Abstract-Due to robustness, reliability, low price and maintenance free, induction motors (IMs) used in most of the industrial applications. The influence of these motors (in terms of energy consumption) in energy intensive industries is significant in total input cost. This paper presents a review of the developments in the field of efficiency optimization of three-phase induction motor through optimal control and design techniques. Optimal control covers both the broad approaches namely, loss model control (LMC) and search control (SC). Optimal design covers the design modifications of materials and construction in order to optimize efficiency of the motor. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques such as artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic, expert systems and nature inspired algorithms (NIA), Genetic algorithm and differential evolution in optimization are also included in this paper. Experimental and simulation examples on efficiency optimization are illustrated.