General

Dear Engineering Students,
I am Shankar, did my M.Tech in Power and Control from IIT Kanpur, B.Tech from JNTU Kakinada Campus and Diploma from Andhra Polytechnic Kakinada.
I worked in General Electric, Hyderabad for 6 years in the field of renewable energy sources. At present, delivering number of lectures in the field of power electronics (since 2007) and delivered lectures in Control systems as well (in the past) especially for GATE/ESE/PSUs. This blog is to explore the various opportunities for electrical engineering students especially preparing for competitive exams. I would like to utilize this blog as platform to share information as much as I can and requesting the continuous feed back for the improvement. I am maintaining this blog after my busy schedule as part of social service and giving back something to the society. If you like it, you can also be part of it

Thanks
BNSS Shankar

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Post GATE preparation


Post GATE preparation
Results of GATE will be declared in the month of March. For GATE 2014, it is on 28th March, 2014.
Actual fun will start once the GATE results are declared, successful aspirants will have myriad of questions – My rank is 50, 150, 250, 300 so on…..oops !!! It is very difficult situation to guide for post GATE as there is no single formula or derivation which will suite for all…..So many factors will include like candidate interest is in IIT or specialization. And sometimes, category also plays an important role
Based on my experience on this admission process since last 6-7 years, I will put my words like this:

Mostly students will have lot of confusions whether to give preference for IIT or specialization. Post graduation education is purely driven by your interest. In your life, till now there could be several external factors which might be influence in taking decisions and course selections. At least, after GATE take decision on your interest
First step should be, decide what your interest is, is it to do MS/ME/M.Tech. Question yourself in the following way:
1.       Do I want to do MS/ME/M.Tech in specific program in specific IIT
2.       Do I want to do MS/ME/M.Tech any program in specific IIT
3.       Do I want to do MS/ME/M.Tech specific program in any IIT
4.       Do I want to do MS/ME/M.Tech any program in any IIT

Of course, you will do PG for better life only. So, you need to consider placement history before selecting any IIT
You have to compromise any one of the above questions based on your rank. No doubt, you will get seat in best IIT and in your interested specialization, if you have good rank in your hand. Otherwise slowly your priorities and choices will change.
By considering all these facts in mind, prepare well before GATE exam

From my previous student’s collection, some of the information is given here. Please note that, this is just to give some overview on admission process and for information purpose only. Please do not argue and do not create legal problems. Take decision after asking experts and look into history

IISc Bangalore
IISc has three major programs – ME, M.Tech and MS across various disciplines. ME/M.Tech programs are most desired and more industry oriented while the MS programs are more research oriented. There is no difference between ME and M.Tech programs except for the fact that ME programs are offered in the traditional departments/disciplines while the M.Tech courses are offered in the more contemporary disciplines. And also, the admission to ME programs is based only on the GATE score while the admission to M.Tech & MS programs is based on a written test/interview.

Who should apply?
·         ME courses: those with AIR < 100
·         M.Tech courses: those with AIR < 600
·         MS Course: those with AIR < 1500
Interview tips:
·         Strong knowledge of Mathematics is a  must
·         Interview questions generally based on candidate preference
·         Interview panel generally helpful and friendly
What are the courses available for EE graduate?
ME programs:
·         Power Systems (conducted by Electrical engineering department)
·         Power Electronics (conducted by Electrical engineering department)
·         High Voltage Engineering (conducted by Electrical engineering department)
·         Micro electronics systems (Jointly conducted by Electrical Communication Engg &  Electronic  Systems Engg)
·         Signal processing (Jointly conducted by Electrical Engineering  & Electrical Communication Engineering)
·         Systems Science & Automation (Jointly conducted by Electrical Engineering & Computer Science & Automation)
M.Tech Programs:
·         Electronic Systems Engineering – Areas of study is Communication Networks, Embedded Systems, Power Conversion, VLSI Design, Electronics Systems Packaging, Electro Magnetic Compatibility, Analog Circuits, Mechatronics, and Product Engineering. Signal Processing and Information Theory, VLSI Systems Architecture.
Eligibility is BE / B Tech or equivalent degree (corresponding GATE discipline) with Electronics as one of the subjects of study
Some other information about IISc Bangalore:
·         This is most prestigious institute in India from the research stand point
·         This is the first institute which will give the notification and immediate after GATE results, student will have very less time to take decision
·         Student need to plan the travel arrangements accordingly
·         If you are in final year, there may be clash with your final year exams. In that situation you need to call them and take the necessary permissions

