Nature of work of an instrumentation engineer ranges from designing, developing, installing, managing equipments that

are used to monitor and control machinery, finds Sumit Bhattacharjee

Just imagine a world without instruments. It would be like traversing into a time that probably goes even beyond the
Stone Age. Man has always been fascinated towards instruments and the quest to invent and innovate on new
instruments has pushed mankind beyond barriers to an age where instruments have become a part and parcel of the
life. Today, we find instruments at home and at workplace, and this was possible only because of the science
instrumentation.
In scientific terms, instrumentation is defined as the art and science of measurement and control of process variables
within a production, or manufacturing area. The science has further opened up the realm of instrumentation
engineering.
The discipline of instrumentation engineering branched out of the streams of electrical and electronic engineering some
time in the early part of 1970s. It is a multi-disciplinary stream and covers subjects from various branches such as
chemical, mechanical, electrical, electronics and computers, says Prof. A. Bhujanga Rao, from the department of
Instrumentation Engineering, Andhra University.
The professor adds that instrumentation engineering is a specialised branch of electrical and electronic engineering
and it deals with measurement, control and automation of processes.
SCOPE
Almost all process and manufacturing industry such as steel, oil, petrochemical, power and defence production will
have a separate instrumentation department, which is manned and managed by instrumentation engineers. Automation
is the buzz word in process industry, and automation is the core job of instrumentation engineers. Hence, the demand
for instrumentation will always be there, says the professor.
The growth in the avionics, aeronautical and space science sectors has also increased the scope for instrumentation
engineers. Instrumentation engineers can also fit in both software and hardware sectors.
Apart from covering core subjects such as system dynamics, industrial instrumentation and process control, analytical
and bio-medical instrumentation and robotics, the students deal with software and hardware topics such as
microprocessor and micro controller based instrumentation, VLSI and embedded system designs, computer architecture
and organisation and computer control of processes. Computer languages such as C' and Fortran are also part of the
curriculum. This makes an instrumentation engineer fit for both the hardware and the software industry. Moreover,
since instrumentation engineers are presumed to be good in physics, the logical ability is expected to be on the higher
side, which is a basic quality needed to excel in the software industry.
The demand is so high that every student finds at least two jobs waiting in the wings, by the time he or she
completes her course, says Dr. Bhujanga Rao.
Nature of work of an instrumentation engineer ranges from designing, developing, installing, managing equipments that
are used to monitor and control machinery and processes.
Though there is a demand for instrumentation engineers from the software sector, we prefer the core area, as that
is where we can showcase our creativity and knowledge, says Srinivas a third-year student.
The shift towards core sector is not only due to the opportunity to showcase ones creative talent and knowledge, but
also because of the long term stability and quick growth. Bio-medical is another area that is fast catching up and
there is huge requirement for instrumentation professionals.
Instrumentation engineering that made its way as an exclusive engineering discipline in the early part of 1970s was
earlier known as M.Sc. Tech Instrumentation in many of the colleges. It was then a three-year PG course. Even
today, it is referred to by different names by various colleges. While some call it as B. Tech- electronics and
instrumentation, a few name it as B. Tech control and instrumentation.

I am a final-year student of the B.Tech. course in applied electronics and instrumentation engineering and wish to do
the M.Tech. course in instrumentation engineering. Kindly let me know about the higher study facilities and admission
requirements with regard to the course.
DEEPAK K.V. E-MAIL
Instrumentation engineering, a specialised branch of electrical and electronics engineering, primarily focusses on the
principles and operation of measuring instruments used in the design and configuration of automated systems. A sound
knowledge of mathematics, physics, electronics, chemistry, and process control is essential in this respect.
Instrumentation technology helps create, construct, and maintain the measuring and control devices and systems found
in manufacturing plants and research institutions. The discipline is the basis of mechatronics and robotics engineering.
Its main objective is to ensure that systems and processes operate safely, efficiently.
Several institutions offer higher study facilities in instrumentation, instrumentation and control engineering or related
branches, including applied electronics and instrumentation engineering.
IIA course
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore 560 034, offers an integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (Tech.)
course in astronomical instrumentation, in collaboration with the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics,
University of Calcutta.
After completing the M.Tech. part, students can opt for registration for the Ph.D. (Tech) programme at the
university.
Those with a BE or B.Tech. degree in electrical, instrumentation, electronics or communication engineering or
computer science and engineering or an M.Sc. degree in physics, electronics science, applied mathematics, or applied
physics may apply for an entrance test conducted in Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi,
which will be followed by an interview in Bangalore. Candidates with scores of 95 percentile and above in the Graduate
Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) are exempted from the test.
The selected candidates get a fellowship of Rs.16,000 a month for the first two years and are provided hostel
accommodation and medical facilities. The classes for the first two semesters will be held at the Department of
Applied Optics and Photonics of the university. The third and fourth semesters comprise an internship at the institute
and projects at field stations.
In the third year, students can begin research at the institute. The fellowship will be enhanced to that of research
fellows as fixed by the All India Council for Technical Education.
