In an exciting collaboration, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have unveiled a groundbreaking undergraduate curriculum dedicated to quantum technologies. As a part of the National Quantum Mission, this initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical lab experiences, essential for India’s rising prominence in this emerging field.
Professor Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasized the curriculum’s blend of theory and hands-on experiences to foster a deeper understanding among students. He highlighted the mission’s national objectives, ensuring that this educational framework aligns with the need for a quantum-ready workforce that can propel India’s technological advancements on the global stage.
The National Quantum Mission represents a pivotal strategy to advance India’s research and technology capabilities. It recognizes the urgent requirement for an adept workforce through immediate educational initiatives, emphasizing that the new curriculum will not only equip students for international standards but also meet the diverse demands of quantum technology development, spanning from fundamental to applied research.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, noted the curriculum’s significance in solidifying a solid foundation in quantum knowledge for undergraduate students across various institutions. “It will enable engineering students, regardless of discipline, to pursue a minor in quantum technologies starting from their third or fourth semester,” he explained, envisioning a comprehensive approach to integrating quantum knowledge across the educational spectrum.
To ensure effective implementation, the program will necessitate intensive teacher training and the establishment of robust lab infrastructures. The National Quantum Mission is poised to support select institutions in developing teaching labs and collaborating with AICTE for faculty development, ensuring that both instructors and students are well-prepared for this innovative journey.
Prof. Karandikar further encouraged educational institutions to actively adopt this curriculum, urging students to understand the pivotal role that quantum technologies will play in academic research and innovation strategies. Meanwhile, Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of MGB, NQM, proposed that internships should complement the course, enhancing practical value for students.
Highlighting the societal implications of the emerging quantum technology curriculum, Professor T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, termed it as the inception of India’s quantum revolution. He expressed optimism that the curriculum would be integrated into top institutions by the next academic session, potentially transforming the educational landscape across the nation.
The course structure encompasses four essential verticals of quantum technology, including Quantum Computing, Communications, Sensing, and Metrology, along with Quantum Materials and Devices. Students will engage in a minimum of 18 credits through a blend of theoretical and practical coursework, ensuring a rigorous and enriching learning experience.
To enhance the instruction quality, comprehensive Faculty Development Programs will be instituted, enabling teachers to effectively deliver the curriculum and contribute to a future-ready workforce. The sustained teacher training will yield long-term benefits, empowering India to emerge as a worldwide leader in quantum technology.
Additionally, the National Quantum Mission, in partnership with AICTE, aims to create specialized labs for teaching quantum technologies, develop academic resources, and promote awareness programs that would broaden the understanding of quantum science across the educational spectrum.
The DST and AICTE have launched an undergraduate quantum technology curriculum as part of the National Quantum Mission. This program aims to create a skilled workforce by integrating theory and lab work, ultimately enhancing India’s standing in the global quantum landscape. Faculty training and infrastructure development are key components of this initiative, with hopes to implement the curriculum widely soon.
The collaborative initiative by DST and AICTE to introduce an undergraduate curriculum in quantum technologies marks a significant step in nurturing a skilled workforce for India’s future. By integrating theoretical learning with practical lab experiences, this program promises to cultivate a new generation of professionals ready to confront global challenges. With ongoing support for teacher training and laboratory infrastructure, India is poised to take a leading role in the global quantum technology landscape.
In recent years, the significance of quantum technology has surged, becoming a cornerstone for innovation and advancement in multiple technical fields. With global interest skyrocketing, nations are striving to build a workforce adept in quantum principles. India, recognizing the potential of quantum technologies, has set ambitious goals through initiatives like the National Quantum Mission, aiming to not only elevate research and development but also to empower educational institutions to produce skilled graduates in this dynamic area.
Original Source: dst.gov.in
