In a significant move to strengthen India’s semiconductor industry, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IIT Mandi, and The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a B.Tech. ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology. The agreement was formalized at KaushalBhawan, New Delhi. The four-year, eight-semester program aims to equip students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training in advanced semiconductor engineering, covering subjects such as nanotechnology, semiconductor fabrication, and semiconductor equipment design. IIT Mandi will provide faculty expertise and conduct immersive lab-based training, while NCU will confer the degree, integrating 25 credits in application-oriented learning.
NSDC will play a vital role in implementing the program, ensuring quality training, driving student enrolments through its digital platform, and assisting eligible candidates with financial aid. Additionally, NSDC will offer a centralized learning hub with AI-enabled videos, lectures, and assignments, along with internship and placement support. Highlighting the collaboration’s significance, NSDC CEO and MD Ved Mani Tiwari stated, “Our partnership with IIT Mandi and NCU aligns with NEP 2020, ensuring world-class education for students from small towns and cities. This initiative bridges academia and industry, enhancing employability and innovation in the semiconductor sector.”
Guwahati, a growing hub for technological education and semiconductor research, is expected to benefit from this initiative. With an increasing number of students seeking specialized technical courses, institutions in Guwahati may witness rising interest in semiconductor studies, potentially fostering collaborations with similar skill development programs. IIT Mandi will facilitate six hands-on immersion programs and credit certification, while NCU will oversee candidate enrolments and infrastructure for smooth course delivery. “This initiative ensures a transformative learning experience by combining research expertise, academic infrastructure, and skill development,” said Dr. Tushar Jain, Head, CCE, IITMandi. Prof. Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor of NCU, emphasized the program’s role in bridging India’s semiconductor skill gap, offering students cutting-edge technical training and industry exposure. This collaboration presents a crucial opportunity for aspiring engineers to gain specialized skills and contribute to India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.