Latest news with #TGSitharam
Hans India
3 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
JNTUH to award over 92K degrees, 74 gold medals
Hyderabad: The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) – Hyderabad will confer honorary doctorate to Professor TG Sitharam, Chairman All India Council for Technical Education, during its XIII convocation on Tuesday. During the ceremony, around 74 gold medals will be presented to meritorious students. A total of 92,118 degrees – 77,559 Undergraduate, 13,063 Postgraduate, 950 Doctor of Pharmacy, 305 Doctor of Philosophy and 241 other degrees will be presented to successful students during the event. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who is also JNTU-Hyderabad Chancellor, will take part in the convocation and Professor Sitharam will deliver the convocation address. 'According to JNTUH officials, the University is in the process of revising the course curriculum and the syllabi of all UG and PG programmes in the form of R25 regulations, which will be applicable from the academic year 2025-26,' Professor Reddy said, adding that the main objective of the syllabus revision is to prepare industry need based curriculum that will enhance employability skills, 'A total of 791 students of JNTU-Hyderabad University colleges/units have been placed during campus interviews for the academic year 2024-25.
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
To lead in fields from AI to quantum computing, more Indians need to opt for MTech and PhDs
Written by T G Sitharam The latest data on MTech enrollment in engineering paints a concerning picture: The numbers have hit a seven-year low. From an approved intake of 1.81 lakh in 2018–19, only about 1.3 lakh seats were offered in 2023–24, and less than 45,000 students enrolled. This means close to two-thirds of postgraduate (PG) engineering seats are lying vacant across the country. The trend is not merely statistical — it reflects a deeper malaise in the higher technical education ecosystem that policymakers, educators, and institutions must collectively address. But first let's understand why interest in MTech and PhD is declining. Today's graduates are in a race to secure jobs as early as possible. The growing demand in industry, coupled with attractive pay packages post-BTech, makes immediate employment a more compelling option than continuing for another two years in postgraduate education. Many bright students prefer pursuing Master's or research degrees abroad, drawn by advanced facilities, higher scholarships, global exposure, and better job prospects. A significant section of students and recruiters alike do not perceive MTech as significantly enhancing employability or skill sets unless it is from a premier institution. For students who do consider MTech, the financial pressure is real. The scholarship amount of Rs 12,400 per month, last revised in 2015, is no longer sufficient to cover even basic living expenses in cities. With inflation and rising costs, the scholarship is simply inadequate. For PhD aspirants, a vibrant research environment is crucial. Unfortunately, many institutions still lack high-end laboratories, mentorship, industry linkage, or cross-disciplinary opportunities, leading to academic inertia and disillusionment. Many MTech students traditionally aspired for faculty roles in engineering colleges. However, the expansion of engineering institutions has plateaued, and job security, pay parity, and career growth in academia are no longer as attractive as before. At the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), we are deeply conscious of these challenges and are actively working to implement both short-term incentives and long-term structural reforms to revive interest in MTech and PhD programs. We have formally proposed to the Ministry of Education to increase the monthly scholarship to Rs 18,600 for GATE-qualified postgraduate students. This revision is long overdue and aligns with the 50 per cent hike given in 2015 (from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,400). The aim is to make higher education more financially viable and reduce the opportunity cost for meritorious students. The AICTE has also recommended expanding the eligibility for PG scholarships to include students who may not have cleared GATE but have demonstrated academic excellence with a CGPA of 8.5 or above in their undergraduate programs from AICTE-approved institutions. This would widen access to scholarships and recognise multiple forms of merit. In a landmark step, the AICTE is planning to include PhD programmes under its purview. This would enable us to set minimum quality standards, ensure regular evaluation, encourage interdisciplinary and applied research, and introduce robust monitoring mechanisms. Through schemes like YASHASWI, we are continuously investing in upgrading laboratories, promoting innovation, and encouraging institutions to develop Centres of Excellence that attract both MTech and PhD aspirants. To bridge the gap between education and employability, the AICTE is working to embed industry collaboration in postgraduate programmes. Internships, live projects, industry mentorship, and co-designed curricula will help students see real-world relevance in deeper learning. Recognising that postgraduate education is a pipeline for future educators, the AICTE is revisiting pay structures, academic mobility schemes, and professional development opportunities to rejuvenate teaching as a desirable and fulfilling career path. India is at the cusp of technological transformation — from artificial intelligence to quantum computing, from green energy to smart infrastructure. To lead in these domains, we need a strong pool of advanced thinkers, innovators, and researchers — not just entry-level professionals. Encouraging students to pursue MTech and PhDs is no longer optional — it is imperative for building the intellectual and technological capital of the country. We must reshape perceptions. A postgraduate degree is not merely an academic credential — it is a gateway to depth, specialisation, innovation, and leadership. At the AICTE, we remain committed to making postgraduate and research education aspirational, affordable, and impactful. The writer is chairman, AICTE
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AICTE ties up with IG Drones to set up drone centres of excellence in 50 engineering colleges
All India Council for Technical Education ( AICTE ) has partnered with drone technology startup IG Drones to set up drone centres of excellence (CoEs) across 50 engineering colleges in India. Under the initiative, 200 students from each university will be trained, equipping over 10,000 learners with specialised expertise in drone technology, IG Drones said in a statement. "This initiative is aligned with the government of India's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', aiming to bridge the skill gap in emerging technologies by empowering youth with cutting-edge training in drone technology," it said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Things Flight Attendants Rarely Talk About, Plus Tips to Make Your Flights More Comfortable Enhancing In-Flight Comfort Undo The drone CoEs will act as hubs for innovation, hands-on training and research where students will gain industry-relevant skills and certifications in drone operations, manufacturing and applications. These centres will aim to foster entrepreneurship and indigenous innovation, creating a skilled workforce for high-impact sectors like agriculture, defence, disaster management, logistics and urban planning, according to the statement. Also Read: Drone startup Garuda Aerospace secures Rs 100 crore funding from Venture Catalysts at $250 million valuation Live Events "These centres of excellence will serve as vibrant hubs of innovation—democratising access to advanced technology, promoting inclusion, and fostering entrepreneurship and indigenous development. They will not only equip students with industry-ready skills but also encourage them to launch their own startups and build solutions in high-end tech drone sectors," said AICTE chairman T G Sitharam. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories India's first drone centre of excellence was established in Odisha in February. "Through this partnership, we aim to build a drone ecosystem that is truly 'Made in India', powered by local talent, and equipped to serve global standards. We believe this is how we make technology inclusive, equitable, and meaningful, especially for rural and tribal communities," said Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder of IG Drones. Also Read: Army to acquire 9 more Laser-based counter-drone systems for deployment along Pakistan, China borders
