Education Is About Creating A Thirst For Knowledge: Prakash Gopalan, President, NU

Tell us about your journey in NIIT University?

As the new president of NIIT University, my journey has been one of discovery, growth and transformation. Since joining in October last year, I have been privileged to witness the remarkable spirit of innovation and excellence that defines NIIT University. It has been inspiring to engage with the dynamic community of faculty, staff and students who are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of education and research. Together, we have embarked on a journey to enhance the university's reputation as a hub of cutting-edge learning and impactful research. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to realise NIIT University's vision of shaping future leaders and innovators.

How is technical 'know-how' relevant for students of other disciplines too, like humanities, languages and life sciences?Technical expertise has now become very relevant and crucial for students of all the fields including arts, sciences and humanities too. As it happens, we are living in the information era where technical advancement helps one to carry out investigation, collate data and promote innovations. Digital tools for humanities majors make the research process faster and the text analysis easier. Students pursuing language-related programmes or courses will benefit a lot from using language study apps and online sources. Bioinformatics and laboratory technology can again be very helpful for students. Technology adoption helps students to find their way in the ever-changing world and provides them with tangible skills that can be used in almost all fields - which is crucial for giving them a head start in their careers. Additionally, incorporating data analytics into humanities studies provides valuable insights and enhances critical thinking skills. By embracing technology, students gain tangible skills applicable across various fields, offering them a competitive edge in their future careers.

AI is strongly impacting the entire education ecosystem. What is your view on this?

Now-a-days there's a huge demand for subjects which have digital content, starting of course with computer science to newer technologies like AI, ML and IoT. According to the report from NASSCOM, Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could potentially add $450-500 billion to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2025 and drive India’s economic growth.  

In earlier times, new technologies and avenues like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML) were often portrayed as robots. Currently, AI encompasses anything and everything. Be it vehicles, entertainment, corporations, smart homes, google search algorithms, education, law or medical services, AI has transformed all the sectors for the better. With shopping interface becoming much simpler, smartphones to navigate unknown paths, its expanse has become much wider. A lot is happening on many fronts and some industries have seen a complete shift in their priorities and approach to work and it is not hard to see why artificial intelligence has become mainstay and has rapidly replaced or changed certain job roles.

Hence, it is only logical for educational institutions to evolve and offer courses which have digital content, starting from course with computer science to newer technologies like AI, ML and IoT.  

What are some of the emerging trends in education – AI and beyond?

Emerging developments in education, appreciably driven by using artificial intelligence (AI), are revolutionising conventional teaching techniques. AI-powered equipment examine student overall performance data to offer customised paths for gaining knowledge. At the same time as chatbots offer actual-time help. Additionally, immersive technology like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are improving interactive learning experiences. Alongside AI, there is a growing emphasis on lifelong learning, facilitated through on-line structures and micro-credential programmes. These developments characterise a transformative shift towards customised and inclusive learning programmes, catering to individual learner desires and preparing them for the evolving process market.

What are the most popular courses offered at NIIT University, gaining attention of students lately?

NU offers the entire spectrum of academic programmes. After Class 12, it offers BTech in Cyber Security, BTech in Computer Science & Engineering, BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, BTech in Electronics & Communication Engineering, BTech in Biotechnology, 3-year BBA and Integrated Masters in Business Administration.  

The new undergraduate programme - BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, has been introduced this year considering the demand of contemporary business landscape for interdisciplinary expertise. This programme aims to groom students with transformative skills in science, engineering, technology and business. The curriculum covers a spectrum of AI and Data Science topics, including AI-ML, deep neural network, NLP, Generative AI with Large Language Models (LLMs), optimisation and predictive analytics. Students are equipped to revolutionise sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, finance and retail.

Provide some figures on the recent campus placements at the university and what efforts are made to ensure that maximum students are placed?

NU has consistently maintained 100 per cent placement record for all the students who have applied. For the class of 2023, over 94 per cent students got their aspired roles in various renowned organizations like Cisco, Morgan Stanley, PWC, etc. among others. The average CTC is Rs 12.09 LPA for the top 25 per cent students. The highest salary offered to a student from NU has been Rs 44.27 LPA till date.

Tell us about your current initiatives on building industry-academia relationship and how is it useful for students.

Conceptualised as an institution of excellence, NU provides exceptional education based on the Four Core Principles that make learning industry-linked, technology-based, research-driven, and seamless. Centre for Industrial Collaboration (CIC) are in charge of placements at NU and they work with over 400 active industry partners, including some of the leading organisations like Morgan Stanley, IBM, Ernst & Young and so on. The ‘Design My Future’ initiative at NU helps students understand their strengths, identify their career choices and articulate their life purpose, values and vision. The university also provides summer internships and industry practice which gives students an exposure and understanding of the real world they will face in the future.

Would you underline some job trends that students can expect?

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, it can undoubtedly be said that technological advancements are driving job trends. Students today can expect a surge in demand for roles in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Marketing and Cloud Computing. Therefore, students equipped with expertise in these fields are likely to find abundant career opportunities and our university is committed to preparing students for the dynamic job market. Also careers in international business, cross-border consulting and multicultural management are expected to flourish, offering exciting prospects for our students. 

Alongside technical skills at NIIT University, we also emphasise the importance of soft skills like communication and problem-solving skills through the industry driven projects and assignments which is vital for success in any career path.  

Shed some light on the growth prospectus of the university.

NIIT University is poised for significant growth in the foreseeable future. With its focus on innovation, research, and technology-driven education, the university is well-positioned to continue expanding its academic offerings and research capabilities. One of our key strategies for growth is to enhance our interdisciplinary approach to education. We empower our students to tackle complex real-world challenges from multiple perspectives and this approach fosters not only creativity, but also critical thinking so that our graduates can be adaptable in diverse professional environments.

Our vision is to elevate our academic offerings and global partnerships to ensure that we continue to produce competent graduates, equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Through internships, industry projects, and mentorship programmes, we provide our students with invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities that enhance their employability.

What’s your philosophy on education and what according to you is the sole purpose of it?

Our philosophy in education revolves around preparing learners to not only excel in their chosen field but also to focus on innovation and progress in today’s ever evolving environment. Through a holistic approach to learning, we strive to instil in our students with a lifelong passion for exploration, discovery and continuous growth. In my opinion, education is about creating a thirst for knowledge and learning and the ability to apply what we learn to real life situations.

Can you make three predictions for the education sector in the coming decade?

The advancements and rapidly changing demands of the industry makes the future of the sector in the coming decade highly unpredictable. To tackle this constant change, we not only need to anticipate, but also improvise, a substantial shift towards personalised learning experiences. With the evolution of artificial intelligence, educational institutions will increasingly tailor learning pathways to individual students' needs, interests and learning styles. This personalised approach will foster deeper engagement and more effective learning outcomes.

Also, an increasing emphasis on the experiential learning approaches can be seen in the coming future. To align with that we have designed our educational programmes to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in practical, hands-on settings to nurture creativity, innovation and develop problem-solving skills. With time, a growing focus on lifelong learning and reskilling is the new demand. With the technological innovation that is driving fast changes in the job market, individuals will need to continually update their skills throughout their careers. We can expect an increase in micro-credentialing, short-term certificate programmes and flexible learning pathways to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.