As Gujarat govt announces another Centre of Excellence, CEPT University creating a TechCommons lab

Indian Express

01-05-2025

With the Gujarat government having announced a 'Centre of Excellence' for the second time, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, is creating a new CEPT TechCommons lab.
In the process of augmenting and strengthening its buildings and infrastructure, CEPT has built two state-of-the-art studio buildings, supported through external donations, and both will be ready by June.
CEPT is expanding opportunities for students and will engage in international practices through immersive workshops, and travel-based field visits. Under student and faculty exchanges progammes, CEPT currently has arrangements with more than 30 international collaborations across Asia, Europe and North America.
'The TechCommons lab will involve new technologies for student learning, including digital and related technologies, such as AR, VR, advanced computation, photography, video, sound and other associated areas. Since its first recognition as a Centre of Excellence by the Gujarat government, CEPT University has made significant strides towards its stated action plan. We introduced new multi-disciplinary Master's programmes in housing design, computational design and fabrication, and architectural tectonics,' Prof Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University authorities, told The Indian Express.
The Government of India has also recognised CEPT as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design — the only private institution among four such institutions across India.
While the CoE status by Gujarat government brings in exemption from Fee Regulation Committee (technical) and Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC), granting autonomy to the institutes on admissions and fees or both by the state government, the Government Resolution (GR) issued on April 28 also mandates that all admissions to the professional courses shall be in accordance with the guidelines, norms and standards as specified by respective statutory bodies: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) / Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) / Council of Architecture (CoA).
The colleges, institutions or private universities declared as 'Centre of Excellence' are also required to submit an undertaking to the effect that it shall not do profiteering and/or charge capitation or donation fees. The CoE provision was brought in to 'improve the quality of professional education in Gujarat and to pave ways for promoting and establishing of world class educational institutions imparting professional courses in Gujarat'.
'This summer, around 300 students participated in international travel-based courses to seven cities across the world, including Singapore, Bandung, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Cairo and others,' Prof Mehta said.
'The recognition as a Centre of Excellence reaffirms our resolve to push boundaries of excellence, strengthen research and commit ourselves to making a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of people across India's towns and cities,' Prof Mehta added.
CEPT University has also established CEPT Professional Programmes, a dedicated unit for continuing education and life-long learning. Through this initiative, it has introduced industry-relevant programmes for in-service professionals and government officers from across the country.