DU’s BTech identity crisis

There has been a rush of admission for Delhi University’s (DU’s) new Bachelor of Technology (BTech) honours courses. Revamped from the original Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours under the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP), academicians are questioning the validity of the course.

While DU authorities claim that the varsity’s BTech degree will qualify students for Masters of Technology (MTech) courses, various engineering professors and senior officials feel “it is just not right.” Normally, a creation and planning of BTech courses and corresponding departments can take anywhere between 5 to 10 years.

Also, the curriculum and approach in these courses is very different from what engineering students pursue. Apart from it, some academicians have also raised the question of equality, as engineering students will have to go through JEE and other entrance tests, whereas DU’s BTech courses mostly take into account marks scored in 12^th standard. As Professor Mohammad Najmud Doja, Department of Computer Engineering, Jamia Milia Islamia comments, “Premier institutes like IITs and NITs have AICTE approval for their BTech courses. But DU is misusing written regulation that states a university has the power to introduce any new course.”

The four-year format was essentially introduced to improve the employability of DU students and get better placements. “Instead of stretching BSc to a four-year course, DU should have tried to modify their existing three year courses. How can courses founded in the 18^th century garner employability?” questions Professor Doja.

Basically, it has to be a national policy change and a well-thought out process. Plus adequate infrastructure needs to support these changes. Instead of changing courses mindlessly, one should suggest an alternative. You can't club a diploma, bachelors and honours in one course,” says Hani Babu, Delhi University professor.

Professor Doja further comments, “This FYUP is essentially based on US system. But everything suitable for US may not be suitable for India.”

According to sources, DU authorities have not yet approached various engineering colleges to ascertain the eligibility of its upcoming breed of BTech students for admission to established MTech courses. This leaves the students’ fate hanging, as one doesn’t know if DU’s BTech graduates will be considered for admission to MTech courses.

But if approved by concerned bodies and found equivalent to engineering courses, engineering institutes may admit DU BTech graduates. “If approved, it will be highly unfair to students who have passed national entrances to secure a seat in premier engineering institutes,” said a senior authority, on condition of anonymity.

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