Welcome to the Department of Engineering Design, one of the most vibrant departments at IIT Madras.

The emerging need for highly qualified and motivated design professionals to spearhead the economic growth of the country through innovative research and development was one of the main reasons for starting the Engineering Design program at IIT Madras in the year 2005. Initially started as a dual degree program with a specialisation in automotive engineering, it was converted to a full-fledged department in 2006. The department now offers two dual degree programs leading to B.Tech. in Engineering design and M.Tech in automotive engineering or biomedical design, with an option for the students to choose an interdisciplinary M.Tech in Robotics. Department of Engineering Design is the only interdisciplinary department in the country with a very specific focus on form design and functional design, with domain expertise.

The curriculum for the 5-year dual degree program is carefully crafted to ensure that the students get a well-rounded education to meet the requirements of the industry. While the focus in the formative years (year 1 to 3) is on fundamentals of mathematics, science and engineering, graphic art, design, and aesthetics, focus shifts to domain specialisation and skill development in the 4th and 5th years. A compulsory industry internship for 6-months makes the ED dual degree program very unique. This internship prepares the students to understand the real-life engineering problems and their solution strategies. In summary, the dual degree program offered by the department provides a comprehensive skill set for the students to develop as well-groomed designers to meet the growing need for design professionals in the industry. During the last 15 years, ED has produced many highly accomplished designers and entrepreneurs, and many of them are in the leading positions in India and abroad.

Apart from the dual degree programs, the department offers MS and Ph.D. programs also. We have a group of highly qualified and committed faculty who engage in cutting edge research in their area of research specialisation.

You are welcome to contact me for any further information about the department, academic programs, or research and development activities.