The Higher Education Review

India boasts one of the world's largest higher education systems, with over 40 million students in 1,000+ universities and 42,000+ colleges. However, global perceptions of Indian academia lag, with its absence in top research institutions and critiques about the curriculum.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 offers a transformative strategy to elevate the system, aiming to revolutionize education. For India to become a global education hub, strategic reforms in student-centric approaches, research, faculty, international engagement, and digital learning are imperative.

Vision 2047 propels India towards an education ecosystem that fosters excellence and inclusivity. Bridging these gaps and emphasizing the importance of research and student-centricity, Vel Tech, a NAAC-accredited institution with the highest grade ‘A++’ is driving the change in the nation’s higher education landscape. With its NBA Tier-1 accredited engineering programs, the institution is setting the benchmark for quality education in India.

Vel Tech has stood in the top hundred positions in the NIRF India Rankings under the engineering category for a row of seven years since 2017. The institution has also been ranked as one of the top institutions by the NIRF Innovation Ranking and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings every year.


Dr. Sagunthala Rangarajan, Foundress President & Col. Prof. Vel. Dr. R. Rangarajan, Chancellor & Founder President

Committed to Blended Learning & Industry Collaboration
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology is dedicated to providing students with a holistic education that blends academic learning with practical skills development. This commitment to student growth is evident from their early education stages, focusing on aptitude and technical skills training starting in the second year.

This is achieved through professional proficiency courses taught by in-house experts and a robust internal training system that continues until the pre-final year.

Vel Tech's industry collaborations have been a key driver of its success.

With partnerships with over 3,800 companies and more than 300 Memorandums of Understanding, the institution enjoys various forms of support.

These collaborations are far-reaching and include curriculum enhancement, short-term internships, specialized courses by industry experts, project competitions and hackathons, industry-sponsored laboratories, technical workshops, entrepreneurship and innovation centers, and industry advisory boards.

These initiatives ensure that students are well-prepared for their chosen career paths and industry-ready. By continually gathering feedback and evaluating their educational programs, Vel Tech maintains its commitment to relevance in the ever-evolving job market. The institution's multifaceted approach to leveraging industry support has greatly enriched the educational experience for its students, setting them on a successful path toward their career goals.

Vel Tech's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and industry collaboration makes it a forward-thinking institution in the field of education.


Dr. Rangarajan Mahalakshmi. Kishore, Chairperson & Managing Trustee

Courses, Infrastructure & Facilities
Embracing Outcome Based Education and Choice Based Credit Systems (CBCS) since 2015, Vel Tech prioritizes flexibility and multidisciplinary learning for students, allowing tailored credit and course selection. The institution's unique first-year curriculum integrates humanities with STEM, fostering critical thinking and higher-order learning.

Moreover, the Conceive Design Implement Operate (CDIO) framework implemented throughout the institution elevates engineering education for emerging leaders.

Vel Tech incorporates project-based learning, emphasizing societal challenges and instilling soft skills alongside technical prowess while recognizing innovation through students' Scopus-indexed publications and prototype solutions to gain academic credits.

The Vel Tech Technology Business Incubator nurtures multidisciplinary research and startups, while new centers offer faculty-led curriculum and evaluation customization within policy guidelines. This comprehensive approach enriches students holistically, preparing them for an evolving professional landscape. The essence of any higher education institution lies in its curriculum

and teaching methodologies and its invaluable asset—the faculty. Vel Tech places paramount importance on faculty excellence. The university meticulously selects the finest minds in the country, valuing their expertise.

Beyond recruitment, it diligently ensures the faculty's contentment and security, fostering a relationship built on trust. To achieve this, Vel Tech offers an array of benefits to its faculty, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the institution's academic landscape.

In furtherance of curriculum and instruction brilliance, Vel Tech also focuses on practical learning approaches. The institution’s advanced Centres of Excellence (CoEs) boast cutting-edge facilities like the Engine Test Facility, IoT and Smart Factory Initiative, Vehicle Control Systems, AI Research, Manufacturing, Electronic Manufacturing, and a 3D Printing Facility.

Workshops and value-added courses are regularly organized, each CoE engaging over 500 participants annually. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue internships during breaks, facilitating practical experience in nearby industries. The Office of Industry Relations efficiently coordinates these opportunities, aligning them with individual student requisites.

Future Roadmap
Vel Tech’s strategic plan is meticulously crafted to pave the way for significant developmental thrusts. With a vision set for the year 2026, Vel Tech is steadfast in its belief that the collective conviction of all stakeholders will culminate in the successful realization of the outlined goals.

The strategic plan focuses on eight pivotal areas of development. Firstly, there's a commitment to enhance curricular aspects, encompassing teaching and learning, open distance learning, holistic and multidisciplinary education, and optimal utilization of learning resources. Secondly, the plan emphasizes research and development, pushing for innovation and entrepreneurship. The third area of focus is on extension activities, engaging with the community, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

Infrastructure development, crucial for providing a conducive learning environment, stands as the fourth priority. The fifth aspect involves forging industry partnerships to bridge the academia-industry gap and foster collaboration.

Simultaneously, the institution also aims at internationalization, seeking to broaden its horizons globally. Lastly, there's a strong drive towards achieving notable rankings and recognition, validating the institution's commitment to excellence and progress. Through these concerted efforts and initiatives, the institution envisions an environment conducive to growth, progress, and a substantial impact on society and beyond.