“To address the challenge of placement faced by students due to outdated syllabi, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka has committed to incorporating industrial content across all engineering branches in its affiliated colleges. Starting from the academic year 2023-24, VTU aims to produce industry-ready engineers by adopting the necessary technologies and knowledge identified through extensive collaboration with industrialists. This year, VTU initiated a
with experts from the industry. Additionally, a team of VTU experts visited Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras to study the latest advancements in various engineering streams. As a result, the university plans to introduce these essential technologies into the curriculum of all engineering branches, effective immediately.”
The decision to adopt industrial content in engineering branches across colleges in Karnataka arises from the pressing need for skilled workforce in industries, despite daily technological advancements. Recognizing the prevalence of outdated syllabi in engineering colleges and its impact on students’ employability, S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of VTU, explained to The Hindu, “We are actively reviewing the engineering curriculum. We have already incorporated industrial content in the first and second semesters of engineering courses. Our plan is to extend this industrial content to the entire course curriculum. We will soon release updated industrial content for all engineering streams.”
“In response to the growing demand for industry-ready engineers, we have made the decision to revise the curriculum. It is imperative for students to study two subjects that align with this updated content. In order to equip students with relevant skills, we strongly encourage collaboration with industries. VTU’s students are highly sought after by industries, making them the preferred choice among all technological universities in India. Furthermore, we have strategic plans in place to establish research innovation centers and incubation centers in partnership with industries. Additionally, we will appoint mentors and consultants to provide guidance and support to students in their research endeavors.”
Students happy with decision of VTU
The decision has been met with positive feedback from students. According to S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of VTU, in an interview with The Hindu, “The review of the engineering curriculum is currently underway, and we have successfully incorporated industrial content in the 1st and 2nd semesters of engineering courses. Building upon this, we have now made the decision to expand the inclusion of industrial content throughout the entire course. We are diligently working towards releasing updated industrial content for all engineering streams in the near future.”
“In the current landscape, entrepreneurs have high expectations for engineers who are well-prepared for the industry. Consequently, we have made the decision to overhaul the curriculum. It is now mandatory for students to study two subjects that align with this new content. In order to equip our students with the necessary skills, we strongly emphasize collaboration with industries. VTU’s students are the preferred choice for industries when compared to all other technological universities in India. Moreover, we have strategic plans underway to establish research innovation centers and incubation centers in collaboration with industries. Additionally, we will appoint mentors and consultants to provide valuable guidance and support to students in their research endeavors.””
