Students of Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), IIIT-Nuzvid, resumed classes on Friday after the talks held with the university management were fruitful.
As many as 2,000 students of second and third year engineering (E-2 and E-3) students of the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) resorted to non-cooperation movement and protested change in curriculum.
They argued that the RGUKT had revised curriculum in the middle of the course, which was not similar to other universities and institutes. The revised syllabus was not of much use and not employment-oriented for the students.
They launched relay fasts on the campus on September 9 and submitted a representation with ten queries and suggestions to the management. Responding to the suggestions of the students, the university management agreed to make changes in the curriculum after discussing with the concerned Heads of the Departments (HoDs), and students’ representatives of E-2 and E-3 branches.
However, the revised curriculum will fully come into effect from 2015-16, and the changes in the existing batches will the made after getting approval from the Board of Studies of the university, the officials said.
The IIIT officials refused to cancel summer semester and the mid examination, but agreed to offer the courses in the next semester. Stating that two months' internship was mandatory for all students, the management clarified that long-term internship would be introduced for interested and eligible candidates.
“The courses and exams to be held during long-term internship would be conducted online. Teacher-student interaction can be done through Skype (video calls and chat facility) when the student was away from the campus on internship,” the Varsity officials clarified.
When the students questioned about the necessity for two-year internship as per the revised curriculum, the management elucidated that students who undergo long-term internship and those who could not secure internship will be awarded with same degree with equal value.
The new education model gives scope for two-year internship. During their stay in industries, students can complete the remaining courses online. Students who could not qualify for internship can continue on the campus and complete their regular subjects, the IIIT officials said.
RGUKT In-charge Vice-Chancellor P. Vijaya Prakash said that the revised syllabus would give scope for students to visit industries and acquire on-hand knowledge during their stay on the campus.
“We revised syllabus to impart theory and practical knowledge simultaneously which also reinforces institute and industry relationship. Our aim is to enhance the value of courses and certificates offered by the university, which will increase job opportunities for the RGUKT students across the globe,” said Mr. Vijaya Prakash.
