, Academic writing tools
Career Connection
A strong thesis demonstrates research capability, problem-solving skills, and deep domain expertise, vital for R&D roles, academic careers, or even pursuing a PhD in India or abroad.
Prepare for Core Engineering Placements- (Semester 4)
Focus on interview preparation, refining your resume and portfolio (showcasing CAD/CAE projects). Practice technical questions related to design, analysis, and manufacturing, along with soft skills for group discussions and personal interviews specific to core engineering companies.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell, Mock interviews, Online aptitude tests, Company-specific preparation guides
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for securing placements in top-tier design, manufacturing, and R&D companies in India, maximizing your chances of a successful career launch.
Develop Professional Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in seminars, presentations, and technical report writing. Seek feedback to improve clarity, conciseness, and impact. This includes both written and oral communication, essential for conveying complex technical information to diverse audiences within an engineering context.
Tools & Resources
Professional Skills and Ethics course, Toastmasters clubs, Presentation workshops, Peer reviews
Career Connection
Effective communication is crucial for leadership roles, client interaction, and team collaboration in any engineering organization, enabling faster career progression in India and globally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E. / B.Tech. in Mechanical Engg./Production Engg./Automobile Engg./Aeronautical Engg./Mechatronics Engg./Industrial Engg./Manufacturing Engg. or equivalent. GATE qualified candidates will be given preference.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for Theory courses), 60% (for Laboratory courses), External: 50% (for Theory courses), 40% (for Laboratory courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAD23101 | Applied Mathematics for Engineers | Core | 3 | Linear Algebra, Probability and Random Variables, Testing of Hypothesis, Design of Experiments, Transforms and Partial Differential Equations |
| CAD23102 | Advanced Mechanics of Solids | Core | 3 | Stress and Strain Analysis, Plane Stress and Plane Strain, Theories of Failure, Unsymmetrical Bending, Torsion of Non-Circular Shafts |
| CAD23103 | Computer Aided Design | Core | 3 | Geometric Modeling, Parametric Design, Feature-Based Modeling, Solid Modeling Techniques, CAD/CAM Data Exchange |
| CAD23104 | Applied Finite Element Analysis | Core | 3 | FEM Fundamentals, 1D and 2D Element Formulations, Isoparametric Elements, Solution of Field Problems, Dynamic Analysis |
| CAD23E01 | Manufacturing Processes Simulation | Elective (Program Elective I - example) | 3 | Metal Forming Simulation, Casting Simulation, Welding Simulation, Machining Process Simulation, Process Optimization |
| CAD23105 | Computational Methods Lab | Lab | 2 | MATLAB Programming, Numerical Methods Application, FEM Software Practice, Data Analysis, Graphical Simulation |
| CAD23106 | Advanced CAD/CAM Lab | Lab | 2 | CAD Software Proficiency, CAM Software Application, CNC Programming, Prototyping, Design Optimization Tools |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAD23201 | Advanced Product Design and Development | Core | 3 | Product Design Methodologies, Design for X (Manufacture, Assembly, Environment), Value Engineering, Concept Generation, Product Lifecycle Management |
| CAD23202 | Computer Integrated Manufacturing | Core | 3 | CIM Architecture, NC/CNC Technology, Robotics in Manufacturing, Automated Material Handling, FMS and Agile Manufacturing |
| CAD23203 | Design Optimization | Core | 3 | Optimization Techniques, Linear and Non-Linear Programming, Evolutionary Algorithms, Multi-objective Optimization, Engineering Applications |
| CAD23204 | Design and Analysis of Composite Materials | Core | 3 | Composite Material Mechanics, Laminated Plate Theory, Failure Theories of Composites, Manufacturing of Composites, Design with Composites |
| CAD23E04 | Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing | Elective (Program Elective II - example) | 3 | Additive Manufacturing Processes, Materials for AM, Design for AM, Post-processing, Applications of 3D Printing |
| CAD23205 | Design Analysis and Optimization Lab | Lab | 2 | CAE Software for Analysis, Optimization Software Usage, Structural Analysis, Thermal Analysis, Design Sensitivity Analysis |
| CAD23M01 | Professional Skills and Ethics | Mandatory Non-credit Course | 0 | Communication Skills, Professional Ethics, Teamwork, Leadership, Engineering Professionalism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAD23301 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing |
| CAD23E07 | Finite Element Software and Applications | Elective (Program Elective III - example) | 3 | Commercial FEM Software, Meshing Techniques, Pre-processing and Post-processing, Advanced Analysis Types, Industrial Case Studies |
| CAD23F01 | Smart Manufacturing | Elective (Faculty Elective I - example) | 3 | Industry 4.0, Cyber Physical Systems, Digital Twin, IoT in Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence in Production |
| CAD23V01 | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 1 | Specific skill-based training, Emerging technologies, Industry practices, Professional development, Software proficiency |
| CAD23PW01 | Project Work - I | Project | 6 | Problem Identification, Literature Survey, Methodology Development, Preliminary Design, Project Planning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAD23PW02 | Project Work - II | Project | 18 | Detailed Design, Experimental Setup/Simulation, Data Analysis, Results and Discussion, Thesis Preparation and Presentation |




