Department of Engineering Design

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Department of Engineering Design

Established in 2006, the Department of Engineering Design at IIT Madras is the first of its kind in India. The department aims to develop design professionals with a strong multidisciplinary background and a focus on Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Design, and Robotics. This is the only interdisciplinary department in the country with a very specific focus on form design and functional design, with domain expertise.

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Department of Engineering Design

10

Staff

18

Faculty

288

Postgraduate Students

26

M S Research Scholars

91

PhD Research Scholars

648

Publications

About the Department

Are you looking to design a new product or a more compact version of an existing product or changing the aesthetics of a product? Engineering Design will teach you how to do this.

The Department of Engineering Design was the 16th department established in IIT Madras, with a focus on interdisciplinary teaching and research. The Department has a novel Dual Degree programme in Engineering Design with specialisation in Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Design and Robotics.

The main objective of the department is to develop design professionals with a strong multidisciplinary background and a deep sense of aesthetics with a focus on automotive engineering, biomedical design, design for life, and robotics. Over the years the highly experienced faculty constantly support the students to create benchmarking products.

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 course is a balanced mix of theory and practicals; and includes business management, economics, foreign language and ethics.

Students get the opportunity to gain industrial experience as interns in companies like Titan, Philips, Siemens, JK Tyres, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Caterpillar, ITC, etc. Many students have availed Research internships in renowned research centres and universities CERN, NTU Singapore, Purdue University(USA), Fraunhofer-Gesellschat (Hamburg), etc.

Message From the Head of 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.

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Dr.R.Jayaganthan

Areas of Research

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