We Emphasis on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, says Dr. G. Shobha, RV University SoCSE Dean

In the crowded field of engineering education, RV University's School of Computer Science and Engineering (SoCSE) stands out as a beacon of innovation and multidisciplinary excellence. Here are a few reasons Dr. G. Shobha stated in a conversation with Shiksha.com why students should consider SoCSE at RV University over other engineering colleges for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE):

Dr. G. Shobha brings over 29 years of rich experience in teaching, research, and administration. Throughout her distinguished career at RV College of Engineering, she has held numerous leadership positions, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of the institution.

Q1. Why should a student choose SOCSE, RV University over other Engineering colleges for CSE? What sets this college apart from the rest?

 RVU is a private state university in South India, perhaps the first to offer a true liberal education. With a strong commitment to providing a multidisciplinary teaching and learning experience, RVU enables students to specialize in a field of their choice for 24 credits and to pursue minors in any school within the university. This approach ensures mastery in the chosen specialization and imparts substantial knowledge in minors, fostering passionate individuals who can apply their learnings effectively.

• The first reason to choose RVU is its robust internship culture. Academic sessions are scheduled to end by the second week of June each year, allowing for six weeks of dedicated internship time starting from the first year. Students who manage their studies well can undertake up to 6 credits (equivalent to 10 hours per week) of internships from their second year onwards.
• The second reason is the emphasis on Innovation & Entrepreneurship from the first year of the engineering program. While most engineering colleges focus on placements, in this AI-driven era where jobs are rapidly evolving, RVU's School of Computer Science and Engineering (SoCSE) aims to be a job-neutral institution within five years, creating deep technology jobs instead of just seeking them.
• The third reason is the focus on experiential learning. At SoCSE, every student is required to bring a laptop to an integrated classroom and lab environment. This is crucial as the primary challenge for computer science students is the lack of practical experience, and RVU addresses this by ensuring that theoretical knowledge is implemented practically.
• Additional highlights include the integration of chemistry, biology, and physics to enhance science exploration, the incorporation of first-year engineering courses into broader engineering explorations, and opportunities to choose general electives like drumming, film studies, music, and dance. Students can also engage in over 50 clubs, participate in hackathons and sports, and receive financial support for these activities.

Q2. How does SOCSE, RV University help students become industry ready? Is the curriculum designed in such a way or is there a difference in the teaching methodologies of the college?

Being industry-ready primarily stems from two aspects: a) internships undertaken during studies, ideally starting from the second year; and b) experiential learning, which involves moving beyond traditional classroom and laboratory experiments. The industry expects computer science students to engage in exploration and research by using their laptops, a practice simulated in the classroom by requiring students to bring their own devices.

Indeed, the curriculum at RVU is distinctive, and the methods of evaluation are fourfold: a) Pen & paper, the conventional method of evaluation, applies to about 30-40% of the courses; b) Jury, involving external expert evaluations, used in about 10-15% of courses; c) Submission, where students submit outputs such as research papers or draft patents; and d) Presentation, which requires students to present their work to fellow students and other RVU stakeholders.

Q3. Is SOCSE, RV University receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? Could you cite some examples of these? 

In its second year of operation, RV University has made significant strides in nurturing entrepreneurship and research. The university's incubated student startups and scholars have secured 1.35 crore INR in research funding and have conducted educational training worth 54 lakh INR. RVU's School of Computer Science and Engineering (SoCSE) is likely the only institution in India offering a minor in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Product Development. By the end of their third year, students in this program are expected to develop intellectually driven startups.

SoCSE has also incorporated courses on Structured Innovation and Entrepreneurial Mindset into the first-year curriculum. Furthermore, RVU collaborates closely with RV College of Engineering (RVCE), RV Institute of Technology and Management (RVITM), and Spiked AI, leveraging the Invent-X program. This initiative offers extensive support for student entrepreneurship, providing an unlimited scope for hands-on entrepreneurial experience.

Q4. How does a BSc (Hons) in CSE offered at SOCSE different from BTech (Hons) in CSE?

The BTech (Hons) in Computer Science & Engineering at RV University is a mathematics-intensive program that requires students to have completed pre-university courses (PUC/10+2) in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This rigorous curriculum is designed to prepare students thoroughly in the technical aspects of computer science.

Conversely, the BSc (Hons) program is more accommodating and inclusive, open to any PUC/10+2 student regardless of their previous subject combination, including those from non-mathematics streams. The rationale behind this inclusivity is the recognition that the field of computer science is expanding rapidly, with opportunities that transcend traditional job definitions. Therefore, RV University believes that every student who has a passion for computer science should have the opportunity to pursue it, regardless of their academic background in mathematics.

Q5. How does the college infrastructure of SOCSE, RV University support students in getting the required practical exposure?

Computer science inherently requires a laptop and an internet connection to excel. Despite this digital focus, the physical infrastructure of classrooms and workspaces at RV University significantly enhances collaboration and fosters a creative culture. The expansive 25-acre campus boasts over 80% green space, creating an ideal environment for learning and innovation. Being located on the same grounds as RV College of Engineering (RVCE) provides additional benefits, giving students access to RVCE's Centers of Excellence. This proximity offers students a head start and an experience on par with one of India's most prestigious institutions, enriching their educational journey.

Q6. The emerging use of AI has impacted almost all industries. Do you think your students are ready to cope up with the impact?

Interestingly, Generation Z students are well-equipped to handle these educational demands. In fact, many of the students we mentor at RV University express a desire to conclude their potential industry careers by the age of 30 or 35 and start their own ventures. By the second year of their studies, most students achieve the capabilities of an engineer with 2-5 years of experience, which is a promising trend. India has been predominantly a service industry country for over three decades, and the enthusiasm and resilience shown by these students are encouraging signs. Their readiness to embrace challenges and their ambition to make a global impact reflect a positive shift in the country's educational and entrepreneurial landscape.

Q7. How do you support all these CSE stream UG and PG students for placements? Are there any partnerships or collaborations that you have with any leading organisations?

RV College of Engineering (RVCE) is recognized as India's top private engineering college. It shares a 50-acre campus with RV University (RVU), providing a collaborative and resource-rich environment. RVCE boasts an impressive placement track record that rivals even the most well-established IITs and NITs, often evoking their envy. All three engineering institutions under the RV umbrella, including RVCE, benefit from using the same placement cell. This centralized approach maximizes opportunities for students across these institutions, enhancing their prospects for securing top-tier positions in the industry.

Q8. How does the ‘Design Your Own Curriculum’ programme of the college mentioned on the website of SOCSE works? Can you throw some light on it?

The curriculum structure at RV University's School of Computer Science and Engineering (SoCSE) is straightforward yet flexible, which distinguishes it from more traditional programs. Approximately 60% of the SoCSE curriculum consists of CORE courses that align with both AICTE-recommended and global engineering standards. These core courses, mandatory for all BTech students, include subjects like computer science, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E), and mathematics.

The remaining 40% of the curriculum is highly customizable, allowing students to choose from general electives, minors, specializations, and engage in project work, internships, and other related activities. This degree of flexibility is relatively uncommon in South India, where many institutions still adhere to a rigid curriculum that does not account for individual student interests, passions, and career aspirations. RVU's approach provides students with the opportunity to tailor their education to their personal and professional goals, thereby enhancing their learning experience and future career prospects.