IIT Bombay
With 15 departments and more than 50 specializations to offer, this institute has something offer for all type of students. One of the most sought after institute for M.Tech courses across all IITs. Specializations like PEPS, VLSI and communication systems are highly regarded by the academia, industry and are the best in terms of content & delivery within the IIT system
As the campus is located in Indian financial capital city and city is well connected by all modes of transportation like Air and Rail, companies will have lot of flexibility to conduct placement interviews in short span of time, so that institute will have excellent placement opportunities

The Institute offers a full time programme of 2year and a part time programme of 3year duration. The part time programme is available to the students admitted under categories Sponsored(SW), Research Assistant(RA), Research Assistantship Through Project (RAP), Project Staff (PS) and Institute Staff (IS) (PS and IS categories are only for persons employed at IIT Bombay). However, the working hours for the part time programme will include the normal working hours of 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and also evening slots.

Who should apply?
·         Students with GATE score more than 500
·         Generally students with GATE AIR under 150 can manage to get direct call, students under the top 1000 can expect a test cum interview call

Interview tips:
·         Test paper generally includes questions from mathematics, general aptitude and core subjects
·         Test paper will objective as well as subjective questions
·         Interview questions could be based on test paper
·         Stressed interview

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech Programs:
·         Communication Engineering (EE1)
·         Control and Computing (EE2)
·         Power electronics & Power systems (EE3)
·         Micro electronics (EE4)
·         Electronic systems (EE5)
·         Energy systems (Department of Energy Science and Engineering) – Course on renewable energy systems
·         Systems and Control (Interdisciplinary Group in Systems & Control Engineering)
Note1: Out of the five specialization choices (EE1, EE2, EE3, EE4, and EE5) in Electrical Engineering, each candidate is permitted up to THREE choices in the order of his/her preference. All admission procedures will be conducted only for the FIRST three choices pertaining to the Electrical Engineering Department, given by an applicant. If you select EE3 as first option (as EEE graduate), you can get seat easily

Note2: Candidates applying for EE1, EE2, EE3, EE4, EE5 MUST provide the following information along with the application form:
• Title of the final year project.
• Four courses studied, which you think, are relevant to the M.Tech. Programme
• Short term courses attended.

Some other information about IIT Bombay:
INSTITUTE TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP (TA):
1. Candidates to this category are selected subject to (i) a valid GATE score and (ii).Performance in Test / Interview.
2. The students joining the programme under this category will be considered for Teaching assistantships of Rs. 8,000/per month As per MHRD directives

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP THROUGH PROJECT (TAP):
1. Candidates to this category are selected subject to (i) a valid GATE score and (ii) Performance in Test / Interview
2. The students joining the programme under this category will be considered for Assistantships based on the following norms:
i. The TAP holders are required to work in a sponsored R&D project being carried out at the institute.
ii. They will also do their M. Tech. dissertation work under same faculty group in same area as the sponsored project.
iii. They have to complete M.Tech. programme in 2 years.
3. Only some disciplines/specializations have TAP seats. The candidates do not have to indicate their preferences for TAP separately.

FELLOWSHIP AWARDEES (FA):
1. Candidates to this category are selected subject to (i) a valid GATE score and (ii) Performance in Test / Interview
2. Fellowships are available from agencies such as Aeronautics Research & Development Board (ARDB), Dept. of Science and Technology (DST), Forbes Marshall, Pune, Textile Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (TMMA), Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), International Energy Initiative, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Larsen & Toubro, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board etc.
3. Only some disciplines/specializations have FA seats. The candidates do not have to indicate their preferences for FA separately

INSTITUTE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP (RA):
1. Candidates to this category are selected subject to (i) a valid GATE score and (ii) Performance in Test / Interview
2. The students joining the programme under this category will be considered for Research Assistantships (RA) of Rs. 9,000/per month
3. Only some disciplines/specializations have RA seats. The candidates do not have to indicate their preferences for RA separately.

Research Assistantship through Project (RAP):

1. Candidates to this category are selected subject to (i) a valid GATE score and (ii) Performance in Test / Interview
2. The students joining the programme under this category will be considered for Assistantships supported under Sponsored Research Project being carried out at the Institute
3. Only some disciplines/specializations have RAP seats. The candidates do not have to indicate their preferences for separately

IIT Kanpur
IIT Kanpur is engaged in carrying out original research of significance and technology development at the cutting edge. It imparts training to students so that they become competent and motivated engineers and scientists. The programmes are designed to impart knowledge, and strengthen concepts and intellectual skills though course work, seminars and project/thesis work and thus cater to the needs of industry R&D organizations and educational institutions.

