Need to enhance entrepreneurship, industry partnerships, collaboration and skill development

We now stand at the 19th iteration of the Dataquest Top T-School study, a beacon  of trust for students, parents, and recruiters alike. The Dataquest T-School Survey stands as an industry-recognized yardstick for technical education, delving deep into how T-Schools foster essential skills for the technology sector and beyond, casting light upon their contributions to the sector and its ecosystem.

For a student embarking on the journey of engineering, the choice of institution is pivotal, shaping their academic and professional trajectory. Engineering has emerged as a premier option for students seeking technical expertise, offering abundant job prospects across the globe. Unlike many other academic disciplines, engineering boasts a streamlined path to employment, owing to the vast array of global engineering firms that eagerly welcome graduates into their ranks. Colleges, recognizing the evolving landscape, are forging closer ties with industries, fostering incubation centres, and nurturing startups, thereby amplifying opportunities for aspiring engineers.

A good engineering college is distinguished by its ability to meet a spectrum of criteria vital for delivering quality education. A robust faculty and well-appointed campus stand as linchpins in this regard. The faculty, entrusted with imparting foundational concepts, plays a pivotal role in shaping the college’s academic landscape. A conducive campus environment fosters a sense of belonging among students, anchoring them to their educational journey. Universities, cognizant of these imperatives, are modernizing their operations, leveraging cutting-edge advancements in engineering education to enhance campus infrastructure, attract top-tier faculty, and cultivate serene learning environments.

In this pursuit of excellence, colleges continually refine their teaching methodologies, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond. This commitment to continuous improvement underscores the transformative power of engineering education, empowering students to explore diverse career paths and seize opportunities in an ever-evolving global landscape.

To facilitate meaningful comparison among participating schools, quantitative inputs from diverse T-Schools were meticulously analyzed, with absolute data transformed into relative metrics.

Research Methodology and Key Outcomes

The T-School 2024 Survey included a number of famous government as well as private institutions.

Each of India’s primary states made at least one contribution to the T-school survey, ensuring comprehensive representation across the nation. Notably, approximately 92% of the participating institutions were private T-Schools, actively engaging in the survey process. The Southern region emerged as a frontrunner, with 60% of the respondent institutes hailing from this vibrant region, showcasing its robust participation in the survey.

A standardized questionnaire comprising approximately 62 questions served as the foundation for gathering information pertaining to the PACE Framework. Through these inquiries, the DQ-CMR team meticulously synthesized feedback from T-Schools, painting a comprehensive portrait of each institution’s strengths and areas for improvement. T-Schools were afforded ample time to submit their fully completed nominations, either in person or through online channels.

The contributions underwent rigorous scrutiny by the CMR EduTech Practice, adhering to the market research code of ethics to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information provided. A systematic random check process, encompassing over 30% of submissions, further bolstered the verification process. Key stakeholders were engaged by CMR analysts for in-depth discussions, enabling a holistic understanding of each T-School’s profile.

To facilitate meaningful comparison among participating schools, quantitative inputs from diverse T-Schools were meticulously analyzed, with absolute data transformed into relative metrics. Subsequently, a final score was computed for each parameter segment, factoring in predetermined weights, thus determining the overall score for each participating T-School. Instituting a ranking system, institutions were evaluated based on their performance across all criteria, with top rankings conferred upon those demonstrating excellence across the board. Additionally, T-School rankings were categorized by segment and location, providing stakeholders with valuable insights into the educational landscape.

Key Findings:

1.            Placement: In the year 2023, each T-School received an average of 574 job offers per T-School. On average, 124 companies visited T-Schools for recruitment purposes. Private T-Schools placed an average of 576 students, while government T-Schools placed 526 students on average. The highest income offered in 2023 stood at `24 lakh per annum, with an average salary package of `5.75 lakh per annum.

2.            Research Papers & Patents: Over the past three years, T-Schools have collectively averaged 566 research papers per institute. However, government institutes have notably higher research output, averaging 763 research papers during this period. These research papers encompass academic contributions published in peer-reviewed journals, articles, and books, reflecting the T-Schools’ cumulative research productivity.

In terms of patents registered, encompassing both government and private T-Schools, the median stands at 82. This statistic underscores the innovative efforts and intellectual contributions made by T-Schools across various disciplines, highlighting their commitment to advancing knowledge and technology through research and development endeavours.

In terms of faculty experience, the survey indicates that 45% of permanent faculty members boast more than ten years of experience, highlighting their seasoned expertise in the field.

3.            Courses Offered: As per the findings from the DQ-CMR T-School Survey 2024, T-Schools are offering an array of courses catering to diverse student interests. These include Computer Science, Electronics and Communications, Mechanical, Information Technology, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering.

