Latest news with #IISERs
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Economics: The new frontier in India's leading technical institutes
In the hallowed halls of India's premier technical institutions, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Once considered a secondary subject to engineering and technology, economics has steadily climbed the ranks, carving out a prominent place at institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), and the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs). The discipline—traditionally seen as theoretical—has evolved into a dynamic and essential field that complements and enhances the technical education these institutions offer. As a result, economics is no longer relegated to the sidelines of engineering education; it is now demanding centre stage. The annual IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), one of the most competitive academic exams in India, is just around the corner. Following the exam, students will participate in counselling sessions to select their preferred branches of study. In the past, fields like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering dominated these preference lists. However, in recent years, a surprising trend has emerged: economics is increasingly being chosen as a preferred discipline, often outpacing some of the more traditional engineering fields (see figure below for opening and closing rank for different programmes in IIT Kanpur for year 2024). This shift has prompted both parents and students to reconsider their views on the discipline and its potential. So, what is driving this shift? The answer lies in the transformation of economics itself. India has traditionally approached economics in a qualitative manner, emphasising theoretical concepts and broad social insights. However, modern economics has become increasingly quantitative, leveraging data analysis and statistical tools to solve real-world problems. This shift to quantitative methods has made economics a highly applicable field, particularly in sectors like data science, public policy, and finance. At leading institutions like IITs and BITS, economics programmes have evolved to focus on the application of analytical frameworks and quantitative methods. This focus on quantitative economics is what gives technical institutions like IITs and IISERs a distinct comparative advantage. These institutes are well-suited to deliver a modern curriculum, as they are already equipped with the technical infrastructure and expertise to teach complex mathematical models, data analysis, and econometrics effectively. This shift has made economics not only relevant but also indispensable in a world that increasingly requires cross-disciplinary expertise. For many students, economics offers more than just a theoretical understanding of markets and economies. It provides them with a broad set of analytical and quantitative skills that are highly transferable across industries. These skills are particularly valuable in a job market where flexibility and adaptability are prized. Students who opt for economics over traditional engineering disciplines are often motivated by the wide range of career pathways the subject offers. From data science to public policy, from finance to artificial intelligence, the versatility of economics creates opportunities across multiple sectors, making it a compelling choice for ambitious students. This growing appeal of economics is part of a broader trend. As industries and technologies evolve, the challenges of tomorrow will demand not only technical know-how but also an understanding of human behaviour, market dynamics, and policy implications. Take, for example, the way companies like Uber and Amazon have disrupted traditional industries. While technical innovations played a major role in these transformations, it was economists who helped provide the analytical frameworks that guided them. Microeconomics helps decode complex business models; econometrics teaches evidence-based decision-making; and macroeconomics links local economic trends to global developments. The rise of economics in India's top technical institutes also coincides with the government's push for reforms in education. India's National Education Policy 2020 emphasises critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and the integration of diverse fields of knowledge—qualities where economics naturally excels. Unlike more specialised technical disciplines, economics bridges the gap between hard data and human behaviour. It draws from history to understand economic systems, from psychology to explain consumer behaviour, and from computer science to analyse vast datasets. In response to the growing demand for economics education, many institutions have begun to invest in cutting-edge research facilities and industry partnerships. By incorporating real-world data and engaging with policymakers, these institutions aim to provide students with hands-on experience that reflects the complexities of the modern economy. At IITs and BITS, this has resulted in the development of specialised programmes that combine technical and economic expertise, equipping students to address challenges like technological disruptions, global trade dynamics, and resource management. However, despite its rising prominence, the journey of integrating economics into technical education is not without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the difficulty of simulating real-world economic scenarios in a classroom setting. Traditional lecture formats, which dominate much of technical education, often struggle to provide the kind of experiential learning that students need to understand the intricacies of economics. To bridge this gap, universities are increasingly looking towards collaborations with industry leaders and policymakers, giving students opportunities to work on practical, real-world problems. Moreover, the curriculum itself must constantly evolve to incorporate emerging fields like behavioural economics, digital finance, and the application of artificial intelligence to economic models. This is an area where technology institutes have a distinct advantage. Their ability to rapidly adapt and introduce new courses and specialisations ensures that students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, keeping them competitive in the job market. Despite these challenges, the trajectory for economics in India's top technical institutions is clear. As the country positions itself in the global knowledge economy, economics has shifted from being a complementary subject to an essential pillar of technical education. For students weighing their options after the JEE, choosing economics is no longer just about securing a degree in an abstract subject. It represents a new way of thinking—one that combines technical solutions with a deep understanding of human behaviour, market dynamics, and the broader socio-economic forces that shape the world. Economic knowledge is essential to understanding and shaping our world in this new era. With India's top technical institutions hosting its brightest minds, the future of economics appears more promising than ever. Bikramaditya Datta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economic Sciences at IIT Kanpur and specialises in finance related research. Vimal Kumar is a Professor in the Department of Economic Sciences and Wadhwani School of Advanced AI & Intelligent Systems at IIT Kanpur and does research related to digital economy.
