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Economic Times

had some good things to say about NIIT University.  The article highlighted the core principles of NU: to deliver seamless education, create a research culture, build strong industry-linkages and create great careers for students, even while leveraging on existing strengths in technology. It spoke of innovative practices at NU – the range of courses offered, the constituents of the advisory committee, even the cooling system on campus! It pointed to the fact that NIIT University has chosen to focus on fostering research and will be offering Ph D and M Tech programs along with under-graduate level courses like B Tech.  This is an indication of its innovative approach. Also, the courses offered are the ones which are rooted in the emerging areas of knowledge society. The article talks about cutting-edge technology on the NU campus, like a Wi-Fi enabled facility, and synchronized learning technologies which allow students to overcome the boundaries of distance and connect with faculty in different parts of the world. NU has used innovation in the infrastructure of the campus as well. In wake of the global warming concerns, the NU campus has been made into a green campus, where special earth-air tunnels for cooling are being attempted to minimize the use of electricity for cooling. Moreover, the campus is only accessible via a pedestrian promenade. To bring the students closer to nature, the buildings have also been designed and constructed at different heights and elevations, following the natural contours of the land. NU has already taken this Green Campaign beyond the campus boundaries and has planted about 2000 trees on the hillocks in the surrounding area.

Hindustan Times raised this pertinent question faced by almost every B Tech graduate. The article highlighted the increasing demand for research-based education and proceeded to counsel students about its relevance. It pointed out that even though many bright B Tech graduates are interested in pursuing an M Tech degree, they are not confident that the degree will fetch them a good job. So they are forced to discontinue their engineering studies, and take up something which is considered to be more “placeable”. As a result, engineering research has lost some of the brightest minds to courses like M.B.A.  Hindustan Times challenges this perception by giving instances where engineering students are now choosing to remain in the domain of technology, believing that a Masters Degree will lead them to a good career. With an opening up of avenues in the research sector, post graduates in technology are expected to be in greater demand. The article quotes many academicians’ predictions that hot career options will be available for M Techs soon and the time is right to go for a Post Graduation in technology after the engineering degree. Rajendra S Pawar, Chairman NIIT Ltd. says, “Research and Development in the IT sector is witnessing a growth of 23 per cent per annum. The industry needs more and more engineers but all talented people don’t stay in the technology segment and move to management, depriving the industry of talent. It is seen, many a times, that less talented engineers go in for an M Tech while the bright ones foray into management. But the fact of the matter is that an M Tech can also earn as well as an MBA”.

Students are now realizing this trend, evident in the increase in the number of applications. For the overall 600 M Tech and Ph D seats in IIT Delhi, the number of applications has crossed 40,000, a 25-30% increase from last year.

These points were also raised by engineering aspirants at NIIT University’s seminar at IIT Delhi, which was a part of a series of seminars organized by NIIT University on “Engineering: Building Great Careers in Turbulent Times”.

In every seminar that NIIT University has organized to meet students and their guardians, the one question that is invariably asked is: “Is this the right time to even consider Engineering as a career, given the downturn?”

Add to this, a recent report confirmed some of the worst fears of tens of thousands of bright engineering aspirants, in which the Director of IIT Kanpur mentioned that only 130 companies turned up for placements on campus whereas 1200 had been invited. Consequently, IIT Kanpur’s 99% placement record fell to 74%.

While this worrying, it must be viewed objectively and with a long-term perspective. The fact is that fewer companies are hiring, not because there is a dearth of opportunities in engineering but because there is an overwhelming sense of uncertainty in the short-term: after all, if a corporation like General Motors can file for bankruptcy, who isn’t affected? The fact also is that this is a volatile environment and we need to get used to – not get depressed by it.

In a shifting situation, only those who are quick to adapt will survive. Both, institutions and individuals. For the more-established engineering colleges with a rigid curriculum, it is difficult to change rapidly. And this is understandable. However, for NIIT University, which is starting out in a difficult environment, there is no baggage to either carry or shed: when you have only the future to look forward to, it is easier to learn from the problems being faced by others and create a differentiator that works not only for the University but also for its students. Two aspects of NIIT University’s philosophy were conceived long before the slowdown and now seem to be great examples of foresight: industry-connectedness and seamlessness. The former will ensure that our programs are always industry-relevant and not only theoretical in nature; it will also provide ample opportunity to students to work in the corporate world and learn on the job. This is designed to make them more job-ready when they graduate.

