Step No 1: Concept building + Basic knowledge Building:

Concepts/Basics are most important for this field. If you are from Electronics background or From Computer Background, then you should have in-depth understanding of the following topics.

Step No 2: Short Term Courses / Certification During or After the Engineering Degree.

It is very well know way in the Software field. During the study, students learn different programming languages and complete few of the Short term courses for increasing their knowledge which is not present or briefly covered in the college curriculum. Same pattern we can apply for the Semiconductor field. I agree that there are very few institutes in the market which conducted such type of courses and if there are any, they are 2 costly. But still sometime it's worth. If you are looking for something while studying then maybe you should not worri?ed? about the certificate, always knowledge speaks more then certificates. Certificates may help you during the screening of your profile (Note: Even this is not necessary) but knowledge is something which can help you to crack any interview or written test. So if you can get the knowledge somehow from your senior's experience + books + internet, then it's the cheapest and best way.) If you have time and money, you can join any good institute. Usually most of the institutes offer a certificate course of full time 6-8 months and for that they usually conduct entrance exams. These institutes also assist in the placements in different companies. ?

Step No 3: Master Degree from Reputed College/Universities

I am considering/assuming that the candidates already have an Engineering Degree and they have tried STEP no 1 and 2 (partially). (Note: You can try this option even before trying for 1st and 2nd option but my recommendation to follow mentioned sequence). You can go for VLSI specialized MS/Mtech program. Different Universities are offering such courses, so candidate can try for that also. Again, during the Master degree, you have to build your concepts and now you have to learn VLSI design flow. Work on the different EDA tools + VLSI concepts. Few of them are

• Frontend Tools + Language: Verilog/VHDL, HSPICE, Netlist Simulator, Design Compiler
• Backend Tools: Synopsys (ICC, Primetime , Starrcxt), Cadence (Encounter, QRC), Mentor (Caliber)

• RTL synthesis
• Layout, Routing , Timing , CTS, Placement

Step No 4: Internship / Project Trainee.

It's not required that you always look for full time jobs especially in this field. Several companies hire candidates as "Intern/Project Trainee" for 6 month / 1 year to evaluate the candidate's skills and his/her problem solving skills. I would say that's the best way to show them how worth are you for the company! Even if they will not convert you into full time employee, the experience you gain on the live project (which you will handle during your internship), will help you in other company's interview.

Step No 5: Keep Trying and Keep Patience.

Sometime, even after following above mentioned steps, students may not get entry into the VLSI field. I would say "no need of worry". Always try to figure out the reason of failure in each step and try to full fill them and make them your strength. I never come across to any person, who has knowledge + Brand Name + Passion + Dedication + focused and still out of his/her dream field. As per my understanding below are the % distributions of failure.As 50% of the time - They (candidates) are lacking in the basics and fundamentals,30% of time - They don't have favorable attitude ( usually judged by their seriousness in their different projects + past experiences + their passion + dedication) 10% of time - Not having Good/Known Brand Name (College / Universities Name). 10% of time - "Give Up" because of struggle/challenges you are facing.