The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has recently introduced seven new academic programmes. By recognizing the importance and demand for cutting-edge technology few new programmes are launched.

In addition to specialization in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the programmes have been developed in chosen fields of engineering, architecture, economics, and management (AI).

According to official sources, the programmes include six postgraduate (PG) degree programmes and one five-year integrated programme.
Students will be able to enroll in the new courses beginning in the second semester (2021-2022).

The new programmes include M. Tech. (Artificial Intelligence) and M. Tech. (Data Science) under the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (CAIDS), M. Des. (Industrial Design) and MIM (Masters in Innovation Management) under the Department of Design, and M. Des. (Industrial Design) and MIM (Masters in Innovation Management) under the Department of Design.

Working industry professionals can earn an online M. Tech. (Microelectronics and VLSI) from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. An MS Economics (Five-Year Integrated Program) from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, and an M. Tech. (Dam Safety and Rehabilitation) from the proposed International Centre for Dams (currently coordinated by the Department of Hydrology).

The new programmes, according to a PIB announcement, aim to support quality education in new and growing areas that are becoming highly prevalent today.

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Professor Ashutosh Sharma hoped that the new programmes at the country’s oldest technical college will help students and working professionals. It will bring value to their professions when he inaugurated them in an online ceremony on July 30, 2021.

“New Initiatives of this kind separate the leaders from followers, and I am delighted to hear about the outlines and philosophy of the programmes,” he said.

“The new programmes involve the transmission of relevant knowledge and using the knowledge we produce. They are inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary and also in line with National Education Policy 2020. Their launch shows that we are on to breaking some of the silos that we have historically created,” DST Secretary added.