Sound Engineering Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Top Colleges & Career Scope
Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
Sound Engineering is the technical study of sound, its characteristics, and its nature. Sound engineers, also known as audio engineers, are the individuals responsible for curating, mixing, reproducing, sound equalization and electronic effects. These professionals help music producers find the exact output they want. Sound Engineering courses range from a 12-month certificate program to a three-year PhD program that focuses on sound and music. It teaches students how to make various types of music and sounds for academic and recreational purposes.
The field of sound engineering is wide, and there is a great demand for skilled sound engineers. If you want to work in sound engineering, there are several educational programs that might help you get started. Students participating in the Sound Engineering course gain an academic and practical understanding of sound technology. Individuals learn how to improve sound clarity and quality, among other things. Graduates of sound engineering can find work in the entertainment business, radio, television, music recording studios, event management firms, and music concert productions. Read the following article to have complete details related to Sound Engineering, its courses, eligibility, subjects, syllabus, skills required, and more.
IIT Kharagpur, Film and Television Institute of India, National Institute of Film and Fine Arts, and Asian Academy of Film and Television are among the best universities that provide Sound Engineering Courses. The typical course fee for sound engineering courses in India is INR 50,000 to 10 Lakh, while the average income is INR 5 to 10 LPA.
- Sound Engineering Course Details: Highlights
- Sound Engineering Course Eligibility
- Sound Engineering Entrance Exams 2024
- Sound Engineering Best Colleges in India
- 4.1 Best Sound Engineering Government Colleges
- 4.2 Best Sound Engineering Private Colleges
- Sound Engineering Syllabus
- Sound Engineering Career
- 6.1 Sound Engineering: Top Recruiters
- 6.2 Sound Engineering: Top Profiles
- FAQs on Sound Engineering
Sound Engineering Course Details: Highlights
Having a great ear for sounds around you can lead to a fantastic job as a sound engineer. To do so, you must first understand the technical principles of sound and sound design. There are a plethora of sound engineering courses offered all over the world. Candidates can check the table below to know more about Sound Engineering's key points.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Sound Engineering Courses Level | Certificate, Diploma, PG Diploma, Bachelor, Master etc |
Sound Engineering Duration | Few hours to 4 years |
Sound Engineering Eligibility | Students must have passed 10+2 with preferably Science Stream |
Sound Engineering Average Fees | INR 20,000 - INR 8 LPA |
Sound Engineering Entrance Exams | SOFT CET, BHU UET, NID Entrance Exam, MET, FTII JET |
Sound Engineering Online courses | Available |
Sound Engineering Job Profiles | Music and Dialogue Editor, Music Arranger, Audio Post- Production, Studio Sound Engineer, Audio Engineer, Mixing Engineer, Editor, Audio Manager, Multimedia Developer, Mixing Manager, Teacher, Instructor, Editor, Associate, Manager, and Arranger. |
Sound Engineering Average Salary | INR 2 to 9 LPA |
Sound Engineering Top Colleges | Crypto Cipher Academy, IIFA Lancaster International Campus, Seamedu - CMR University, Mumbai Music Institute, etc. |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Sound Engineering Course Relevant Information:
Q: What is the role of a Sound Engineer?
As a sound engineer, you would be responsible for the entire technical aspect of the music. You will have to plan the recording session, set up the required equipment, edit and mix the tracks, enhancing the sound to achieve HQ audio. Basically, you have to work with the producer and meet the required standards. Sound engineers are audio experts whose work is essential in the production of films, video games, concerts, and albums.
These talented people select or compose music, speech, and sound effects to create an impactful final result. If you're considering a career in sound engineering, understanding what it entails will help you decide if it's the appropriate path for you.
Q: What should I do to pursue a degree course in sound engineering?
In India, many universities abroad offer accredited courses in audio and sound engineering to international students. With the likes of Result Pookutty bringing India into the global arena of sound engineering excellence, there's nothing to stop you from reaching for the stars. Your passion, backed by a professional degree in the subject should help you launch a successful career in sound engineering. Given its huge film industry, India requires professional talent in the field of audio engineering, filmmaking and multimedia production.
Study levels offered in sound engineering are: Graduate Certificate & Diploma Undergraduate degree Master's degree Requirements for a qualification abroad: Most colleges who recruit international students for their sound engineering courses look for either an IELTS or TOEFL score (as applicable) and an additional honours degree in a similar discipline if applying for Master's degree. Study of physics at the plus-two level helps. What these courses teach you: The sound engineering courses offered abroad equip you with skills in the use of machinery and equipment required to record, mix, and reproduce sound. You can get an education in both the creative and the practical aspects of sound and music, and learn to produce sound for online, visual, and immersive environments.
