‘Research, discovery, and entrepreneurship go hand in hand’: NIIT University founder

NEW DELHI: Rajender Singh Pawar, Padma Bhushan awardee, chairman of NIIT Ltd and a founder of NIIT University, Neemrana, has served on the boards of several educational institutions. He spoke to Careers360 about what it takes to build a university, what sets NIIT apart, promising sectors for employment, layoffs in the technology sector, AI and jobs and more.

Q. What prompted you to set up a university?

A. From 1999 onwards, I have been going to Neemrana every year for a conference. Later, while I was involved with the Rajasthan government working on the development of the state, I proposed that the Delhi-Jaipur Highway be seen as a knowledge corridor.

They agreed but wanted to know what NIIT would do. This was in 2004 or 2005. We were thinking of a university at that time. We had a couple of locations but wanted to be close to Delhi but not in the city. I said, “Fine, we’re thinking of a university”. We set it up.

The decision to set up in Neemrana was influenced by several factors. The major was industry linkage. The location was near Delhi to facilitate accessibility while still providing a peaceful environment conducive for learning. The chosen location had a unique characteristic with a hillock in the background. The intention was also to restore the hillock and the surrounding area to their natural state by planting trees and transforming it into a forest over a span of 20 to 30 years.

The focus was on creating excellence in different dimensions rather than conforming to standard norms. Although Neemrana has grown into a small town over time, it has also witnessed the establishment of modern manufacturing plants, including those by Japanese companies. This has brought further development to the area.

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Q. How does NIIT University help students understand where their talents lie and choose the right courses and careers?

A. We have implemented an important initiative called the Admissions Bridge which aims to help students understand their career interests and make informed decisions. We encourage faculty and the admissions team to engage with students as early as their tenth grade. The admissions bridge establishes a strong connection with specific schools from where the university gets a significant number of students. It aims to provide visibility and transparency to both students and the university.

We also organise camps and events, such as the annual essay competition. The winners are awarded a one-week stay on our campus, allowing them to experience college-life firsthand.

We are actively working on building stronger connections with select schools, targeting approximately 50 to 60 institutions that contribute to around 70% of our student population.

At the other end, we facilitate internships for students during their final semester, where they gain practical experience in a company or institution. We have introduced “additive education”, wherein students start learning about companies and industries from their first year, and in later years, they can spend up to six months working with industry partners.

In summary, our approach is guided by four core principles: industry linkage, technology-based education, research focus, and entrepreneurship. Through these initiatives and principles, we aim to provide students with the necessary exposure, support, and opportunities.

Q. What is NIIT University's approach to teaching and learning and fostering the best minds?

A. The university offers flexibility and a range of choices. There are elective courses and 21 clubs to explore various interests. Students can change their minds and choose different paths based on their evolving interests. Our university embraces the fast-paced nature of today’s world, where ideas can quickly turn into thriving businesses. We have established an entrepreneurship cell and actively engage with startups to foster a culture of innovation and discovery. In fact, we recognise that research, discovery, and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.

As part of our curriculum, every student participates in teaching at village schools, emphasising community connection. This seamless integration is a powerful concept and one reason for approaching Dr. Karan Singh to be our first chancellor, as he embodies this philosophy. Our current chancellor is Dr. K Kasturirangan who created a new education policy. But now we get to the next step.

Our ultimate goal is to become a role model for learning, research, innovation, and sustainability. We take pride in being the greenest university, not merely as a trend, but as a core value since our inception.

Q. What are the most sought-after courses at NIIT University?

A. In terms of numbers, computer science is a highly sought-after field. Within computer science, areas such as cybersecurity, data science, and computer vision are gaining significant traction. Additionally, courses in AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) are also in high demand. Another unique programme we offer is the integrated MBA, which is a four-year programme, after school, providing students with various choices and culminating in a master’s degree upon completion.

Q. As a technology player, how do you see the layoffs in the tech sector?

A. The current situation is indeed a serious matter. However, it is important to consider the larger picture. India still faces a shortage of skilled professionals in the technology field. While these discontinuities in the job market may occur, it is crucial for educational institutions to prioritise the well-being and future prospects of their students.

In our institution, we take the responsibility of supporting our students seriously. Even if it is the last few years of their education, if any student faces difficulties or challenges, we ensure our staff members are actively involved in providing assistance and finding solutions.

It is important to recognise that jobs in the technology sector will undergo changes rather than completely disappear due to advancements like AI. India, in particular, is witnessing a significant increase in the number of students pursuing higher education. As a nation, we need to focus on job creation across various sectors. While traditional manufacturing may not employ as many people as before, other sectors such as healthcare and tourism are showing promise.

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Q. What impact do you think AI tools such as ChatGPT and others will have on jobs?

A. It is important to recognise that job roles will undergo changes with the advent of new technologies. However, these changes also bring forth new employment opportunities. To adapt to this evolving landscape, individuals need to be flexible and continually acquire new skills. In the past, there was resistance to using computers, but now we understand that computers have played a crucial role in creating jobs in our country. Therefore, it is essential to take a broader and more detached perspective on what is likely to happen.

Q. Some of the top institutions in the world are private and run on endowments. Is that possible in India?

A. Endowments in universities come from various sources, including philanthropy and legal considerations. The high taxation rates in the US play a role as well. In India, the wealth curve is still at an early stage and so, many individuals from other sectors are now investing in education. Building a university requires significant capital, and we have already invested over Rs. 500 crore in our university, which is a capital-intensive process. It takes time for a university to become financially sustainable, as evidenced by the endowments of well-established institutions like Stanford. Patience is essential.