AICTE Chairman: Engineering education must focus on experiential learning
Engineering education needs a transformative approach with a focus on experiential learning, emphasised T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Speaking during the 61st Institution Day of the National Institute of Technical Teacher Training and Research (NITTTR), he stressed the importance of equipping teachers in second- and third-tier engineering colleges with advanced technological skills.
Mr. Sitharam highlighted that annually, India produces 1.5 million engineering graduates, many of whom are deemed employable. To enhance teaching standards, he advocated for the creation of high-quality augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) laboratories. These facilities are vital for adapting to digital engineering trends that focus on AR, VR, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and simulation technologies.
He also noted the recent lifting of the moratorium on establishing new engineering colleges, predicting a surge in enrollments as 4 crore students are expected to pursue engineering in the coming years. To prepare for this influx, NITTTR and similar institutions must prioritise training programs that meet the demands of evolving technological landscapes. Mr. Sitharam assured that AICTE would support such initiatives to ensure teachers are well-prepared to guide the next generation of engineers effectively.
