AICTE Chairman harps on changes in engineering curriculum

: The recent downward trend in employability of engineering graduates was due to an outdated curriculum, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Chairman Dr Anil Sahasrabudhe today said.
A slew of remedial measures, including a reduced credit requirement and more practical tests, are set to be launched, Sahasrabudhe said on the sidelines of "Sankethapravesam - 2017," an induction function for incoming engineering students held here.
"Antiquated syllabus and run-of-the-mill modes of setting exam papers are the reason why surveys label a high percentage of graduates from our engineering schools as unemployable," he said.
"To allow them the time to self-learn and give them freedom to experiment, the number of credits needed to graduate with a B.Tech degree in four years will be reduced to 160 from the current 200," Sahasrabhudhe said.

The reframed credit system, is expected to be implemented in the coming academic year, he said adding this would greatly rduce the pressure students are put under.
Organised by APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in partnership with the IT Department, the high-profile event stressed the importance of a vibrant startup culture to furthering technological development.
"This will not only change student experience; it will create a more level playing field that will help turn students into good citizens. With one teacher designated to mentor and counsel a group of 20 students, the programme will help facilitate their entry into academic and campus life," the AICTE Chairman said.

In addition, the "Swayam" IT learning portal indigenously developed by the Union Government and AICTE would help ensure access to quality instruction for all, he said.