logo
BITS Pilani, USC Viterbi to offer dual degree, research initiatives

BITS Pilani, USC Viterbi to offer dual degree, research initiatives

Indian Express06-06-2025
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) has entered into an academic partnership with the University of Southern California's (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering. The MoU is aimed at advancing research, education, and global collaboration.
JEE Advanced 2025: Meet A Rajeshwari, first TN tribal student to secure admission to IIT
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was formalised on Thursday, June 5 at the USC's Olin Hall of Engineering. The MoU will facilitate for a series of joint initiatives between the two institutions.
What domains will it be covered under the partnership?
Under the agreement, BITS Pilani and USC Viterbi will collaborate across key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and sustainable engineering. The partnership will include joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and the launch of an integrated degree program.
'This partnership with USC Viterbi School of Engineering represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide global opportunities for our students and faculty,' said Prof Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani. 'By combining the strengths of both institutions, we aim to foster innovation, enhance learning experiences, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of education and research.'
IITM Pravartak invites applications for online AR, VR & salesforce B2C Commerce cloud programmes
Echoing the sentiment, Yannis C Yortsos, Dean of USC Viterbi, stated, 'This partnership with BITS Pilani exemplifies our commitment to building global alliances that advance research and innovation.'
MoU will fastrack admission for MS degree at USC
BITS Pilani students enrolled in undergraduate engineering programs will have the opportunity to pursue an accelerated pathway to a Master of Science (MS) degree at USC. After completing three years of their BE program, select students will be eligible for early admission to USC's MS program, beginning graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree.
BITS Pilani, admits students primarily through its own entrance test, BITSAT. In addition, a limited number of seats are offered through the international student admissions route and board topper scheme, allowing meritorious students direct admission without JEE.
BITSAT 2025: Notification, Exam Dates, Application Form and more
USC students, faculty to take part in exchange programmes under MoU
Additionally, the partnership includes a short-term exchange program where USC students will spend two weeks at BITS Pilani campuses, participating in both academic sessions and cultural immersion. Faculty members from both sides will engage in teaching and collaborative research through reciprocal visits and joint seminars.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

400 new mobile towers to boost digital connectivity in Maoist-affected areas of Chhattisgarh
400 new mobile towers to boost digital connectivity in Maoist-affected areas of Chhattisgarh

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

400 new mobile towers to boost digital connectivity in Maoist-affected areas of Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Central Govt is set to install 400 new BSNL towers in the Maoist-affected and remote regions of Chhattisgarh in a phased manner, to boost digital connectivity in the state's most underserved areas. This was announced by Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on Sunday. Tower installation will proceed in phase manner, after approvals from security agencies and the forest department. 'BSNL is already providing high-quality 4G services across India, and this expansion will help realize our mission of delivering connectivity to even the last village,' Sekhar said. Sekhar underscored the Centre's commitment to fast-tracking development in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-hit areas. 'Schools in these regions are being digitized to help students prepare for exams like JEE and NEET. Special facilities for differently-abled children are also being introduced,' he said. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Raipur, Union minister Sekhar assessed the performance of key schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Gramin, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How NTUC Club Is Reinventing Golf in Singapore Golf Asia Read More Undo He expressed satisfaction with Chhattisgarh's implementation pace, calling the rural development push 'transformative for both infrastructure and housing.' Highlighting local innovations, Sekhar praised the 'pink auto' initiative aimed at women's empowerment. The programme provides women with ownership-based auto-rickshaws, creating avenues for self-employment. 'Such initiatives, driven by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), are empowering women through financial support, training, and market access,' he said. Sekhar said the government's approach is to strengthen digital, physical, and social infrastructure in an integrated manner, making the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

Innovation must be central idea in our education system: DST secy
Innovation must be central idea in our education system: DST secy

