NSDC, IIT Mandi and NCU signs MoU to launch semiconductor design and technology

This partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in semiconductor industry in India and across the globe by equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IIT Mandi and the NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a B.Tech. ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology programme. The agreement was formally signed at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.

This partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in semiconductor industry in India and across the globe by equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training.

This four-year programme comprises eight semesters designed to provide specialised training in various subjects of semiconductor engineering, including Nanotechnology and Semiconductor Materials Engineering, Semiconductor Physics, Introduction to Microfabrication, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductor Equipment Design & Technology and Advanced Topics in Manufacturing. The programme will integrate 25 credits in application-oriented learning, developed jointly by NCU, NSDC and IIT Mandi. The degree will be awarded by NCU.

This will help India’s youth enhance their semiconductor skills and drive innovation. As a key partner, the NSDC will be playing a crucial role in smooth implementation of the programme while ensuring robust quality training. It will drive enrolment for the programme through its digital platform and support eligible candidates in availing loans. It will also provide one-stop learning source, where all the lectures, assignments, AI-enabled videos, and additional learning resources will be available. Most importantly, it will assist candidates in internships and placements.

The programme will focus on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, providing students with a comprehensive academic and practical learning experience. Talking about the collaboration and the programme, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International, said, “At NSDC, we are committed to transforming education and skilling in alignment with NEP 2020, ensuring that students, especially from small towns and cities, have access to world-class learning opportunities. Our collaboration with IIT Mandi and NorthCap University is a step towards democratising quality education and integrating industry-relevant skills into higher education. By embedding globally recognised skill courses within degree programs through the National Credit Framework, we are bridging the gap between academia and industry, making our youth future-ready. This initiative not only enhances employability but also empowers students to lead, innovate, and excel in the semiconductor industry, a critical sector for India’s technological growth.’’

Faculties from IIT Mandi will deliver specialised courses. The institute will also allow students participate in six hands-on immersion programmes at its advanced laboratories over four years. The institute will also assess students based on coursework, exams, assignments and projects and provide credit certifications to candidates. These credits will be used by NCU for awarding the degree .

Speaking on the occasion, Tushar Jain, Head, CCE, IIT Mandi, said, “This collaboration is a step towards creating a future-ready workforce in the semiconductor domain. By combining IIT Mandi’s research expertise, NCU’s academic infrastructure, and NSDC’s skill development initiatives, we are ensuring a transformative learning experience for students.”

The NCU will manage candidate enrolments and scheduling, and will provide necessary infrastructure, including classrooms, labs, and online learning platforms, for the smooth delivery of IIT Mandi courses. It will provide final degree while incorporating credits and certificates earned from IIT Mandi courses. Prof. Nupur Prakash, Vice Chancellor at NCU, expressed her thoughts on the occasion and said, “This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the skill gap in India’s semiconductor industry by equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience. The pioneering B.Tech ECE in Semiconductor Design and Technology programme, offered by The NorthCap University, Gurugram, in collaboration with IIT Mandi and NSDC, will provide a unique blend of academic excellence and practical exposure. Students will gain hands-on experience in clean rooms and advanced labs at IIT Mandi, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the country’s rapidly growing semiconductor ecosystem.”

This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for students to gain cutting-edge technical skills, making them industry-ready professionals equipped for the challenges of tomorrow’s semiconductor industry.