M.Tech in Process Engineering or Process Design Engineering is a postgraduate engineering course that focuses on the design, operation, control, optimization, and intensification of chemical, physical, and biological processes. Process Engineering is involved in many industries including chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, mineral processing, advanced material, food, pharmaceutical, software development, and biotechnological industries. Therefore, universities offer this course in combination with other major branches of engineering.
The duration of this technical course is 2 years and the minimum eligibility to pursue the course is a B. Tech degree in Process Engineering or related subject from a recognized institute with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
The course provides a sound foundation for graduates wishing to pursue a career in process engineering with specialization in chemical engineering, electrical engineering, communications, etc. The modules of this program are designed with the objective of training the students to plan, design, install, operate, control, and maintain complex systems that produce, treat, and use materials and fuels.
M.Tech. Process Engineering: What is it About?
M.Tech Process Engineering involves a series of steps that are used by the engineering team to guide them through various engineering processes in order to create a specific product.
The main objective of this course is to strive for efficient production, utilization, and management of different processes including chemicals, petrochemicals, or others. Primary emphasis is given to the identification of appropriate technologies for the efficient production, distribution and use of chemicals and it also focuses on the dynamics of the various process equipment and their control.
Top Institutes Offering M.Tech in Process Engineering
The average tuition fee for this course ranges between INR 1 Lakh to INR 5 Lakh. A fresh postgraduate in Process Engineering can earn an annual salary between INR 4 Lakh– and INR 6 Lakh which increases gradually with experience and skill set.
SR.NO. | COLLEGE/INSTITUTE | STATE | TUITION FEES (PER YEAR) in INR | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | ADMISSION PROCEDURE |
1. | Indian Institute of Technology (IITB) Bombay | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 43,126 | Candidates should have a B. Tech/ B.E. / B.Sc. degree in relevant stream with first class or 60% marks in aggregate (55% for SC/ST candidates) from a recognized university. | Admission is based on GATE score. Candidates with 2 years of relevant work experience are exempted from this GATE criterion provided their candidature is sponsored by the employer. |
2. | University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 244,000 |
Candidates appearing in the final year examinations can also apply on provisional basis. |
Admissions will be purely on the basis of merit. Selection is based on screening of application and interview. Candidates are selected based on UPES MEET (Non-GATE candidates)/ GATE marks/score and performance in Personal Interview. |
3. | Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) | Tamil Nadu | 80,750 | A B.E/B. Tech in EIE/ECE/EEE/E&I/E&C/ Electronics/ Instrumentation, or any other relevant stream with minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST candidates). | Selection of candidates is based on score obtained in graduation. Last date to apply for M. Tech admission is in April and form is available on the official website of the university. GATE score is also acceptable. |
4. | Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | 82,530 | Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree – BE/ B. Tech in Chemical Engineering or allied branches with minimum 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA obtained through the 10+2+4 system of education. A relaxation of 5% marks is given to SC/ST/. | Admission to M .Tech is based on the candidates’ GATE score followed by the centralized counselling jointly conducted by all National Institutes of Technology (CCMT). |
Duration
Like any other M. Tech course, the duration of Process Engineering is 2 years, spread over 4 semesters. Each semester is usually 6 months long. The 1st year of the course provides students definite theoretical knowledge and practical experience whereas the last year mainly focuses on dissertation and project submission.
Eligibility Criteria for M.Tech in Process Engineering
To pursue M. Tech Process Engineering, candidates must meet the eligibilities –
- They should have a B. Tech/ B.E. in Process Engineering or allied branches (Chemical Engineering/ Petrochemical/ Electrical/ Computer Science) from any recognized university obtained through the 10+2+4 system of education.
- The minimum percentage required is 50% (differs from institute to institute) in aggregate or equivalent CGPA in graduation. A relaxation of 5% marks is given to reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) candidates.
- Students in the last semester of their graduation are also eligible to apply for the course, provided they fulfill the eligibility criteria.
