Dr. S. M. Subash is currently working as a Professor and Head in the Department of Civil Engineering at Guru Nanak Institute of Technology (Autonomous) Hyderabad, India. He received his Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from Anna University, Chennai with good appreciation. He completed his Master of Engineering in Infrastructure Engineering and Management, First Class with distinction from Anna University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, and He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu. He completed his bachelor of Engineering, First Class from Anna University, Chennai, Tamilnadu. He has around 13 years of teaching, research, and Industry experience. He worked as a Site Engineer, Interface Engineer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Head of the Department. He also acts as Chairman of the Board of studies, and coordinator in NAAC, IQAC, NBA, University Affiliation, NIRF, and ARIIA. He is academically active in various civil areas like the Use of unclaimed materials in road pavement, Feasibility analysis of routes in roadways & and railways, and Cost cost-benefit analysis. He has published more than 20 technical papers in International journals, 5 Patents, 4 Books, and 15 technical papers in conferences.

Guru Nanak Institute of Technology

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

The latest program currently being offered in our department, which aims to help students excel and distinguish themselves in the field, is within our B.Tech engineering department. We have introduced courses focused on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, we offer courses related to 3D modeling, and SketchUp, as well as other courses like AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, and Revit Structures. These programs are designed to equip our students with the skills and knowledge required to outperform their peers in the cloud computing domain.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

This program is regarded as the best choice for students for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it aligns with the current trend in education, focusing on the integration of the latest technologies. Within this program, we offer a range of essential software applications, including valuable courses like BIM, which greatly enhance students' performance and skill sets.

Furthermore, we have seamlessly incorporated this technology with the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This interdisciplinary approach extends beyond the realm of civil engineering, ensuring that students are exposed to a broader spectrum of technologies. This holistic integration equips our students to excel not only in civil engineering but also in related fields, making our program the ideal choice for aspiring professionals.

What will you say the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

In our course, we prioritize implementing the best practices to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. We accomplish this by providing hands-on training to our students. Through our well-equipped labs and project assignments, students gain practical experience as the bridge between software knowledge and real-world applications. This approach not only enhances their proficiency with various software tools but also allows them to seamlessly integrate their skills into real-world scenarios, enriching their learning journey.

What are some valuable insights from the program that you are offering at your department?

Valuable insights from our program at this institute include the significant impact on student placement. After completing our courses, students find placement opportunities in companies that specifically require the specialized skills they acquire here.

This is especially beneficial for B.Tech civil engineering graduates who, despite their satisfaction with their primary field, recognize the need for additional skills. Our courses are designed to develop these essential skills, enabling students to secure placements and successfully enter their desired career paths.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our program ensures that students are well-prepared for the future by adopting an outcome-based education approach. We understand that the result is not the sole focus. In addition to achieving academic outcomes, we prioritize the holistic development of our students. This includes technical training, skill development, and soft skills training.

Upon graduation and beyond, our students continue to enhance their qualities and abilities. Many of them embark on entrepreneurial ventures within the field of civil engineering within one or two years of completing their studies. This trajectory illustrates the upward trajectory of our program, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing students for a successful future.

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How did you train yourself and the faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Well, you see, we've taken a multifaceted approach to ensure our students receive the best possible education in this program. One key aspect is our internal faculty development program. We've recognized that our faculty members need to be at the forefront of current trends and knowledge to effectively deliver this program. What we've done is implement a program that focuses on enhancing our faculty's skills and knowledge. It ensures they stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in their respective fields. But it doesn't stop there. 

We're not solely focusing on civil engineering. Our faculty members also undergo training through NPTEL courses and actively participate in various workshops across the board. This helps them broaden their knowledge beyond their core expertise. The commitment to continuous learning is a core principle. Our faculty members are dedicated to staying current, and they actively engage in workshops and programs to equip themselves with the latest industry-relevant information. By investing in our faculty's development, we're not only benefiting our teaching staff but also ensuring that our students receive a top-notch education aligned with current industry standards and trends.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program? 

Sure, I'd be happy to explain how we've built an industry connection for this program. It's something we take great pride in. Firstly, we've established Memorandums of Understanding, or MOUs, with specific industries. What's exciting is that a couple of these industries have our alumni as part of their teams. This strengthens our bond with them. 

Our alumni, some of whom graduated in 2016, have been incredibly helpful. They act as a bridge between our program and the industry. They're like our industry interaction ambassadors, facilitating communication and collaboration. We're also proactive in organizing programs in partnership with industry experts through our Industry Relations Committee, or IRC. These initiatives provide valuable opportunities for our students to engage with industry professionals, gain exposure, and build networks. These efforts have paid off, and we've received high rankings and recognition in our interactions with industry partners through the IRC, which has further strengthened our industry connections for this program.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program into your curriculum?

Incorporating this program into our curriculum presented us with several challenges. One of the primary challenges was our affiliation with JNTU (Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University). Initially, we operated under their regulations, but now we have attained autonomy.

Previously, we encountered difficulties related to credit requirements. Students were required to complete a minimum of 60 credits of coursework while also developing certain skills. These skills included both non-credit and credit courses, creating a complex dynamic.

To address these challenges, we had to allocate separate time slots in the timetable to accommodate these additional activities and requirements. This adjustment was necessary to ensure that students could meet both their credit course obligations and skill development needs effectively.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

The projects our students work on in this program cover a broad spectrum of civil engineering. They get to dive into building design and analysis. Our students learn how to design and analyze all sorts of structures, from residential to commercial buildings. They get hands-on experience with it. Then, we have infrastructure design. This includes projects like designing water tanks and other critical infrastructure elements. 

It's a crucial aspect of civil engineering, and our program ensures they're well-prepared in this area. But it doesn't stop at theory. We're big on practical learning. So, students also learn how to create functional prototypes and models. It's not just about making something look good on paper; it's about making it work in the real world. These hands-on training programs play a significant role in our curriculum. They give our students the practical skills and knowledge they need to excel in the field of civil engineering.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

There are some significant benefits and promising career options that come with pursuing this course one major advantage is the potential for entrepreneurship. Graduates can venture into starting their own design and consulting businesses. It's a fantastic option, especially in the Civil Department, where they can provide essential design services at the local level once they acquire the necessary government licenses. Placements are a popular choice. 

The construction industry continues to thrive, and there's a consistent demand for civil engineering professionals. Our students are well-prepared to take on roles in construction and related fields. Moreover, civil engineers have a unique opportunity to contribute to society. We play a crucial role in ensuring fundamental needs like food, water, and shelter are met. As long as there's a need for shelter, civil engineering professionals will be in demand, and our students will be right there, making a positive impact. So, this course not only offers entrepreneurship prospects but also opens doors to fulfilling career options that contribute to the betterment of society. It's a win-win for our graduates.