IIT Kanpur Experience
Life as an MTech student at IIT Kanpur is a mix of intense coursework, research, and career-defining opportunities. The first year is all about coursework, and it can be quite hectic. Students get about a week to complete assignments, and Saturdays are off, which helps in catching up. One of the best parts is interacting with top professors, including the Dean of R&D. These interactions offer valuable insights into research and industry trends.
In the second semester, students are assigned Teaching Assistant (TA) duties, which involve working closely with professors. This is particularly beneficial for those interested in academia. Lab experiments become a major part of the curriculum, and some students also get assigned duties in the HOD office. This is an exciting experience as it allows students to observe faculty recruitment interviews closely, though they don’t have access to privileged information. One of the most critical tasks in the second semester is selecting a research guide. While some professors are very well-known, their research areas might not align with every student's interests. The best approach is to visit each professor’s website, go through their research work, and then reach out to those whose work seems interesting. If someone prefers experimental work over simulations (or vice versa), this should be a key consideration. Having good relations with PhD seniors is also crucial, as they can be of great help during thesis work. This is also the time to pick up new software skills and work on soft skills.
After the second semester, there’s a short break of about 20-30 days before the research phase begins, depending on the guide’s schedule. IIT Kanpur offers flexibility in coursework, and if a subject doesn’t feel right, students have the option to drop it. Some students, particularly those preparing for exams like the Engineering Services Examination (ESE), take advantage of this flexibility.
The third semester marks the beginning of serious research work. The first couple of months are spent reviewing existing literature, followed by defining a problem statement. Around October, the placement process kicks off, starting with online tests conducted by companies before they visit the campus. Preparing a resume is a crucial step, and students have to upload their resumes on the placement portal well in advance. Multiple versions of resumes (usually 3-4) can be submitted to cater to different job profiles. However, once submitted, changes cannot be made after a cutoff date, so students must be careful and seek feedback from seniors and peers.
When it comes to placements, one of the biggest mistakes students make is applying to too many companies. While hundreds of companies visit the campus, applying to all of them is not practical. Every company requires students to attend pre-placement talks and selection processes, and missing them can lead to debarment from placements. Some students applied to 20+ companies and were constantly running from one session to another, leaving them little time to focus on actual preparation. MTech students usually aim for core engineering companies rather than IT or consulting firms.
Interviews start on December 1, and the process can be challenging. Some interviews are scheduled as early as 5 AM, making for a tough but memorable experience. Even after a good interview, there’s no guarantee of selection, so resilience is key. Technical interviews are often conducted in multiple rounds, followed by HR interviews. After clearing all rounds, selected candidates meet with the placement cell in charge and company representatives to sign their offer letters and receive company kits.
Some of the top recruiters include General Electric, Bajaj Auto, L&T, Exxon Mobil, Hero MotoCorp, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Schlumberger, and Tata Advanced Systems. Most companies allow all MTech specializations to apply, though Machine Design students sometimes have a slight advantage. However, not all students get placed, but the IIT Kanpur alumni network is strong, and many students secure jobs through alumni connections.
Beyond placements, many MTech students choose to pursue a PhD. If a student has a strong CGPA and gets their research published in reputed international journals, they have a good chance of securing admission to top universities in the US or Europe. IIT Kanpur also offers an option to convert an MTech degree into a direct PhD during the second semester, which saves a year by skipping repetitive coursework.
Apart from academics and placements, campus life at IIT Kanpur is incredible. It’s one of the most scenic IIT campuses, offering a great environment for both study and relaxation. Students engage in various extracurricular activities, and the overall experience is enriching.
For future students, a few key takeaways: choose your guide and research topic wisely, start research work early, apply strategically to companies, and maintain good relations with seniors. Learning new software and developing soft skills will also be extremely beneficial. Overall, the MTech journey at IIT Kanpur is demanding but highly rewarding, opening doors to great career and research opportunities
