Executive MTech programs or Online MTech programs are gaining a reputation against their traditional on-campus counterparts. The great amount of flexibility and ability to learn from anywhere and from the institute you dreamt of as a college student, makes these programs highly worthy. In this article on MTech for Working Professionals, we cover everything you need to know about these programs, starting from their eligibility criteria, fees, and placements.
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Why Opt for MTech if You are a Working Professional?
Every now and then, the tech revolutions have been changing the outlook of the job market. At this moment, we are also in the middle of the Generative AI revolution. The skills that were relevant a decade back, have become redundant in this age of AI. And that’s why, there are predictions that many professionals will be losing their jobs.
LinkedIn, in one of their surveys quoted that 41% of tech employees feel that their careers have become stagnant. At the same time, new hires who are coming up with more recent and trending skills are earning 7.7% more than old employees. Do you find relevance in these facts? And if you feel you need to add new skills to your portfolio to remove the stagnation, then it’s high time to think about upskilling.
For professionals working in the tech domain, there is no better option than taking over the MTech degree, since it provides highly specialized technical training. Most CTOs and VPs have an MTech background prominently highlighted in their portfolios. And of course, to climb the ladder of the corporate hierarchy, you need master’s level educational credentials by default. Thus, there is huge hype around the MTech programs.
In this digital age, the rudimental MTech programs are evolving and are becoming much more welcoming for working professionals. Many institutions in the recent past have also started offering slow-paced, taught over weekends, online MTech programs that are specifically designed for working professionals.
Flexibility, less cost, learning from anywhere, quality of education, and the opportunity to learn while earning are some of the most tangible benefits these programs have to offer. So, by default, if you don’t want to miss out on your monthly paychecks and upskill yourself at the same time, MTech for working professionals becomes an excellent career choice.
Let’s explore a few reasons why choosing to pursue an MTech while being a working professional:
- Progress in your career path and potentially earn a better salary.
- Become an expert in your domain, equipped to solve complex technical challenges.
- Expand your network and build valuable industry connections.
- Increase your earning potential and enjoy greater job security.
- Experience personal growth and mental stimulation through academic pursuit and knowledge expansion.
What are MTech for Working Professional Programs?
MTech for Working Professional Programs is gaining a reputation among many MTech applicants. A decade ago, if professionals wanted to pursue a master’s degree, they had to take a career break. That means they had to lose out on monthly compensation and their respective jobs to upskill themselves. However, with the growth in digitalization, many large and reputed institutions started welcoming the idea of creating dedicated programs for working professionals.
These programs are formally termed Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) or Executive MTech programs. Mostly they are being conducted in part-time mode for students who are particularly working professionals, and wish to continue their higher studies without quitting their jobs.
All Masters programs come with numerous specializations, and so do the Executive MTech programs. These programs dive deep into specific engineering disciplines in greater depth and at a more advanced level. Some Executive MTech programs are offered in a slow-paced mode, meaning they run for more than 2 years to ensure that candidates hone their technical skills in a much more detailed manner.
Unlike B.Tech programs, job and salary outlooks for MTech programs remain comparatively more promising. If you enroll in these programs, it’s likely that your current employer will promote you. And if you decide to switch careers later, you can expect a significant salary increase.
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Types of MTech Programs for Working Professionals
MTech programs for working professionals are designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to enhance their technical skills and knowledge while continuing to work full-time. Usually available in part-time or online formats, these programs enable students to manage their coursework at their own pace and convenience.
Part-Time MTech Programs
These programs are designed to suit the timetables of employed individuals, often providing classes in the evenings or on weekends. This scheduling allows students to participate in lectures without causing disruptions to their regular work hours. These programs generally take two to three years to complete.
Online MTech Programs
Online MTech programs offer working professionals the convenience of studying from any location, allowing them to set their own pace of learning. These programs utilize various online learning methods, such as self-paced courses, recorded video lectures, mobile learning, and discussion forums, to enhance the learning experience. Typically, the duration of these programs ranges from 2 to 2.5 years.