The course, which normally runs to six years, includes mathematical techniques for astrophysics, electromagnetic and
wave optics, astrophysical concepts, optical techniques in astrophysics, optical testing and meteorology, sensors and
transducers, observational techniques in astronomy, detecting techniques in astronomy, control electronics and control
instrumentation, computational astrophysics, statistics and data mining, instrumentation moulding and simulation, and
optical and digital image processing.
At IITs
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer M.Tech. courses in instrumentation engineering and related
disciplines. They shortlist students on the basis of the GATE score for selection tests or interviews.
The IITs offer monthly assistantships to the students. The institutes in Delhi and Mumbai offer an M.Tech. course
in control and instrumentation. IIT Madras offers a course in catalysis technology and nuclear and petroleum
engineering. Those with a degree in instrumentation or instrumentation and control engineering with a valid GATE
score may apply.
IIT Roorkee conducts programmes in measurement and instrumentation system engineering and operations research.
Those with a degree in electrical, electronics and communication, or instrumentation engineering may apply. The
institute conducts M.Tech. courses in computer science and engineering and information technology. Those with a
degree in any branch of engineering may apply.
NITs
The National Institute of Technology, Calicut conducts an M.Tech course in instrumentation and control systems.
Those with a degree in electrical, electrical and electronics, instrumentation and control systems, applied electronics
and instrumentation, and instrumentation engineering with a valid GATE score may apply.
The institute offers M.Tech. courses in industrial power and automation and electronics design and technology. Those
with a degree in instrumentation and control systems, applied electronics and instrumentation, and so on with a valid
GATE score may apply. For details, visit www.nitc.ac.in.
NIT Tiruchirapalli conducts an M.Tech. course in process control and instrumentation. A degree in instrumentation and
control engineering and a valid GATE score are required for admission.
Other institutes
The Cochin University of Science and Technology offers an M.Tech. course in electronics, with specialisation in digital
electronics and microwave and radar electronics, and computer and information science. Those with a degree in
instrumentation may apply (www.cusat.nic.in).
DOEACC Kozhikode centre offers an M.Tech. programme in embedded systems. Those with a degree in electronics,
electrical, and instrumentation engineering with at least 60 per cent marks may apply. Preference will be given to
applicants with a valid GATE score.
Anna University, Coimbatore, offers an ME course in control and instrumentation (www.annauniv.ac.in).
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers an ME course in electronics and communication with specialisation
in instrumentation and control engineering (www.bitmesra.ac.in).
Amrita School of Engineering, Ettimadai, Coimbatore, conducts M.Tech. courses in embedded systems, computational
engineering and networking, remote sensing and wireless sensor networks; computer vision and image processing and
VLSI design. Those with a degree in instrumentation and control engineering and related disciplines may apply.
The Amrita Centre for Nano Sciences, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, conducts an M.Tech. course in
nanomedical sciences. Those with a degree are eligible for admission. Selection is based on the marks scored in an
entrance test (www.amrita.edu).
Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, conducts an ME programme in process control and
instrumentation engineering. (www.annamalaiuniversity. ac.in).
The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering, Kakinada, conducts an M.Tech. course in
instrumentation and control. Those with a degree or AMIE certification in electronics or instrumentation or control
engineering with a valid GATE score are eligible for admission. Candidates who do not have a GATE score will need to
take an entrance test.
The National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, conducts a postgraduate diploma course in industrial
engineering. Those with a first-class engineering or technology degree and GATE score may apply (www.nitie.edu).
Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi, conducts an ME course in control and instrumentation engineering (www.dce.edu).
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Sangrur, Punjab, offers an M.Tech. course in
instrumentation and control engineering (www.sliet.ac.in).
The National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Hatia, Ranchi, offers an M.Tech. course in environmental
engineering. Those with a degree in any branch of engineering are eligible for admission.
A list of institutions and engineering colleges that offer M.Tech. courses in instrumentation and related disciplines can
be had from the website of the All India Council for Technical Education or from the engineering handbook available
for reference at university employment information and guidance bureaux in the State.
.
I am a B.Tech. graduate in instrumentation and control engineering, and would like to know more about the higher
study options in this discipline.
HARISH R., EMAIL
Instrumentation engineering is a specialised branch of electrical and electronics engineering. It primarily focuses on
the principle and operation of measuring instruments, which are used in the design and configuration of automated
systems.
Instrumentation and control engineering requires sound knowledge of mathematics, physics, electronics, chemistry and
process control.
Instrumentation is the technology of creating, constructing and maintaining the measuring and control devices and
systems found in manufacturing plants and research institutions. The discipline is also the basis of mechatronics and
robotics engineering.
The main objective of the instrumentation and control engineers is to ensure that these systems and process operates
efficiently and safely.
Higher study options
There are several higher study options for meritorious B.Tech. degree holders in instrumentation or instrumentation
and control engineering.
Some of them are as follows:
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, 560034, offers integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D.(Tech)
course in astronomical instrumentation in collaboration with the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, Calcutta
University. The duration of the M.Tech. course is two years.