Q: What is the difference between a sound engineer and a sound mixer?
A sound mixer is RJ or DJ, they just mixes two or more sounds and fuses them seamlessly and suitable for presentation. A mixing engineer is a person who works with the sound engineer and handles the different sounds. For example: if the drums, guitars, bass, flutes, vocals of a song do not sound all clear and are not at the audible level, where some parts can’t be heard and some are too loud and distorted, then then mixing engineer did a terrible job.
A sound engineer can record, manipulate entirely and even create new sounds of needed. He can adjust the dynamics and quality and of course, he mixes too, he/she provides the mixing engineer with the sounds which he/she records and/or makes.
Q: Is Sound Engineering a tough course?
Sound engineering might be difficult, but it can also be quite rewarding. It is a field that necessitates a blend of technical abilities, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Sound engineers must understand and handle complex audio equipment, as well as come up with new and novel methods to employ sound. They must also be able to swiftly and efficiently troubleshoot audio issues. Sound engineers must have strong creative skills in addition to technical skills.
Sound engineering is a different profession that necessitates a high level of problem-solving abilities. Sound engineers must be able to think quickly on their feet and solve problems that arise during recording or mixing operations. Also Read: Is Sound engineering a booming field?
Sound Engineering Course Eligibility
Sound Engineering courses can be considered similar to any other stream that comes under any specialization engineering like Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and more. Like these programmes, there is a general eligibility parameter for it as well, the same has been listed below:
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For Bachelors degree: Candidates who have qualified for their Class 12 exam with Physics, as the main subject can apply for the programme.
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For Master's degree: Candidates having a Bachelor's in Sound Engineering can apply for the Master's programme.
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For Certificate courses: A bachelor's degree in any discipline is acceptable (not in all cases)
Sound Engineering Course Relevant Information: Know more about Post-production
Q: What is the eligibility for Sound Engineering course?
For a bachelor's Degree, candidates must have Physics as a mandatory subject in their 10+2. For a Master, a bachelor's in Sound Engineering or a related degree is required. But, in a lot of colleges in India, the criteria for admissions is different. However, most programmes require a minimum of 10+2 or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with a minimum of 50% marks. Some institutions may also require applicants to have completed a Diploma or certificate course in sound engineering or a related field.
Also Read:
Q: What qualities and skills should one possess to become a sound engineer?
Q: Can polytechnic help me to become a sound engineer?
Hello Mousam,
Yes, there are Diploma courses that will make you a sound engineer. These days there are lots of opportunities for sound engineers to do well either as an entrepreneur or as a part of some company. Sound plays a very important role in our life and there are various opportunities to explore, to exploit this and go ahead in life. I am attaching a link that will give you all the required information about different colleges offering this course. https://www.shiksha.com/mass-communication-media/colleges/sound-engineering-colleges-india Best wishes to you.
Q: Can I pursue Diploma in sound engineering after class 10th in Sound Ideaz Academy?
Hi Hassang,
The eligibility for Diploma in sound reinforcement is class 12th pass or appeared.
Sound Engineering Entrance Exams 2024
Many colleges in India offer Sound Engineering courses such as IIFA Multimedia, Bengaluru, Clusters Media College, Government Polytechnic, Mumbai, SAGE University, Bhopal, CMR University etc. Some of them give admissions to students based on merit, while many conduct an entrance examination. Some of the entrance exams conducted by popular colleges for Sound Engineering courses are given below.
Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|
JMI Entrance Exam |
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IIMC Entrance Exam |
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ACJ Entrance Exam |
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FTII JET |
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GMCET |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Sound Engineering Course Relevant Information:
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
Feb '25 - Mar '25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applications Open TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Application Correction Win... TENTATIVE |
21 Feb ' 25 | SAT Registration Deadline for March Test |
25 Feb ' 25 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
Feb '25 - Mar '25 | FTII JET 2025 Applications Open TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | FTII JET 2025 TENTATIVE |
Q: Which Country is best to pursue sound engineering? Can I get a detailed information about music classes?
India, Australia and America are the best for the sound engineering and all about music classes. These countries have different language and make different types of music. There have many musical colleges. There give more important to music. Many sound engineers are placed in these countries. Australia is famous for western music, India is famous for classical music and America is famous for rap.
Q: Which are the best PG courses related to sound and music? I am an engineering graduate.
Some of the best PG courses are M.Sc in Cinema, Post Graduate Diploma in Sound Recording and Post Graduate Programme in Sound Recording and Design.
