VIT Vice Chancellor Calls for Industry-Driven Curriculum to Boost India's Tech Future

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New Delhi: Vellore Institute of Technology's Vice Chancellor, Dr VS Kanchana Bhaaskaran, emphasized the need for Indian universities to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape. Speaking at the HT Future Ed Conclave, Dr Bhaaskaran highlighted the importance of 'skill gaps' and 'rapid technological disruptions' in driving the need for a reimagined university education model. According to Dr Bhaaskaran, this new model should prioritize flexibility, learner-centricity, and multidisciplinary pathways for students. The institutes should incorporate industry-designed, dynamic curricula and mission-driven annual projects to stay up-to-date with industry requirements. This could involve students spending 50-60% of their time working on real-world tech problems. Dr Bhaaskaran cited VIT's own innovations in curriculum design, which include core subjects, professional cores, and electives with options for soft skills and multi-disciplinary pathways. She stressed that both quality and quantity are essential for India's growing population and emphasized the need for policy enablers to facilitate the implementation of these changes. These policy enablers include upgrading IT infrastructure, comprehensive faculty training, and introducing flexible curricula with industry participation. Dr Bhaaskaran also highlighted the importance of research and innovation for national impact, citing AI tools for curriculum design, adaptive learning, and automated assessments. She shared an example of a lab developed at VIT, which received over 1,000 responses within 24 hours, demonstrating students' receptiveness to hands-on training. Dr Bhaaskaran emphasized the need for a meeting point between industry and institutions, citing measurable outcomes such as improved student employability, average portfolio growth, and industry-joint innovations. The growth in these areas has been fueled by government initiatives and missions, particularly in AI, semiconductors, and CPS. Dr Bhaaskaran urged institutions to focus on areas with significant industry growth potential, such as AI and semiconductors.