NewKerala.com

NITs to Revamp Courses for Knowledge Economy, Product-Based PhDs from 2024

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has announced a major overhaul of courses at National Institutes of Technology, set to begin in the next academic year. The reforms aim to align curricula with emerging technologies and national priorities, moving India towards a knowledge-based economy. A key shift will be towards "product-based PhDs" focused on solving real-world problems rather than just academic publications. The minister also reaffirmed the commitment to mother-tongue-based learning while pushing for industry-led curriculum development.

Key Points: NIT Curriculum Reforms, Product-Based PhDs Announced by Pradhan

  • NITs to reorganise courses with emerging tech
  • New curriculum from next academic year
  • Shift to industry-centric, product-based PhDs
  • Mother-tongue-based learning to continue
  • Reforms align with national priorities
2 min read

'India moving towards knowledge-based economy; major curriculum reforms planned in NITs': Dharmendra Pradhan

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announces major NIT curriculum reforms aligned with emerging tech and a shift to product-based PhDs from next academic year.

"PhD will no longer be just an achievement based on paper publications... emphasis will be placed on product-based PhDs that solve real-world problems. - Dharmendra Pradhan"

New Delhi, January 14

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the government has decided to reorganise courses in National Institutes of Technology in line with emerging technologies, with reforms set to begin from the next academic year, as India moves towards becoming a knowledge-based economy.

He also announced a shift toward "product-based PhDs" focused on solving real-world problems, while underscoring that mother-tongue-based learning will continue to be prioritised.

Pradhan told ANI, "The 13th Meeting of NITSER Council has been held. Besides this, the third meeting of the Standing Committee of IISER was also held. A few decisions were made. In the 21st century, India is preparing to become a knowledge-based economy. A developed India is our goal, and due to the Prime Minister's call, it has turned into a people's movement... NITs will reorganise their courses based on emerging technologies. A new curriculum will be created in accordance with our needs and the demands of the times...Reform will begin from next academic year...PhD will no longer be just an achievement based on paper publications and citations; emphasis will be placed on product-based PhDs that solve real-world problems... While doing all this, importance will also be given to the mother tongue..."

Pradhan's remarks came after chairing the 13th meeting of the Council of National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (NITSER) at Bharat Mandapam.

The meeting was preceded by the 3rd Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs).

According to the Ministry of Education statement, Pradhan reviewed presentations on elevating academic and research standards, enhancing governance efficiency and further boosting innovation and entrepreneurship at our NITs and IIESTs. Also, discussed the way forward.

The Minister said that our curriculum must be aligned to national priorities. Our PhD programs must be industry-centric, he added. He also suggested to create an industry-led curriculum committee for developing curriculum based on new and emerging job roles and 21st century requirements.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"Product-based PhDs" sounds promising. Too many researchers in India work in isolation from industry. If this bridges the gap and creates solutions for local problems, it will be a game-changer for our innovation ecosystem.
R
Glad to see mother-tongue-based learning getting importance alongside tech updates. True knowledge economy must be inclusive. A student from a Tamil or Bengali medium background shouldn't be left behind in the race for new technologies.
S
Sarah B
As someone who collaborates with Indian tech institutes, I've seen the theoretical-practical gap firsthand. An industry-led curriculum committee is a fantastic idea. Execution will be key – hope they involve startups and MSMEs, not just large corporates.
K
Karthik V
While the intent is good, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've heard about "curriculum reforms" before. The challenge will be in rapid implementation and training faculty for these new emerging technology modules. Hope they have a solid rollout plan.
N
Nisha Z
Aligning curriculum with national priorities is the right step. We need engineers and scientists working on India's specific challenges – be it in agriculture, clean energy, or healthcare. This shift from purely academic PhDs to applied research is welcome! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50