Elite Institutes to Upskill Engineering Faculty with New Certification Program
Professors from India’s premier technical institutions will soon be training educators from conventional engineering colleges, with the goal of equipping them with expertise in cutting-edge technologies. The initiative comes as part of a renewed focus on modernizing technical education across the country.
Starting from the July session of the 2026-27 academic year, an 18-credit Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) postgraduate certificate course will be offered in a hybrid format over six months. This flexible structure allows working teachers to participate without stepping away from their professional responsibilities. The curriculum is designed to immerse participants in emerging technologies, enabling them to deliver industry-relevant, high-quality instruction to their students in the classroom.
Aligning with National Education Policy Objectives
Professor Yogesh Singh, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), emphasized the pressing need for engineering faculty to stay current with technological advancements. He noted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought about a complete overhaul of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering curricula. To support this transformation, AICTE has launched the QIP-PG certificate program specifically aimed at the academic and professional development of engineering educators.
Through this six-month hybrid initiative, participants will gain exposure to novel concepts and practical skills tied to tomorrow’s technologies. The aim is to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the fast-evolving demands of the global tech landscape.
Application Window and Eligibility
The program will be delivered through institutions of national importance, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs). These institutes bring deep research expertise and industry connections to the training modules.
Eligibility is open to full-time regular or permanent faculty members working at AICTE-approved degree and diploma colleges. Interested educators can submit their applications online until July 5th. This provides a valuable opportunity for teachers seeking to enhance their qualifications and teaching effectiveness without leaving their current positions.
Focus Areas for Faculty Development
Professor Shyama Rath, Member Secretary of AICTE, highlighted the key technological domains that will be covered in the upgraded curriculum. These include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Science and Data Analytics
- Cyber-Physical Systems
- Internet of Things (IoT) and Drone Technology
- Intelligent Transport Systems
- Robotics
- 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
These subjects have already been integrated into the revised course structures. According to Professor Rath, faculty members must upgrade their own skills to effectively prepare students for global employment opportunities. The program is a strategic step toward ensuring that India’s engineering graduates are not only knowledgeable but also highly competitive in the international job market.
By investing in teacher training, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect—improving the quality of instruction at hundreds of engineering colleges and ultimately benefiting thousands of students across the nation.