NDTV
26-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
IISER IAT Answer Key 2025 Released, Objection Window To Open Soon
IISER IAT Answer Key 2025: The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) has released the answer key for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025. Candidates seeking admission to IISERs, including IISER Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tirupati, can download the answer key by visiting the official website, IISER IAT Answer Key 2025: Steps To Download Answer Key Step 1. Visit the IISER admissions website, Step 2. On the homepage, click on 'IAT 2025 Answer Key' Step 3. View the answer key on the next page Step 4. Download and print it for future reference The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) is conducted to screen candidates for admission to the five-year BS-MS (Dual Degree) and four-year BS degree programs. The entrance exam is held in computer-based mode at multiple centres across the country. The test duration is 180 minutes and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions - 15 each from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Only one option is correct for each question. IISER IAT Answer Key 2025: Application Process Admission to IISERs is through the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT), a computer-based test. Eligible candidates will participate in online counselling, where they will indicate their IISER preferences after the results are declared. Admission offers are based on seat availability, IAT rank, preferences, and category. Candidates can accept or reject offers and must pay a seat acceptance fee - Rs. 35,000 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL/PwD/KM and Rs. 17,500 for SC/ST - to confirm their seat. Students are advised to check the official website of IISER to get regular updates regarding the admission process.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
IISER Admit Card 2025 now out: Check steps to download and other details
The IISER Admit Card 2025 is now available for download on the official website starting today, May 15, 2025, from 3 PM onwards. Candidates who have successfully registered can log into their accounts on the official portal to download the IAT 2025 hall ticket and check their exam centre details and timings. The IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025 will be conducted on May 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at exam centres across the country. Qualifying this exam is mandatory for admission to the BS degree programme (offered exclusively at IISER Bhopal) and the BS-MS dual degree programmes. Participating institutes include IISERs in Berhampur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Mohali, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tirupati, along with IISc Bangalore and IIT Madras. How to Download IISER Admit Card 2025 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Joguei meu saca-rolhas no lixo depois que descobri isso Vinovation Undo 1. Visit the official IISER Admissions website at [ 2. On the homepage, find and click on the 'IISER Admit Card' link. 3. You will be redirected to the login page. Live Events 4. Enter your registered login ID and password. 5. Once logged in, your IISER Admit Card 2025 will appear on the screen. 6. Carefully review all the details mentioned on the admit card. 7. Download and print at least two copies of the admit card for future use. The IISER Entrance Exam Admit Card 2025 will contain all the essential details required for the examination. These include the candidate's name, application number, roll number, and the complete exam schedule. It will also mention the allotted exam centre along with its full address. Additionally, the admit card will display the candidate's photograph, signature, father's name, and contact details. Candidates must verify all the information carefully and ensure that the details are accurate, as any discrepancy could lead to issues on the exam day.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'Pharma & life sciences offer expanding career scope'
