The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), in collaboration with the National Quantum Mission (NQM) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has recently launched India’s first Undergraduate (UG) Minor programme in Quantum Technologies. This initiative aims to prepare India’s workforce for the quantum revolution, positioning the nation as a global leader in cutting-edge quantum innovation, the AICTE said in a statement.
The UG Minor programme in Quantum Technologies is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by addressing the strategic and multidisciplinary needs of the quantum ecosystem. It spans four verticals: Quantum Computation and Simulation, Quantum Communication and Cryptography, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Materials and Devices.
The programme was unveiled at an event attended by prominent dignitaries, including AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam, DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, National Quantum Mission Governing Board Chairman Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Prof. A.K. Sood from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Curriculum Drafting Committee Chairman Prof. Arindam Ghosh.
Professor TG Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, highlighted the programme’s transformative potential and stated:
Quantum technology will redefine computing, communication, and sensing.” Through this curriculum, we aim to nurture a skilled workforce that can drive innovation and fulfil the goals of the National Quantum Mission. AICTE’s initiatives, including mandatory internships and IDEA Labs, complement this endeavour to create a robust, quantum-ready talent pool.
The modular curriculum allows engineering students to select 18 credits from a pool of 30 beginning in their third semester. It emphasizes project-based learning and interdisciplinary reach. “This programme, spanning all quantum verticals, ensures that quantum technology becomes a viable career path for students,” stated Prof. Arindam Ghosh, Chairman of the Curriculum Drafting Committee.
The newly introduced quantum technology programme boasts a flexible curriculum, enabling students to choose 18 credits from a pool of over 30. This allows institutions to tailor the programme based on their available resources, the statement mentioned.
To support educators, the AICTE and leading institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will organize Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs). These FDPs aim to train faculty members to deliver high-quality quantum education, ensuring consistency and excellence in programme delivery.
To develop a strong quantum-ready ecosystem, AICTE and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will work with institutions to build cutting-edge quantum technology laboratories. These labs will give students access to advanced tools, allowing them to obtain hands-on experience with real-world quantum technology applications. Furthermore, expert-led FDPs and the creation of dedicated textbooks designed explicitly for undergraduate quantum education will ensure the programme’s long-term viability. These projects demonstrate a commitment to developing a workforce pool skilled at quantum technologies, which have the potential to reshape the future of innovation and industry.
AICTE and DST will support institutions with dedicated faculty training programmes, state-of-the-art laboratory setups, and UG-level textbooks to ensure effective implementation. “This initiative addresses challenges like teacher training and infrastructure. Together with AICTE, we aim to launch the programme in the next academic session,” said DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) was established in November 1945 as a national-level supreme advisory organization to survey technical education facilities and encourage development throughout the country in a coordinated and integrated manner. The institution is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing norms and standards; ensuring quality assurance through accreditation, monitoring, and evaluation; ensuring certification and award parity; and ensuring the country’s coordinated and integrated development and management of technology education.
