From AI to IKS: IIT Roorkee's New Curriculum Prepares Students for High-Demand Careers: Director

In an exclusive conversation with Shiksha.com, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee shared his insights about plans for the next 5 years, the global standing of the institute and more… 

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee is distinguished for its exceptional education in the fields of engineering and technology. The institute is one of the leading Institutes of National Importance in higher technological education and basic and applied research. Renowned for its academic excellence, the institute offers a wide array of specialised programs that cater to the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students.  

Q: What is your vision for IIT Roorkee in the next five years? 

IIT Roorkee Director: My vision for IIT Roorkee in the next five years is to foster a holistic environment that nurtures academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact. I aim to establish IIT Roorkee as a global hub for cutting-edge research, where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives and students are empowered to become leaders driving positive change. We will advance our global standing through strategic collaborations with renowned international institutions, fostering entrepreneurship, and investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure. Initiatives like the Centre for Space Science and Technology and new semiconductor labs reflect our commitment to innovation. By supporting interdisciplinary research and successful startups, we will deepen our contributions to national and international development through impactful research and technology transfer. 

Q: How do you plan to enhance the global standing of IIT Roorkee in terms of research and innovation? 

IIT Roorkee Director: To fortify our global standing in research and innovation, we prioritize strengthening collaborations with esteemed international institutions, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, and investing in cutting-edge infrastructure. Our initiatives, such as the Centre for Space Science and Technology, Mehta Family School of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, and newly established semiconductor labs, underscore our commitment to pioneering fields. We actively encourage faculty to embark on interdisciplinary research ventures tackling global challenges, while our vibrant innovation ecosystem supports startups, several of which have attained unicorn status. 

Expanding our global presence, we've embarked on strategic collaborations and partnerships worldwide. Our groundbreaking achievement in developing a cost-effective solar panel technology, featured prominently in prestigious media outlets like The New York Times and BBC, showcases our unwavering dedication to impactful innovation on a global scale. Furthermore, our discovery of Vasuki Indicus, a 47-million-year-old snake species in Kutch, Gujarat, published in Scientific Reports, not only sheds crucial light on India's prehistoric biodiversity but also garners significant attention across the globe. 

Q: How is IIT Roorkee adapting its curriculum to keep pace with rapidly changing technology and industry demands? 

IIT Roorkee Director: IIT Roorkee continuously updates its curriculum to align with industry demands and technological advancements. From the 2023-24 session, new courses in fields like AI/ML, Data Science, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), quantum computing, and cybersecurity have been introduced. Emphasizing hands-on learning, industry internships, and experiential projects, the curriculum ensures students are future-ready and globally competitive. Partnerships with industry leaders like Google and Microsoft provide students access to the latest tools and technologies, preparing them for high-demand careers in the digital economy. Enrolment in these emerging fields has doubled compared to previous years.  

IIT Roorkee offers various programs across engineering, sciences, management, architecture and planning, humanities, and social sciences. With 23 departments and 13 specialised centres, the institute provides a broad spectrum of academic opportunities. Specialized centres like the ISRO Centre for Space Science and Technology, Mehta Family School of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, and the International Centre of Excellence for Dams epitomize our commitment to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Institute has revamped its Under Graduation curriculum w.e.f. Session 2023-24 to make students future-ready with their global aspirations. The institute introduces innovative concepts which make its curriculum a nation’s pride, such as courses on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Science, Indian Knowledge System (IKS), Tinkering and Mentoring, Talent Enhancement Basket (TEB), Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science and Sustainability Course (ESSC), Community Outreach (CORE), Soft Skills, Theme bases Minor Specialisation, Design thinking-based project and many more.  

Q: Can you share recent initiatives taken by IIT Roorkee to promote interdisciplinary research and education? 

IIT Roorkee Director: IIT Roorkee has launched several initiatives to promote interdisciplinary research and education, establishing centres focused on areas like sustainable energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and urban planning. These centres encourage collaborations through funding opportunities and seminars, resulting in a 40% increase in interdisciplinary research publications. Additionally, the annual Interdisciplinary Symposium attracts renowned global scholars, fostering cross-disciplinary exchange and innovative solutions to complex problems. 

Q: What measures are being implemented to ensure the mental and emotional well-being of the students? 

IIT Roorkee Director: IIT Roorkee places a paramount emphasis on the mental and emotional well-being of its students, offering a wide range of comprehensive support services and initiatives. The newly established Student Wellness Center provides counselling, therapy, and mindfulness sessions, benefiting students. To foster holistic well-being, the university organizes regular stress management workshops, invigorating yoga retreats, and engaging recreational activities. Moreover, students are encouraged to explore their creativity through the Tinkering Lab and Design Innovation Centre, while initiatives like Community Outreach (CORE) and Talent Enhancement Basket (TEB) foster holistic development. These efforts ensure that students maintain a healthy work-life balance alongside their pursuit of academic excellence. 

Q: How does the institute ensure that its students are well-prepared for the global job market? 

IIT Roorkee Director: IIT Roorkee prioritises career readiness through robust industry-academia collaborations, career counselling, and skill development workshops. The institute facilitates internships, cooperative programs, and industry projects, providing students with real-world experience. A comprehensive suite of career development programs and services is offered, including events that provide networking opportunities and job placements. Additionally, industry-sponsored projects and internships help students secure employment offers before graduation, ensuring they are well-prepared for the global job market. 

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