In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize engineering education in India, the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IIT Ropar) has entered into a significant partnership with The Institution of Civil Engineers Society (ICES), an esteemed awarding body recognized by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This collaboration aims to launch advanced training and certification programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for engineering students and faculty.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIT Ropar and ICES marks a pivotal moment in aligning academic curricula with industry requirements. This initiative is designed to enrich the skillsets of future engineers, granting them credits in AI-related subjects as endorsed by NCVET. Additionally, it will enhance the employability of graduates and foster growth within the industry.
This partnership represents a tangible step towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to bring substantial relevance to students’ educational and professional trajectories. The MoU outlines that IIT Ropar will spearhead the development and delivery of AI minor programs specifically tailored for engineering students, while ICES will contribute its expertise and resources to support this training.
The certification earned through this program will be co-branded by IIT Ropar and ICES, with official recognition from NCVET. The initiative promises to offer a comprehensive AI curriculum applicable across various engineering disciplines, thus broadening the understanding and practical applications of AI within the students’ respective fields.
In addition to student training, the program will include a Training of Trainers (ToT) component. This will equip college faculty members with the skills necessary to sustain and expand this educational initiative, ensuring its long-term impact and scalability.
Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with ICES to offer this innovative program. Our goal is to empower the next generation of engineers with AI skills, making them industry-ready and future-proof.”
Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Ropar, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This collaboration with ICES is a pivotal moment for us. By leveraging the NCVET and NEP frameworks, we are equipping our engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. This initiative will not only benefit our students but also set a precedent for other institutions.”
Dr. S.L. Swamy, President of ICES, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, noting, “The synergy between IIT Ropar and ICES will bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Our joint efforts will create a robust framework for skill development, ensuring that engineers are not only employable but also capable of driving innovation in their fields.”
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by key figures from both institutions, including Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh, Dr. Sagar Rohidas Chavan, Dr. Reet Kamal Tiwari, Dr. Sudarshan Iyengar, Dr. S.L. Swamy, Gen. Harpal Singh (Retd.), Mr. Sagar Singh Thakur, Mr. N. Deshpande, and Dr. Gurdeep Singh, among others.
This strategic alliance marks a significant advancement in technical education in India, aiming to elevate AI literacy among students and educators and leading the charge in transforming engineering education in the country.
