Campus Times | Lucknow 

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) is set to strengthen its industry oriented education ecosystem by establishing four Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in emerging technology domains, including semiconductors, drone technology, satellite design and robotics.

The proposed centres aim to provide students with practical exposure to cutting edge technologies through hands on training supported by Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The initiative is designed to enhance technical competencies and prepare students for careers in high growth sectors that are witnessing increasing demand for skilled professionals.

AKTU Vice Chancellor Prof. JP Pandey said the Centres of Excellence will go beyond conventional classroom teaching by offering certificate programmes alongside regular degree courses. These certifications are expected to help students build specialised skill sets and strengthen their professional portfolios, giving them an added advantage during campus placements and recruitment processes.

According to the university, the use of AR and VR will enable students to simulate real world applications in areas such as chip design, drone operations, satellite systems and robotics, allowing them to gain practical experience even before large scale laboratory infrastructure is fully developed.

In another major academic reform, AKTU is also planning to integrate Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) into its curriculum. The move will allow students to access lectures delivered by leading academicians and industry experts through the SWAYAM platform, expanding learning opportunities beyond the university campus.

Officials said the integration of MOOCs will offer greater flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own pace while accessing specialised courses that may not always be available through conventional classroom teaching. The initiative is also expected to enrich the academic experience by bringing expert led content into the universitys curriculum.

The university believes the Centres of Excellence will create opportunities for collaboration with industry and research organisations while improving the employability of graduates. With a stronger focus on experiential learning and specialised training, AKTU aims to align its academic offerings more closely with evolving industry requirements and emerging technology trends.