FDPs on cards as AICTE and DST take quantum leap

FDPs on cards as AICTE and DST take quantum leap 

Under the AICTE FDP scheme, faculty will get to visit industries to get hands-on training

Sonal.Srivastava@timesofindia.com 06.01.2025

To train faculty, develop infrastructure for quantum technologies, and create appropriate study materials for students is on the map charted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), following the launch of the Undergraduate (UG) Minor Program in Quantum Technologies. The regulatory bodies will ensure faculty members have a solid understanding of quantum mechanics and technologies. They will provide financial support to conduct the Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) to institutions/individuals under the AICTE FDP scheme, which will facilitate faculty visits to industry/research labs for hands-on training. 

Meanwhile, the UG Minor course will be available starting from the 2025-26 Academic Year (AY), and students can opt for it from the fifth semester of the UG program, that is, the third year onwards. “The curriculum is designed to include practical projects encouraging students to collaborate directly with quantum startups. Students will have opportunities to work with startups through internships, fellowship programs and project-based themes. 

AICTE will facilitate networking events, hackathons, and innovation challenges where students undergoing this course can solve the real-world problems presented by startups. Thematic Hubs established under NQM will also serve as platforms for student-startup collaboration,” says TG Sitharam, chairman, AICTE. 

In the first phase, AICTE will designate the best 50 AICTE-approved institutions to run minor degree programs and establish quantum labs. “As per mutual collaboration with DST, the financial and technical support for creating quantum technology laboratories in the institutions will be provided by DST through their Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established under NQM. AICTE will assist in mapping existing resources and facilitating the procurement of essential equipment through grants and funding programs. Institutions will also receive access to shared facilities in T-Hubs,” says Sitharam. Developing coursework FDPs will be initiated to upskill educators in quantum technologies, ensuring they are equipped to teach theoretical and practical components. Handson training sessions, recorded lectures, workshops, and online certifications will be conducted so faculty members can stay updated on the latest developments and trends in quantum technologies. 

The development of related textbooks and course materials on quantum technology for faculty and students and the creation of infrastructure and resources for quantum labs in institutions will be prioritized. "Plans are underway to develop specialized PG programs in quantum technologies,for which collaborations with leading research institutions and universities will be explored to design advanced coursework and interdisciplinary modules,” says Sitharam. "India can succeed in quantum technologies only if we have trained manpower. The biggest bottleneck in implementing this initiative is determining who will teach the courses and where the teaching materials will come from. We must ensure that all these resources are readily available. The NQM team has agreed to train faculty, and the program will begin soon. Elite institutions such as IISc Bangalore and IITs will also participate in this initiative," says Prof Rajive Kumar, member Secretary. AICTE.