Seamlessness was arrived at bearing in mind that students need flexibility and all-round education without any compromise. This is why NIIT University will provide scope for switching subjects if needed and will combine classroom lectures with research labs and a holistic mental-physical combo.

Bear in mind, too, that we are worrying about placements right now whereas our first batch will graduate in 2013 – four years from now when this slowdown will be far behind us, opportunities will have multiplied and employers will be hungry for better-trained engineers.

Will you then be ahead of the pack or part of the hassled herd?

Another seminar was held, this time at the Vasant Valley School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi on June 3rd, attended by an enthusiastic group of prospective students and their parents.  The seminar was conducted by Mr. Rajendra Pawar, Pro-Chancellor, NIIT University and Chairman, NIIT Ltd, Prof M. P. Kapoor, Founding Vice Chancellor, NIIT University and Mr. Arun Kapoor, Director, Vasant Valley School.  An energetic discussion followed.  Here are some questions and answers from the session:

1.Sachendra Pratap Singh Sisodia (father)

What is the procedure for students who have done 10th from here and 12th from abroad. How will you consider the grade point scores?

Ans: NIIT University is certainly open to students who have done their 12th from a recognized system abroad.  Yes there is the issue of conversion of grade point scores to the percentage marks system acceptable in our environment.  We will do this by converting grade point scores to percentage marks by multiplying the grade point score on a scale of 10 by 9. E.g. Score of 6.8 X 9 = 61.2 %. Do not hesitate to apply.

2.Tarunima Prabhakar (student)

What is NU policy on reservations?

Ans: Thanks for your question. At present NIIT University does not have reservation of seats in the year 2009-10.

3.Pavitra Bawa (student)

You are giving 50% weightage for AIEEE.  But some of us do not do so well in these exams.  So what would my future be?  My rank should not stop me from applying for this University

Ans: Certainly, your rank in one examination should not deter you from applying to NIIT University. That is why NIIT University gives only 50 % weightage to JEE/ AIEEE score and considers three other performances (Class 10, 10+2 and Interview) for preparing the Merit List. Please see the website www.nituniversity.in for details.

4.Mr. Arora (father)

What is the difference between BE and B tech

Ans: As you must be aware, BE is Bachelor of Engineering and B Tech is Bachelor of Technology. The latter was introduced by IITs as IITs are Institutes of Technology and hence to distinguish the IIT degree from the degree of other institutions. However, this distinction has got completely blurred and should not be attributed any more meaning than just a nomenclature.

5.Sadhana Shukla.  (teacher)

Do you have scholarship for economically backward students? A number of students ask me, they never get opportunities.

Ans: In the year 2009-10, NIIT University will offer merit-based scholarships to top 15 % of enrolled B Tech students of an amount equivalent to full or part of the University fees. Please see the website www.nituniversity.in for details of fee structure.  For bright economically challenged students, NIIT University through its Affirmative Action Project, will create economic support for nationally identified and selected Class 12 pass-outs in the years to come.

6.Arvind Chawla (parent)

Are there special privileges for the girl child?

Ans: At the present time, we do not have special admission privileges for the girl child. They have to come through open competition.

7.Vinod Yadav (parent)

In terms of quality of education what are the ways in which you will measure?

Ans: Quality of education should be measured in terms of industry-relevance of curriculum, diversity of learning experiences for a student, level of preparedness of a student in applying research-oriented approach to solving complex problems, and response of the end-user (employer) to the product (graduate) in terms of acceptance.

8. Anuradha Singh (parent)

Please throw some light on fee structure and scholarship.  What percentage of students will get scholarships?

Ans: In the year 2009-10, NU will offer merit-based scholarships to top 15 % of enrolled B Tech students of an amount equivalent to full or part of the University fees. Please see the website www.nituniversity.in for details fee structure. All full time registered Ph D students would be required to offer half-time support in teaching/ research. In lieu of their services, they will be waived the University fee (Rs. 4,00,000/- pa) Further, every full time registered Ph D student would be paid a scholarship of Rs. 20,000/- per month.

9.Don’t you think there is too much time between merit list and start of session?

Ans: Yes there is. Since the NIIT University Campus is under development this year, it was not possible to schedule an early start of the semester. From next year onwards, the academic calendar of NU will be aligned with that of other premier institutions in the country

When NIIT University invited several hundred students to attend a seminar on ENGINEERING: Building Great Careers on May 11 at IIT Delhi, little did we know that the response would be so intense that it would lead to a series of seminars that would bring students and their parents together on a common platform.

