ROURKELA: The National Institute of Technology-Rourkela (NIT-R) is set to introduce four new academic programmes from 2026-27 academic session with its goal set to meet India’s growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
The institute will launch B Tech programmes in Mathematics and Computing and Engineering Physics along with MTech programmes in Semiconductor Devices and Technology and Machine Learning and Signal Analysis.
Officials said the courses are intended to prepare students for opportunities in India’s deep-tech and knowledge economy while supporting national priority areas including digital transformation, semiconductor ecosystem development, AI-driven innovation and advanced scientific research.
Dean, Academic of NIT-Rourkela, Prof Ashok Kumar Turuk said the programmes are aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, skill integration and research-oriented education.
“Subjects like Physics and Mathematics should no longer be viewed only through the lens of theory but as foundational disciplines powering emerging technologies and industrial transformation. These programmes represent an important step towards building a future-ready workforce for India’s growing deep-tech and knowledge economy,” he said.
According to the institute, the BTech programme in Mathematics and Computing, offered by the Department of Mathematics, will have an intake of 25 students through JEE Mains. The curriculum will combine mathematics, computing and data science with subjects such as data structures and algorithms, theory of computation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cryptography, numerical analysis and statistical modelling.
The institute said the programme is expected to create career opportunities in software development, AI and ML, data science, quantitative finance, cybersecurity, research and academia.
The BTech programme in Engineering Physics will also admit 25 students. The course will focus on areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductor devices, photonics, nanotechnology, materials science, cryogenics, optoelectronics, spintronics, astronomy, space technology and biophysics.
Officials said the programme will emphasise analytical thinking, modelling and simulations while integrating engineering courses with laboratory-based training.
The MTech programme in Semiconductor Devices and Technology will admit 15 students through GATE. It will provide training in semiconductor devices, IC fabrication, wafer technology, device characterisation, packaging technologies, modelling, simulation and advanced electronic materials, along with hands-on laboratory exposure and industry-oriented projects.
Similarly, the MTech programme in Machine Learning and Signal Analysis will have an intake capacity of 12 students through GATE. The institute said the programme will focus on deep learning, speech and image processing and collaboration across streams.
