The Higher Education Review

Aerospace Engineering education in India has been gaining prominence over the years, owing to the country's burgeoning aerospace industry and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Several educational institutions across the nation offer programs in Aerospace Engineering, aiming to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in this dynamic sector. However, one institution which is at the forefront of bringing innovation in Aerospace Engineering education is MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS).

Established in 2013 under the Karnataka Act No. 15 of 2013 by the Gokula Education Foundation (GEF), MSRUAS embodies the vision of delivering top-tier education in engineering, technology, health sciences, and management. Named after the esteemed industrialist and philanthropist, Dr. M.S. Ramaiah, renowned for his contributions to education and healthcare in Karnataka, India, the university prioritizes excellence in education, research, and innovation. It amalgamated various esteemed educational institutions of the Ramaiah Group, adapting them to contemporary needs.

Recognized for its commitment to academia, industry, and societal integration, MSRUAS stands as a beacon of educational advancement. Presently, it offers a diverse range of 120+ programs across 13 faculties, reflecting its dedication to preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the global industrial landscape while fostering critical thinking and innovation for a brighter future.

Elevating Aerospace Engineering Education
MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS) is significantly elevating the standards of Aerospace Engineering education in India through its strategic endeavors and comprehensive approach to industry relevance, facilitating students' successful entry into professional careers.

Firstly, its Aerospace Engineering program features a meticulously crafted curriculum, aligned with industry standards which is regularly updated to integrate the latest advancements in the field. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the curriculum is continuously updated to reflect current industry trends and requirements. Emphasizing practical learning, including industry projects and internships, the courses equip students with tangible skills and knowledge applicable in real-world scenarios.

Secondly, the university has forged robust partnerships with prominent aerospace firms, facilitating invaluable industry visits and guest lectures opportunities for students to engage in internships, projects,

and guest lectures, thereby gaining firsthand exposure to industry practices and trends.

“To keep up with the rapid changing Aerospace industry in India, we have a very strong Board of Studies, which consists of experts from Academia, Industry and even our own alumni. Our curriculum is carefully curated after discussions from all experts, and this is done each year to stay updated about the industry developments”, says Dr. M. Sivapragasam, Professor and Head.

He further adds, “For example, we recently introduced a course on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. We have also introduced a course on Launch Vehicles and Missiles looking at India’s defence capabilities. Additionally, on recommendation from our industry experts, we have put together a mandatory course on AI and ML with application to Aerospace Engineering, since AIML is now a crucial part of any and every engineering vertical.”

MSRUAS' Distinctive Offerings
Complementing the curriculum are MSRUAS' state-of-the-art facilities, featuring cutting-edge laboratories including low-speed and supersonic wind tunnels, workshops, and research infrastructure which offers students the opportunities to engage in advanced research projects across various disciplines. A modern library stocked with extensive academic resources supports students' learning and research endeavors.

Spacious and well-equipped classrooms and lecture halls facilitate interactive learning experiences, enhanced by audio-visual aids. Computer labs with high-speed internet and modern software tools provide students with hands-on technology training. MSRUAS also promotes student well-being through sports and recreation facilities such as playgrounds, gymnasiums, and indoor sports areas, encouraging a balanced lifestyle.

Through these infrastructure investments, MSRUAS aims to provide holistic education and foster academic excellence. These resources offer students hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques, enhancing their practical proficiency.

Additionally, MSRUAS extends various scholarship opportunities to its students. Merit-based scholarships are granted to high-achieving students, aiding with tuition and expenses. Need-based scholarships assist economically disadvantaged students in pursuing higher education. Sports scholarships acknowledge students' athletic prowess at state, national, or international levels, supporting both academic and sporting endeavors.

The university also awards scholarships for leadership, community service, or special talents, recognizing students' diverse achievements beyond academics. These scholarships affirm MSRUAS' commitment to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that all students have access to opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Bridging Academia & Industry
Committed to aligning its educational approach with industry demands through various strategies, MSRAUS encourages strong industry partnerships, providing students with opportunities for internships, industry projects, and placements. Through internships and industry projects, the institute practices experiential learning, allowing students to apply gained knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Additionally, MSRUAS seeks continuous feedback from industry partners to evaluate program effectiveness, utilizing this input to refine curriculum and pedagogy to better serve industry needs. With its focus on innovation, research, industry relevance, and interdisciplinary learning, MSRUAS prepares students to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals in the aerospace sector.

Plan Ahead
MSRUAS is steadfast in its commitment to advancing education through continuous improvement and innovation. To enhance pedagogy, it plans to integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and VR/AR into its curriculum, providing hands-on experience for students.

Emphasizing experiential learning, the institute will continue to expand project-based learning, case studies, simulations, and internships to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through these initiatives, MSRUAS is poised to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in the digital age.

“We plan to consolidate the existing research infrastructure and think beyond what we have. Our institute also supports research fellows with career opportunities like Junior Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow and Post Doctoral Fellowship. We also plan to introduce specialization courses, such as B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering and at the same time, we will allow the students to pursue Honours in Satellite Technologies, or they can pick B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering with Honours in Space Sciences and Technologies.

While the students have to do additional courses (20 credits), these courses will help the students have a better understanding of these domains, thus making them better poised to bag an employment opportunity in the industry,” speaks Dr. M. Sivapragasam.

“We are working on RamaiahSAT, a 1U CubeSat, designed by students, while the launch will be done by ISRO through their launch vehicle. We have established a Ground Control Station at the campus, which is equipped to receive and process signals from the satellites which are already in orbit. We are training our students in not just receiving these signals but also processing them, so this is a very vibrant setup. Eventually, we also aim to set up a Centre for Excellence in Satellite Technologies in our University”, signs off Dr. M. Sivapragasam.