On June 1 a second seminar was held at Doon Public School, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. Key issues pertaining to a career in engineering were addressed during the seminar.

The seminar at Doon School, was addressed by Mr. Rajendra S Pawar, Pro-Chancellor, NIIT University and Chairman, NIIT Ltd, Prof M P Kapoor, Founding Vice Chancellor, NIIT University and Mr. N. V. Sarat Chandran, Manager, Doon Public School.
Mr. Pawar set the tone of the seminar: “The global economy is passing through a challenging phase. Students need to start thinking long term for the right career which stays relevant. NIIT University is designed to shape talent which fulfills the need of tomorrow’s Knowledge Economy.”

Incidentally, a recent Nasscom-McKinsey Perspective 2020 report states that the Indian IT industry is expected to grow more than three times and reach $225bn by 2020. Today the industry remains a nett hirer with direct employment at 2.23 mn and indirect job creation estimated at 8 mn. This is estimated to increase to 30 mn job opportunities by 2020. India has the potential of emerging as one of the top three global IT innovation hubs in the near future, provided it focuses on value creation today.

Emphasising the need to upgrade Engineering talent, Mr. Pawar and Prof Kapoor said that while there is a promising future in the technology space, it can be better leveraged only by understanding the various career options in the context of a wider economic situation. Prof M P Kapoor said that it is important to clarify all doubts of students about different academic and professional aspects in building a career in engineering, as the profession is all about quality of life and quality of living. The discussion was followed by a Q & A session where aspiring students put forth career-related questions to the distinguished panel.”

The results are finally out!

For the 3.85 lakh students – and their families – today morning was the end of over a month’s suspense. But every end is also the beginning of something new – and for the majority of these IIT aspirants, the race starts all over again as they start shortlisting options for admissions in other colleges and universities.

According to the Indian Express “Boys outshone girls in the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) this year as over 10,000 students qualified the tough test with Nitin Jain from Faridabad topping the exam. While 3,84,977 students, including 98,028 girls, appeared in the test, a total of 10,035 students, including 1,048 girls, qualified.

Around 3.13 per cent boys qualified the test while girls failed to put up a good performance with only 1.07 per cent of them clearing it. The students, who cracked the test, will get admission into 15 IITs, IT-BHU and ISM Dhanbad, which will offer 8,295 seats…”

Along with the rest of the world, we’d like to congratulate Nitin Jain as well as the other 10,034 students who qualified. Engineering remains a very strong career alternative and the opportunities to study and undertake serious research are aplenty. In our seminar on May 11, our panelists had highlighted this (link here) and we are sure that their optimism is not misplaced.

For the several thousand who did not make it to the engineering specialization of their choice or the IIT of their choice, there is no reason to be disheartened: if you have prepared hard and are ready to give Engineering a good shot, there are many good opportunities in India.

If you would like to congratulate Nitin and all the others who made it, please leave a comment here. Please also wish the very best to those who did not make it to the IITs but are sure to get admission to other good institutes.

Image Finish by Philo Nordlund

One of the key reasons for setting up this forum was to initiate dialogue and keep you all abreast with all the happenings at the University. For the same reason, we are introducing the “Status Update” series – where we will keep our prospective students, parents and the entire NIIT University community involved and informed about the current status and happenings at the university front.

As you probably know, the University campus is located in the foothills of the Aravali range, close to the historic Neemrana fort. The proposed NIIT University falls under the aegis of the Government of Rajasthan Education (Gr-4) Department Guidelines for the Establishment of Private Universities by Separate Act. A Letter of Intent (LOI) to this effect from the Government of Rajasthan was received vide letter No. F 3 (24) Edu. IV / 2005 dated July 10, 2008. The necessary compliance report has been filed with the authorities of the Government of Rajasthan after addressing all requirements stipulated in the aforesaid LOI.

The Gr-4 plays an important role in bringing about the quantitative and qualitative improvement in the higher education in the State. They help in obtaining development grants from the U.G.C. and in providing grants for organization of the academic conferences and seminars.

To give you an update on the University infrastructure, two of the academic blocks and hostels are near completion thereby making us ready for the pioneering batch of students in the B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD programs offered by the university.

A point of personal pride is our broad-based admissions process, which is designed to take into consideration multiple performances and not just a single exam.

Keeping in mind our policy of seamless integration, the admission for the M.Tech program is based on public examinations, the first degree program, GATE / NET, an online test and personal interview by a panel of experts.

The PhD program on the other hand, besides taking into account previous academic performance, also focuses on an individual’s research capabilities.