We Make Students Industry-Ready, says Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab & HP

 

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab & HP talks about programmes and initiatives that are designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation at Chitkara University. Through CURIN, the university provides funding, mentorship, and resources to faculty members and students who are pursuing innovative research projects.

Dr Madhu Chitkara is the Pro-Chancellor of Chitkara University, Punjab & HP. She has a vast experience of 42 years. Dr Madhu Chitkara has more than 25 accolades to her credit in the form of awards at the state and central government levels. 

Q1. How do you ensure that you have an up-to-date course curriculum that helps students stay at par with corporate expectations? Or How do you make students industry ready?

One way we ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date is that we regularly review and update our course curriculum based on feedback from industry experts, alumni, and current students. We conduct surveys and focus group discussions to gather information on the latest industry trends, technologies, and skills required by employers. The feedback can then be used to revise the course content, add new courses or modules, or modify the learning outcomes to align with the changing needs of the industry.

We make students industry-ready by providing them with opportunities for practical learning experiences. This involves internships, industry projects, and collaborations with businesses. We partner with companies in relevant industries to provide students with real-world experiences and exposure to different work environments. This helps students develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to succeed in their future careers. Additionally, the university organises workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts to keep students informed about the latest developments in their field. This allows students to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities they may face in the industry.

To support these efforts, we have also invested in modern facilities, equipment, and technologies to ensure that students have access to the latest tools and resources needed to succeed in their programs and careers. This enables students to learn and practice with the same tools and equipment that they will use in their future careers.

Q2. Is Chitkara University receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? Could you cite some examples of these? 

One of the most notable examples of Chitkara University's commitment to innovation and technology is the Chitkara University Research and Innovation Network (CURIN). CURIN is a multidisciplinary platform that aims to promote research and innovation across all academic disciplines at Chitkara University. Through CURIN, the university provides funding, mentorship, and resources to faculty members and students who are pursuing innovative research projects in areas such as healthcare, engineering, biotechnology, and information technology.

In addition to CURIN, Chitkara University offers several programs and initiatives that are designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation. For example, the university has an entrepreneurship cell that provides mentorship, training, and funding support for students who want to start their businesses. The university also organises events and competitions, such as the Chitkara University National Innovation Challenge, that encourage students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Chitkara University's focus on science and technology is also evident in its academic programs and research initiatives. The university offers several science and engineering programs that cover a wide range of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. The university also has several research centers and facilities on campus that are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and renewable energy.

The University has consistently been ranked high in the coveted National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) under various categories of Engineering, Pharmacy, Management, and Overall Research. Similarly in the Atal Ranking of Institutions for Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), the University has been ranked 2nd in the Private-self financed category of HEIs. Chitkara University has been ranked 4th in India in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking - 2022. THE Impact Ranking measures Universities’ contribution to United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University has taken a quantum leap in Global ranking also and is now ranked between 201 to 300 among 1400+ universities from over 100 countries across the world which speaks volumes about the far-reaching impact of its research, outreach, and teaching. In the QS World University Ranking, Asia, Chitkara University featured for the first time in the 2020-2021 edition. It is the only Indian University to be shortlisted for ‘Technological Innovation of the Year’ in ‘Times Higher Education Asia Awards 2020’. Chitkara University has also made it to the Top 200 in ‘Clarivate Analytics’ leading innovators list 2020. The IP capital of Chitkara University includes 5000+ Scopus Indexed Publications, 2072+ patents (filed), 480+ patents (granted), 30000+ citations, and much more. The Alumni of Chitkara University are well-placed and cover the globe.

Chitkara University is very receptive to innovation, technology, and science, and entrepreneurship is our key strength. The university's commitment to research and innovation, as demonstrated by initiatives such as CURIN, provides students and faculty members with the resources and support they need to pursue their research interests and develop innovative solutions. This focus on innovation and entrepreneurship is also helping to prepare Chitkara University students for the challenges of the 21st century, where skills in science, technology, and entrepreneurship are increasingly in demand.

Q3. Which programs would you say are best for students that will help them grow professionally? Highlight some of the best teaching methodologies adopted at Chitkara University?