Sound Engineering Best Colleges in India
A career in sound engineering is promising. The chances for students studying sound engineering have increased along with the broadcast media and entertainment industry over the years. Candidates must be skilled in sound recording, mixing, and editing in order to land a full-time position in the industry. Sound engineering degrees are in high demand in the music industry. Other fields that offer good chances include film, radio, computer games, corporate events, athletic events, theatre, and others. Candidates can check the top Sound Engineering colleges in the tables given below.
Candidates must note that the colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.
Best Sound Engineering Government Colleges
Below mentioned are the popular government colleges for Sound Engineering.
College Name | Fees (in INR) |
---|---|
Government Polytechnic, Mumbai | 30.1 K |
Best Sound Engineering Private Colleges
Below given are the top popular private colleges for Sound Engineering.
College Name | Fees (in INR) |
---|---|
7.2 L |
|
60 K - 1.8 L |
|
1.35 L |
|
---- |
|
1.3 L |
|
1.3 L |
|
1.52 L - 2.75 L |
|
7.8 L |
|
3.06 L - 7.5 L |
|
3.4 L - 7.2 L |
Q: Which are the good institutes in India to pursue sound engineering?
Hello Shakti,
You can refer to the list below for good colleges in Sound Engineering:
- IIT Kharagpur Course:- M.Tech in Media and Sound Engineering
- ZEE Institute Of Media Arts (ZIMA) Mumbai Course:- Sound Engineering - 9 months
- National Institute of Film and Fine Arts NIFFA, Kolkata Course:- Certificate in Sound Recording and Editing
- Government Film & Television Institute in Bangalore Course:- 3 year Diploma in Sound Recording & Engg.
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune Course:- Post Graduate Diploma in Sound Recording & Sound Design
- Digital Academy The Film School Mumbai Course:- Sound Recording & Engineering Course
- Department of Music, University of Mumbai Course:- Six Months certificate course in - Sound Recording and Reproduction Course (SRR)
- College of Applied Science, Vadakkencherry Course:- Post Graduate Diploma in Audio Engineering
- Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute Cuttack Course:- Diploma in Sound & TV. Engineering
- Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication,School of Arts New Delhi Course:- Sound Recording & Design
- Department of Film & TV Studies, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan New Delhi Diploma in Video Editing and Sound Recording (EDT)
- CRAFT Film School Course:- Post Graduate Diploma in Sound Recording & Audio Engineering *
- ARM Academy of Radio Management Course:- Certificate in Sound Recording & Radio Production
- Asian Academy of Film & Television Course:- Video Editing & Sound Recording - 3 months programme.
Q: What is the scope of admission to Sound Engineering colleges in India?
Check out some key features of the Sound Engineering colleges in India. This summary will assist in better college selection.
Particulars | Parameters |
---|---|
No. of Colleges | 30 |
Fee | < INR 1 lakh: 2,008 colleges |
INR 1-2 lakh: 192 colleges | |
INR 2-3 lakh: 84 colleges | |
INR 3-5 lakh: 89 colleges | |
>INR 5 lakh: 65 colleges | |
Top Specialisations | PERA Making |
Accepted Entrance Exams | CUET, PERA SAT, PERA CET |
Q: How do I select a college for pursuing Sound Engineering?
If you are confused about the college from where you can study for the programme, here are a few steps you can take before making the decision:
· Visit the official website of the college
· Scan the programmes that are on offer
· Check the curriculum of the programme and then compare it with the other institutes
· See the faculty as in their portfolios or experience level
· Try and get in touch with the graduates of the college
Popular Private Sound Engineering Colleges in India
Sound Engineering Syllabus
In the present-day scenario, a lot of crash courses or short-term courses of maybe a month or two are offered for the program. Make note that these courses hold no value in the market. So, it is always better to go for a certificate course or a proper Sound Engineering degree course. Although the Sound Engineering syllabus varies from one college/university to another, given below are some of the common subjects that are taught in the engineering program:
Sound Engineering Subjects |
|
---|---|
Fundamentals of Audio Production |
Basic production techniques (camera, mic, and other related equipment) |
Technical & aesthetic Aspects of Sound |
Foley recording & Dubbing |
Recording, editing, and mixing sound |
Sound manipulation techniques |
Recording technology, from analog tape to digital multitask recording programs like Ableton or Protools |
Training in listening & analyzing sound |
Sound Engineering Course Relevant Information:
Q: What are the popular Sound Engineering specialisations offered by colleges in India?
