Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

How do I join a course at Silicon Minds?

You can join by:

  • Filling out the online registration form

  • Calling us at +91 99867 83238

  • Visiting our center in Visakhapatnam
    Our team will guide you through the admission and payment process.

What are the eligibility criteria?

You must be a graduate/final-year student from ECE, EEE, EIE, or Electronics backgrounds (B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc). We also welcome professionals looking to switch to VLSI.

Is there an entrance test to join?

No entrance test. However, we may conduct a quick counseling session to help place you in the right specialization based on your background and goals.

Do you offer short-term VLSI courses?

No. We only offer 6-month full-time courses in DFT, DV, or PD, designed to provide job-ready training with tool access.

Is there a refund policy if I want to discontinue?

Yes, with strict conditions:

  • Request must be made within 30 days of joining

  • Must have completed less than 20% of the course

  • Must have 80% attendance

  • Tool access should not be used

  • A processing fee will be deducted
    No refund is provided after tools/project work begins.

Do you offer installment options?

Yes. We offer flexible Installment plans. Contact us to check eligibility and breakdown options.

Why should I choose Silicon Minds over other VLSI training centers?

  • Trainers from HCL, AMD, Google

  • Licensed tool access, not trial/demo versions

  • Exclusive mentorship and live projects

  • Offline & online modes

  • Transparent refund policy and placement support

Courses & Learning

What is VLSI and why is it important?

VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration) is the process of placing thousands of transistors on a single chip. It powers everything from processors and smartphones to satellites and electric vehicles—making it one of the most in-demand skill sets.

Are DFT, DV, and PD taught together or separately?

Each one is an independent full-time course with its own curriculum, tool access, and career path. You choose based on your interest.

What tools do you train students on?

We provide access to licensed tools such as:

  • Cadence Innovus, Synopsys, Mentor QuestaSim

  • Linux scripting, TCL, and Python (where applicable)

Will I learn to design real chips?

Yes! You’ll learn the complete chip design flow, including RTL design, synthesis, floorplanning, placement, routing, STA, and verification depending on your specialization.

What career roles can I apply for after completing a course?

  • DFT Engineer

  • Design Verification Engineer (DV)

  • Physical Design Engineer (PD)

  • ASIC Layout Engineer

  • RTL/Chip Design Engineer

What is the benefit of doing VLSI training over software training?

VLSI is less saturated and rapidly growing in India due to semiconductor policy support. VLSI engineers are highly paid and in global demand, especially in chip design and verification roles.

Is your course beginner-friendly?

Yes! We start from digital logic, Verilog, and ASIC flow basics and gradually build up. No prior chip design experience is required.

Do I get hands-on experience or just theory?

You get full hands-on access to tools, assignments, and real-world VLSI projects. Our curriculum is practical and industry-aligned.

Why is tool access such a big deal in VLSI training?

EDA tools used in chip design (e.g. Cadence, Synopsys) are expensive and complex. Accessing and practicing with licensed tools gives you a competitive edge in job interviews and real work environments.

Your Title Goes Why is Silicon Minds a better choice for learning VLSI?Here

  • Mentors from AMD, HCL, and Google

  • Licensed tool access, not just demos

  • Live projects & real-time labs

  • Expert mentoring

  • Placement-driven structure

  • Offline + online flexibility

  • Installments facility and refund policy with clear terms

Placement Assistance

Do you offer placement support after the course?

Yes. We provide 100% placement assistance for full-time students, including:

  • Resume building

  • LinkedIn profile optimization

  • Mock interviews

  • Referrals to hiring partners

What companies hire from Silicon Minds?

Our alumni work at:

  • HCL, AMD, L&T, Wipro, Broadcom

  • VLSI startups and product-based companies across India

What is the expected salary after course completion?

Freshers typically receive offers between ₹3.5 LPA and ₹6.5 LPA, depending on domain and performance.

Do internships include placements?

No. Placement support is only provided for 6-month full-time specialization courses.

How is your placement support better than others?

We offer personal mentorship, real-time interview training, and active follow-ups with hiring companies—unlike many institutes that only offer job listings.

Internships

Who can apply for your internship programs?

Final-year engineering students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals in ECE/EEE/EIE/Other Electronics Candidates can apply.

What is the duration and format of the internship?

Internships last 1–2 months, available online and offline. They focus on domain exposure, not full tool access.

What do I get from the internship?

  • Exposure to DFT, DV, or PD

  • Tool walkthroughs (not hands-on)

  • Skill-building sessions

  • Certificate of completion

Can I get placed through the internship program?

No. Internships are for learning purposes only. Placement assistance is exclusive to the 6-month full-time courses.

Can I upgrade from internship to a full-time course?

Yes. Interns often switch to our full-time programs to get tool access, advanced training, and placement support