Executive MTech programs
Executive MTech programs serve experienced professionals aiming to boost their technical expertise and leadership acumen. These specialized programs typically integrate a mix of technical coursework and the cultivation of managerial skills, offering a comprehensive approach to skill enhancement for individuals. The typical duration of these programs ranges from 1 to 2 years.
Read our blog on MTech in Data Analytics to know all you can gain from this course.
MTech For Working Professionals Course Details
Many large institutions offer MTech programs ranging from 2 to 3 years in duration. However, some institutes also offer a fast-paced version of the MTech degree, which just lasts for a year. The lectures from these programs are held over weekends in either online or offline mode. So definitely, there is flexibility in the mode of study as well. The online option is considered the most convenient one.
Below are the critical details about MTech for Working Professionals Programs:
- Offered as Online and Offline modes, and even as blended learning formats with both available learning modes
- Both Slow-paced and Fast-paced programs can be found in the case of Executive MTech programs
- Most Online MTech programs for working professionals don’t require GRE or GATE scores as stringent eligibility criteria
- These courses are completed through evening classes and also held on weekends and holidays
- The course curriculum for Executive MTech remains competent with traditional on-campus programs
- Most of the online MTech courses that are curated for working professionals are AICTE accredited
- As per AICTE norms, these programs last for the duration of 2 to 2.5 years
- Students with BTech degrees are eligible for these programs
- This program opens up a window of opportunity for those who want to attain doctoral degrees like Ph.D
MTech for Working Professionals Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for WILP (Work-Integrated Learning Programs) differ majorly for one particular point. The traditional MTech programs emphasize more on the entrance exams, whereas part-time MTech programs focus more on the experience criteria. Below are all the major criteria that hold true for MTech for Working Professional Programs:
- B.Tech. MCA, MSC, or B.E. Degree from a recognized university
- 60% Aggregate Degree scores
- Minimum of 1-3 years of work experience (in the relevant engineering background)
- Some of the MTech programs offered by top institutes in India might ask for valid GATE scores
- Some Global Executive MTech programs might also ask for valid GRE or IELTS scores
Though the above criterion is most commonly observed in the case of almost all part-time MTech programs, you can find little tweaks in this criterion or additional rules as well. So you must check the eligibility criteria thoroughly by visiting the MTech course pages.
How to Get Admission Into MTech for Working Professionals Programs
If you have relevant work experience and an engineering degree, you’re likely ready for online MTech programs. Just begin your application journey by visiting their websites and directly applying for these programs.
If you’ve always dreamed of earning a degree from tier-1 institutes like IIT or NIT, online MTech can help you make that a reality. A lot of NITs and IITs these days host WILP programs, specifically designed for working professionals. Below, we’ve listed the top 8 institutes that offer world-class online MTech programs in the segment below.
Top Universities Offering MTech For Working Professionals
After extensive research, we found the top 8 institutes that are offering WILP MTech programs for working professionals in Online Mode. This list contains top institutes such as IITs, NITs, IISC, etc., along with the specializations they are offering and entrance test requirements.
| Institute | Entrance Test or Valid Gate Score | MTech Specialization Offered |
| Intellipaat’s AI and ML MTech Program in collaboration with IIT Jammu | Not Required | AI and Machine Learning |
| Intellipaat’s MTech Program in Applied AI in collaboration with VNIT | Not Required | Applied AI |
| IIT Madras | Need to Clear Entrance test Held by IIT Madras | Aerospace Engineering, Information Security, Integrated Circuits and Systems, Microelectronics, Mechanical Design, etc. |
| IIT Hyderabad | A valid GATE Score is required | AI, Aerospace Engineering, BioMedical Engineering, Microelectronics and VLSI, Quantum and Solid State Devices, etc. |
| Indian Institute of Science | A valid GATE Score is required | Aerospace, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Mobility Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, etc. |
| Part-Time MTech IIT Delhi | Employer NOC required and must be working within 50 kms of IIT Delhi | Software Systems, Algorithms and Complexity, Embedded Systems and Architecture |
| IIT Gandhinagar | A valid GATE score is required and candidate has to clear the Technical Interview | Biological Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Engineering, etc. |
| BITS Pilani | GATE Score is not required | Advanced Statistical Systems and Analytics, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Computing, Embedded System Design, Edge Computing, etc. |
Top Specializations for MTech Programs
MTech Programs are available across all engineering domains, such as computer science, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and many other engineering domains. However, in recent times, considering the amount of growth that Artificial Intelligence and Data Science have witnessed, many top institutes have started offering MTech programs for these hyperspecialized domains as well.
