Data science has become one of the most exciting and promising career paths of the 21st century. As data-driven industries continue to grow exponentially, the global demand for skilled data scientists is surging. However, the rapid increase of institutes across the country has led to the emergence of graduates who are not fully prepared for the workforce. Fortunately, not all institutes fall short in this regard. Institutions like Vidya College of Engineering play a key role in producing capable data scientists, contributing to India’s reputation as a hub for aspiring engineers and scientists.
With over a decade of operational excellence, Vidya College of Engineering is rapidly evolving into an engineering institution with a global outlook. Its mission is to equip students with essential analytical, design, and computing skills that define modern engineering, while fostering the creativity and problem-solving abilities that are the hallmark of a successful engineer.
Vidya College of Engineering in a Nutshell
Vidya College of Engineering (VCE) is a prominent engineering institute located in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was established in 2006 and is part of the Vidya Knowledge Park, which offers a wide range of educational programs in various fields, including engineering, management, computer applications, and more.
Specifically in the field of Data Science, Vidya College of Engineering offers a comprehensive 4-year B.Tech program in Data Science, designed to provide students with a strong foundation in concepts such as statistics, programming, machine learning, and data analysis. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, exposing students to real-world scenarios and emerging technologies in the field of data science.
The institute also offers a range of elective courses and specialization tracks within the Data Science program, allowing students to focus on areas such as AI and ML, Big Data Analytics, Business Analytics, and Data Engineering.
The college campus is home to an elaborate infrastructure consisting of cutting-edge labs, impressive industry-academia relationship, and experienced faculty who ensure that students get the best of both – technical expertise and practical skills.
Bridging Theory and Practice
At Vidya College of Engineering, Data Science students have actively participated in a range of innovative projects and competitions, significantly enhancing their practical skills and knowledge. Initiatives such as the AI & Data Science Programming Contest, Quiz, and Poster Presentation allowed students to apply their AI and data science knowledge to practical scenarios, developing algorithms and showcasing research.
Moreover, activities like “C” Quest and the “C” Programming Contest tackled challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, deepening students’ problem-solving abilities. The college also hosted a Generative AI Workshop and Prompt Engineering Competition, equipping students with modern AI techniques. Notably, a team of second and third-year Data Science students achieved 2nd place in a Hackathon for developing a secure system against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, earning recognition and a cash prize.
Beyond academics, students demonstrated their talents in the AKTU Zonal Sports Competitions, qualifying for state-level events and securing multiple medals.
Strategic Industry Collaborations for Enhanced Learning and Innovation
Vishal Jain, Managing Director of Vidya Knowledge Park, emphasized the institution’s robust collaborations with major technology giants, which provide students with valuable opportunities for hands-on experience and industry engagement. He highlighted a key partnership with Cyber Secured India (CSI) through the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, focused on developing innovative solutions to combat cybercrime for individuals, law enforcement, and corporations.
Additionally, Mr. Jain discussed the Apple Students Club (ASC), which promotes knowledge sharing in software development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. He also pointed out collaborations with AWS and Red Hat, aimed at enhancing students’ technical skills through open-source projects, specialized training, and workshops.
Mr. Jain also highlighted the role of the ICT Student Branch, which bridges the gap between the college and industry by fostering collaborations and organizing joint events, workshops, and hackathons, enabling students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
In the Days to Come
When asked about the future goals for VCE, Mr. Jain expressed a vision to establish a center of excellence that focuses on developing skilled human resources with both social and global perspectives. He emphasized the college’s commitment to refining its curriculum to incorporate emerging trends, advanced technologies, and interdisciplinary methodologies in data science while pursuing national and international accreditation.
During our conversation, Mr. Jain also shared on VCE’s ambitious plans to establish dedicated research centers focusing on areas like artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology. He highlighted the college’s goal of strengthening existing collaborations and forging new partnerships with industry leaders and research organizations.
Lastly, Mr. Jain mentioned the college’s commitment to student development, noting plans to introduce advanced coding boot camps, data science workshops, and soft skills training. And importantly, to support budding entrepreneurs, VCE looks forward to offering resources through incubation centers, startup funding, and mentorship opportunities, along with facilitating international internships and participation in global competitions.
