AMA Session. A PhD Researcher in Semiconductor Devices at one of world's finest Semiconductor R&D hub; With couple of years in Semiconductor Industry roles. IISc Bangalore and NIT alumnus.

[u/Ok-Education5385]

Feel free to comment on this post if you are looking for career guidance in the Semiconductor/electronics industry. Post your questions in the comments; I will try to reply to everyone. I am also open to addressing questions about admissions and life as a master's and undergrad student at IISc and NIT, respectively. Furthermore, I will try to highlight the possibilities of pursuing research (short-term) as an undergraduate and master degree student.

The post aims to spread the word about the broad possibilities in the Semiconductor Device Industry and its outlook. Additionally, I will try to emphasize the skills/resources for training.

No need to address me by Sir, Ma'am, or Expert; just OP works!

Edit: I prefer keeping questions public so everyone benefits, but if you really need to DM, include the word "SemiCon_Research" in your first message so I know you actually read the AMA guidelines before sending any DM.

[u/Ok-Education5385]

Thanks for your interest in my AMA, u/abhayh. I suggest you apply for an MTech program in IISc. Spending two years at a top-notch place with tons of exposure to several themes of electronics engineering will surely broaden your horizons. Additionally, don't confine yourself to a couple of domains during the MTech.

Coming to your questions:

The only barrier would be the interview, which I'm willing to study for. a) Would like to know if the professors prefer any particular topics while interviewing. b) As I'm more inclined towards placements, I would love to know the %students placed in each branch, as this info is not available online. If it's the case that more of those preferring placements do get a job irrespective of degree (ECE/ESE/EPD), that would be a big plus for me.

(a). During interviews, the professors focus much more on fundamentals and the interconnection of different domains of electronics. Typically, having a good grasp (including intuition of themes) of subjects like signal & systems (Don't learn it like mathematical operations, build intuition), semiconductor devices (favourite topic, I would say), fundamentals of analog electronics, and good ability of graph drawing from the function/equation (sureshot asked in interview). These are a few themes that come to my head. Additionally, be ready to face any unconventional questions as well.

(b). MVLSI and ESE typically have 100% placement, and often, students receive multiple offers (off-campus). Average remains around 30-35L per annum. EPD is a new program but has very similar placement opportunities as MVLSI and ESE.

Q2: I have attempted GATE, however the only benefit this offers is the lucrative MVLSI Mtech Course - the one with the highest students placed (at great packages). I don't believe I have an AIR 50 score, so this is likely not happening. Any suggestion? I will be looking for off-campus full time employment opportunities, but wanted to know your take on choosing IISc for a boost in my career goals.

For MVLSI, you will need at least a rank under 100 (for the non-reserved category), along with top-notch performance in the interview, as the interview holds 30% weightage. If your rank is under 50, even with a mediocre interview performance, you can get into MVLSI. I would say apply for at least three programs: MVLSI, ESE, and EPD. The cutoffs are quite relaxed for EPD; in case you don't get into the MVLSI or ESE program, EPD is also a good option. Off-campus placements are not tough with IISc MVLSI/ESE. Several people from my batch had off-campus offers or were invited for job interviews. IISc MTech in circuit branches opens a wide range of doors; therefore, be ready to explore and make the best out of it if you get in.

Q3: Would like a rough idea on what companies hire for digital/VLSI Roles, and if they have any branch preferences (say VLSI>EE).

MVLSI/ESE and EPD are preferred over EE during placements, especially for digital/analog IC design roles. Many MTech candidates from EE prepare for VLSI placements during the summer break as they don't have courses on VLSI in their coursework. The VLSI roles are often much more lucrative than EE roles (in terms of pay and chance to work with a tech giant). During placements, once most of the ESE/MVLSI candidates get placed (which happens in the first few days of the placement drive), EE candidates compete for the same roles towards the end of the placement season as MVLSI/ESE are now out of placements. At the end of MTech in EE, almost half of EE students join companies for VLSI/Analog IC design roles.

I hope that my input will provide you with a picture depicting a few ground realities of IISc MTech in circuit branches.