Apply for Joint MS Program at IIT Madras with Texas Instruments

Introduction

The Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras is offering an exciting opportunity for motivated candidates to join the research associate positions in the area of analog and mixed signal VLSI design.

2021 marks the tenth year of this MS programme, which is a collaboration between IIT Madras and Texas Instruments India. Started in 2011 with five students, this niche programme has admitted over 50 students till date.

This program is a collaborative effort between IIT Madras and Texas Instruments India Pvt Limited, providing an exceptional platform for individuals interested in pursuing cutting-edge research and gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of academia and industry. Selected research associates will have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science (MS) Programme (by research) at IIT Madras.

What makes this programme Special

Industry Integration: This program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical industry exposure. You’ll gain a strong theoretical foundation through coursework at IIT Madras, followed by a two-year internship opportunity at Texas Instruments. This internship allows you to apply your learnings to real-world problems and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Specialization: The program focuses on Analog, Mixed-Signal (AMS), and RF VLSI Design, which are in high demand within the semiconductor industry. By specializing in this area, you’ll position yourself for a successful career in chip design.

Potential for Employment: Texas Instruments has a history of offering employment opportunities to graduates of this program. Having the internship experience on your resume and the network you build during the program can be a significant advantage.

Reputable Institutions: The collaboration between IIT Madras, a premier Indian Institute of Technology, and Texas Instruments, a leading global semiconductor company, brings together expertise from both academia and industry.

Overall, the TII-IIT Madras MS program provides a comprehensive and industry-oriented learning experience that can be a stepping stone to a successful career in VLSI design.

Features of the Programme

Associates will collaborate with expert faculty and TI engineers on relevant industrial problems in analog/mixed signal IC design.
Selection criteria include a written test and interview conducted by IIT Madras.
The selected students will receive minimum stipend of Rs. 25,000/- per month throughout the programme.
The students selected to the program will receive a provisional non-binding employment offer from TI at the time of joining the course.

How long does it take to receive MS degree?

It varies from student to student. The MS students in this program are expected to design a chip and test it. It takes one to two semesters to finish the coursework and three to five semesters for IC design and testing. So, one can expect to spend about three years to complete the MS programme.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Telecommunications, Instrumentation engineering, or allied disciplines with an aggregate of 65% up to the final semester. If the final semester results are pending, we will consider the aggregate up to the seventh semester.
Have a valid GATE score of 650 or more in EC, EE, or IN. Currently, GATE scores are valid for 3 years.
BTech students from centrally funded technical institutes (CFTI) with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 8 or higher are exempt from the GATE requirement.

Application Procedure and Important Dates

Candidates must first apply to the MS program at IIT Madras at https://research.iitm.ac.in/ and choose EE6 as their first preference for specialization by the deadline of 31st March 2024.
After the formal application the candidates are required to fill out this form
The last date for submitting applications is 31st March 2024.
Test and interview dates will be scheduled between late April and early May, with the schedule communicated after processing applications.

Test syllabus

The test and interview will test you on circuit analysis, electrical networks, and analog circuits at the undergraduate level.

Read this Quora thread for more info

Conclusion

The Research Associateships in Analog and Mixed Signal VLSI Design at IIT Madras in collaboration with Texas Instruments offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about analog circuit design to engage in practical industrial research, pursue a Master of Science (MS) Programme (by research), and potentially secure employment offers from a leading industry player. This program not only provides a platform for academic and professional growth but also offers financial support and invaluable industry exposure.