After successful completion of M.Tech. course, a student can opt for registration for Ph.D. (Tech) programme at
Calcutta University.
Meritorious B.Tech./ BE in electrical/ instrumentation/ electronics and communication/ computer science and
engineering or M.Sc. degree holders in physics/ electronics science/ applied mathematics/ applied physics with good
marks are eligible to apply.
Selection
The selection is on the basis on an all India level entrance test to be held at Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Mumbai and New Delhi, followed by an interview at Bangalore. GATE qualified candidates with 95 percentile and above
will be exempted from the entrance test.
The entrance test will consist of multi-choice questions on basic mathematics; physics and advanced physics and
engineering subjects.
The selected students will be given a fellowship of Rs.12,000 per month for the first two years and be provided with
hostel accommodation and medical facilities.
The classes for the first two semesters will be held at the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, Calcutta
University.
The third and fourth semester of the course will comprise of internship at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics
Laboratories at Bangalore and other projects at field stations.
After successful completion of two years in the programme, the candidate will be awarded M.Tech. degree in
astronomical instrumentation from Calcutta University.
In the third year of the programme, students who qualify for continuation in the programme leading to the Ph.D.
(Tech) degree will begin research work at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.
Fellowship
The fellowship will be enhanced to that of research fellows as per AICTE norms. The normal duration of the
programme will be six years including two years of Master's degree. The candidates would satisfy all the
requirements of the university and submit their Ph.D. thesis to the university.
The course structure will include mathematical techniques for astrophysics, electromagnetic and wave optics,
astrophysical concepts, optical techniques in astrophysics, optical testing and meteorology, sensors and transducers,
observational techniques in astronomy, detecting techniques in astronomy, control electronics and control
instrumentation, computational astrophysics, statistics and datamining, instrumentation molding and simulation, optical
and digital image processing.
Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) offers excellent study facilities for M.Tech. level programmes. IITs shortlist
students by their GATE score for further test or interview as part of their selection process.
IITs offer monthly assistantships to M.Tech. students. IITs at Delhi and Bombay offer M.Tech. degree in control
and instrumentation programme. IIT Madras offers M.Tech. degree in catalysis technology, nuclear and petroleum
engineering. Meritorious B.Tech. degree holders in instrumentation/ instrumentation and control engineering with valid
GATE score are eligible to apply.
IIT Roorkee conducts M.Tech. programmes in measurement and instrumentation system engineering and operations
research.
Meritorious engineering degree holders in electrical, electronics and communication, instrumentation can apply. IIT
Roorkee also conducts M.Tech. degree in computer science and engineering and information technology. Bachelor's
degree holders in any branch of engineering can apply.
National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, conducts M.Tech. degree course in instrumentation and control
systems. Web site: www.nitc.ac.in.
NIT, Tiruchirappalli, also conducts M.Tech. degree course in process control and instrumentation. Meritorious B.Tech.
degree holders in instrumentation and control with a valid GATE score are eligible for admission.
Anna University, Coimbatore, offers ME degree course in control and instrumentation. Web site: www.annauniv.ac.in.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering, Kakinada, conducts M.Tech. degree course in
instrumentation and control. BE/ B.Tech./ AMIE degree holders in electronics or instrumentation or control
engineering with a valid GATE score are eligible for admission.
The admission for candidates who have not qualified the GATE will be based on an entrance test conducted by the
university.
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers ME degree course in electronics and communication with
specialisation in instrumentation and control engineering. Web site:www.bitmesra.ac
.in.
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochin, offers M.Tech. degree course in electronics with
specialisation in digital electronics, microwave and radar electronics; M.Tech. degree course in computer and
information science. Meritorious B.Tech. degree holders in instrumentation are also eligible for admission. Web
site:www.cusat.nic.in.
Amrita School of Engineering , Ettimadai, Coimbatore, conducts M.Tech. degree course in embedded systems,
computational engineering and networking, remote sensing and wireless sensor networks; computer vision and image
processing, and VLSI design. Meritorious BE/ B.Tech.degree holders in instrumentation and control engineering are
also eligible for admission.
Amrita Centre for Nano Sciences, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, conducts M.Tech. degree course in
nanomedical sciences. B.Tech. degree holders are eligible for admission. The selection is based on the marks scored in
the entrance test. Web site: www.amrita.edu.
DOEACC, Calicut Centre, offers M.Tech. degree programme in embedded systems. BE/ B.Tech. degree holders in
electronics/ electrical/ instrumentation engineering with at least 60 per cent marks are eligible for admission.
Preference will be given to GATE.
Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi, conducts ME degree course in control and instrumentation engineering. Web site:
www.dce.edu.
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Sangrur, Punjab, offers M.Tech. degree course in
instrumentation and control engineering. Web site: www.sliet.ac.in.
Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, conducts ME programme in process control and instrumentation
engineering. Web site: www.annamalaiuniversity
.ac.in.
National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Hatia, Ranchi, offers M.Tech. in environmental engineering.