Film Making is the most popular specialisations offered by Sound Engineering in India.
Q: Does sound engineering have a Diploma course or post-graduate? What is the scope of sound engineers in India?
Q: Are Music Production and Sound Engineering the same?
No. Music Production in simple terms is the creative side of creating the music, it is all about what kind of beat, what kind of instrument etc. is supposed to be used comes under Music Production. Whereas, Sound Engineering is all about the technical study of sound i.e. how are they supposed to give the best output to the music that the producer requires. The engineer knows the ins and outs of all the recording equipment, i.e. which mic should be used, in which environment will the best sound come etc.
Audio engineers' specialties include preparing and running sound equipment, editing and mixing sounds with software, and supporting music producers and musicians in the studio. The duty of a music producer is to manage and direct all processes involved in the recording of music and audio. They are in charge of organising all recording materials, directing work to members of the production crew, advising recording artists and musicians, and performing instruments or contributing vocals on songs as needed. Also Read: Music Course Details
Q: What is the difference between sound/ audio engineering and music production?
Hello,
While many music producers are also good sound engineers, sound engineers don't necessarily make good music producers. The main difference is that while both professionals have a healthy understanding of the technical aspects of music production, producers also have a hefty dose of artistic and creative vision to make a recording the best it can be. I hope this answers your question. If you have any further questions, kindly revert.
Q: Which courses come under sound engineering and music production?
Sound Engineering Career
A career in sound engineering is promising. As the broadcast media and entertainment business has grown over the years, so have the opportunities for sound engineering students. To obtain a full-time career in the sector, candidates must be adept at sound recording, mixing, and editing. The music industry has a high demand for Sound Engineering Courses. Other fields that offer good chances include movies, radio, computer games, corporate events, sporting events, theatre, and others. Major industries that employ sound engineers are:
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Music recording studios
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Film/ Movies
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Radio
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Television
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Gaming Sectors
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Event Management Companies
Sound Engineering: Top Recruiters
Numerous recruiting firms make intriguing offers to Sound Engineering graduates. Job opportunities can be found in the gaming sector, sports broadcasting, music industry, cinema, radio, television, and other industries. Top Sound Engineering recruiters are listed below:
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Sony Pictures Entertainment
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Zynga
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Microsoft
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Isha Foundation
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Oracle
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Adobe
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Intel
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Barclays
Sound Engineering: Top Profiles
Sound engineers are qualified for all types of job profiles such as broadcast engineer, sound editor and mixer, sound effects editor, music editor, re-recording mixer, studio engineer, dialogue editor and location sound engineer. The opportunities for sound engineers are also increasing with the expansion of the television industry. Sound engineers can work in a wide variety of industries including advertising, multimedia and animation. Below is a brief overview of the roles of various job profiles in which sound engineering can work.
Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
---|---|---|
Sound Engineer | Works with the producer and manipulates acoustics to achieve the desired result. They are responsible to assemble, operate and maintain the technical equipment which is used to record, amplify and enhance the sound. | 8.8. lakh |
Studio Manager | They work in a creative agency, where they oversee, support and manage the assigned projects. The profile is very much similar to that of a project manager. | 6.2 lakh |
Production Assistant | Preparing the set with the required equipment. They assist the sound recordists to make sure the entire sound recording process runs smoothly and also provide general support to the sound crew. | 2.7 lakh |
Acoustic Consultant | They help in designing, assessing, managing and controlling the sound and vibrations that are required in the environment. | 12.7 lakh |
Multimedia Developer | They are responsible to design, create, manipulate and tailor graphics, sound, animation and text to create an integrated multimedia program. They work closely with the client to ensure that they have a proper understanding of what is required in the end product. | 4.2 lakh |
Read More:
Q: What is the scope of sound engineering?
There are engineers to record the sound for commercial music recordings, radio, television, films, advertisements, videos, websites, computer, mobile games and much more. It is one of the major revenue production fields and the importance is also higher. The scope of sound engineering in India is limited, but it has huge potential for growth in the entertainment industry. The demand for the sound engineers is increasing constantly.
Career opportunities for sound engineer and technicians are available in various fields like radio stations, tv channels, studios, multimedia design, animation, advertising firms, movies and more. One can opt for specialised courses in technical skills such as sequencing, mastering, editing, and recording. With proper experience, he/she can become studio managers. These students also opt for courses in universities abroad. There is strong competition for work in this field. Jobs are not often advertised, so you will have to be persistent and show initiative.