Who should apply?
·         Students under AIR 650, one expect a direct call with AIR under 50

Interview tips:
·         2 and half hour test followed by Interview
·         Test paper generally includes questions from mathematics, general aptitude and core subjects especially PS, PE, CS and machines It is around 60% technical and 40% aptitude

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech Programs:
·         Microelectronics, VLSI and Display Technologies
·         Power and Control
·         RF, Microwaves and Photonics
·         Signal Processing, Communications and Networks
Note1: If EEE student applies any specialization other than Power & Control, their application may not short list. This point is will not mention in the notification and this is my experience
Note2: Sometimes, they may give importance and cut off for B.Tech % as well

Some other information about IIT Kanpur:
·         In general, they will conduct interview in last couple of weeks of April. IIT Kharagpur and Delhi will also conduct in same week. Journey from you home place to Kanpur –Kharagpur - Delhi will be really pathetic. Even first two cities are not well connected by air as well. You should mentally prepare to travel in general coach in train for at least 24-30 hours in very hot summer and then next day to face test and interview………OOPS………tortured Indian yatra in hot summer!!!!!
·         Once you reach the campus, you will forget everything by seeing such a beautiful campus located in more than 1000 acres. Believe me, my M.Tech days in Kanpur are most memorable days in my life. I enjoyed and learned a lot. Still, I remember the food provided by campus.  What you are seeing in me is just because of IIT Kanpur. Thanks to IIT K

IIT Kharagpur
First of the IITs, was established in 1950. Today, IIT Kharagpur has come a long way to its present position of pre eminence with nineteen academic departments, five multi disciplinary centers, a school of management, a school of telecommunications, a school of medical science and technology, and a school of information technology and several sophisticated central facilities. It is the largest and most diversified among the IITs

Who should apply?
·         Upto AIR 1200

Test/Interview tips:
·         70% weightage to GATE performance and 30 % to interview
·         Personal interview will test the following:
-          Motivation and aptitude for the programme.
-          Oral communication skills
-          Skills in basic science, engineering and relevant areas

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech Programs:
·         EE1 Machine Drives and Power Electronics (MDPE)
·         EE2 Control System Engineering (CSE)
·         EE3 Power and Energy Systems (PES)
·         EE4 Instrumentation and Signal Processing (INST)
Note1: I will give you one example based on GATE 2013 admission process.
There was one student named Anvesh (from GE batch, GATE 2013) and his AIR is 181. He applied for IIT KGP with the following options in the Choice Order: (1) EE1 (2) EE2 (3) EE3 (4) AT (5) EE4 (6) IM (7) CR (8) SM
 He got the offer letter from IIT KGP as below:
Dear Anvesh, Hearty Congratulations!
We are pleased to offer you provisional admission for the course Cryogenic Engineering (CR) with assistantship in the CRYOGENIC ENGINEERING.
Anvesh need to accept any one of the following 3 options:
Option1:
I ACCEPT the offer mentioned in the attached letter. I am NOT opting for any upgradation of my choices. I will not appear for interview even if I have received an interview call letter.
Option2:
I accept the offer mentioned in the attached letter. I would like to opt for UPGRADATION of my higher choices in the next list if a seat is vacant. I will be considered for the up gradation only if I attend the interview for the specialization(s) for which interview is required. For the remaining higher choices upgradation will be automatically considered.
Option3:
I REJECT the offer mentioned in the attached letter. I understand that by choosing this option, my name will be withdrawn from the merit list and would not be considered in the subsequent lists for any specialization including for which interview call letter is received.

After lot of struggle, Anvesh got seat in MDPE course and doing M.Tech in IIT KGP now

Moral of the story is you should apply the choice of order very carefully. Otherwise you will get seat in some other department and will be lot of confusion

Some other information about IIT Kharagpur:
·         In general, they will conduct interview in last couple of weeks of April. IIT Kanpur and Delhi will also conduct in same week. Journey from you home place to Kanpur –Kharagpur - Delhi will be really pathetic. Even first two cities are not well connected by air as well. You should mentally prepare to travel in general coach in train for at least 24-30 hours in very hot su mmer and then next day to face test and interview………OOPS………tortured Indian yatra in summer!!!!!

