IIT Gandhinagar launches MDes, MTech in Maritime Engineering; focus on emerging sectors

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar has announced the launch of two new postgraduate courses, Master of Design (MDes) and Master of Technology (MTech) in Maritime Engineering from 2026–27.

The institute said that the course launches are a part of its continuous efforts to modernise engineering education in line with industry demands and evolving global technologies

As per the IIT Gandhinagar official press note, the newly introduced programmes aim to equip students with skills relevant to rapidly evolving sectors such as design innovation, logistics, and maritime infrastructure.

Highlighting the institute’s direction, Rajat Moona, director of IIT Gandhinagar, said higher education must go “beyond disciplinary boundaries” and focus on real-world challenges, with the new programmes reflecting this shift towards interdisciplinary learning.

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IIT Gandhinagar MDes, MTech: Focus on future-ready skills

IIT Gandhinagar said that the MDes course builds on IITGN’s Design and Innovation ecosystem and focuses on integrating engineering, technology, and social sciences to address complex real-world challenges. It emphasises systems thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and human-centred design— skills increasingly in demand across industries.

Meanwhile, the MTech in Maritime Engineering is aligned with India’s growing focus on port-led development and logistics expansion. The programme will cover key areas such as ocean infrastructure, port systems, and regulatory frameworks, while also addressing gaps in specialised maritime education particularly in Gujarat, a major hub for port activity.

Speaking about the initiative, Bhaskar Datta, dean academic affairs, IIT Gandhinagar, said the institute is focusing on high-demand areas to develop future-ready students.

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IIT Gandhinagar press note said that the institute is simultaneously strengthening its focus on future-facing domains such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare technologies, and sustainability. The release noted that initiatives like the SAMARTH semiconductor hub, developed in collaboration with government and industry partners, IIT Gandhinagar is also positioning itself at the forefront of advanced research and skill development.

The official press note said that the launch reflects a broader transformation in engineering education, with IIT Gandhinagar increasingly focusing on flexibility, real-world application, and cross-disciplinary integration to prepare a future-ready workforce.