- Sound Engineer - Audio Engineer - Studio Manager - Production Assistant - Assistant Engineer - Acoustic Consultant - Digital Remastering Engineer - Live Sound Engineer - Multimedia Developer - Studio Designer - Studio Technician.
Q: Is the role of Sound Engineer limited to music industry?
No. A sound engineer can work in Radio, Television, Films, Advertisements, Websites, the Gaming sector and more. The duties of a sound engineer may differ based on their working environment. Some sound engineers solely work on live events, but others may record and master finished tracks. The scope of their responsibilities may also be determined by the size of the workforce assigned to their projects.
For example, on a major project, sound engineers may work with a technician, mixer, and editor to capture and enhance a recording, whereas one engineer on a smaller team may manage the entire process themselves.
Also Read: Jain University: List of Schools, courses, and admissions
Q: What are the job opportunities for sound engineering?
A career in sound engineering is promising. As the broadcast media and entertainment business has grown over the years, so have the opportunities for sound engineering students. To obtain a full-time career in the sector, candidates must be adept at sound recording, mixing, and editing. The music industry has a high demand for sound engineering degrees. Other fields that offer good chances include film, radio, computer games, corporate events, athletic events, theatre, and others. After completing a course in the field, candidates can look for job profiles as a Sound Engineer, Studio Manager, Production Assistant, Assistant Engineer, Acoustic Consultant, Multimedia Developer, and more. Also Read: Music and Sound Production Course
Q: Is Sound Engineering degree enough to secure a good job in the industry?
One cannot say that just a degree in Sound Engineering can get you the job of your dreams, it is always suggested to have additional skills with it. Self-learning goes a long way. Try to get as much experience as possible, like participating in/ organising events, working with industry professionals, getting online certifications and more. Television and movies are sometimes regarded as visual mediums, but there is a great amount of behind-the-scenes labour that goes into sound, providing an altogether distinct sensory experience.
Sound is an essential component of a film's success, therefore sound engineers are necessary. A career in sound engineering is an ideal choice for someone who is interested in both the arts and technology. It necessitates a sprinkle of technical knowledge as well as a dash of imagination. If you have a sensitive, well-trained academic, the possibilities with a sound engineering degree are limitless! Also Read: Film and TV course
FAQs on Sound Engineering
FAQs on Sound Engineering
Q: What is BTech Sound Engineering?
Students in BTech Sound Engineering programmes typically learn through a combination of lectures, labs, and hands-on experience. They may also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, such as recording albums or mixing live shows. The programme covers a wide range of topics, including Audio signal processing, Digital audio recording, Mixing and mastering, Live sound reinforcement, and Sound design. The colleges offering BTech courses in Sound Engineering are IIT, Kharagpur, National Institute of Film and Fine Arts (NIFA), Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), etc..
Q: What is the difference between audio and sound engineering?
Hello Rashmi,
Sound and audio doesn't have much difference, both are identical. Sound or audio engineering is a profession in which an engineer works upon the mixing up of various sounds, overpower them, refines the audio, removes unnecessary noise, cleaning up etc. One who do this may be called as sound mixer, sound technician, and audio technician. Thank you.
Q: Who are the notable Sound Engineers in India?
The two extremely popular sound engineers in Bollywood are Ashish Manchanda who has worked for the Bollywood musical hit Dev D and K.J. Singh who is famous for his work with A.R Rahman, Indian Ocean, Hariharan and a host of live shows.
Q: What should I do to pursue a degree course in sound engineering?
In India, many universities abroad offer accredited courses in audio and sound engineering to international students. With the likes of Result Pookutty bringing India into the global arena of sound engineering excellence, there's nothing to stop you from reaching for the stars. Your passion, backed by a professional degree in the subject should help you launch a successful career in sound engineering. Given its huge film industry, India requires professional talent in the field of audio engineering, filmmaking and multimedia production.
Study levels offered in sound engineering are: Graduate Certificate & Diploma Undergraduate degree Master's degree Requirements for a qualification abroad: Most colleges who recruit international students for their sound engineering courses look for either an IELTS or TOEFL score (as applicable) and an additional honours degree in a similar discipline if applying for Master's degree. Study of physics at the plus-two level helps. What these courses teach you: The sound engineering courses offered abroad equip you with skills in the use of machinery and equipment required to record, mix, and reproduce sound. You can get an education in both the creative and the practical aspects of sound and music, and learn to produce sound for online, visual, and immersive environments.
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With a take-in capacity of around 60 students each year, Universal AI University was witnessed providing B.Tech programme in Sound Engineering. Based on the above curriculum, the program aims to ensure that a student Masters engineering concepts together with expertise in acoustics, audio production
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