Choosing the right program is crucial for students' professional growth. With the ever-changing job market, it is important to consider several factors before selecting a program that aligns with one's career goals and interests. The first step in choosing the right program is to evaluate one's skills, interests, and career goals. Students should consider their strengths and weaknesses, their passions and hobbies, and their long-term career aspirations. This will help them identify programs that match their skills and interests and offer relevant coursework and practical experience.

Another factor to consider is the market demand for certain skills and specialisations. Students should research the job market and identify fields that are growing and in demand. This will help them choose a program that is likely to lead to employment opportunities and career growth. It is also important to consider the reputation and accreditation of the university and the program. Students should choose a program that is recognised and respected in their chosen field and has a strong track record of producing successful graduates.

In addition to these factors, students should also consider the program's curriculum, faculty, and resources. The program should offer relevant coursework and practical experience that will prepare students for their chosen field. The faculty should be knowledgeable and experienced in their field and committed to providing students with a high-quality education. The program should also offer resources such as internships, research opportunities, and career services that will help students gain practical experience and prepare for their careers.

Choosing the right program is a critical decision that will impact students' professional growth and career success. By evaluating their skills, interests, and career goals, researching the job market; considering the reputation and accreditation of the university and program, and evaluating the program's curriculum, faculty, and resources, students can make an informed decision and select a program that will help them grow professionally.

I am proud to say that we have adopted some of the best teaching methodologies that are designed to provide our students with a high-quality education and prepare them for success in their chosen fields. One of the key teaching methodologies adopted at Chitkara University is a student-centered approach to learning. Our faculty members are trained to create an engaging and interactive learning environment that encourages students to take an active role in their education. This approach emphasises collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are essential skills for success in any field. Another teaching methodology that is highly valued at Chitkara University is project-based learning. Our faculty members encourage students to work on real-world projects that provide them with hands-on experience and practical skills. This approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of their coursework and prepares them for the challenges of the workplace.

In addition to these teaching methodologies, Chitkara University also places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. Our faculty members are encouraged to engage in research and scholarship that enhances their teaching and benefits the wider community. This approach ensures that our students are exposed to cutting-edge ideas and technologies that are shaping the future of their chosen field. We are equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Q4. Do you believe in imparting knowledge that is not restricted to classrooms only? If yes, how? 

I strongly believe in the importance of imparting knowledge that goes beyond the classroom. While classroom learning is essential, it is not the only way to learn, and our university strives to provide our students with a range of opportunities to learn and grow. One way we do this is through experiential learning. We believe that students learn best by doing, so we offer a range of hands-on experiences, such as internships, research projects, and community service opportunities. These experiences allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations and gain practical skills and experience that will prepare them for their future careers.

Another way we promote learning outside the classroom is through our co-curricular activities. We offer a wide range of clubs, societies, and extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and meet like-minded individuals. These activities promote social and emotional growth and provide students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics. We also believe in the importance of industry partnerships and collaborations. By partnering with leading companies and organisations, we provide our students with access to industry experts and professionals who share their knowledge and expertise. This allows our students to gain insights into the latest industry trends and practices and prepares them for success in the workplace.

Finally, we recognise the importance of technology in learning and strive to integrate it into our teaching and learning methods. Our state-of-the-art campus provides students with access to the latest technology and tools, such as virtual and augmented reality, online learning platforms, and interactive classrooms. This allows our students to learn in innovative and engaging ways and prepares them for a future that is increasingly reliant on technology.

Q5. How do you support students for placements? Share some of the latest placement achievements?

One of our top priorities is to support our students in their placement and career aspirations. We believe that quality education must prepare students for success not only in the classroom but also in their professional lives. To support our students for placements, we have established a dedicated Career Advancement Services. This centre offers a wide range of services, including resume building, interview preparation, career counseling, and networking opportunities. Our experienced team of career advisors and industry professionals work closely with students to help them identify their strengths, explore career options, and develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their chosen field.

We also place a strong emphasis on industry collaborations and partnerships. We have established close ties with leading companies and organisations in various industries, and these partnerships provide our students with internship and placement opportunities. Our industry partners also collaborate with us in designing our curriculum to ensure that our students receive an education that is relevant to current industry needs and requirements. Our university also organises various career fairs and placement drives, both on and off-campus. These events provide students with an opportunity to interact with potential employers and showcase their skills and abilities. We also invite recruiters to our campus for campus recruitment drives, where students have the opportunity to interview with top companies and secure job offers.

