Experts pitch for industry linked curriculum in varsities

The universities, while designing their curriculum and programs, should take care of bridging the gap between the student's ability to learn and deliver on the ground and the academia should delve into problems faced by the industry and provide solutions through researches, the experts said.

"There is a need for the university to align education and research to meet the emerging needs of industry and priorities of the nation. We must set up think tanks on issues of strategic importance at the global level from a national perspective," RS Mekar, executive director of the Employers' Federation of India said at the Industry-Academia Conclave-2014, organised to mark the 7th foundation day of the Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA) University.

Faculty members should be given opportunity for greater exposure, encouraged to engage in research and publication and interact more with industry and other sectors of the economy, he said.

RP Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor of the university stressed on the need for industry to participate in the academic program for up-gradation of knowledge base while involving in real-life problem solving projects. The university sought consulting assignments, assistance in laboratory development and training of faculty and students in specialised technologies from the industry. "The gap between 'knowing' and 'doing' was becoming wider as university graduates were becoming unemployable," said Alfred Osta, executive vice-president (HR) of Mahindra Systech, at the conclave attended by more than 80 representatives from the industry.

Ravi Singh, vice-president (HR) of Yazaki India Ltd, Pune, said varsities should keep upgrading their curriculum and design suiting the needs of the industry. S K Mohapatra, vice-president (HR) of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Angul, said there should be collaboration between industry and academia and the practice of industries going to the campus for recruitment should stop. There should be on-line recruitment tests for all and the best students should qualify, he added.