The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IIT Mandi, and The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) with a specialization in Semiconductor Design and Technology. The agreement was formally signed at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.
This partnership aims to address the rising demand for skilled professionals in India’s semiconductor industry by equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training.
The four-year program, structured into eight semesters, covers key areas of semiconductor engineering, including:
Nanotechnology & Semiconductor Materials Engineering
Semiconductor Physics
Introduction to Microfabrication
Semiconductor Fabrication
Semiconductor Equipment Design & Technology
Advanced Topics in Manufacturing
The curriculum includes 25 credits of application-oriented learning, co-developed by NCU, NSDC, and IIT Mandi. The degree will be awarded by NCU.
Role of NSDC in Implementation
NSDC will ensure a smooth rollout of the program by:
Driving student enrollments through its digital platform
Supporting eligible candidates with education loans
Providing a one-stop learning platform with AI-enabled content, lectures, and assignments
Assisting students with internships and job placements
Hands-On Learning at IIT Mandi
IIT Mandi faculty will conduct specialized courses and provide six hands-on immersion programs in advanced laboratories over four years. The institute will also assess students through coursework, exams, assignments, and projects, awarding credit certifications to be counted toward the final degree at NCU.
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Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC & MD, NSDC International: “Our collaboration with IIT Mandi and NCU is a step towards democratizing quality education and integrating industry-relevant skills into higher education. This initiative enhances employability and empowers students to innovate and excel in the semiconductor industry—critical for India’s technological growth.”
Dr. Tushar Jain, Head, CCE, IIT Mandi: “This collaboration creates a future-ready workforce in the semiconductor domain by combining IIT Mandi’s research expertise, NCU’s academic infrastructure, and NSDC’s skill development initiatives.”
Prof. Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor, NCU: “This pioneering program provides a unique blend of academic excellence and practical exposure. Students will gain hands-on experience in clean rooms and advanced labs at IIT Mandi, preparing them for India’s fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem.”
This initiative presents an opportunity for students to develop cutting-edge technical skills, making them industry-ready professionals in the evolving semiconductor sector.