Bachelor's degree holders in any branch of engineering are eligible for admission.
National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, conducts postgraduate diploma course in industrial engineering.
GATE qualified first-class engineering/ technology graduates in any branch are eligible for admission. Web site:
www.nitie.edu.
Job opportunities
Those who qualify M.Tech. degree with good marks or secure Ph.D. in the relevant branch of engineering and
technology can find lecturer/ teaching posts in colleges/ institutions. Instrumentation engineers can also find jobs in
heavy industries such as steel plants, fertiliser plants, thermal power stations, refineries and research and
development departments of public and private sector companies.
Options after B.Tech. in instrumentation
I have completed my B.Tech. in instrumentation, and would like to know about the higher study options and career
prospects.
DILEEP KRISHNAN, EMAIL
My son has completed his B.Tech. in instrumentation and control course with first class. Kindly let me know the
suitable options for higher study.
VARGHESE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
I am doing my B.Tech. in instrumentation and control engineering. I would like to know the higher study options in this
discipline. Kindly let me know about the colleges or institutions that offer these courses and the related job
opportunities.
MANASA, EMAIL
Instrumentation engineering is a specialised branch of electrical and electronic engineering.
It focuses on the principle and operation of measuring instruments, which are used in the design and configuration of
automated systems. Instrumentation and control engineering requires a combined knowledge of mathematics, physics,
electronics, chemistry and process control. Instrumentation is the technology of creating, constructing and maintaining
the measuring and control devices and systems that equip the manufacturing plants and research institutions. The
discipline is also the basis of mechatronics and robotics engineering. The main objective of the instrumentation and
control engineers is to ensure that these systems and process operates efficiently and safely.
Higher study options
There are several higher study options for meritorious B.Tech. holders in instrumentation or instrumentation and
control engineering and some of them are as follows:
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore-560034, offers integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (Tech)
course in astronomical instrumentation in collaboration with the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, Calcutta
University.
The degree will be awarded by the University of Calcutta. The duration of the M.Tech. course will be two years.
After successful completion of M.Tech. course, a student can opt for registration for Ph.D. (Tech.) programme at
Calcutta University. Meritorious B.Tech. / BE in electrical/ instrumentation /electronics and communications /
computer science and engineering or M.Sc. degree holders in physics/ electronics science/ applied mathematics /
applied physics with good marks are eligible to apply.
Selection is on the basis on an all India level entrance test to be held at Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Mumbai and New Delhi followed by an interview at Bangalore. GATE qualified candidates with 95 per cent and above
will be exempted from the entrance test. Entrance test will consist of multiple-choice questions on basic mathematics,
physics and advanced physics, and engineering subjects. Selected students will be given a fellowship of Rs.12,000 per
month for the first two years and be provided with hostel accommodation and medical facilities.
The classes for the first two semesters will be held at the Department of Applied Optics and Photonics, Calcutta
University. The third and fourth semester of the course will comprise of internship at the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics Laboratories at Bangalore and other projects at field stations.
After successful completion of two years in the programme, the candidates will be awarded M.Tech. in astronomical
instrumentation from Calcutta University. In the third year of the programme, students who qualifying for
continuation in the programme leading to the Ph.D. (Tech) degree will begin research work at the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics, Bangalore.
The fellowship will be enhanced to research fellows as per AICTE norms. The normal duration of the programme will
be six years including two years of Master's degree.
The candidates would satisfy all the requirements of the university and submit their Ph.D. thesis to the university.
Course structures will include mathematical techniques for astrophysics, electromagnetics and wave optics,
astrophysical concepts, optical techniques in astrophysics, optical testing and metrology, sensors and transducers,
observational techniques in astronomy, detecting techniques in astronomy, control electronics and control
instrumentation, computational astrophysics, statistics and data-mining, instrumentation molding and simulation, optical
and digital image processing.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) offers excellent study facilities for M.Tech. -level programmes. IITs
shortlist students by their GATE score for further tests or interview as part of their selection process.
IITs offer assistantship of Rs.5,000-Rs.7,000 per month to M.Tech. students. IITs at Delhi and Bombay offer
M.Tech. in control and instrumentation programme. IIT Madras offers M.Tech. in catalysis technology, nuclear and
petroleum engineering. Meritorious B.Tech. holders in instrumentation / instrumentation and control engineering with
valid GATE score are eligible to apply.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering, Kakinada, conducts M.Tech. in instrumentation
and controls programme. BE/ B.Tech. / AMIE in electronics or instrumentation or control engineering holders with
valid GATE score can apply. The admission for candidates who have not qualified the GATE exam will be based on an
entrance test conducted by the university.
IIT Roorkee offers M.Tech. programmes in measurement and instrumentation; system engineering and operations
research. Meritorious degree holders in electrical, electronics and communications, instrumentation engineering can
apply.
IIT Roorkee also offers M.Tech. in computer science and engineering, and information tehcnology. Bachelor's degree
holders in any branch of engineering can apply.
