Centurion University: From a place for school dropouts to a ‘pioneering’ skills university

NEW DELHI: An institution that began its journey with school dropouts, Centurion University in Odisha has evolved into a pillar of educational opportunity in India. Vice-chancellor Supriya Pattanayak, during a conversation with Careers360, shared insights into Centurion’s unique approach to entrepreneurship and skills development and its impact on students and communities, especially in the tribal areas. Edited excerpts

Q. What sets the university apart from other institutions?

A. We take pride in the fact that we have been recognised as a pioneering skills university, a rare distinction within the private sector. What truly distinguishes us is our holistic approach to skills development. We began by addressing the needs of school dropouts, gradually expanding into integrated higher education and cutting-edge future skills training.

Across our 16 schools and 65 programmes, every course is meticulously designed to integrate theory, practical training, and project work, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Our focus areas span transformative domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, AR/VR, cloud technology, cybersecurity, and specialised sectors like agriculture with innovations in drone technology and smart farming techniques.

Complementing our academic rigour are over 50 industry-sponsored labs where students gain invaluable hands-on experience. Moreover, our university-run enterprises serve as live labs, offering students the opportunity to participate in internships and specialised skill courses. From advanced wood engineering and apparel manufacturing to EV production and precision manufacturing for aerospace, our facilities are designed to foster innovation and practical learning. We also have a robust allied health programme with strong partnerships with hospitals and industry leaders.

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Q. When did the university start?

A. The university was established in 2010 after Centurion took over a struggling engineering college in Gajapati district in 2007. Before becoming a university, the college operated under Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT). Similarly the institution in Bhubaneshwar, formerly known as the Institute of Technology, also transitioned into the university’s fold in 2010, integrating all existing students into the new university structure.

Q. The university has a school of maritime studies.

A. We have a School of Maritime Studies, recently obtaining approval from DG Shipping. We now offer a bachelor of nautical sciences and BTech in mechanical engineering. Previously, our BTech in mechanical engineering included a specialisation in marine technology. We have now introduced a dedicated programme specifically in marine engineering.

Q. Tell us about the faculty at your university.

A. The faculty members are active in entrepreneurial activities. We encourage all our faculty members to embark on such ventures. Consequently, many of them have launched their startups right here on the campus.

Moreover, we foster an environment where student innovation thrives; for instance, students engage in initiatives such as e-vehicle manufacturing, which they undertake independently. Similar initiatives on our other campuses are managed by the university itself.

Q. How does the university support faculty entrepreneurship?

A. We actively encourage our faculty to venture into entrepreneurship, leading to the establishment of several successful startups on campus. This initiative not only enriches the academic environment but also provides students with direct exposure to entrepreneurial endeavours, particularly evident in fields like EV manufacturing and innovative enterprise solutions.

Q. How many campuses do you have?

A. Presently, our university operates across six campuses strategically located throughout Odisha. Our main campus remains in the Gajapati district, complemented by additional
campuses in Bhubaneswar, Bolangir, Rayagada, Chhatrapur, and Balasore. These locations were chosen deliberately to facilitate access to education and opportunities for underserved communities, particularly those in tribal and remote areas.

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Q. Did you face challenges while establishing campuses in tribal areas?

A. Managing fees poses challenges for us.

While we do charge fees, ours are among the most affordable and transparent in the private sector. We prioritise quality teachers and infrastructure, which requires careful financial planning. Collecting fees on time can affect our cash flow.

To balance this, we use a cross-subsidisation approach across our campuses. Some, like those offering pharmacy and nursing, need more investment. We deliberately offer these programmes in areas where students lack options. Unlike many institutions that demand full upfront payment, we offer flexible payment plans.

For example, in Bhubaneswar, hostel fees are upfront, while academic fees can be paid in installments, often 50%. This helps students, many from agricultural backgrounds with seasonal income, manage their expenses. We also assist students in obtaining bank loans and state education credit cards.

Q. Do you offer scholarships?

A. Yes, we offer a variety of scholarships. Besides substantial government scholarships, we provide additional support. For instance, we offer scholarships to female students, covering up to 50% of the first-year fees for traditional engineering branches, excluding computer science. Moreover, we have a continuing scholarship programme that awards a 10% fee concession to students scoring above 80% or achieving an eight CGPA each semester based on their performance. Additionally, we extend scholarships to CRPF personnel and provide a full 100% scholarship to children of martyrs.

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Q. How does the university prepare students to contribute to society?

A. I will address this question from multiple perspectives. First, consider school dropouts who receive training and enter the workforce, significantly contributing through remittances sent back home to their families. This highlights one aspect. Secondly, we don’t merely focus on students’ immediate job placements.

At Centurion, our goal is to enhance their overall employability, ensuring they’re not just employed but equipped with skills that foster entrepreneurship and long-term career success. This holistic approach emphasises not only finding jobs, but also creating opportunities for sustainable career growth.

Q. What are your thoughts on the National Education Policy 2020?

A. We consistently emphasise our alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP). This affirmation stems from our proactive implementation of several NEP initiatives even before its formal introduction. Initiatives such as the choice-based credit system and multiple entry-exit options were already in place.

Furthermore, our Centurion Skill Qualification Framework predates the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and has largely influenced its development. In the realm of skills education, Centurion stands out among universities, distinguishing itself from many others focused solely on skill development.