Our efforts to support our students for placements have yielded significant results. In the academic year 2020–21, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Chitkara University witnessed an impressive placement season. Our students have been placed in leading companies across various industries, including IT, healthcare, consulting, engineering, and finance. Some of the notable placements include Microsoft, Amazon, Deloitte, HDFC Bank, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), to name a few.

In addition to these achievements, we are also proud of the fact that our students have been recognised for their skills and achievements in various national and international competitions. For example, our students have won awards at events such as the National Robotics Championship, the NASA Space Settlement Design Competition, and the Harvard World Model United Nations, among others. These achievements reflect the quality of education and training that our students receive at Chitkara University.

We are committed to supporting our students for placements and equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their professional lives. The impressive results of our efforts are reflected in the high number of jobs offers made to our students and their successful placement in national and international organisations.

Q6. What are the teaching methodologies that your college is currently following? Do these technologies resemble new-age teaching technologies?

I can say that we adopt a variety of teaching methodologies that are designed to provide our students with a holistic and engaging learning experience. We believe that learning should be an active process, and our goal is to create an environment where students can learn by doing, exploring, and collaborating. The curricula are developed following standardized procedures and are revised at regular intervals based on feedback from all stakeholders. The local, regional, and global developmental needs regarding employability and entrepreneurship are considered while designing the course. We employ experimental, participative, and project-based learning techniques through blended learning modes. We have adopted a flexible CBCS system that allows students to pursue a multidisciplinary approach. Additionally, the assessment process is well-defined, evaluating critical thinking and problem-solving skills through program-specific learning outcomes.

One of the primary teaching methodologies that we use is experiential learning. This approach focuses on creating opportunities for students to learn by doing, and it involves various hands-on activities and projects that allow students to apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. For example, in our engineering programs, students work on various projects such as building robots, designing and developing software applications, and constructing various models. These projects help them develop their practical skills and apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

Another teaching methodology that we follow is project-based learning. This approach focuses on the creation of projects that engage students in meaningful and authentic tasks that require them to think critically and solve problems. For example, in our business programs, students work on various projects, such as creating marketing plans for companies, developing business strategies, and analysing case studies. These projects help them develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, and they also provide them with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. We also use technology to enhance the learning experience for our students. We have implemented various digital tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Virtual Reality (VR) tools, and online assessments. These technologies enable our students to access course materials, engage in collaborative learning activities, and take assessments remotely. We believe that these tools are essential to creating a modern, flexible learning environment that meets the needs of our students.

The teaching methodologies that we use at Chitkara University are designed to provide our students with a rich and engaging learning experience that prepares them for success in their professional lives. Our experiential learning and project-based learning approaches, along with our use of technology, help our students develop practical skills and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Q7. How do you help students in their start-ups during their academic period and post academic?

Fostering entrepreneurship among our students is close to my heart. We believe that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, but it's about having an innovative mindset that helps create a positive impact in society. Our goal is to inspire and equip our students to become successful entrepreneurs and help them realise their dreams. We offer a range of programs, initiatives, and resources to help our students develop their entrepreneurial skills and launch their start-ups.

To support our students in their entrepreneurial journey, we have established a dedicated Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED). CEED serves as a hub for all entrepreneurial activities at the university, and it offers various programs and resources that help students develop their entrepreneurial skills and turn their ideas into successful businesses.

During the academic period, we encourage our students to participate in entrepreneurship-related courses and workshops, attend seminars and conferences, and engage with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Post-academic, we continue to support our students through our alumni network, which provides a platform for alumni to connect, share knowledge and resources, and collaborate on new ventures. We also offer post-graduate entrepreneurship programs, such as the Chitkara University Entrepreneurship Program (CUEP), which helps our alumni and other aspiring entrepreneurs refine their business plans, develop their marketing strategies, and access funding and other resources to launch and grow their startups.