IIT Madras
The institute has fifteen departments and a few advance research centers in various disciplines of engineering and pure sciences, with nearly 100 laboratories organized in a unique pattern of functioning. Faculty of international repute, a brilliant student community, excellent technical & supporting staff and an effective administration have all contributed to the pre-eminent status of IIT Madras

Who should apply?
·         For M.Tech - Up to AIR 500
·         For MS – Up to AIR 2000

Test/Interview tips:
·         Generally 3 lists are announced
·         Provision of spot admission
·         Some seats are also available without teaching assistantship
·         Interview questions based on specialization

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech Programs:
·         Communication Systems EE1 (Number of seats 17)
·         Power Systems and Power Electronics EE2 (Number of seats 11)
·         Micro Electronics and VLSI Design EE3 (Number of seats 14)
·         Control and Instrumentation EE4 (Number of seats 11)
·         Photonics EE5 (Number of seats 10)
Note1: in IIT Madras, there are few courses under MS program as well but the course duration is 3 years
Note2: in GATE2013 admission interviews, one student (AIR – 650), performed very well in test on power electronics and interview. He got seat in IIT Madras. I am very proud to say that, one of his interview questions was “Who is your power electronics faculty”. With this question my B-H curve reaches saturation. Thanks to Srikanth

Some other information about IIT Madras:
·         You will get feel of staying in forest after entering into campus. Such a beautiful green and pollution free campus
IIT Delhi
Founded in 1961 and located in 320 acres, IIT Delhi has over thirteen departments and various specializations some of them being interdisciplinary. VDTT (VLSI Design tools and technologies) is one such course which is most popular among students.

Who should apply?
·         Direct admission upto AIR 145
·         Admission with test/interview – GATE score > 500

Test/Interview tips:
·         Sometimes they may conduct written test on mathematics and specialized subject
·         Two popular authors of electrical books are working in IIT Delhi. Kothari and M.Gopal will do interview for Power systems and Controls specializations, Prepare well their books

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech/MS (Research) Programs:
·         Control & Automation (EEA)
·         Integrated Electronics & Circuits (EEN)
·         Power Electronics, Electrical Machines & Drives (EEP)
·         Power systems (EES)
·         Energy studies (Inter disciplinary course)
MS (Research) Programs:
·         Electrical engineering (EEY)

Note1: Minimum Cut off GATE scores for EEP and EES will be as below:
EEP – 760 for GEN, 700 for OBC, 480 for SC, 460 for ST and 450 for PD
EES - 735 for GEN, 680 for OBC, 480 for SC, 460 for ST and 450 for PD

Some other information about IIT Delhi:
·         As the campus is located in Indian capital city and city is well connected by all modes of transportation like Air and Rail, companies will have lot of flexibility to conduct placement interview in short span of time, so that institute will have good placement opportunities.
·         If you are interested in civil services, you will have opportunity explore their classes as well

IIT Roorkee
Roorkee University till 2001, the institute has played a vital role in providing the technical man power and know-how to the country and in pursuit of research. The institute offers Postgraduate’s degree in 55 disciplines of engineering, applied sciences, architecture and planning. The institute has facility for doctoral work in all departments and research centers.

Who should apply?
·         Up to AIR 1400

Test/Interview tips:
·         70% weightage to GATE score and 30% to interview
·         Admission based on test/interview conducted by institute
·         Merit list will be prepared to call the candidate for Interview based on Normalized GATE marks which will be calculated as below:
Normalized GATE marks in some paper = (Maximum out of 100 of the candidate/Maximum marks awarded in that paper in that year) X100
Example: Assume marks scored by the candidate is 64 out of 100 in EE Paper, where maximum marks in EE paper of that year is, say, 92. Then normalized GATE marks of the candidate in EE paper will be as follows:
Normalized GATE marks in some paper = (64/92)*100 = 69.57

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech Programs:
·         Electric drives and power electronics (No of seats - 23)
·         Power system engineering (No of seats - 23)
·         Systems and Control (No of seats - 23)
·         Instrumentation and signal processing (No of seats - 23)

Some other information about IIT Roorkee:
·         In 2013, Roorkee and Bombay conducted the interviews on subsequent days. Means if today is Roorkee and tomorrow is Bombay. In such situation you have to travel by flight or leave any one IIT. You should mentally prepare such incidents in this admission process
IIT-Guwahati
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, the sixth member of the IIT fraternity, was established I 1994. At present the institute has eleven departments and three inter-disciplinary academic centers covering all the major engineering, science and humanities disciplines. Within a short period of time, IIT Guwahati as been able to build up world class infrastructure for carrying out advanced research and has been equipped with state of the art scientific and engineering labs.

Who should apply?
·         Up to AIR 1200

Test/Interview tips:
·         Generally admission is based on test/interview conducted by institute
·         Test paper may have 75-100 questions
·         Suggested topics for test preparation – GATE syllabus
·         Test will be easier than GATE

What are the courses available for EE graduate?
M.Tech Programs:
·         Power and Control (introduce couple of years back)
·         VLSI


I wish you all the best.
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