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Word from IITB Engineering Physics Alum:

Ashish Goel, B.Tech in Engineering Physics IIT Bombay, 2009, is currently doing his Masters

Students in Aerospace Engineering at Stanford University "Hi. I am currently a first year Masters

Students in Aerospace Engineering at Stanford University and I completed my B.Tech inEngineering Physics at IIT Bombay in 2009. A lot of things have changed since I joined IIT

Bombay, especially with the introduction of the concept of Major/Minor/Honors. So my experience

might not be a true representation of the current situation, but I can tell you for sure that I

thoroughly enjoyed pursuing Engineering Physics at IIT Bombay. It certainly is one of the most

challenging streams offered at the IITs. Part of the challenge comes from the fact that you have to

be good at understanding the core physics and math behind everything you learn and at the same

time balance this knowledge with the various applications in the fields of electronics, bio-physics,

materials science etc. I think the best part of the curriculum is the flexibility it gives you to choose

your stream of specialization. The basic foundation built through core physics and math courses

allows you to pick up any area of specific interest and pursue it in greater depth. I guess the factthat I am now pursuing Aerospace Engineering for my Masters stands as a perfect example of this

flexibility. I've had batch mates and seniors who have gone on to work in areas as diverse as

Computer Science, Applied Math, Astrophysics, Optics, Condensed Matter Physics, High Energy

Physics, Electrical Engineering and Robotics! Many question the prospects of getting a job after

you complete your B.Tech in Engineering Physics. Well certainly, its not as straight-forward as it is

for students in some other departments. But the key thing to realize is that in Engineering Physics,

you define the path you wish to choose. If you wish to work in the electronics industry, you

channelize your efforts in that direction by opting for elective courses from the Electrical

Engineering department, probably pursuing a minor over there as well. You then back it up with

projects, seminars and internships and you will find yourself on an equal footing when competing

for core jobs. The same holds for any other field you might be interested in. And for those

interested in higher studies (Masters, PhD etc.), Engineering Physics gives you a very good

platform to launch ahead. Every year, nearly half the passing out batch ends up pursuing higher

studies in some of the top universities around the world. Being a small department, there is also a

great sense of bonding among the students and the faculty. I'll simply conclude by reminding you

that it is a challenging program meant for those interested in physics and applied physics. It is

quite different from what is taught under the banner of Physics while you are preparing for the JEE

exam. If you are interested in electronics and are trying to use Engineering Physics as a proxy for

simply doing electronics, that is probably not a very good idea. Don't opt for Engineering Physics

just because someone else last year with a rank similar to yours opted for it. But if you are

strongly interested in Physics or if you are interested in Physics and are not ready to decide upon

which career stream to opt for, Engineering Physics is certainly one of the best options you have.

Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions." -Ashish Goel Email:

ashish09@stanford.edu

Anup Rao, B.Tech in Engineering Physics IIT Bombay 2009 is pursuing his PhD in mathematics at

Yale University Hello! I am a first year student pursuing PhD in mathematics at Yale University. I

completed my B. Tech in Engineering Physics in 2009. When describing my experience, I will try to

include as much new information (and not to repeat what others have written) as possible. Myexperience with EP had been really good. The friendly atmosphere, freedom to learn what you

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want to and encouragement provided by some of the faculty members perfectly worked for me.

Since physics has a really wide range of applications, touches a vast area of subjects and the

department too is very open minded, you are very likely find a field of your interest which you can

pursue further or 'specialize in'. I will say a bit about myself here because I am currently pursuing

a PhD in (pure) mathematics and also every year one or two students of the passing out batch join

PhD programs in mathematics. Since mathematics and physics are very closely related and

interdependent, this should not be unexpected. What I would like to point out here is that I

enjoyed a great freedom in choosing my projects and internships, even when at times I had work

under advisors from outside the physics department. The professors in the department too

encouraged me and nurtured my interests. All I had to do was be dedicated towards what I do!

