Frequently Asked Questions : M Tech. (ECE)

How do I get admitted to MTech (ECE)?

To get admitted to MTech (ECE), you must have appeared in the GATE (EC) exam within the last three years. You should then apply for the PG programs in IISc by mentioning MTech ECE as one of your choices. Shortlisted applicants will then be called for an online technical video interview. A combination of the GATE score and the interview performance will determine your admission offer.

 

2. How do I prepare for the MTech (ECE) technical interview?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The interview will test candidates on basics and will be within the undergraduate curriculum / GATE syllabus.

 

3. How are campus placements for MTech (ECE) students? What are the areas in which students can start a career after MTech in (ECE)?

MTech (ECE) is a new master’s program in ECE, IISc, started in 2021. It contains three focus areas that are impactful in designing the next generation of communication systems:
1. Communications & Networking

2. Signal and Information Sciences

3. High Frequency Circuits and Systems. 

The program is broad and offers students to specialise in different areas mentioned above leading to a wide array of specialised job opportunities. Some example areas in which one can start a career after the program include modem systems, wireless baseband systems, RF/Analog IC design, multimedia (camera/video) systems, machine learning systems, data scientist roles, and several more.

The placement opportunities are as good as other leading institutes in the country and the world. If you do well in the program, you can be sure of a good position in top companies with attractive pay packages.

 

4. What is the difference between MTech (ECE) and other programs such as MTech (Microelectronics and VLSI), MTech (Signal Processing), MTech (Artificial Intelligence) and MTech (DESE)?

MTech (ECE) is the flagship program of the ECE department at IISc. The ECE department also participates in three other masters programs: MTech (Microelectronics and VLSI), MTech (Signal Processing), MTech (Artificial Intelligence). The difference among these programs are primarily in the core courses of these programs. The MTech (ECE) program positions students to make impactful contributions in industry, academia in the broad area of communications. However, there are several aspects of communications that overlap with VLSI design, signal processing and artificial intelligence. Thus all these programs interact with one another and students from several of these programs often take similar courses.

The MTech (ECE) program offers the flexibility to start from basics of communications and explore interactions with several related areas. At least half the course requirement in MTech (ECE) consists of electives. Thus, the students have the flexibility to choose from a wide array of other courses in the institute in consultation with the faculty advisor.

5. Suppose I join MTech (ECE), but after a term perhaps I wish to switch to Signal Processing/VLSI. Is there a way?

 As mentioned earlier, there is enough flexibility in the MTech (ECE) program that allows a student to take signal processing or VLSI design related courses and specialise in these areas as part of the MTech (ECE) program. The only requirement in the MTech ECE program involves taking the core courses and a few other courses that satisfy the breadth requirement of different areas. On successful completion of the program an MTech (ECE) degree will be awarded. It must be reiterated that most reputed recruiters look for acquired skills than nomenclature of the degree.

 

6. Do I get to choose an area/advisor for MTech project? What is the procedure?

 The project forms an important part of the masters program at IISc. The advisor-advisee assignment for the projects is done towards the end of the first semester taking into account the area of interest of the student and mutual consent of the faculty and the student. Please visit this page for current areas of interest and specializations of faculty members of the Department.  Projects are allotted using a set procedure.

7. How exactly is MTech (Res) different from MTech? Does one get to do more research?

 MTech (Research) is a research program while MTech is a course based program. Thus the course requirements of MTech (Research) are much less than that of the MTech program. Also, thesis requirements of the MTech (Research) program correspond to those that are typically desired in peer reviewed high quality publications. The project requirements of the MTech program are slightly different and can be achieved through research work, publications, interesting prototypes, system building etc. The scope of work is usually decided based on mutual discussions between the student and the faculty advisor.

 

8. Can I take courses from other departments? Is a course common for students from Masters, PhD, undergrad, other departments? How are they graded considering the wide difference in background?

 In MTech (ECE), apart from the core courses and the breadth requirement courses (which roughly account for six courses), the remaining courses (roughly another 6) are electives, which can be taken from within or outside the department. It is common for courses to be taken by both Masters and PhD students. We usually observe that Masters students do as well as the PhD students. The background of the student does not matter after the first semester. In the first semester, the courses are taught assuming very minimal background.

