The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and NIELIT Srinagar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 22, 2024, to launch a six-month certificate course in drone technology and a DGCA-certified drone training center.
The signing ceremony took place in Srinagar with Ms. Tulika Pandey, Group Coordinator and Scientist-G of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Dr. M.M. Tripathi, Director General of NIELIT and Vice Chancellor of NIELIT Deemed-to-be University, in attendance.
The MoU was signed in presence of representatives from both institutions. NIT Srinagar was represented by Prof. Atikur Rehman (Registrar), Prof. Sheikh Nazir Ahmed (Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran (Incharge Drone Lab-Mechanical Engineering), and Mr. Mohammad Hazik (Assistant Registrar, Director’s Office | Legal).
NIELIT Srinagar was represented by Mr Ashaq Hussain Dar, Director Incharge of NIELIT J&K, and Dr. Ummer Iqbal, Scientist-D.
The partnership will establish a six-month certification program in drone technology and a joint DGCA-certified drone pilot training center. This center will provide industry-standard training compliant with DGCA guidelines, ensuring comprehensive and recognized certification for aspiring drone pilots.
A collaborative six-month certificate course on UAV/Drone technology, titled "SwaYaan," will also be launched under MeitY's national "Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Drone & Related Technology" initiative. SwaYaan aims to develop and strengthen India's UAS/Drone ecosystem.
The six-month certificate course will focus on artificial intelligence and security in drone technology, offering an integrated curriculum designed to equip participants with advanced skills in these critical areas.
The program will combine theoretical knowledge and practical training to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enhancing the employability of students in the region.
Institute’s Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman said that the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar will offer the six-month certification course for people across the globe to enroll and that electives will be available to B.Tech students from any discipline as an open elective.
“The course's industrial component will be integrated with student internships, further enhancing job opportunities for local youth. The future is with drones, so it is our responsibility to engage the youth with this leading technology,” he said.
Prof. Rehman said that this partnership with NIT Srinagar marks a significant step in our commitment to providing students with cutting-edge skills and preparing them for the future of technology. The drone industry is rapidly evolving, and we are proud to offer this comprehensive program, including DGCA certification, to empower our students and contribute to the growth of this vital sector, he said.
Meanwhile Director General, NIELIT, Dr. M.M. Tripathi emphasized that this initiative sets a new benchmark in drone training and that the collaboration with NIT Srinagar will empower the next generation of drone professionals to meet rigorous industry standards.
“We believe this initiative will not only enhance their employability but also position them as leaders in the field of unmanned aerial systems,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ms. Tulika Pandey, Scientist-G at MeitY, praised the collaboration between two Institutions. He highlighted MoU's potential to not only provide advanced training in drone technology but also pave the way for technological growth and opportunity in the region.
