Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, will introduce seven new academic programs from the upcoming Autumn Session (2021-2022). The institution has added six postgraduate degree programs and one five-year Integrated program into its curriculum.
The seven new programs included M. Tech. (Artificial Intelligence) and M. Tech. (Data Science) under the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (CAIDS), M. Des. (Industrial Design), and MIM (Masters in Innovation Management) under the Department of Design, Online M. Tech. (Microelectronics and VLSI) for working industry professionals under the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, MS Economics (Five Year Integrated program) under the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and M. Tech. (Dam Safety and Rehabilitation) under the proposed ‘International Centre for Dams’ (currently coordinated by Department of Hydrology). These degree programs will facilitate quality education in select areas of engineering, architecture, economics, and management along with in the specialized areas like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
These programs were specifically designed to address the rising demand for new-age technologies, governed by rapid digitalisation and advanced technology. The new programs will create a significant impact in the higher education sector in India. The institution, in line with the transformative reforms introduced by National Education Policy, 2020, has launched these courses to widen the scope of its offering, making it accessible to more, including working professionals. These courses have been designed to equip students/ working professionals with theoretical knowledge and technical know-how to add value to their respective fields. These new programs will bridge the gap between learning and required experience as well as alter the mindset towards learning by making it more flexible, accessible, and a life-long process than onetime acquisition. In designing the new courses, IITR has been mindful of keeping intact the core philosophy professed by NEP, 2020, i.e. blending practical and professional learning approaches to produce a highly efficient, productive and talented workforce.
V. R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, chaired the launch event on July 30. The Chief Guest of the event was Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Prof. Apurbba Kumar Sharma, Dean of Academic Affairs, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the new programs and initiatives of IIT Roorkee to fulfil the demand of future technologies in higher education. The concerned Head of the Deptt. and Centres introduced the programs.
Commenting on the launch Prof. Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “All the new academic programs initiated address the needs of our country. They have been created after careful deliberations at several levels. To offer these programs, IIT Roorkee has established one new department i.e. Department of Design and one new centre i.e. Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Further, given the interdisciplinary nature of another program, the Institute created a program committee with representation from four departments.”