Our efforts have resulted in the successful launch of several student-led startups over the years, including Chai Nagari, founded by Shubham Bhardwaj and Ankit Sharma, which offers premium tea blends and has won several awards and recognitions for its innovative business model. 80Wash, Schoolpad, Bookvala, ROBO Champs, SD Academia and many more.

We believe that supporting student entrepreneurship is a critical part of our mission to prepare students for the real world, and we will continue to invest in our students' entrepreneurial potential to help them achieve their dreams and contribute to society's growth and development.

Q7. A lot of emphasis on sports and extra-curricular infrastructure has been done at Chitkara University campus. How do you think, it helps in making students industry ready?

I am personally very invested in sports and believe that it plays an essential role in the overall development of our students. We have always believed that our students' growth should not be limited to just academics, which is why we have put in a lot of effort to develop robust sports and extra-curricular infrastructure on our campus.

Our university provides our students with the necessary resources and facilities to pursue their passions and interests in various sports, including basketball, cricket, football, volleyball, and many others. We have a dedicated sports department that organises regular sports events and tournaments to provide our students with opportunities to showcase their skills and compete with their peers. Investing in sports and extra-curricular infrastructure is crucial to providing a holistic education to students.

We believe that participating in sports helps students build both professionally and personally. Sports and extra-curricular activities are an integral part of our curriculum, and we have invested heavily in creating world-class infrastructure for our students to excel in sports. Participating in sports provides students with an opportunity to develop their social and emotional intelligence.

Sports not only teach students the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance but also help them develop critical problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to work under pressure. These skills are essential in the corporate world and are highly valued by employers.

I am delighted to share that our students have performed exceptionally well in various sports and have brought laurels to the university. A recent example is Diya Chitale, a second-year BBA student who participated in the Asia Continental Stage of the 2023 World Table Tennis Championships Finals. She not only participated but also qualified for the Women’s Singles event of the World Championships, which will be held in South Africa in May 2023. I believe that such achievements inspire more and more students to pursue their passion for sports and represent our country at national and international levels. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and those of other students who have made the university proud, and we are committed to supporting all our students who aspire to excel in sports.

At Chitkara University, we also encourage our students to participate in various cultural and extra-curricular activities, such as music, dance, drama, and literary events. We believe that these activities help our students develop their creativity, communication skills, and confidence, which are essential qualities that employers look for.

We will continue to support and encourage our students to pursue their passions and interests, both academically and beyond, to ensure that they become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of the corporate world. Our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for sports is a testament to our belief in the importance of sports in the overall development of our students.

Q8. What are the specific areas of focus or specialisations available within the new online MBA program?

We are offering six new MBA online programs for students seeking flexibility and convenience in pursuing their higher education. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals and students who are unable to attend our traditional on-campus MBA programs. Our online MBA programs cover a wide range of specialisations to cater to the diverse needs of our students. The six specialisations that we offer in our online MBA program are:

• MBA in Marketing: This program is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in marketing and sales. The curriculum covers topics such as consumer behaviour, market research, brand management, and digital marketing.
• MBA in Finance: This program is perfect for students who are interested in finance and accounting. The curriculum includes topics such as financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and financial reporting.
• MBA in Human Resource Management: This program is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in HR management. The curriculum covers topics such as employee relations, talent management, recruitment, and compensation.
• MBA in International Finance & Accounting (with ACCA): This program is designed for students who wish to specialise in international finance and accounting and obtain a globally recognised certification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The curriculum covers topics such as international accounting standards, financial analysis, international tax planning, and financial reporting. Additionally, students will receive extensive training in ACCA courses, including the Fundamentals Level (Knowledge and Skills) and the Professional Level (Essentials and Options). The ACCA certification is recognised in over 180 countries and is highly valued by employers worldwide.
• MBA in Analytics: Designed to equip students with the skills to excel in data-driven decision-making. This program encompasses statistical analysis, data visualisation, predictive modeling, and machine learning techniques.
• MBA in Financial Services & Financial Planning: Geared towards students interested in financial services and strategic financial planning. The curriculum includes risk management, wealth management, retirement planning, and investment strategies

We are confident that our online MBA programs will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. Our faculty members are experts in their respective fields and are committed to providing students with a high-quality education. We look forward to welcoming students to our new online MBA programs and helping them achieve their academic and career goals.