The committee of experts appointed by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has recommended the revision of the syllabi for M.Tech and PhD courses, considering the rapid changes in the field of technology. This initiative stems from the significant developments following the introduction of 5G technology and the potential emergence of 6G.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed educational institutions to incorporate courses based on the report of the seven-member committee headed by V. Ritu Ranjan, the head of the Communications Engineering Centre under the Telecommunications department.
The two governing bodies shaping standards in higher education have urged the inclusion of courses in 17 areas, including quantum communication, immersive XR, edge cloud computing, dense optical networks, schematic communication, and multisensory man-machine interfaces, in the M.Tech curriculum and for PhD research.
The AICTE has recommended the integration of subjects like 5G NR (new radio), satellite, and optical wireless communication into the existing syllabus as additional components or as entirely new courses. The suggestion also involves launching specialised M.Tech courses such as terahertz communication, optical communication, and satellite communication. At the PhD level, the committee proposes courses covering topics like RF design, RF chip development, and intellectual property rights (IPR).
Increase in seats recommended
The AICTE's expert committee has suggested an increase of 20% to 50% in the number of seats for M.Tech and PhD courses in telecommunications at top educational institutions like IITs and NITs. The committee's report focuses on the high demand for courses in these premier institutions, emphasising the advantages of expert teachers and advanced laboratory facilities. However, data show that there is low demand for advanced courses in other engineering colleges.