Crafting Excellence: The Evolution of NICHE Kanyakumari with Dr. Tessy Thomas

From its humble beginnings as an Engineering College in 1989, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education (NICHE) has emerged as a beacon of academic brilliance. Today, NICHE stands tall, offering a diverse array of programs, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and nurturing a culture of research and innovation. Join us with Dr. Tessy Thomas, Vice Chancellor, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education (NICHE) as we delve into the unique essence of NICHE Kanyakumari. 

Dr. Tessy Thomas, Vice Chancellor, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education (NICHE) who is known as “Missile woman of India”, “Agni Putri” is a Distinguished Scientist, former Director General of Aeronautical Systems, DRDO. She is the first ever woman scientist to head a missile project in India.

Q1. Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education (NICHE) started off as an engineering college and today it is a deemed university. Share some insights about the journey so far and how it came about.

 NICHE started its journey as an Engineering College in 1989, driven by a vision to establish itself as a distinguished center of excellence in higher education characterized by uncompromising standards of discipline and ethics. The institution's commitment to excellence was recognized in 2006 when it was ranked as the 19th Best Engineering College by Anna University.

Subsequently, in 2007, NICHE received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and was designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) in 2008. Additionally, it achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification, further attesting to its commitment to quality and excellence. The pivotal moment came in 2008 when NICHE was accorded Deemed-to-be-University status and was awarded Grade ‘A’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2015 and has been reaccredited by NAAC in 2022. In the NIRF Ranking of 2016, NICHE secured the 66th Rank in the Engineering Stream and the 75th Rank in the University Stream, further affirming its position as a leading educational institution.

Q2: What are the key strengths and features that make NICHE Kanyakumari unique?

NICHE stands out for its unique blend of academic excellence, holistic development and cultural inclusivity. Multidisciplinary approach offering a diverse range of programs spanning engineering, medicine, humanities, and management, promotes interdisciplinary learning and innovation. Accommodating modern pedagogical techniques such as project-based learning, experiential learning and industry collaborations ensures practical knowledge and skill development. NICHE promotes a culture of inquiry and discovery by providing ample opportunities for students and faculty to engage in research across various disciplines. International collaborations, exchange programs, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit through incubation centers, startup accelerators and instilling values of social responsibility and community engagement through initiatives like outreach programs, social service projects and environmental sustainability efforts all together in one place makes NICHE stand out of the crowd. It also encourages diversity and inclusivity by welcoming students from different cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds, promoting a vibrant and supportive campus.

Q3. Could you give details of the various faculties,deparments and schools as well as the programmes offered by the University?

NICHE has 11 faculties and 24 departments offering a diverse array of 29 UG, PG and doctoral level courses.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Q4. What is the criteria and process to apply to NICHE Kanyakumari?

Candidates can apply online or can get application directly from the university’s admission office. Selection is based on NICHE entrance examination. Eligibility is verified as per AICTE norms.

Q5. Does the university have its own entrance exam or does it accept national/ state level examinations for admissions?

Yes, NICHE has its own entrance examination. It considers national level examination like JEE and GATE for providing scholarships. NET/SET score is considered for science and humanities Ph.D. admissions.

Q6. NICHE is committed to research and innovation. Please give details about this aspect. How does it benefit students?

NICHE has made significant strides in research and innovation with 3069 publications indexed in SCI/Scopus, 5059 UGC Care and peer reviewed journals, an impressive 'h index' of 59, accompanied by more than 20887 citations. Moreover, NICHE has 127 patents filed out of which 65 patents are published, 41 patents have been granted and 21 in progress emphasizing its commitment to pioneering research and technological advancement.

Q7. Interdisciplinary learning and collaboration is a need of the hour. How does NICHE incorporate this?

As per NEP 2020 policy guidelines, NICHE incorporates interdisciplinary learning and collaboration through curriculum integration. NICHE designs its curriculum to include courses and projects that span multiple disciplines. For example, a project might involve aspects of engineering, computer science, and business management, encouraging students to apply knowledge from different fields to solve complex problems. It encourages students and faculty from different departments to collaborate on projects and research initiatives. NICHE organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences that bring together scholars, professionals, and students from different disciplines to exchange ideas, share insights, and collaborate on projects. These events provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and networking.

Q8: Diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus are important parameters for any university. Describe how these are encouraged and promoted in the campus.

NICHE encourages diversity and inclusivity by welcoming students from different cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds, promoting a vibrant and supportive campus. At present 34 students from northern states are studying in NICHE.

Q9: Accreditations and rankings are quality indicators for any institute. Give details of the same for NICHE.

In 2007, NICHE received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and was designated as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) in 2008. Additionally, it achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification, further attesting to its commitment to quality and excellence. The pivotal moment came in 2008 when NICHE was accorded Deemed-to-be-University status and was awarded Grade ‘A’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2015 and has been reaccredited by NAAC in 2022. In the NIRF Ranking of 2016, NICHE secured the 66^th Rank in the Engineering Stream and the 75^th Rank in the University Stream, further affirming its position as a leading educational institution.