Responding to TOI readers' queries, Shailendra Saraf, director of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research (NIPER) Hyderabad & Ahmedabad, says the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors are witnessing rapid growth in India and globally, creating numerous career opportunities for students. What subjects are needed in Class 12 for pharma or life sciences courses? Can MPC students apply, or is it only for BiPC? – Neha Jain You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Students with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics or Biotechnology can apply to various courses, including B Pharm. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo How do B Pharm and Pharm D differ? How do they compare with BSc in biotech or genetics? – Rohit M Pharm D degree prepares students to serve in healthcare sector and work in hospital settings alongside doctors, while B Pharm leads to roles in drug stores or as production or quality assurance/ quality control chemists in pharmaceutical companies. The B Pharm course covers topics related to drug discovery and development, such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, medicinal chemistry, and regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, BSc degrees focus on fundamental research in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology. How should one choose between B Pharm, Pharm D, and general life sciences for a strong career? – Keerthi P If a student is interested in pursuing research in the life sciences/pharmaceutical fields, degrees in general life sciences or B Pharm will offer broad options. Besides the options to pursue R&D in life sciences, a B Pharm degree also offers wider options in the pharmaceutical sector, such as manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory roles, among others. Pharm D is ideal for healthcare and clinical settings. Are integrated or dual degrees available in this field? Is it advisable to opt such courses? – Vijay Prakash Yes, a few institutes offer integrated courses such as B Pharm + MBA and BSc + MSc (IISERs) and integrated B Tech + M Tech programme in pharmacy (IIT-BHU). They are attractive and worth pursuing. Are scholarships or fee waivers available for these courses? – Lakshmi M Yes, both central and state govts offer merit and category-based scholarships and fee waivers Is a bachelor's degree enough for a good job, or is a master's degree essential? – Savithri Reddy While bachelor's degrees offer job opportunities, higher education opens up more roles and better career prospects. How is demand for life sciences professionals evolving? Which sectors are hiring most? – Aditya MV The sector is booming. India, ranked third globally in pharma, is seeing high demand for skilled professionals in pharma and allied life sciences sectors. What offbeat roles are emerging in the pharma field? – Kalyan Teja Several roles that require multi-disciplinary skills are emerging in the pharma field, such as regulatory affairs, management professionals with a pharmacy background, pharmacovigilance professionals, data management, including clinical data management, data analytics, applications of AI/ML, supply chain management and logistics, intellectual property management, among others. In addition, students of pharma can pursue the emerging nutraceutical sector. Can pharma/life sciences graduates start their own ventures? What support exists? – Suresh Yadav Yes, they can start their ventures. Several state and central govt initiatives, such as the Startup India grant, are available for aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition, most institutes and universities have established several incubators with state-of-the-art facilities for supporting start-ups. Several funding agencies such as DBT-BIRAC, DST, CSIR and others support startups through various grants. A lot of emphasis is being placed by policymakers, educational and R&D organisations, and funding agencies to encourage entrepreneurs with good ideas in a big way. Are there short-term certifications to boost career prospects? – Md Rahil Several short and medium-term courses are being offered in areas such as regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, QA/QC, intellectual property management, PG diploma in management, and applications of AI/ML by various institutes. How crucial is industry exposure during the course? Are such opportunities available? – Nikhil Chandra Practical training adds significant value. Most institutes offer internships, industrial visits, and lab training with advanced equipment What preparation or profile is needed to get into reputed foreign universities for life sciences programmes? – Ayaan Ali Students with a good academic record have better opportunities in foreign universities. Graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students have separate opportunities as per the specific requirements laid by the foreign universities. I have a master's in genetics and 9 months' experience. How can I move into the industry or institutions? Should I upskill? – Dtsv Spoorthi Yes. With your background, you can explore biotech roles in industry or academia. Upskilling in latest technologies will enhance prospects. My son is in MBBS III year but wants to pursue agri-science. Can he switch to MSc in Agriculture? – Vijaya Hemanth He can pursue an MSc in Agriculture after completing MBBS. However, if he drops out, a BSc will be required to qualify.