Right now, it is better to jump on the bandwagon of IT trends, in order to gain fruitful career outcomes. After a thorough demand analysis, we have collated the list of top 5 trending MTech specializations for working professionals:
1. MTech in AI
Did you know, based on reports from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and IBM, that the AI evolution will shake up 85 million jobs globally between 2020 and 2025? But here’s the interesting part: it’s also going to create 97 million new job roles! That means nearly 40% of the global workforce will need to upskill rapidly in the coming years. Surely, a big change for all of us, but look at it as an opportunity to grow and develop for the future!
That’s the reason why, if you are looking to scale up in your career, you need to hone AI skills. With MTech in AI and ML, you get to learn cutting-edge AI technologies such as natural language processing, computer vision, deep learning, etc.
2. MTech in Data Science
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Data Science industry will create 11.5 million jobs by 2026. CNBC also reports, that the postings for Data Science jobs have increased by 307% since last year. So if you are looking for better job prospects, Data Science is a great choice.
With MTech in Data Science, you can learn concepts like inferential statistics, data analytics, data wrangling, fine-tuning, etc.
3. MTech in Cloud Computing
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global Cloud Computing market size was valued at US$ 587.78 billion in 2023, and it is projected to grow from US$ 676.29 billion in 2024 to US$ 2,291.59 billion by 2032. That is nearly 3 times the current market size, and that clearly indicates the demand for Cloud Computing in the near future. If you are looking for better job prospects in this competitive market, then choosing cloud computing is a wise decision.
With MTech in Cloud Computing, you can learn about concepts like the creation and management of software over the Cloud, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, etc.
4. MTech in Computer Science and Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) is an expansive domain covering a range of specializations like software engineering, full-stack web development, machine learning, cybersecurity, and IoT. MTech programs in CSE offer working professionals the chance to elevate their expertise in these popular domains, aligning with the high demands across diverse industries.
5. MTech in ECE
ECE stands as a favored specialization among working professionals due to its broad coverage of electronics, circuits, communication systems, embedded systems, and signal processing. Opting for an MTech in ECE enables these professionals to remain updated on the latest technologies, offering them a competitive advantage in the job market.
Why MTech in AI is the Best Career Choice?
Last year, the Generative AI revolution changed the dynamics of the IT industry. Advancements like GPT4, Gemini, OpenAI Sora, and Q* are expected to remove a lot of redundant IT jobs and recreate a new set of Artificial Intelligence-related jobs.
According to Glassdoor, in India, AI engineers earn an average salary between INR 8 lakhs and INR 42 lakhs. In the USA, the range is between US$ 120,000 and US$ 300,000. If you consider the remuneration for other IT job roles, you will notice that salaries for AI professionals are substantially higher.
With plenty of job openings, a growing market, and attractive salary packages, opting for an MTech in AI is a fantastic career move for experienced professionals. Considering the fact that IITs are also focusing on offering these programs, highlights how alluring this domain is.
If you feel that, you would like to choose AI as a next career domain, then you need to understand the right syllabus before choosing any MTech program. We have compiled the ideal and best curriculum for MTech in AI programs below, to help you make an informed decision.