National Institute of Technology, Calicut (www.nitc.ac.in) conducts M.Tech. in instrumentation and control systems.
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappally, 620015 offers M.Tech. in process control and instrumentation.
Anna University Coimbatore (www.annauniv.ac.in) offers ME in control and instrumentations.
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers ME in electronics and communication with specialisation in
instrumentation and control. (www.bitmesra.ac.in).
Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi (www.dce.edu) conducts ME in control and instrumentation engineering.
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Sangrur (Punjab) offers M.Tech. in instrumentation
and control engineering (www.sliet.ac.in).
The DOEACC Calicut Centre, Kozhikode, conducts M.Tech. in embedded systems. BE / B.Tech. holders in electronics
/electrical /instrumentation with 60 per cent marks are eligible for admission. Preference will be given to GATE
scorers.
Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore (www.amrita.edu) conducts M.Tech. in embedded systems; computational
engineering and networking; remote sensing and wireless sensor networks; computer vision and image processing; VLSI
design. Meritorious BE / B.Tech. holders in instrumentation and control engineering are also eligible for admission.
Dr. MGR (educational and research institute) University, Maduravoyal, Chennai, offers M.Tech. in instrumentation
engineering.
Bharath University, Selaiyur, Chennai, offers M.Tech. in instrumentation and control engineering. Website:
www.bharathuniv.ac.in.
Noorul Islam College of Engineering, Kumaracoil, Thuckalay, Kanyakumari, offers ME in instrumentation and control
engineering. Website: www.niceindia.com.
Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, School of Petroleum Technology, Gandhinagar, Gujarat conducts M.Tech. in
petroleum engineering. B.Tech. degree holders in petroleum/ mechanical/ chemical/ electrical and electronics/
instrumentation and control engineering with minimum 60 per cent marks and a valid GATE score cam apply. Website:
www.pdpu.ac.in.
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) Cochin, offers M.Tech. in electronics with specialisation in
digital electronics, microwave and radar electronics; M.Tech. in computer and information science. Meritorious
B.Tech. holders in instrumentation are also eligible for admission. Website: www.cusat.nic.in.
Centre for Life Sciences under Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, offers M.Tech. in remote sensing and geo-
informatics systems. Any graduate in engineering is eligible for admission. Selection is through entrance test.
Website: www.b-u.ac.in.
Amrita Centre for Nano Sciences, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, conducts M.Tech. in nanomedical
sciences. B.Tech. degree holders are also eligible for admission. Selection is through entrance test. Website:
www.amrita.edu.
National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Hatia, Ranchi offers M.Tech. in environmental engineering.
Bachelor's degree holders in any branch of engineering are eligible for admission. Website: www.nifft.ernet.in.
National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai 400087 (www.nitie.edu) conducts PG diploma in industrial
engineering. GATE qualified first class engineering/ technology graduates in any branch are eligible for admission.
SASTRA University, Thanjavur, offers M.Tech. in control system and instrumentation; process control and
instrumentation. Website: www.sastra.edu
Hindustan University, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, conducts ME course in process control and instrumentation
engineering. Website: www.hindustanuniv.ac.in.
Kalasalingam University, Anand Nagar, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu, offers M.Tech. in control and instrumentation
engineering. Website: www.kalasalingam.ac.in.
Job opportunities
Instrumentation engineers can find jobs in heavy industries such as steel plants, fertilizer plants, thermal power
stations, refineries, research and development department of public and private sector companies.
I have done the B.Tech. course in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. I want to know the higher education
facilities in the discipline and related job prospects.
NIKKI RANI
E-MAIL
M.Tech.-level programmes in Instrumentation Engineering, Astronomical Instrumentation, Instrumentation and Control
Systems, Industrial Automation, Electronics Design and Technology, Process Control and Instrumentation, Embedded
Systems, Robotics, Electronics and so on are suitable higher studies options. Selection will be on the basis of the
score in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Instrumentation Engineering, a specialised branch of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, primarily focusses on the
principles and operations of measuring instruments used in the design and configuration of automated systems.
Instrumentation technology helps create, construct and maintain measuring and control devices and systems found in
manufacturing plants and research institutions. Hence, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering graduates can find
jobs in these fields. Public sector companies such as Instrumentation Ltd., Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Heavy
Electricals Ltd. provide job opportunities.
Instrumentation Engineering is the basis of mechatronics and robotics engineering. Its main objective is to ensure that
systems and processes operate safely and efficiently.
Several institutions offer higher study facilities in Instrumentation and Instrumentation and Control Engineering or
related branches, such as Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering.
IIA course
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, offers an integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (Tech) course in
Astronomical Instrumentation. After completing the M.Tech. part, students can opt for registration for the Ph.D.
(Tech) programme. Those with a B.Tech. degree in Electrical, Instrumentation or Electronics and Communication
Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering or an M.Sc. degree in Physics, Electronic Science, Applied
Mathematics or Applied Physics may apply for admission. An entrance test will be held in Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore,
Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, followed by an interview in Bangalore.
