SIT Pune Equips Students for AI, ML, and Emerging Tech Careers with Industry-Backed Curriculum; Says Director

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, SIT Pune Director Dr. Ketan Kotecha discussed the institute's vision, academic programs, recent curriculum enhancements, new initiatives, and placement performance.

Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) Pune offers a NEP-aligned holistic curriculum, global immersion programs, and academic pathways with top international universities like Aston University and Loughborough University, UK, equipping students for the evolving technological landscape. The institute fosters holistic development through integrated soft skills training, leadership programs, and experiential learning.

Below are the excerpts from Shiksha’s interview with Director Dr. Ketan Kotecha, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT) Pune.

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

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: SIT Pune ensures academic excellence with an industry-aligned curriculum, cutting-edge research, and strong industry collaborations. It offers industry-sponsored labs, flexible electives, and experiential learning methods. The NEP-aligned holistic curriculum, global immersion programs, and partnerships with top universities like Aston and Loughborough equip students for the evolving tech landscape.

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?

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: SIT Pune has revamped its curriculum to align with Industry 4.0, AI, and emerging technologies, incorporating industry-led flexi courses, interdisciplinary projects, and experiential learning. Students receive hands-on training in AI/ML, robotics, cybersecurity, and IoT, supported by industry-sponsored labs and consultancy projects. The campus also houses the Infosys Makers Lab, Bajaj Engineering Skills Training Centre, and a TCIL-sponsored 5G Lab for enhanced practical exposure. With a NEP-aligned holistic curriculum, SIT ensures adaptability to rapid technological advancements through dual-degree programs, global immersion, and strong industry collaborations.

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

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: SIT Pune ensures holistic student development by integrating soft skills training, leadership programs, and experiential learning into its curriculum. The institute conducts communication skills workshops, resume writing sessions, and career guidance programs. Leadership is fostered through student clubs, hackathons, international conferences, and mentorship programs. Additionally, alumni networking, entrepreneurship initiatives, and industry interactions help students gain confidence and real-world experience.

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

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: Interdisciplinary studies at SIT Pune play a crucial role in fostering innovation and adaptability. The curriculum integrates AI, IoT, cybersecurity, automotive technology and robotics with engineering, management, and design, ensuring students gain a broad perspective. Industry-led flexi courses, research collaborations, and dual-degree programs allow students to explore multiple domains. The institute promotes experiential learning through real-world projects, global immersion programs, and industry internships, preparing students for diverse career paths and interdisciplinary problem-solving in emerging technologies.

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

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: SIT Pune fosters innovation through strong industry-academic collaborations with companies like Bajaj Auto, ARAI, and Tech Mahindra, enabling industry-sponsored projects and advanced labs. Facilities like the Infosys Makers Lab and 5G Use Case Lab offer hands-on exposure to emerging technologies. Global partnerships further enhance research, international conferences, and dual-degree programs, ensuring real-world, interdisciplinary learning.

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

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: SIT Pune drives research aligned with national and global needs through funded projects, industry partnerships, and interdisciplinary collaborations. It works with funding agencies, corporate R&D, and international universities on AI, robotics, smart manufacturing, and sustainability. Research centres like SCAAI, SCWRM, and SCNN focus on emerging challenges, contributing to innovations, patents, and global publications.

Q: Which sectors do students from SIT Pune get placed in the most?

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: Students from SIT Pune get placed in AI & ML, software development, data science, cybersecurity, automotive technology, and robotics sectors. They are recruited by leading IT firms, tech startups, automotive giants, and research-based organizations. With strong industry collaborations, students also secure opportunities in consulting, fintech, and healthcare technology domains. The institute’s internships, industry-defined projects, and global immersion programs enhance placement opportunities across multinational corporations and emerging tech companies.

Q: How has the placement performance of SIT Pune evolved over the past few years?

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: The placement performance of SIT Pune has shown consistent improvement over the years, with an increasing number of top-tier companies visiting the campus and high placement percentages across various sectors. The institute has high placement records, with students securing roles in AI, ML, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, smart cities and automotive technology. Strong industry collaborations, internships, and pre-placement training have contributed to this growth. The presence of global immersion programs and interdisciplinary learning has further expanded career opportunities for students.

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

Dr. Ketan Kotecha: SIT Pune is set to introduce new interdisciplinary programs, advanced industry collaborations, and expanded research initiatives. Upcoming developments include more industry-sponsored labs, enhanced global immersion and dual-degree programs, and deeper engagement in AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing. The institute is also strengthening entrepreneurship initiatives, corporate training, and funded research projects. With a focus on Industry 4.0 and emerging technologies, students can expect cutting-edge learning environments, innovation hubs, and increased international academic partnerships to prepare for future challenges.

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