SIT Hyderabad Empowers Students with Future-Focused Courses in AI, Blockchain, and IoT; Says Director

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, SIT Hyderabad Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu shared insights on maintaining academic quality and relevance through curriculum upgrades, new initiatives, and strong industry-academia collaborations in today’s dynamic tech landscape.

SIT Hyderabad Director Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu

At Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) Hyderabad, students are actively encouraged to pursue open electives across diverse disciplines enabling unique combinations such as Artificial Intelligence with Biotechnology, Data Science with Economics, and Robotics with Design Thinking. To prepare students for the demands of the Industry 4.0 era, the institute has also introduced a suite of specialized courses and electives in emerging technologies including AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, IoT, Robotics, and Cloud Computing.

Below are the excerpts from Shiksha’s interview with Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) Hyderabad.

Q: How does SIT Hyderabad ensure the quality and relevance of its academic programs in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: Symbiosis Institute of Technology Hyderabad ensures quality and relevance through NEP enabled dynamic curriculum framework, regularly revised with inputs from industry experts, alumni, academic leaders, and professional bodies like IEEE and Internet Society. The institute follows the outcome-based education (OBE) model, aligning its teaching-learning processes with Bloom’s Taxonomy and AICTE guidelines. A Program Advisory Committee (PAC) and Board of Studies (BoS) meet periodically to review syllabi and ensure integration of emerging technologies, real-world problem-solving, and global standards. Continuous assessment, peer reviews, and accreditation benchmarks further reinforce academic quality.

Q: Can you share any recent changes or upgrades made to the curriculum to address the demands of Industry 4.0, AI, and other emerging technologies?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: To stay ahead in the Industry 4.0 era, SIT Hyderabad has introduced specialized courses and electives in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, IoT, Robotics, and Cloud Computing. These are often co-developed or endorsed by industry leaders through MOUs and collaborations with platforms like Infosys SpringBoard. Moreover, the integration of practical labs, hackathons, and capstone projects allows students to apply these skills in real-time.

Q: How does SIT Hyderabad ensure a holistic development of its students beyond technical knowledge, including soft skills and leadership capabilities?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: Holistic development is central to SIT’s ethos. Alongside technical courses, students engage in personality enhancement modules covering communication skills, leadership, entrepreneurship, and emotional intelligence. The institute runs a unique “Integrated Learning Model” blending academics with co-curriculars like public speaking, critical thinking workshops, and mindfulness sessions. Student-driven clubs and Council leadership roles in national & international bodies like IEEE, Internet Society, and ACM chapters, as well as active participation in innovation contests and community outreach programs, foster well-rounded development.

Q: How do you see the role of interdisciplinary studies at SIT Hyderabad, and how is it integrated into the curriculum?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: Interdisciplinarity is seen as a catalyst for innovation at SIT Hyderabad. Students are encouraged to take open electives from different streams, such as combining AI with biotechnology, data science with economics, or robotics with design thinking. Interdisciplinary project-based learning is embedded from the second year itself, supported by mentorship from multiple departments. SIT also promotes interdisciplinary minors and honors tracks, enabling students to customize their academic journey based on emerging industry demands and personal interests.

Q: Can you discuss any industry-academic collaborations that have helped drive research and innovation at SIT Hyderabad?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: Symbiosis University has established strong ties with tech giants and emerging startups in Hyderabad's innovation ecosystem. Collaborative research centres and innovation labs. These collaborations also bring faculty development programs, internships, consultancy opportunities, and sponsored projects. Events like industry-led boot camps, guest lectures, and ideathons ensure a continuous transfer of knowledge and bridge the academia-industry gap.

Q: How does SIT Hyderabad ensure that the research conducted aligns with the national and global technological needs?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: SIT Hyderabad aligns its research priorities with national missions (Digital India, Make in India, National AI Mission) and global trends (Sustainable Development Goals, climate tech, smart cities). Faculty and Ph.D. scholars are encouraged to publish in Scopus-indexed journals, file patents, and work on funded research from SERB, DST, AICTE, and international agencies. Regular participation in international conferences, collaborations with foreign universities, and interdisciplinary research thrusts ensure the work remains globally relevant.

Q: What new initiatives or developments can students and stakeholders expect from SIT Hyderabad in the near future?

Prof. Rajanikanth Aluvalu: Going forward, SIT Hyderabad is launching new skilling programs in Generative AI, FinTech, and Human-Centered Design. Plans are underway to set up an incubation centre to support student startups, supported by Symbiosis Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (SCEI) & Infosys Makerspace. International collaborations for semester exchange programs, a Center for Sustainable Technologies, and increased focus on digital learning ecosystems are also expected. Additionally, the institution is moving toward NEP 2020-compliant flexible curricula and expanding multidisciplinary research opportunities.

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