The selected candidates get a fellowship of Rs. 16,000 a month for the first two years and are provided hostel
accommodation and medical facilities. In the third year, students begin research. The course normally runs to six
years.
IIT courses
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer M.Tech. courses in Instrumentation Engineering and related
disciplines. They shortlist students on the basis of the GATE score for selection tests or interviews. The IITs, Delhi
and Mumbai, offer an M.Tech. course in Control and Instrumentation.
The IIT, Madras, offers a course in Catalysis Technology and Nuclear and Petroleum Engineering. Those with a
degree in Instrumentation or Instrumentation and Control engineering with a GATE score may apply.
The IIT, Roorkee, conducts programmes in Measurement and Instrumentation System Engineering and Operations
Research. Those with a degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communication or Instrumentation Engineering may apply.
The institute conducts an M.Tech. course in Computer Science and Engineering and Information Technology. Those
with a degree in any branch of engineering may apply.
NIT courses
The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, conducts an M.Tech. course in Instrumentation and Control
Systems. Those with a degree in Electrical, Electrical and Electronics, Instrumentation and Control Systems, Applied
Electronics and Instrumentation and Instrumentation Engineering with a GATE score may apply. The institute offers
M.Tech. courses in Industrial Power and Automation and Electronics Design and Technology. Those with a degree in
Instrumentation and Control Systems, Applied Electronics and Instrumentation and so on with a GATE score may
apply.
The NIT, Tiruchirapalli, conducts on M.Tech. course in Process Control and Instrumentation. A degree in
Instrumentation and Control Engineering and a GATE score are required for admission.
Other institutes
The Cochin University of Science and Technology offers an M.Tech. course in Electronics with specialisations in Digital
Electronics and Microwave; Radar Electronics; and Computer and Information Science. Those with a degree in
Instrumentation may apply (www.cusat.nic.in).
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Kozhikode, offers an M.Tech. programme in
embedded systems. Those with a degree in Electronics, Electrical, and Instrumentation Engineering with at least 60
per cent marks may apply. Preference will be given to applicants with a GATE score (www.calicut.nielit.in).
Anna University offers an ME course in Control and Instrumentation (www.annauniv.ac.in).
The Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers an ME course in Electronics and Communication with
specialisation in Instrumentation and Control Engineering (www.bitmesra.ac.in).
Amrita School of Engineering, Ettimadai, Coimbatore, conducts an M.Tech. course in Embedded Systems,
Computational Engineering and Networking; Remote Sensing and Wireless Sensor Networks; Computer Vision and Image
Processing; and VLSI design. Those with a degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering and related disciplines
may apply (www.amrita.edu).
Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, conducts an ME programme in Process Control and
Instrumentation Engineering (www.annamalaiuniversity. ac.in).
The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering, Kakinada, conducts an M.Tech. course in
Instrumentation and Control. Those with a degree in Electronics or Instrumentation and Control Engineering with a
GATE score are eligible for admission. Candidates who do not have the score will need to take an entrance test.
The National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, offers two-year, full-time postgraduate diploma
programmes in Industrial Management; Industrial Safety and Environmental Management and Information Technology
Management for first-class engineering graduates with a GATE score (www.nitie.edu).
Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi, conducts an ME course in Control and Instrumentation Engineering (www.dce.edu).
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Punjab, offers an M.Tech. course in Instrumentation
and Control Engineering. Those with a degree in Engineering or Technology with at least 55 per cent marks may apply
(www.sliet.ac.in).
The National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Hatia, Ranchi, offers an M.Tech. course in Environmental
Engineering. Those with a degree in any branch of Engineering are eligible for admissions. The list is only indicative.
Details of more institutions and engineering colleges that offer M.Tech. courses in Instrumentation and related
disciplines may be had from the website of the All India Council for Technical Education.
.
I am in the third year of the B.Tech. programme in Applied Electronics and Instrumentation. I would like to do an
M.Tech. course. Let me know about the higher study facilities in India.
SHONZ GEORGE
E-MAIL
M.Tech.-level programmes in Instrumentation Engineering, Astronomical Instrumentation, Instrumentation and Control
Systems, Industrial Automation, Electronics Design and Technology, Process Control and Instrumentation, Embedded
Systems, Robotics, Electronics and so on are suitable higher studies options. Selection will be on the basis of the
score in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Instrumentation Engineering is a specialised branch of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, primarily focussing on the
principles and operations of measuring instruments used in the design and configuration of automated systems.
Instrumentation technology helps create, construct and maintain measuring and control devices and systems found in
manufacturing plants and research institutions. Hence those with B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees in Electronics, Applied
Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering can find jobs in these fields. Public-sector companies such as
Instrumentation Ltd., Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. provide job opportunities.
Instrumentation Engineering is the basis of mechatronics and robotics engineering. Its main objective is to ensure that
systems and processes operate safely and efficiently.
Several institutions offer higher study facilities in Instrumentation and Instrumentation and Control Engineering or
related branches such as Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering.