The department has a very healthy social life. There is an active student body (of which I was part

of) which organizes various events like department sports matches, cultural day, Physics Olympiad

etc There is also a department magazine published every semester. These are fun events to be

part of (and to organize!) and a great way to know your seniors and professors. To summarize in a

few words, one can regard EP as a pure/applied science course, which touches upon a lot of areas

and gives you the much needed freedom to concentrate further on subjects of your interest. The

physics at the undergraduate level may not be exactly like the one you learnt during your JEE

days. But with some topics at least, it gets much more interesting. If you are a person who likes to

understand the concepts, one who did not just learn the tools required to solve the problems while

preparing for JEE but tried to grasp the theory, then, I would highly recommend EP. Otherwise I

would recommend against it. All the best! (You can reach me at anup.rao@yale.edu )

Tanuj Gigras and Vaibhav Devanathan are Graduates of the first(2010) batch of the EP DualDegree Program. 1) What and how is it 'more' than the B.Tech EP? Vaibhav: Dual Degree

Project(DDP) is the major part, one gets to interact with profs more, cutting edge nano labs,

better nano courses (5-6 as compared to 1). Any B.Tech can also take nanoscience courses.

Tanuj: Since EP DD emphasizes research, the most distinguishing feature is the Dual Degree

project and the nano-science lab. Since in our department, there is flexibility in taking courses 2)

Are there any additional courses, what does specialisation in nano here mean? Tanuj: Lots of

flexibility, allows one to do both, theoretical and/or experimental nanoscience. Personally during

my 5 years I have exposed myself to both these areas. Vaibhav: An introductory lab - 5 courses

(1 basic rest advanced) and DDP are the extra things in DDP from the B.Tech. 3) Labs and

facilities, quality and types of projects available in the department? Tanuj: The department has aquite a lot of research facilities within. But also a lot a collaborative work goes on with electrical,

metallurgy, chemical and other departments. Nanotechnology is a focus area of research set by

the Govt. of India. Hence there is a lot of Govt. funding and recently CRNTS has begun operations.

In a nutshell during your undergrad research life you would never feel lack of facilities. Vaibhav:

Among the best possible in India. One can even do a crossover in electrical etc. 4) Prospects of

nano science as a whole and of the future after this degree, Jobs/App etc. Vaibhav: Prospects are

good for higher studies - as good as B.Tech. As far as jobs concerned, nano jobs in R&D sector are

there. So, one is open to more options than a B.Tech would be. Tanuj: Nanoscience is major focus

of research in US and elsewhere and there is a lot of funding and research topics available if one

decides to go for a PhD. But for a industry job in nanoscience, a PhD is often required. Most jobsare available in the US or Europe. To increase his/her prospects of going to the tech industry the

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student might take appropriate honors/minors courses. 5) Why did you choose a program with (1

yr extra + 1 additional degree)? Rank or choice? Tanuj: Well, I had two things in mind. Firstly, I

wanted to study Physics and this DD program offered more applied Physics than a M.Sc physics at

other IITs. Second reason was IITB itself. Being placed in a metropolitan has its own advantage

and if one doesnt wants to pursue his career in nanotech after graduating, then too he has a lot of

other opportunities. In my opinion the extra one year gives you a lot of exposure and you will

come to know whether you are really interested in research or not. Vaibhav: I took a branch

change from B.Tech to DD! 6) Switching from B.Tech to DD program a feasible option? Flexibility

issue!! Vaibhav: Very much feasible. I did it myself after 5 semesters. The department was very

helpful. 7) What are you doing in the future. How has DD program helped you? Vaibhav: No idea!

I was very happy with the flexibility the DD program gave me. Vaibhav has been sel ected in

Harvard Business School, and was the General Secretary for Academic affairs of IIT Bombay,

2009- 10. Tanuj: I am joining Credit Suisse, a Swiss investment bank's mumbai office as an

analyst. The decision is completely based on personal choice rather than any negative experience

in IITB. During my stay I have exposed myself to a lot of research and after that only I have made

a final decision. The DD program has helped me gauge my likes and dislikes. This is true of any

dept in IIT and nothing speci fic only to EP DD. Tanuj: My sincere request to all of you, please do

not come with a preset mind. See, explore, learn and then only make some decision. These are

the most important years of your life which will determine how you succeed personally and

professionally. A lot of learning goes outside of the class and for an all round development one

should get engaged in it. Also do not pay attention to rumours. Its important to have a good

mentor in the initial years at IIT. Open your hearts & minds to him and do not hesitate to ask for

any help. Afterall its the question of your life. IIT life will teach you that money, fame etc are not

the measure of success. Feeling successful is a more important yardstick than anything else and

here at IIT you will have to raise your bar so high that if you feel you are successful than you

would be for anybody else too.