A branch of Textile Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Silk Technology deals with studying the properties of silk and its production for use in various sectors. Though silk is a natural fibre, it can also be produced through artificial methods. Various machinery have come in and we are in need of skilled engineers to handle the demand for the fibre. Some modules you will be studying include Yarn Manufacturing and Technology, Textile Design and Testing, Dyeing, Chemical Processing, Silk Reeling Technology and Merchandising. Once you graduate, you can become a technician, operations manager, sales manager, process engineer, textile engineer or go for teaching or research.
■ Government Sri Krishnarajendra Silver Jubilee Technological Institute
The institute offers a BTech in Silk Technology. The Bangalore-based institute is affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, Karnataka. The programme was started in 1991 and the institute has a silk technology lab, testing and dyeing lab and garment manufacturing lab. Admissions will be based on the Common Entrance Test conducted by Karnataka Examinations Authority. www.gsksjti.org/index.html
■ Central Silk Technological Research Institute
Located in Bangalore, this is one of the branches of R&D centres set-up by the Central Silk Board under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. This institute offers general training in silk technology and latest developments in the sector. They provide specific training in post-cocoon technology. The others centre of the Board, Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (in Mysore, Berhampore and Pampore) also offers training programmes. www.cstri.res.in