IIA course
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, offers an integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (Tech) course in
Astronomical Instrumentation. After completing the M.Tech. part, students can opt for registration for the Ph.D.
(Tech) programme. Those with a B.Tech. degree in Electrical, Instrumentation or Electronics and Communication
Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering or an M.Sc. degree in Physics, Electronic Science, Applied
Mathematics or Applied Physics may apply for admission. An entrance test will be held in Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore,
Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi, followed by an interview in Bangalore. The selected candidates get a fellowship of
Rs. 16,000 a month for the first two years and are provided hostel accommodation and medical facilities. In the
third year, students begin research. The course normally runs for six years.
IIT courses
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer M.Tech. courses in Instrumentation Engineering and related
disciplines. They shortlist students on the basis of the GATE score for selection tests or interviews. The IITs, Delhi
and Mumbai, offer an M.Tech course in Control and Instrumentation. The IIT, Madras, offers a course in Catalysis
Technology and Nuclear and Petroleum engineering. Those with a degree in instrumentation or Instrumentation and
Control Engineering with a GATE score may apply.
The IIT, Roorkee, conducts programmes in Measurement and Instrumentation System Engineering and Operations
Research. Those with a degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communication or Instrumentation Engineering may apply.
The institute conducts an M.Tech. course in Computer Science and Engineering and Information Technology. Those
with a degree in any branch of engineering are eligible for admission.
NIT courses
The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, conducts an M.Tech course in Instrumentation and Control
Systems. Those with a degree in Electrical, Electrical and Electronics, Instrumentation and Control Systems, Applied
Electronics and Instrumentation and Instrumentation Engineering with a GATE score may apply. The institute offers
an M.Tech. course in Industrial Power and Automation and Electronics Design and Technology. Those with a degree in
Instrumentation and Control Systems, Applied Electronics and Instrumentation and so on with a GATE score may
apply.
The NIT, Tiruchirapalli, conducts an M.Tech. course in Process Control and Instrumentation. A degree in
Instrumentation and Control Engineering and a GATE score are required for admission.
Other institutes
The Cochin University of Science and Technology offers an M.Tech. course in Electronics with specialisations in Digital
Electronics and Microwave, Radar Electronics and Computer and Information Science. Those with a degree in
Instrumentation may apply (www.cusat.nic.in).
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Kozhikode, offers an M.Tech. programme in
embedded systems. Those with a degree in Electronics and Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering with at least 60
per cent marks may apply. Preference will be given to applicants with a GATE score (www.calicut.nielit.in).
Anna University offers an ME course in Control and Instrumentation (www.annauniv.ac.in).
Amrita School of Engineering, Ettimadai, Coimbatore, conducts M.Tech. courses in Embedded Systems; Computational
Engineering and Networking; Remote Sensing and Wireless Sensor Networks; Computer Vision and Image Processing;
and VLSI design. Those with a degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering and related disciplines may apply.
(www.amrita.edu).
Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, conducts an ME programme in Process Control and
Instrumentation Engineering (www.annamalai university.ac.in).
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers an ME course in Electronics and Communication with specialisation
in Instrumentation and Control Engineering ( www.bitmesra.ac.in).
The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University College of Engineering, Kakinada, conducts an M.Tech. course in
Instrumentation and Control. Those with a degree in Electronics or Instrumentation and Control Engineering with a
GATE score are eligible for admission. Candidates who do not have the score will need to take an entrance test.
Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi, conducts an ME course in Control and Instrumentation Engineering (www.dce.edu).
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Punjab, offers an M.Tech. course in Instrumentation
and Control Engineering. Those with a degree in engineering or technology with at least 55 per cent marks may apply
(www.sliet.ac.in).
The National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Hatia, Ranchi, offers an M.Tech. course in Environmental
Engineering. Those with a degree in any branch of Engineering and Technology are eligible for admission.
The National Institute of Industrial Engineering, Mumbai, offers a two- year full-time postgraduate diploma
programme in Industrial Safety and Environmental Management; Information Technology Management; and Industrial
Management for those with a first-class engineering degree and a GATE score (www.nitie.edu).
The list is only indicative. Details of more institutions and engineering colleges that offers M.Tech. courses in
Instrumentation and related disciplines may be had from the official website of the All India Council for Technical
Education and the Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Kerala.

I have completed the B.Tech. course in Instrumentation Technology. Let me know about the higher study options in
Instrumentation Engineering and related disciplines in India.
PRANAV P.
KANNUR
M.Tech. programmes in Instrumentation Engineering or Technology, Astronomical Instrumentation, Instrumentation and
Control Systems, Industrial Automation, Electronics Design and Technology, Process Control and Instrumentation,
Embedded Systems, Robotics, Electronics and so on are suitable higher study options. Selection will be on the basis of
the score in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Instrumentation Engineering or Technology is a specialised branch of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, primarily
focussing on the principles and operations of measuring instruments used in the design and configuration of automated
systems. Instrumentation technology helps create, construct and maintain measuring and control devices and systems
found in manufacturing plants and research institutions. Hence those with B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees in
Instrumentation Engineering or Technology, Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, or Electronics and
Instrumentation can find jobs in these fields. Public sector companies such as Instrumentation Ltd., Bharat
Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. provide job opportunities.
