The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Monday officially announced that it will launch a new Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Aeronautics and Space Technology. The new undergraduate program is a completely online orientation and focuses on practical and skill-oriented education in the fields of aeronautics, space systems, and related industries will be taught 100% online.
The program was officially launched at IIT Madras campus on February 9th. Industrial leaders attended the launch ceremony remotely, the most notable among them being the executives of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and a few representatives from the civil aviation sector.
Objective and Skill Development Focus
As stated by the institute, the initiative is taken to bridge the critical skill shortages in rapidly evolving fields such as unmanned aerial vehicles, civil aviation operations, and space technology developments. Regarding students' placement and internships program that will be successfully managed and facilitated by the Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) at IIT Madras.
Eligibility Criteria and Flexible Course Structure
Those students who have passed Class 12 or an equivalent educational level are eligible for the IIT Madras BS courses, which also include diploma holders. One good point for applicants is that the eligibility do not considered either JEE Main or JEE Advance for admission and there is no cap on the number of students in the program. Students have the freedom to participate in the course from their own place via online mode, with only milestones to be met as guidance. Examinations will only take place on Sundays, using a combination of in-person centre-based exams and remotely proctored online evaluations.
Director's Insights on Launch of IIT Madras BS Course
In a speech at the announcement, Prof Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, spoke about how aeronautics and space technology are rapidly developing and will continue to require very highly specialized personnel, and that this program is aimed at opening up these fields to everyone.
Career Prospects for Graduates in BS in Aeronautics and Space Tech
IIT Madras believes that those who complete this program will be able to find jobs in public sector units, private companies in the aerospace field, technology start-ups, and engineering analysis firms. Besides that, the program is designed to prepare students for the GATE examination and further studies at top-notch institutions like IITs and IISc.
Curriculum Components and Advanced Features
Learning happens through a mixture of different activities such as the use of pre-recorded video lectures, interactive live tutorial sessions and online discussion forums for peer and instructor engagement.
Diploma-level learners will do hands-on projects with advanced software tools like computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis methods, complemented by internship placements. At the BS level students undertake a major capstone project that revolves around the conceptual design of an aircraft or spacecraft. Participants who perform well may be allowed to pursue on-campus programs or postgraduate degrees at IIT Madras, provided they meet the required academic standards.