Q10: The ever-changing landscape of higher education throws up challenges including technological advancements and societal shifts? How is NICHE Kanyakumari stepping up in this context?

NICHE regularly updates its curriculum based on feedback from industry experts, alumni, and academic experts to ensure it meets the evolving needs of the job market and technological advancements. Quality assurance mechanisms are employed to continuously monitor and improve the academic and administrative processes. This includes regular assessments, accreditations, and audits. NICHE is equipped with  classrooms with smart technology, including interactive whiteboards and projectors. Students are encouraged to use digital learning platforms and Learning Management Systems (LMS) to facilitate remote and blended learning. Variety of online courses and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are offered, providing flexibility for students to learn at their own pace and convenience. NICHE collaborates with industries to keep its curriculum relevant and updated. This includes internships, industry projects, and guest lectures from industry experts. Partnerships with companies for research and development projects ensure that students are exposed to real-world challenges and solutions. Skill development programs like boot camps and soft skills training helps the students in placement. Community outreach programs through NSS volunteers and eco club contribute to societal development and instills a sense of social responsibility in students. The university has policies and support systems in place for differently-abled students to ensure they have equal access to education. NICHE has established specialized research centers and innovation cell that focus on cutting-edge research in areas like renewable energy, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Q11: How does Noorul Islam Centre For Higher Education foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty?

Innovation Council of Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, was formed in the year 2018. It is approved by Ministry of Education (MoE), Govt. of India. It aims to inculcate the spirit of innovation among the students, encourage and support innovations through guidance and mentorship and students will be encouraged to take up innovative projects for the benefit of society/industry. Recently students of MBA department have registered a Start-Up “ Khadhi Boutique”. NICHE along with MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) has conducted Entrepreneurship awareness program. A three days idea generation program “Tech-Star start-up weekend” was conducted in collaboration with START-UP Tamilnadu.

Q12: Internships translate to practical training for the future stakeholders of the society. How do NICHE students get support in this regard

NICHE collaborates with a wide range of companies, organisations and institutions through MoUs to offer internship opportunities across various sectors. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR- NIIST),  Alagappa University, Karaikudi, AMET Deemed to be University, Chennai, Rajas Dental College & Hospital, IBCR Institute of Biology and Clinical Research, Sky Aerospace, Bangalore.

Q13: Alumni are the past of the university but play a role in its future in terms of support both financially and otherwise. What is the role NICHE alumni play? Please give details.

NCHE alumni play crucial role in development of the university through Alumni interaction, workshops, career guidance and placement assistance. Mr. Yaser Hameed, 1997 passed out computer science engineering department alumni who is the CEO of US based “Cloud-Q”, Sales force service provider has recruited 6 students from NICHE for his company. Indian head of this company, Mr. Niyas Ahamed who is also NICHE’s alumni has given placement assistance to our students by training them in Sales force. Silver Jubilee celebration of 1997 passed out Alumni was held on 2^nd July 2022 which was a great success. Prominent alumni to mention a few are :Shri M S Faizal Khan, M.D, NIMS, Mr. Joel Davis, IPS, Mr. V. Bhaskaran, IPS, Mr. Yaser Hameed, CEO, cloud-Q, USA, Mr. Naga Rajan, CEO (India),iDynamics Ltd, Mr. Premil Dennison, MD and Country Head, Silicon Valley Bank, Mr. Mohammed Nabeel, M.D, Hures Healthcare, Mr. Mohammed Shalik, M.D, Sea Land Fuel Supply Services, Mr. Arjun Kishore, M.D, Macura medical solution.

Q14: What are the key highlights of the latest placement drive at NICHE? Elaborate on the roles, recruiters, packages etc.

NICHE achieved remarkable success in its placement endeavors during the academic year 2023-2024. With 21 distinguished companies visiting the campus, it provided opportunities for 741 students to participate in placement interviews. The outcome was impressive as the students received a total of 259 job offers, indicating both the quality of education imparted at NICHE and the trust that the industry places in its graduates. Positions such as Design Engineer, Graduate Engineer Trainee, and Business Development Associate were among the prominent job titles offered. The average salary offered to the students stood at Rs. 2.78 lakhs per annum. This strong placement record is a result of its holistic approach to education, combining rigorous academic curriculum with practical training, industry exposure, and career guidance. NICHE’s robust industry partnerships and placement cell play a crucial role in facilitating these opportunities for students. The collaborative efforts between the academia and the industry ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry needs, thus enhancing the employability of NICHE graduates.

Q15 What factors should any student generally look for while opting for a university for admissions? What would your advice be?

Location, tuition fee affordability, scholarships availability are important factors to be considered. If the university is far away from residential place, candidate must check if the university offers conducive hostels and transportation. Research has to be made on prominent productive graduates the university has produced over years. Research facilities has to be considered. Internet facility and how well the university is digitalized must also be taken into account. Safety of university environment is also of utmost importance.