In India, the dream of securing a spot at one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) remains elusive for the majority, realized by only a fraction of those who attempt the rigorous entrance exams. Yet, the flame of engineering aspiration burns bright in the hearts of many. Faced with the reality of limited seats and fierce competition, numerous students opt for local engineering colleges, driven not by compromise but by their unwavering passion for the field. While these institutions may differ in standards and resources, they remain sanctuaries for those determined to carve a path in engineering. Among them stands Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), a beacon of hope for countless engineering aspirants, offering not just education but a platform to transform dreams into reality.
NMIT in a Nutshell
At NMIT, the mission is to excel in professional education while nurturing a multidisciplinary approach aligned with the National Education Policy. The institution aims to dismantle the barriers between different branches of engineering and integrate diverse subjects like music, yoga, and medicine into its curriculum. This approach seeks to provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for various job roles.
At the core of NMIT’s values are knowledge, character, and unity. As part of the Nitte group, NMIT is affiliated with 43 institutions spread across villages near Bangalore, Mangalore, and Bengaluru. The institution’s roots trace back to 1979 when a small school was established in a village by the late Justice K S Hegde, a former Supreme Court of India judge. Since then, NMIT has expanded its reach to offer education in a wide array of fields.
Empowering Education
To understand in depth what NMIT really stands for we interviewed Dr. H. C. Nagaraj the Principal of the college. And initially when we asked him to talk about the unique features of NMIT, he shared – “One of the unique aspects of NMIT is that it became one of the youngest institutions in the country to achieve autonomy status in 2001, followed by becoming an autonomous college in 2007, based on the recommendation of the Government of Karnataka”. “This autonomy grants us the freedom to design our own curriculum and conduct our examinations, and as a result we offer a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, management, and computer applications”, Dr. Nagaraj added.
Through the conversation he also spoke about the tech institute having an onboard faculty of around 340 members catering to approximately 4,700 students across various disciplines. And elaborated on how NMIT is known for its well established research centers across departments, with support from industries, to provide hands-on experience to their students.
Building a Dynamic Learning Environment
NMIT prides itself on its cutting-edge infrastructure, featuring smart boards in classrooms and campus-wide Wi-Fi connectivity. The institution actively encourages students to participate in additional online courses through platforms like NPTEL, aiming to augment their skills beyond the standard curriculum. Furthermore, NMIT has been at the forefront of implementing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) technologies for the past three years. The AIML laboratory collaborates with industries on practical projects, including traffic management solutions for the Bengaluru Police.
NMIT is also engaged in developing drone-based solutions utilizing AIML to address traffic congestion in the city. Additionally, the institution emphasizes alumni involvement in mentoring current students through an alumni portal, where numerous former students offer guidance and support, both online and in person.
NMIT believes in fostering holistic development among its students, not solely focusing on academic excellence. The institution provides a diverse range of extracurricular activities, such as astronomy, literature, photography, and music clubs, to ensure students have a well-rounded experience. Sports and NCC activities are also integral components of the curriculum, fostering discipline and teamwork. Moreover, NMIT places a strong emphasis on international exposure through cultural exchange programs, enriching the global perspective of its students.
Enhancing Placement Opportunities
NMIT has introduced the LNT (Learn and Train) program, especially tailored for civil and mechanical engineering students, recognizing the challenges in placement for these disciplines. Through the LNT program, NMIT has forged partnerships to provide training for second-year civil and mechanical students, covering internships and offering project opportunities.
Additionally, the college boasts an impressive placement record, with over 95% placement for non-IT branches and 80 to 85% placement for other branches, as a result of the training offering in technical and soft skill domains. Furthermore, NMIT has signed agreements with more than 150 companies through AMOU (Annual Memorandum of Understanding), ensuring ample placement opportunities for students, ensuring their students are well-placed in various sectors of society.
Evolution of Entrepreneurship
Turning attention to entrepreneurship, the trajectory has undergone significant evolution over the last decade and a half. Beginning with the establishment of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Center (IEDC), the institution has advanced to operate a business incubator with support from MSME. Noteworthy achievements include the funding secured by startups emerging from the incubator, with recent highlights featuring projects like ETVIO, a five-year endeavor concentrating on rural solutions and pioneering startups.
Dr. H C Nagaraj – Principal
Dr. H.C. Nagaraj is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience spanning teaching, research, and administration. He obtained his B.E. Degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from the University of Mysore in 1981, followed by an M.E. in Communication Systems from P.S.G. College of Technology, Coimbatore in 1984. In 2000, he earned his doctoral degree in Biomedical Signal Processing and Instrumentation from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
Since September 2003, Dr. Nagaraj has served as the Principal of Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Under his leadership, the institution has achieved notable milestones, including Autonomous Status, accreditation from various organizations, and the design and launch of a pico satellite in collaboration with ISRO.
Dr. Nagaraj has made significant contributions to academia, with numerous published papers, invited talks, and accolades for his work. He has also supervised Ph.D. students, authored a book, and actively participated in accreditation and affiliation processes for various universities.