Time of India

time2 days ago

  • Time of India

Innovation must be central idea in our education system: DST secy

Panaji: Innovation must be the central idea in India's education system to spur rapid growth and development in the country, said Abhay Karandikar, the secretary of the Centre's department of science and technology. He was speaking at the convocation ceremony of BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa campus, on Sunday. Karandikar said govt launched initiatives such as StartUp India in 2016 to boost innovation and entrepreneurship. Citing the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) as one of the world's largest digital payment systems, Karandikar emphasised the role of technology and innovative research in improving people's quality of life and contributing to the country's economic infrastructure. 'We are now witnessing the emergence of the third wave of innovation in the country. Young innovators are providing solutions to IT, electronics, manufacturing, space, and defence sectors,' he said. While talking about India's position as the third-largest startup ecosystem, he said that many startups have been conceptualised by the alumni of the BITS Pilani ecosphere. 'Institutions like BITS Pilani are at the forefront of shaping a research-driven, innovation-led future for India,' Karandikar said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'As graduates of this esteemed institution, you carry the responsibility to not only excel in your careers but also to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.' Degrees were awarded to 968 students across BE, MSc, ME, and PhD programmes on Sunday. The medal winners from the bachelor's degree programmes were Ashman Mehra (gold), Soham Amit Walimbe (silver), and Arnav Goyal (bronze). 'You are equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with values, resilience, and a spirit of innovation. Go forth and be the architects of change, because true success lies in the positive difference you create in the world around you,' said Prof V Ramgopal Rao, the vice-chancellor of BITS Pilani. The Goa campus awarded PhD degrees to 48 women, making up 46.3% of the doctoral graduates, a record high in the institute's history. Prof Suman Kundu, the director of the KK Birla Goa campus, said the institute recorded 179 patent filings and 13 technology transfers in the past year alone. Karandikar inaugurated a device lab and two cleanrooms (contamination-resistant facilities) as part of the BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, the technology hub at BITS established through a govt of India scheme.

Govt plans to install 400 new BSNL towers in Naxalite-affected and remote areas in Chhattisgarh
Govt plans to install 400 new BSNL towers in Naxalite-affected and remote areas in Chhattisgarh

Mint

time2 days ago

  • Mint

Govt plans to install 400 new BSNL towers in Naxalite-affected and remote areas in Chhattisgarh

The Central government of India is planning to install 400 new BSNL towers in the Naxalite-affected and remote areas of Chhattisgarh to improve the region's digital communications, reported the news agency PTI, citing Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, on Sunday, 27 July 2025. 'The Central government is working on a plan to install 400 new BSNL towers in the Naxal-affected and remote areas of Chhattisgarh to strengthen digital communication,' said Minister Pemmasani. According to the agency report, the Minister said that the towers will be installed in phases after the required approvals from the security forces and the forest department are obtained. Pemmasani, the Minister of State for Rural Development and Telecommunications, conducted a high-level review meeting in Raipur, which was attended by senior officials from various departments and from the telco Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). 'BSNL is currently providing high-quality 4G services across the country, and with this expansion, we are realising the mission of delivering digital connectivity to the last village in the country,' Pemmasani said, according to the agency report. Minister Pemmasani also highlighted that the government is conducting development work in the LWE-affected areas (Left-Wing Extremist) in a 'mission mode' and said that the government is coming up with a strategy to deliver services at people's doorsteps who are living in these regions. Digitising schools to enable students to prepare for competitive exams like JEE and NEET, providing special facilities for differently-abled students under a sensitive and inclusive initiative, are among the development measures according to the agency report. 'Rapid development and transformation are now being seen in deprived, tribal, and remote areas as well,' he said, cited by the news agency. The Minister in the meeting also expressed his satisfaction over the fast and effective implementation of flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Gramin (PMAY-G), and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Chhattisgarh. Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani also appreciated the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) while acknowledging initiatives like the 'Pink Auto' scheme to make women self-reliant, which could become a role model for other states. 'The SHGs are being linked with various schemes for providing them financial assistance, training, and marketing opportunities. This is helping women become self-reliant and increasing opportunities for self-employment,' he said, reported the news agency.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store