The IIT Mandi, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram, have launched a groundbreaking B.Tech program in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) with a specialization in Semiconductor Design and Technology. The agreement was signed at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a significant step toward bridging the skills gap in India's semiconductor industry.
What makes this program meaningful?
With the growing semiconductor industry in India, a huge talent pool is needed in this field. The new course will help equip students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to get that work within the semiconductor field.
Course Structure and Subjects
The B.Tech. will be 4 long, divided into 8 semesters. It will address the critical areas of semiconductor engineering as follows:
- Nanotechnology & Semiconductor Materials Engineering: Explores the materials used in semiconductor technology.
- Learning about the fundamental principles behind semiconductor devices.
- Introduction to Microfabrication – How small pieces of semiconductors are produced.
- Semiconductor Fabrication – Lightning-fast, complex processes used in the manufacturing of semiconductor chips.
- Semiconductor Equipment Design & Technology: Creating the machines utilized in the semiconductor manufacturing.
- Advanced Topics in Manufacturing — Understanding the breakthroughs in semiconductor manufacturing.
The program will also consist of 25 credits of students learning by doing. This curriculum is developed in collaboration with NCU, NSDC, and IIT Mandi. Students will graduate from NCU once they complete the course.
How will NSDC aid in program implementation?
The NSDC will play a key role in achieving the success of this program by:
- Helping students to register for the course via its online platform.
- Offering education loans for eligible candidates to provide financial support.
- Through this partnership, NSDC, IIT Mandi, and NCU will work together to bridge the skill gap in semiconductors in India and facilitate the production of highly-skilled professionals who will contribute to the technological growth of the nation.
The B.Tech program specialization in Semiconductor Design and Technology under the Discipline of Electronics and Communication Engineering, procured by SEMI India will give students a stimulating quality experience.
How will students benefit?
- AI-Enabled Learning Platform – Students will have access to AI-powered lectures, assignments, and study materials.
- Internship & Job Support– NSDC will assist students in finding internships and job offers in the semiconductor industry. A Real Hands-on Learning Specialized courses will be taught by IIT Mandi faculty, who will also conduct six hands-on training programs in advanced labs spread over four years.
- Students are going to be evaluated through Exams, Assignments, and Projects.
- The credits accumulated at IIT Mandi would be recognised by NCU when awarding the final degree.
What are experts saying about this Collaboration?
- Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC: This collaboration enables the best quality education in a much more accessible manner to students and equips them with the relevant skills needed in the industry. It helps in advancing job opportunities, and it also aids in the development of the Indian Semiconductor Ecosystem.
- Dr. Tushar Jain, IIT Mandi: This initiative plays an equal role in the research of IIT Mandi, the academic strength of NCU, and the skill training of NSDC, helping produce a qualified workforce for this semiconductor sector.
- Prof. Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor, NCU: The programme provides theoretical education and comprehensive hands-on exposure in semiconductor technology to students, equipping them for a dynamic career in a fast-evolving domain.
This is how future engineers will get the relevant skills and the job with a practical exposure opportunity in India’s booming semiconductor industry.
It aims to give students a chance to hone high-end technical skills to become industry-ready professionals in the innovative semiconductor ecosystem. Through this initiative, students can acquire new-age technical skills and emerge as industry-ready professionals in the emerging semiconductor industry.
