AICTE chairman: ‘Engineering colleges need systemic transformation’

TG Sitharam

The landscape of engineering education is undergoing a profound transformation. As the world pivots towards a future driven by innovation, sustainability, and digital technology, the role of engineers is evolving rapidly. In the coming decade, engineering will not be just about mastering machines and equations — it will be about understanding complex systems, solving global challenges, and building inclusive solutions for society. For India to remain at the forefront of global progress, our educational institutions must adapt to these changing paradigms and lead with purpose.

One of the significant shifts we will witness is the dissolution of rigid disciplinary boundaries. The traditional labels of mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer science engineering are gradually giving way to interdisciplinary learning. Future engineers will be expected to possess not only core technical knowledge but also skills that span across domains — AI, data science, sustainability, biotechnology, and design thinking. The problems of the future are multifaceted, and so must be the training of those who are tasked with solving them.

Engineering Courses: Emerging technologies

Emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, blockchain, advanced robotics, and synthetic biology are reshaping industries at a pace never seen before. To ensure students remain relevant and competitive, engineering education in India must be agile and forward-looking.

Our curricula must evolve continuously, integrating these cutting-edge developments as core components. It is no longer enough to teach foundational concepts alone — students must be exposed to the frontiers of technology from the early stages of academic journey.

Equally important is the shift towards experiential, hands-on learning. The days of rote memorisation and theory-heavy instruction are behind us. The engineers of tomorrow must be problem-solvers and creators — able to design, prototype, and innovate in real-world conditions.

Project-based learning, live industry projects, and open-ended problem solving should be at the heart of engineering pedagogy. This approach nurtures not just technical competence but also creativity, collaboration, and a sense of ownership over one’s learning.

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Global connectivity and digital infrastructure are also reshaping how engineering education is delivered. With virtual labs, online certifications, remote internships, and global collaboration platforms becoming mainstream, the Indian classroom can now extend far beyond its physical boundaries.

Our students must be encouraged to participate in global knowledge networks, interact with peers and mentors across continents, and experience the best of what the world has to offer. This exposure is essential for building globally-competent professionals.

The transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 marks another important milestone. While Industry 4.0 focused on automation, smart systems, and digital transformation, Industry 5.0 brings human beings back into the equation. It emphasises responsible innovation, sustainability, and the synergy between humans and machines. Engineering students must be sensitised to the ethical, social, and ecological dimensions of technology.

They must understand that innovation is not just about efficiency and profits, but also about human well-being and environmental stewardship.

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Engineering Colleges: ‘Systemic transformation’

To respond effectively to these shifts, Indian engineering colleges must undergo a systemic transformation. First, curricula must be modernised in close collaboration with industry and global academic institutions.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has already initiated developing model curricula in emerging areas such as AI, data science, space technology, semiconductor design, and robotics. Institutions must proactively adopt and implement these guidelines, ensuring that their academic offerings remain relevant and future-oriented.

Faculty development is another critical area. Our educators must be equipped to teach the technologies of tomorrow. This requires continuous re-skilling, exposure to global best practices, and deep engagement with industry. Initiatives such as the AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy are empowering faculty across the country to embrace lifelong learning and pedagogical innovation.

Indian institutions must also actively promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students. The establishment of IDEA Labs, Innovation Councils, and platforms like the Smart India Hackathon are creating ecosystems that nurture creative thinking and problem-solving.

Colleges should encourage students to take up real-world challenges, develop working prototypes, and even launch startups. Innovation must become a cultural value within every engineering campus.

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Moreover, the gap between academia and industry must be bridged through sustained collaboration. Institutions must work closely with industry partners to co-design courses, offer internships, provide mentorship, and facilitate job-oriented training.

The AICTE National Internship Portal is a powerful tool to help students access valuable industry experiences, and its widespread adoption is essential.

Equally vital is the need to upgrade digital infrastructure and embrace hybrid modes of learning. Investments in virtual labs, access to international MOOCs, and creation of digital libraries are no longer optional but essential.

Furthermore, Indian institutions must strive to be part of global academic and research networks, contributing to and benefiting from the collective knowledge of the international community.

‘Inclusive and equitable’

Finally, engineering education must be inclusive and equitable. Every aspiring student — regardless of gender, socio-economic background, or geography — must have the opportunity to pursue quality technical education. AICTE has launched several scholarship schemes and support mechanisms for women, students from tribal and rural backgrounds, and those from aspirational districts. These must be implemented with dedication at the grassroots level.

As AICTE chairman, I believe that the next 10 years offer India a unique window to transform its engineering education system into a global model of excellence. We must prepare our students not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but for the challenges of a rapidly-changing world.

Our vision should be to create not only skilled professionals but responsible citizens — engineers who are grounded in values, driven by purpose, and committed to building a better, more inclusive and sustainable future.

The task ahead is complex, but the direction is clear. Let us work together — academia, industry, government, and civil society—to build an education system that is dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready. The future of engineering in India is not just about keeping pace with the world — it is about leading it.

TG Sitharam is AICTE chairman. He’s been a civil engineering professor at IISc Bengaluru and was IIT Guwahati director. The piece first appeared in the 200th issue of Careers360 magazine, published in August 2025.