"The mission of the programme is to make IIT Madras a global centre of excellence in Engineering Design"
Message from the Head of the Department
Welcome to the Department of Engineering Design, one of the most vibrant departments at IIT Madras.
The Department of Engineering Design was established to address the emerging need for highly qualified and motivated design professionals who can drive the nation’s economic growth through innovation, research, and development. The program began in 2005 as a dual degree in Engineering Design with a specialization in Automotive Engineering and was elevated to a full-fledged department in 2006.
Today, the department offers two dual degree programs leading to a B.Tech. in Engineering Design and M.Tech. in Automotive Engineering or Biomedical Design, with an additional option for students to pursue an interdisciplinary M.Tech. in Robotics and M.Tech in Electric Vehicles. We have launched a new M.Tech. in Electric Vehicles (EVs) (Two years). from July 2025 for the candidates with B.E/B.Tech & valid Gate Scores and the New M.Tech in Robotics (Two years program) will be launched by next July 2026. With its distinctive emphasis on both form design and functional design, the Department of Engineering Design remains the only interdisciplinary department in India with such a unique focus and domain expertise.
We have established cutting-edge laboratories in areas such as Battery Engineering, Power Electronics, Motors, Wireless Charging, Robotics, Vehicle Dynamics and are expanding into Medical Device Design and Development, strengthening our research infrastructure and industry relevance.
The 5-year dual degree curriculum is carefully designed to balance breadth and depth. The initial three years emphasize strong fundamentals in mathematics, science, engineering, graphic art, design, and aesthetics. In the later years, students engage in domain specialization, advanced skill-building, and a mandatory 6-month industry internship, which equips them to tackle real-world engineering challenges. This makes our program one of the most comprehensive and industry-oriented in the country. Over the past 15 years, our graduates have become accomplished designers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, both in India and abroad.
Beyond the dual degree programs, the department also offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs, supported by a team of highly qualified and dedicated faculty engaged in cutting-edge research across diverse areas. The department has active research collaboration with several industries in Automotive, Biomedical and Robotics sectors in India.
We warmly invite you to explore our academic programs, research initiatives, and industry collaborations. Please feel free to contact me for any further information about the department or our activities..
Dr.Jayaganthan R
Professor and Head
Department of Engineering Design
EDUCATION
The Department offers:
1. Dual-Degree Program in Automotive Engineering
2. Dual-Degree Program in Biomedical Design
3. Inter-Disciplinary Dual-Degree Program in Robotics
4. Master of Science(M.S.) by Research
5. Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D)
THE PROGRAM AND THE CURRICULUM
"From concept to a component that meets a desired function". aptly describes Engineering Design. It is a decision-making process, often iterative, in which the basic sciences and the engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective.Students are introduced to the design process in the first year along with fundamental mathematics, science and engineering, graphic art, design, and asthetics. They are trained not only on the mechanical aspects of design, but also in electronics, controls, and embedded systems for all round skill development. Courses in geometric modelling, finite elements, materials engineering, automotive engineering, robotics and biomedical device engineering are also offered.
THE INDUSTRY CONNECTION
- Providing a balanced mix of theory and practice, the curriculum also includes courses in business management, economics, foreign language and ethics. The department has several state-of-the-art facilities including graphic arts studios and modern laboratories for automotive systems, automotive engines, computer aided design, rapid prototyping, ergonomics mechatronics, product design, controls and vehicle dynamics.
- The program has been planned in conjunction with major manufacturing and product engineering companies right from its inception. A unique feature of out curriculum is the semester-long internship in the industry during which our students work on a 'live' project and receive exposure to current global design practices.