Why Scaler School of Technology Didn't Offer a B.Tech - And Why That's a Good Thing

Business Standard

22-04-2025

When we set out to build Scaler School of Technology (SST), we weren't trying to replicate existing models. We wanted to reimagine what engineering education could look like if we started from a blank slate — built around the needs of today's learners and tomorrow's employers.
Early on, one question kept coming up: Should we offer a conventional B.Tech, or chart a new path?
On paper, the B.Tech felt like the safe choice. It's what most students and parents are conditioned to value. But with over 16 lakh engineering graduates entering the job market each year, a B.Tech today is no longer a differentiator.
Worse, that label comes with baggage. Traditional engineering programs are bound by rigid regulations that slow down innovation. You can't update the curriculum fast enough. You're required to teach outdated topics like welding and inorganic chemistry — even in Computer Science. And to teach, you need academic credentials — even if you've built real-world products.
India's engineering education system is at a tipping point. According to Aspiring Minds, 80% of Indian engineers aren't fit for knowledge economy jobs — and only 2.5% have the AI skills modern tech roles demand.
After a decade working with tech companies, hiring managers, and learners, we came to a clear conclusion: a degree doesn't guarantee quality education today.
We could've played it safe. But we chose to build something better — not a college that looks good on paper, but one that actually works in the real world.
Education Should Be Built Around the Learner, Not the System
Most colleges are built around fixed calendars and outdated syllabi. At SST, we flipped that model.
Our four-year residential program in Computer Science and AI starts with one question: What does it take to thrive in tech today?
So at SST, students build software, contribute to open-source, and run peer-led coding clubs. Assignments follow every class, with real-time feedback — not just end-of-semester grades.
Our faculty includes engineers from Google, Microsoft, Snapdeal, and Oracle. Mentorship is built in. And in the final year, students don't just coast — they enter full-time industry immersion, solving real problems inside engineering teams.
Degrees Still Matter — So We Built a Smarter Path
Naturally, we get asked: 'If you don't offer a B.Tech, what do students graduate with?'
It's a valid concern. A recognized degree still matters — for jobs, postgrad plans, and family reassurance.
That's why our students pursue a UGC-recognized Computer Science degree alongside their SST education. They enroll in off-campus programs from IIT Madras or BITS Pilani. After Year 3, they can either extend their BSc into a 4-year BS/BSc (Hons), or pursue a Master's from Woolf, a globally recognized European institution.
While these degrees aren't labeled 'B.Tech,' they are UGC-recognized, equivalent in academic standing, and valid for jobs and most postgraduate pathways — including MS, MBA, UPSC, and government roles. We also support students with mentorship for master's admissions — from application guidance to recommendation letters.
This hybrid model gives students the best of both worlds: credibility from top institutions, and the agility of an industry-aligned program.
Recognition Comes from Results, Not Just Paper
Will companies hire if it's not a B.Tech? They already are.
As of April 2025, over 92% of our founding batch have secured paid internships — at companies like Zomato, Swiggy, Freecharge, and Pazcare — with stipends up to ₹1.1 lakh/month. These weren't handed out because of a degree. They were earned through portfolios, problem-solving, and proof of work.
Students have already launched products like BuildMyNotes (AI-powered note generation), Scaler Companion (an AI interview tool), and a virtual teaching assistant that resolves doubts in real time. Two of our students — Krishna and Abhinav — are currently interning at Apple Developer Academy (Indonesia) and Germany's Digital Product School, respectively.
These aren't side projects. They're proof that students don't need to wait four years to start doing meaningful work.
The Future Belongs to the Skilled
India is moving toward a skills-first economy. NEP 2020 acknowledged it. Platforms like GitHub, HackerRank, and Kaggle reward ability, not credentials. Today, your portfolio speaks louder than your degree.
At Scaler School of Technology, we're not building for the next job — we're building for the next decade. For a future where engineers aren't just coders, but thinkers, builders, and leaders.
Scaler isn't for those seeking a passive degree experience. If all you want is a recognized credential, you can enroll in one directly from IIT Madras or BITS Pilani. You don't need us for that.
But if you want more — a launchpad, not just a classroom — this is where you belong.
The early outcomes are already proving this was the right path.
And we're just getting started.