CMRIT Bangalore principal: Civil, mechanical engineers migrating to IT – we are building the bridges back

CMR Institute of Technology outlines an academic framework that blends structured engineering education with flexibility and industry relevance. Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, its outcome-based education integrates core learning with interdisciplinary exposure, practical training, and emerging technologies. CMRIT also emphasises continuous assessment, internships, and entrepreneurship support, creating an ecosystem aimed at preparing students for evolving career pathways, Sanjay Jain , principal, CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore, and K Chitra , dean, academics and IQAC, CMRIT Bangalore, tells Careers360 . Edited excerpts:

How does CMRIT Bangalore incorporate emerging areas such as AI, data science, or interdisciplinary learning within traditional engineering branches?

We recognise that most societal challenges are inherently interdisciplinary and, in response, have established 12 Centers of Excellence (CoE), each dedicated to a specific domain. These centers bring together faculty members, students, and industry experts, creating a collaborative ecosystem focused on achieving excellence in their respective fields. Members are intentionally drawn from diverse academic backgrounds to promote interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

The CoEs cover a wide range of domains, including mathematical modelling, materials science, additive manufacturing, embedded systems, robotics and drones, assistive technologies, business analytics, mobile application development, video and image analytics, natural language processing, explainable AI, machine intelligence, and big data. These domains represent a blend of traditional engineering disciplines integrated with emerging technologies.

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What systems are in place to track and improve student learning outcomes across semesters?

We have a structured system to continuously track student learning outcomes through a combination of continuous internal evaluation (CIE) and semester-end examination (SEE). CIE includes assignments, quizzes, laboratory assessments, seminars, and project evaluations, ensuring that student performance is monitored throughout the semester rather than relying solely on final exams .

The curriculum also incorporates components such as term work (TW) and self-learning (SL), which include activities like case studies, mini-projects, MOOCs, and presentations, enabling a comprehensive assessment of both conceptual understanding and applied skills. In addition, laboratory courses and integrated courses (IPCC) ensure continuous assessment of practical competencies alongside theory.

To improve learning outcomes, we emphasise outcome-based education practices such as project-based learning, community projects, hackathons , and capstone projects, which are evaluated using defined rubrics. Regular academic monitoring is supported through structured evaluation processes, feedback mechanisms, and performance tracking across semesters using SGPA and CGPA.

We also include interdisciplinary courses, skill enhancement programmes, and mandatory internships which further help in identifying gaps and enhancing employability skills. Additionally, non-credit components like NSS, activity points, and professional development courses ensure holistic development.

CMRIT Bangalore campus (Image: Special Arrangement)

How are students supported in securing internships, and at what stage do they typically begin industry exposure?

Students here are supported in securing internships through a structured and guided process defined by the VTU curriculum. A centralised internship system is in place, where students are required to select opportunities through a dedicated VTU portal that connects them with industries, research organisations, and other recognised institutions . The curriculum also provides multiple internship options, allowing students to choose based on their interests and career goals. Faculty mentors and departments further guide students in selecting appropriate internships, ensuring alignment with their domain and learning outcomes.

Industry exposure typically begins early in the programme through project-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, and community-based projects introduced from the initial semesters. As students progress, this exposure becomes more structured through hackathons, mini-projects, and lab-integrated courses.

Formal internships are usually undertaken in the final year, particularly in the eighth semester as a full-semester internship, with an option for an extended two-semester internship in the seventh and eighth semesters .

Could you share your recent trends in placements, particularly in terms of core engineering roles versus IT or service sector roles?

In India right now, core engineering placements remain relatively limited. Many graduates from mechanical, civil, and electrical branches continue to migrate toward IT roles because those opportunities are more abundant and often come with better pay packages. At the same time, niche sectors are beginning to open up for core engineers — electric vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy, robotics, and semiconductors are creating fresh demand, though these roles are still fewer in number compared to IT.

On the IT side, hiring continues to dominate. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are expanding rapidly and offering high-skill roles in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data engineering. Computer Science, IT, and allied branches such as AI/ML and data science consistently show the highest placement rates, while civil and mechanical engineering lag behind.

Another noticeable trend is the way companies are recruiting. Beyond traditional campus drives, recruitment through hackathon competitions has increased significantly in the IT sector. These competitions allow firms to identify problem-solving talent and hire candidates who demonstrate practical skills, often bypassing conventional interview processes.

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How does CMRIT Bangalore work with startups, incubators , or entrepreneurial initiatives for students interested in building their own ventures?

Students at CMRIT undergo structured training designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurial skills. In their first year, they are introduced to innovation and design thinking. During the second year, students receive guidance on drafting and filing patents. By the third year, the focus shifts to training on establishing and scaling startups.

Throughout these programmes, students here are encouraged to transform their ideas into prototypes and pursue patent registration. They are further motivated to develop these prototypes into viable business ideas and startups .

Students are also encouraged to present their innovations and entrepreneurial accomplishments in both internal and external competitions. They actively participate in events such as the Yukti Innovation Challenge organised by the ministry of education, the MSME Hackathon conducted by the Government of India, and business plan competitions like MANTHAN organised by FICCI. End Blur

We continually work to strengthen this ecosystem for nurturing and supporting early-stage start-ups. As part of this effort, CMRIT has established an incubation center that supports current students, alumni, and external start-ups. The center offers essential infrastructure, including co-working spaces, cubicles with internet access, and a makerspace for prototype development. In addition, it provides mentoring support, seed funding, and opportunities for collaboration.

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Many graduates from mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering migrate toward IT roles because good opportunities

What are the current priorities or areas of focus in terms of academic or institutional development?

We are committed to enhancing the overall academic experience through the development of modern infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories, innovation spaces, and smart classrooms that promote interactive and practical learning. By integrating advanced technologies such as digital tools and virtual learning platforms into teaching methods, the institution ensures that students gain hands-on experience aligned with current industry practices.

Beyond academics, we also emphasise on holistic student development through initiatives like the student transformation cell, which supports students from their first year through graduation by focusing on academic excellence, personal growth, emotional resilience, and professional readiness with guidance from counsellors.

The institution also nurtures an inclusive campus culture through student clubs, awareness programmes, and diversity-focused events that foster a sense of belonging and prepare students to thrive in a global environment.

In addition to academic excellence, we actively promote social responsibility and industry engagement. Outreach programmes play a vital role in encouraging community involvement, helping students develop empathy, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Our current priorities focus on strengthening research, innovation, and industry alignment through funded projects, faculty publications, and student-led initiatives, including AI-based research and national-level project expos. We are also advancing centres of excellence in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics, and embedded systems, while investing in digital infrastructure and hybrid teaching approaches.