Sona College of Technology

By C. Valliappa, CHAIRMAN
Known for a strong Research & Development culture, Sona College of Technology located in Salem,
houses 33 R&D centers where under graduate and post graduate students, PhD scholars and faculty
members work tandem to create products of value.
On October 12, 2011, Indian Space Research
Organization's (ISRO) most reliable launch
vehicle - the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(PSLV), in its 19th consecutive successful
launch, injected four satellites in orbit
and opened a new chapter in India's atmospheric research
capabilities. In this mission, however, the scientists of ISRO were
not alone. Joining them was a group of academic researchers
and technology enthusiasts/students from Sona College of
Technology (SCT). An aerospace quality component device
- Slotless Brushless DC Electric Motor, called "˜MADRAS'
(Microwave Analysis Detection of Rain and Atmospheric
Structures) - designed and developed by the Sona Special Power
Electronics and Electric Drives (Sona SPEED), a research wing
of SCT, was incorporated into the payload of the 1000 - kg
Megha Trophiques satellite. The project was an outcome of a
MoU signed between ISRO and SCT.
"œAn active Industry - Institute relation is very critical for
an institute's growth. We have signed MoUs with organizations
such as ISRO, ICT Academy of Tamil Nadu and various other
industries. This has helped us to develop a strong R&D culture
in the campus, which helps in internships and placement,"
says C. Valliappa, Chairman, SCT. Today, as one of the top
ranking engineering colleges in India, SCT is renowned
for its world-class teaching and broad range of subjects in
engineering, equipping students with credible qualifications that are respected and recognized worldwide. With 33 R&D
centers, 84 PhD holders and 137 PhD scholars, the institute has
achieved a global identity through its involvement in research
in recent technology and successful completion of projects and
products. This is evident from the large number of patents filed
and publications made. The R&D culture nurtures the students
to become researchers and receive awards for their research
contributions. The students' involvement in research activities during their stay at SCT helps
them in pursuing higher studies
in world-renowned institutions
in India and abroad.
Since its founding in 1997,
SCT's students have been
encouraged to become the
leaders of tomorrow, questioning
and expanding theories during
their time at the institution.
SCT provides the ambience
for the holistic development
of the students. Being an
autonomous institution, SCT's
curriculum and syllabi include
core professional courses,
professional electives and open
electives like yoga, meditation
and entrepreneurship. In the
recent NIRF, MHRD Rankings
on Engineering Colleges, SCT
was ranked 4th among Top
Private Engineering Colleges
in India and 2nd in Tamil Nadu,
taking into account both the
quality and quantity of research activity. The engineering
programs combine engaging lectures with practical lab time,
work placements and the chance to undertake independent
study at SCT's extensive library facilities and ultra-modern
research centers "œWe train our students through industrybased
projects, industry recommended electives and so
on. This makes them industry-ready and they are capable
of facing their work in companies starting from day one,"
claims Valliappa.
The institute has employed Placement and Training Cell
to enhance the capabilities of engineering graduates on par
with the industry standards. The cell focuses on creating
new approaches to attract the best from the industry to the
campus. Hence, at SCT, placement time is not a mere annual
ritual; it is a time for showcasing the very best in their young
engineers to the industrial world. "œSince various placement
trainings are consistently provided to students, majority
of the students get dual placement offers," says Valliappa.
For the ongoing batch of student, the institute has already
received around 1056 offers from various recruiters around
the country and still counting.

The dedication,
support and
motivation of each
of the staff are
remarkable and enable
students like myself to
achieve their dreams
Balaji (EEE 2008 -11),
currently an entrepreneur

Education that is thorough,
purposeful and meets the
requirements of today's
job market; education that
disciplines and inculcates values;
education that is in tune with the
changing dynamics of today's
competitive world - that is the
kind of education that Sona
offers.
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
-C. Valliappa