 

9. Suppose I have a job after Bachelors in ECE domain; what does the Masters programme at ECE add to my career profile? What are some advantages?

 A master’s degree (ECE) offers to strengthen fundamental concepts in advanced areas like communications, signal processing, high frequency circuits, machine learning, etc. A bachelor’s degree often does not provide enough training to contribute to cutting edge work in these areas. A master’s degree also provides a stronger foundation training such that one is able to seamless move across areas easily during the course of professional career growth. Our master’s students also end up as leaders in their technical teams by virtue of their ability to impact technology in industry.

 

10. Having joined for Masters if I wish to convert/continue for a PhD what is the procedure?

 Masters students have the option to convert to the PhD program after the first or second semester based on their satisfying a minimum performance criterion during their first year. In this case, the student is treated like a direct PhD student, i.e. students who have been admitted to the PhD program with only a bachelors degree.  A graduating student is given both an MTech and a PhD degree in this case.

 

11. What are some Masters projects? What do they involve?

 MTech ECE is a new program in which MTech CN has been significantly modified. An example list of masters projects for the MTech (ECE) students floated last year is Available Here (list of projects)

 

12. How different is MTech (Microelectronics & VLSI) different from MTech at DESE? Why was cut-off GATE score so high for MTech (Microelectronics & VLSI) whereas it appears to be quite relaxed for MTech at DESE?

MTech at DESE has been selecting students through a rigorous interview process. On the other hand, MTech (Microelectronics & VLSI) program used to have a small number of seats and was admitting qualified students directly without an interview. Since 2019 the strength of the program has been increased, and an interview process has been initiated. 

 

13. What are the active research areas under ECE?

 The faculty in the ECE department broadly work in the areas of communication and networks, signal processing, machine learning, microelectronics, photonics, RF and microwave engineering and cyber-physical systems. Please look up individual faculty pages for a more current view of topics they work on.

What are chances of getting into foreign universities for higher studies after an MTech in IISc?

 An MTech degree from IISc can significantly improve your chances of getting admitted to a top ranked doctoral programs across the world.

15. What will be the course curriculum of MTech (ECE)?

Please see above for details on the course structure. There is a total requirement of 36 course credits consisting of 9 core course credits and another nine credits from three stream pools: a. Communication and Networks, b. Signal and Information Sciences, c. High Frequency Circuits and Systems. The rest of the 18 credits can be taken from ECE or other departments in consultation with the faculty advisor. As you can see, the curriculum offers plenty of flexibility to take courses in other areas such as AI/ML, Data Structures, Signal Processing, VLSI Circuits, Antennas, etc. The project contributes to an additional 28 credits. The project offers a unique opportunity to work on impactful problems and latest techniques.

 

16. Suppose I get admitted to the MTech (ECE) program and wish to train in emerging areas like AI. What can I do?

Several courses such as Random Processes (core course), Matrix Theory (stream pool course), and Foundations of Machine Learning (stream pool course) in MTech ECE are also taken as core courses by students of MTech AI. Thus, students get trained in basics that are relevant across different areas. MTech (ECE) students will seamlessly be able to work on various AI applications.

 

17. What kind of student life can I expect at IISc?

IISc will offer you a memorable student experience during your stay here. You can take a look here for some excerpts on student perspectives.

 

18. How does the MTech (ECE) program differ from the MTech (Online) program in ECE?

The MTech (Online) program in ECE is meant for professionals working in the industry. These students need to be sponsored by the organisation in which they are currently employed and need to apply through the organisation. On the other hand, the MTech (ECE) program is a full-time residential program where classes are ideally held offline.

 

19. Are there any entrepreneurship opportunities that one can pursue at IISc?

The society for Innovation and Development (SID) and AI and Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK) at IISc offer several opportunities to translate ideas into technical products.

 

20. In which COAP round will MTech (ECE) offers be announced?

A vast majority of offers will be announced in the first round itself. Very minor additions can be expected in subsequent rounds.

 

21. Can we come to the interviews with parents/siblings?

Certainly, they can accompany you when you visit the department for the interview.

 

22. What is the highest/average package for MTech ECE batch graduating in 2023?

Highest package was around Rs. 49 lakhs per annum while the average was around Rs. 33 lakhs per annum.