Instrumentation Engineering or Technology is the basis of mechatronics and robotics engineering. Its main objective is
to ensure that systems and processes operate safely and efficiently.
Study facilities
Several institutions offer higher study facilities in Instrumentation, Instrumentation and Control Engineering or
related branches such as Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering.
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore, offers an integrated M.Tech.-Ph.D. (Tech) programme in
Astronomical Instrumentation. After completing the M.Tech. part, students can opt for registration for the Ph.D.
(Tech) course. Those with a B.Tech. degree in Electrical, Instrumentation or Electronics and Communication
Engineering or Computer Science and Engineering or an M.Sc. degree in Physics, Electronic Science, Applied
Mathematics or Applied Physics, Electronic Science, Applied Mathematics or Applied Physics may apply for admission.
An entrance test will be held in Kochi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi followed by an
interview in Bangalore. The selected candidates get a fellowship of Rs. 16,000 a month for the first two years and
are provided hostel accommodation and medical facilities. In the third year, students begin research. The course
normally runs for six years.
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) offer M.Tech. courses in Instrumentation Engineering and related
disciplines. They shortlist students on the basis of the GATE score. The IITs, Delhi and Mumbai, offer an M.Tech.
course in Control and Instrumentation. The IIT, Madras, offers a course in Catalysis Technology and Nuclear and
Petroleum Engineering. Those with a degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering with a GATE score are eligible
for admission.
The IIT, Roorkee, conducts programmes in Measurement and Instrumentation, System Engineering and Operation
Research. Those with a degree in Instrumentation, Electrical or Electronics and Communication Engineering are eligible
for admission.
The institute conducts an M.Tech. course in Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology. Those with a
degree in any branch of engineering are eligible for admission.
The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, conducts an M.Tech course in Instrumentation and Control
Systems.
Those with a degree in Electrical, Electrical and Electronics, Instrumentation and Control Systems, Applied Electronics
and Instrumentation Engineering with a GATE score are eligible for admission. The institute offers an M.Tech. course
in Industrial Power and Automation and Electronics Design and Technology. Those with a degree in Instrumentation
and Control Systems, Applied Electronics and Instrumentation and Control Systems, Applied Electronics and
Instrumentation and so on with a GATE score are eligible for admission.
The NIT, Tiruchirapalli, conducts an M.Tech. course in Process Control and Instrumentation. A degree in
Instrumentation and Control Engineering and a valid GATE score are required for admission.
The College of Engineering (CET), Thiruvananthapuram, offers an M.Tech. Applied Electronics and Instrumentation
course. Those with a degree in Instrumentation Engineering with 60 per cent marks are eligible for admission.
The Government Engineering College, Thrissur, conducts an M.Tech. Chemical Engineering course with specialisation in
Process Control. Those with a degree in Instrumentation, Instrumentation and Control, Applied Electronics and
Instrumentation and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering with 60 per cent marks are eligible for admission.
The Government Engineering College, Kozhikode, conducts an M.Tech. course in Applied Electronics and
Instrumentation with Signal Processing as specialisation. Those with a degree in Applied Electronics and
Instrumentation and Electronics and Instrumentation with 60 per cent marks are eligible for admission.
The Cochin University of Science and Technology offers an M.Tech. course in Electronics with specialisation in Digital
Electronics and Microwave, Radar Electronics and Computer and Information Science. Those with a degree in
Instrumentation are eligible for admission.
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Kozhikode, offers an M.Tech. programme in
Embedded Systems. Those with a degree in Electronics or Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering with 60 per cent
marks are eligible for admission. Preference will be given to applicants with a GATE score.
Anna University offers ME course in Control and Instrumentation (www.annauniv.ac.in).
Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, conducts an ME programme in Process Control and
Instrumentation Engineering (www.annamalai university.ac.in).
The Amrita School of Engineering, Ettimadai, Coimbatore, conducts M.Tech. courses in Embedded Systems,
Computational Engineering and Networking, Remote Sensing and Wireless Sensor Networks, Computer Vision and Image
Processing and VLSI design. Those with a degree in Instrumentation and Control Engineering and related disciplines
are eligible for admission (www.amrita.edu).
The Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers an ME course in Electronics and Communication with
specialisation in Instrumentation and Control Engineering (www.bitmesra.ac.in).
The Delhi College of Engineering conducts an ME course in Control and Instrumentation and Instrumentation
Engineering (www.dce.edu).
The Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Punjab, offers an M.Tech. course in
Instrumentation and Control Engineering. Those with a degree in Engineering or Technology with at least 55 per cent
marks are eligible for admission (www.sliet.ac.in)
The list is only indicative. Details of more institutions and engineering colleges that offer ME and M.Tech. courses in
Instrumentation and related disciplines may be had from the official websites of the All India Council for Technical
Education and the Directorate of Technical Education.