MTech for Working Professionals Syllabus (For Artificial Intelligence Programs)
Major MTech in AI programs, follow a curriculum that is closely structured to the format given below:
Here’s an organized summary of MTech in the Artificial Intelligence domain, alongside some of the electives available for this program:
Semester 1 | Programming for Data Science |
| Statistics for Machine Learning |
| Computer Vision |
| Data Transformation |
Semester 2 | Neural Networks |
| Machine Learning Algorithms and Applications |
| Internet of Things and Embedded Systems |
| Elective 1 |
| Mini Project |
Semester 3 | Deep Learning Techniques |
| Elective 2 |
| Dissertation 1 |
Semester 4 | Dissertation 2 |
| Personality Development and Communication Skills |
| Semester Electives* |
1. Natural Language Processing
2. Internet of Things And Embedded Systems
3. Big Data Analytics
4. Deployment Of ML Models
5. AI in Healthcare
6. Applied Signal Processing |
Benefits of MTech for Working Professionals
The demand for highly skilled engineers is constantly growing, driven by the rapid advancement of technology across industries. Today, being a working professional isn’t just about securing a job; it’s about excelling in a competitive environment that values specialization and expertise. Employers seek individuals with refined skills, particularly in technological fields, to maintain their competitive edge.
Obtaining an MTech in this scenario provides strategic advantages, such as personal growth, professional recognition, networking opportunities, career switches, etc., which collectively enable those ambitious individuals to establish themselves as experts in their respective fields.
Let’s explore a few benefits of choosing to pursue an MTech while being a working professional:
- Progress in your career path and potentially earn a better salary
- Become an expert in your domain, equipped to solve complex technical challenges
- Expand your network and build valuable industry connections
- Earn higher salaries and better compensation packages than bachelor’s graduates
- Experience personal growth and mental stimulation through academic pursuit and knowledge expansion
MTech for Working Professionals Program Fees
The fees for MTech programs for working professionals can vary significantly based on several factors, including the university, location, program duration, and specialization. Public universities might have different fee structures compared to private institutions. Generally, part-time or executive programs designed for working professionals may have different fee structures than full-time programs.
For a breakdown of average fees for specific MTech programs in India, check out the table below:
| Program Type | Average Fee Range (INR) |
| Part-time MTech Programs | 50,000 – 1,50,000 |
| Online MTech Programs | 80,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Executive MTech Programs | 1,00,000 – 3,00,000 |
Jobs and Salary After MTech for Working Professionals
After completing an MTech as a working professional, you can explore a variety of job opportunities in the market that assure competitive pay and enduring job security. Let’s explore some of the top job roles in demand today, along with their average salary after completing your MTech:
| Job Roles | Average Package (LPA) |
| Software Engineer | ₹8,00,000 |
| Data Scientist | ₹9,00,000 |
| Design Engineer | ₹7,00,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | ₹6,50,000 |
| Power Engineer | ₹7,50,000 |
| Control Engineer | ₹7,20,000 |
| Telecommunications Engineer | ₹7,80,000 |
| VLSI Design Engineer | ₹8,50,000 |
Conclusion
Seeing the rapid advancements in technology, possessing an MTech for Working Professionals degree is undoubtedly beneficial in the competitive work market of today. Having higher degrees or certifications helps you stay current and relevant to the demands of the industry, which benefits your career path. Pursue an MTech for Working Professionals degree by selecting a specialization that fits your interests. This article offers in-depth facts on the program’s requirements, top universities that offer it, course specifics, and benefits of enrolling in this program.
FAQs
Can a working professional do MTech?
If you match the eligibility requirements, applying to the MTech for Working Professionals program is simple. There is no requirement to take an entrance exam for direct admission.
Can I do MTech without attending college?
MTech programs have begun at several Indian universities. The program is simple to finish as a distance learning course because there is no requirement to travel to colleges or universities for instruction.
Is part-time MTech valid?
You don’t need to worry about your degree’s validity because the part-time M. Tech program has been validated by both UGC and AICTE. Once the two-year degree is completed, you will have no trouble finding employment in the public or private sectors.
Is MTech possible without GATE?
Yes, you can enroll in a Master of Technology program under the Quality Improvement Program (QIP) without having to take the GATE exam. The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the QIP program in an attempt to raise the standards for technical education in India.
Can I complete MTech online?
Yes, you can complete an MTech degree fully online or through distance learning, you don’t even need to attend traditional classes. The MTech distance education program is a two-year postgraduate course, and there are four semesters in all.