M.Tech in Process Engineering: Admission Process
Selection in engineering colleges for this discipline is based on performance in the GATE entrance examination. Universities also conduct their own entrance exam followed by an interview round in some cases. A few of them also provide direct admission based on scores obtained in graduation. The last step of the admission process involves counselling based on performance in the entrance test or any qualifying exam.
Listed below are a few entrance examinations conducted for availing admission to M.Tech:
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)
GATE is an All-India examination that is conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Bangalore, and 7 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), namely IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee. The objective is to test the student’s understanding of various undergraduate subjects in engineering and science. The entrance exam is primarily held for admission to postgraduate courses in the fields of engineering, technology, architecture, and science. The GATE score is used for admissions to various PG programs.
UPES M.Tech Engineering Entrance Test (UPES MEET)
The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) conducts UPES MEET every year for M. Tech admissions. It is an online test and the scores can be used for admissions to postgraduate engineering courses offered by the university. Candidates with valid GATE scores are given direct admissions but the remaining ones need to appear for the UPES MEET to qualify for admissions.
M.Tech in Process Engineering: Career Prospects and Job Opportunities
A process engineer can work in various fields like oil and petrochemical companies, engineering consulting firms, water treatment plans, chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, companies dealing with recycling and environmental protection, nuclear plants, insurance firms that involve refinery inspections, and many others.
Some of the main prospective areas of employment for M. Tech Process Engineering Graduates are listed here:
- University Professors
- Pharmaceuticals Sector
- Health Care Industry
- Pulp and Paper Industry
- Food Processing Industry
- Biotechnology Sector
Also, listed here are some of the popular Process Engineering- related job profiles:
- Process Development Engineer in Chemical/Steel Plant/Petrochemical/Fertilizer
- Design Engineer for Liquefaction & Gasification
- Process Design Engineer
- Plant Modification Engineer
- Process Plant & Equipment Design Engineer
- Research & Development (R&D) Engineer
M.Tech in Process Engineering: Academic Options
Since it is a research- oriented field, students with an M. Tech degree in Process Engineering can go for doctoral courses (M. Phil or Ph.D.) offered by many top institutes. IITs and NITs offer research programs in Process Engineering wherein the students can apply their knowledge in formulating a new theory and later, work as professors in colleges.
Compiled below is a list of the major job titles and profiles along with corresponding remunerations offered in the field of Process Engineering:
Job Title | Job Profile | Average Annual Salary in INR | |||
Process Development Engineer | Process development engineers plan, design and execute cost-effective production systems for various industries, such as mining or manufacturing, to enhance the speed and quality of processing and ensure that the produced items comply with government regulations and industry standards. They design and implement manufacturing, mining, and other production systems. | INR 250,000 – 700,000 Senior Process Engineer - INR 2,000,000 | |||
Process Design Engineer | Process Design Engineers (or Chemical engineers) are responsible for the chemical, biochemical, and/or physical processes and machinery used to transform raw materials into valuable products. They are also responsible for developing new industrial processes and designing new process plants and equipment or modifying existing ones. | INR 400,000 – 1,000,000 | |||
Plant Engineer | Plant engineers work in manufacturing environments directing the smooth operation of the plant. Plant engineers typically work for power plants and manufacturing establishments. | INR 300,000 | |||
Research & Development (R&D) Engineer | R&D Engineers conduct research and development activities for an organization. They apply research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and research activities and are responsible for summarizing research results and communicating findings to internal and external bodies. | INR 200,000 –1,000,000 |
M.Tech in Process Engineering: Course Structure and Syllabus
M. Tech in Process Engineering enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of theoretical concepts and practical application which is further enhanced through active involvement of students in research work, regular workshops and guest lectures by domain experts from respective industries. Given below is a semester- wise breakup of the course’s syllabus.
Semester | Theoretical Subjects | Practical Subjects |
Semester I |
|
Practical
Summer
Core Courses
|
Semester II |
(ELECTIVES) Available basket
|
Practical
|
Semester III |
|
|
Semester IV |
|
Comments