KIET Encourages and Supports Entrepreneurial Aspirations Among its Students, says Dr A Garg

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr A Garg, Director - KIET Group of Institutions talks about the mission and vision of KIET Group of Institutes. The mission of the KIET Group of Institutions is to nurture and empower students with quality education, cutting-edge technology, and a strong value system to make them globally competitive engineers and technocrats. 

Dr A Garg is currently serving as Director - KIET Group of Institutions (Delhi-NCR), Ghaziabad. Dr Garg holds his B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from  Delhi Technological University in 1986 (erstwhile Delhi College of Engineering) and subsequently both M.Tech & PhD (Industrial Engineering) from IIT Delhi. 

Q1. Can You Please Provide Us with an Overview of KIET and its Mission?

The mission of KIET Group of Institutions is to nurture and empower students with quality education, cutting-edge technology, and a strong value system to make them globally competitive engineers and technocrats. The institution aims to foster innovation, research, and entrepreneurship while emphasizing holistic development and social responsibility.

KIET Group of Institutions offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines such as engineering, computer science, electronics and communication, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and many others. It provides a vibrant learning environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern laboratories, and highly experienced faculty members.

The group is committed to equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving industry and society. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical exposure, industry interactions, and experiential learning, KIET strives to create well-rounded professionals who can contribute to the development and progress of the nation.

In addition to academic excellence, KIET Group of Institutions focuses on instilling values such as integrity, ethics, teamwork, and leadership in its students. It promotes a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all individuals, fostering an environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.

Q2. What Sets KIET Apart from Other Engineering and Technology Institutes?

KIET stands out from other engineering and technology institutes in several ways. For example, KIET has a strong focus on academic excellence. We have a dedicated team of experienced faculty members who ensure quality teaching and mentorship to students. KIET recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. Thereby, it has established robust collaborations and partnerships with leading companies and organizations, facilitating industry visits, internships, and guest lectures. These initiatives provide students with valuable exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Research and Innovation is a major focus area for our institute. Therefore, we encourage and support research activities through various grants, scholarships, and research centres.

KIET also encourages and supports entrepreneurial aspirations among its students. It provides incubation facilities, mentorship programs, and resources to help students transform their innovative ideas into successful ventures. The institution has a strong network of alumni who actively engage with and support budding entrepreneurs. Along with this, we are also actively involved in various social initiatives and community development programs. We encourage students to participate in outreach activities, social campaigns, and sustainable development projects.

Last but not the least, KIET boasts modern infrastructure and well-equipped laboratories that cater to the practical learning needs of students. The institution constantly invests in upgrading its facilities to provide an enriched learning environment.

Q3. How Has KIET Adapted to the Changing Landscape of Education and Technology in Recent Years?

KIET has been really proactive in adapting to the changing landscape of education and technology in recent years. It recognizes the importance of staying relevant and preparing students for the evolving demands of the industry. Therefore, we ensure that our curriculum is regularly updated to align with the latest industry trends and technological advancements by introducing value-added courses. Also, we have established strong collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders and organizations. These partnerships enable the institution to gain insights into industry needs and expectations. It facilitates guest lectures, workshops, and internships, where industry experts provide first-hand knowledge and guidance to the students. This industry integration helps bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications.

The institution has invested in state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation tools, and research facilities to provide hands-on training to students. Practical projects, case studies, and industry-oriented assignments are incorporated into the curriculum to enhance students' problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute swiftly transitioned to blended learning models. Today, we leverage digital platforms and technologies to offer online classes, virtual labs, and collaborative learning environments. We have even expanded our online resources, including e-books, research databases, and online course materials, to support remote learning and accessibility. Additionally, we lay a strong emphasis on faculty development to ensure that the teaching staff remains up to date with the latest pedagogical practices and technological advancements.

Q4. Could You Highlight Some of the Recent Accomplishments or Milestones Achieved by KIET?

One of the recent achievements bagged by KIET is its consistent ranking and positioning in NIRF. In NIRF 2023, we have achieved Rank Band 151-200 in Engineering category, Rank Band 51-100 in innovation category and have been ranked at the 88^th position in pharmacy category.

The institute has been accredited by NAAC with Grade 'A+' and its programmes (CSE, ECE, EEE, IT, CE, ME), MCA, MBA and Pharmacy are NBA accredited. We have also been recognized as the best institute for ‘Innovation in Higher Education and Skills Enhancement 2023’, during the ObserveNow Education Leaders Conclave & Awards.

ASSOCHAM National Council on Education recently awarded us with Excellence in Skill Development through Higher Education at the 16th International Education Leadership & Skill Development Summit. Apart from this, we are awarded with the Best Engineering Institute for Quality Placement in North India, and The Most Dynamic Engineering Colleges of the Year, 2023 by Education Post and Knowledge Review Magazines respectively.

Q5. In What Ways Does KIET Foster a Culture of Inclusivity and Diversity on Campus?

KIET as an Institution has established and enforced policies that ensure equal opportunity for all students, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or other factors. Implementing non-discrimination policies that explicitly state that discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics will not be tolerated. KIET believes in creating a supportive and welcoming environment, where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel safe and included. This can involve promoting respectful dialogue, organizing cultural events, and providing spaces for students to express their unique identities. 

We provide Student Support Services such as counselling, mentoring, and tutoring programs that address the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. These services provide guidance, assistance, and resources to help students succeed academically and personally.

We are encouraging the formation of student-led affinity groups and clubs that cater to different identities and interests. These groups can provide a sense of community, promote awareness, and organize events that celebrate diversity We also conduct workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns to educate the campus community about diversity, inclusion, and unconscious biases. These initiatives help foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for different perspective.