Among these streams, Computer Science, Electronics & Communications, and Mechanical Engineering emerge as the top three choices offered by T-Schools. This underscores the popularity and relevance of these disciplines in today’s technological landscape, reflecting the dynamic demands of industries and the preferences of aspiring engineers.

4.            Faculty at T-Schools: According to the results of the DQ-CMR T-School Survey, T-School instructors hold a PhD degree in 38% of cases. The survey further reveals that the majority of T-School instructors are permanent, comprising 94% of the faculty, while 3% are visiting instructors, and 3% are on contract.

In terms of faculty experience, the survey indicates that 45% of permanent faculty members boast more than ten years of experience, highlighting their seasoned expertise in the field. Additionally, 30% have accumulated five to ten years of experience, signifying a substantial portion of mid-career professionals contributing to T-School education. Furthermore, 25% of permanent faculty members have fewer than five years of experience, representing a cohort of early-career educators bringing fresh perspectives to T-Schools.

5.            Industry Interface: Internships serve as a pivotal gateway for students entering the industry, and nearly every institute 99% actively encourages their participation. On an average, 79% of students partake in internships, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Over the past two years, T-School students have completed internships at 169 different companies, exposing them to diverse industry environments and practices.

The T-Schools benefit from ongoing support from industry professionals, with an average of 144 industry experts visiting T-Schools in the last two years. Furthermore, during the previous year, an average of 24 industry individuals served on the boards or advisory councils of various T-Schools, providing strategic guidance and insights to enhance educational outcomes.

Additionally, an average of 17 faculty members from T-Schools served on the boards of corporations, fostering collaboration, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. These collaborative efforts underscore the commitment of T-Schools to aligning education with industry needs and preparing students for successful careers in the field of technology.

Collaborative efforts underscore T-Schools’ commitment in aligning education with industry needs & preparing students for successful careers in tech.

6. Engagement with Industry Ecosystem: Collaboration with the industry equips T-Schools with the agility to adapt to evolving market demands. By fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, T-Schools can refine their teaching strategies, ensuring alignment with current industry practices and trends. This collaboration is instrumental in providing students with a foundational education that is both relevant and practical.

The involvement of industry professionals enriches classroom instruction by infusing real-world experiences and insights into academic discourse. Students benefit from exposure to authentic industry scenarios, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in their chosen field. This exposure not only enhances their learning experience but also instils confidence in making informed career decisions.

Moreover, industry collaboration fosters a symbiotic relationship wherein T-Schools contribute to the talent pipeline by producing skilled graduates, while industries benefit from access to a pool of competent professional’s adept at addressing contemporary challenges. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge and expertise serves to enrich both academia and industry, driving innovation and fostering continuous growth in the technology sector.

An overwhelming 93% of T-Schools reported having MoUs with industrial partners in the DQ-CMR T-School 2024 Survey. Furthermore, the study reveals that 92% of T-Schools have established incubators to support aspiring entrepreneurs.

Notably, 71% of these incubators receive support from the industry, leveraging connections with regional companies to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. On an average, T-Schools support the launch of 25 new businesses annually through their incubation programs.

By serving as a bridge between T-Schools and businesses, incubators facilitate valuable collaborations, enabling students and faculty to benefit from business advice and expertise provided by corporate partners. This collaboration is instrumental in commercializing and scaling up innovative ideas, empowering T-School communities to thrive in the dynamic landscape of technology and entrepreneurship.

Way Forward:

1.            Strengthen Industry Partnerships: T-Schools should continue to cultivate and expand partnerships with industrial stakeholders. These partnerships can facilitate internships, collaborative research projects, and professional development opportunities for students and faculty.

2.            Enhance Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: T-Schools should focus on nurturing entrepreneurship through the establishment and support of incubators. By providing resources, mentorship, and industry connections, these incubators can empower students and faculty to develop and commercialize innovative ideas.

3.            Promote Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: T-Schools should encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia and industry. This can be achieved through joint research initiatives, industry-sponsored projects, and guest lectures by industry experts.

4.            Foster Innovation and Research: T-Schools should prioritize investment in research and innovation to stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends. This includes supporting faculty research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

5.            Emphasize Skill Development: T-Schools should place a strong emphasis on practical skill development alongside theoretical knowledge. This can be achieved through hands-on projects, industry internships, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for the demands of the workforce.

6.            Continuous Improvement and Evaluation: T-Schools should regularly assess and evaluate their programs, curriculum, and facilities to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Feedback from students, alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders should be solicited and used to inform strategic decisions and improvements.

By embracing these strategies, T-Schools can continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the technology industry, while also empowering students to thrive in a competitive and dynamic professional landscape.

 By Satya Mohanty and Sugandha Srivastava

 Mohanty is Head, User Research Practice at CMR and Srivastava is Senior Manager (Research) at CMR.