Dr. Ch. Ramesh Babu is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Electronics and Communications Engineering at Vignan Institute of Information and Technology. After completing his B.Tech. degree in ECE, he earned an M.Tech. in Embedded Systems. Thereafter, he completed a PhD in Electronics and Communication Engineering. With over 15 years of teaching experience, he has also worked in the industry at Deccan Embedded Systems Pvt. Ltd. and Naval Science and Technological Laboratories.

Dr. Babu is one patent to his name and has attended 14 faculty development programs, workshops, and STTPs, along with 19 publications in reputed international and national journals. He has also been ratified twice as an Assitant Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering at JNTUK. Moreover, he has served as Dean of Placements at Vignan’s Institute of Information and Technology.

Vignan Institute of Information and Technology

Being a HOD of Dept., what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students? 

As a HoD, I mainly concentrate on maintaining the general discipline of the students. I also take part in engaging and empowering each and every student to reach their potential. I also focus on creating and nurturing an inclusive learning environment that enables all students to thrive.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

I set huge expectations by recognising the potential of the students as well as the fellow faculty. I am also giving mutual respect, practicing fairness and equality, building honesty and trust, practicing healthy communication, and supporting each other while giving room for independence and individuality.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

As the Head of the ECE Department, I bring a practical and industry-oriented approach to subjects by collaborating with industry partners for real-world projects, integrating case studies, and encouraging faculty with industry experience. We organise regular industrial visits to expose students to operational environments, leverage modern technology and simulations in teaching, and offer internships and co-op programs for hands-on experience. Continuous engagement with industry professionals helps align the curriculum with current industry practices, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain the necessary skills? 

The department enhances student skills through hands-on projects, industry collaborations, modern technology integration, and participation in the APSSDC (Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation) training program. Research opportunities and a focus on soft skills contribute to a well-rounded education. Career guidance, resume workshops, and professional certifications, along with APSSDC training, prepare students for job opportunities. Regular interactions with industry professionals and internships provide insights into current practices. The curriculum aligns with industry trends, ensuring adaptability. We place emphasis on practical application, as it fosters problem-solving abilities. Networking events, including those facilitated by the APSSDC program, enrich their professional connections. The department's approach equips students with a comprehensive skill set, enhancing their employability. Overall, these practices, including APSSDC training, empower students for successful careers

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How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students?

We update the curriculum by regularly assessing industry trends, gathering feedback from students, parents, and alumni, and involving faculty with industry experience. Collaboration with industry partners ensures that the curriculum aligns with current practices. We maintain flexibility in design to promptly incorporate changes and advancements. Moreover, we have committees, comprised of both academia and industry representatives, that conduct regular reviews for comprehensive updates. This approach ensures that our curriculum remains dynamic, responsive, and well-suited to prepare students for the demands of the engineering field.

What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department or How does your department prepare students for higher education?

The ultimate goal for every student is placement or higher education. We have various in-house and external training (CRT) that are arranged for both technical and non-technical skills. We will prepare students to be ready for campus drives by the fourth year. We also encourage the students to attempt competitive exams like the GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, GATE and other national or international based exams to further their chances of grabbing the best job opportunities and education.

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world? 

We always insist that the students compete with themselves and their classmates in a healthy manner. We also try to turn their attention to analysing their progress and working on their flaws, which helps them stay encouraged and improve as their skills develop. I believe our students can face the outside world with their heads held high.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

We conduct activities that include sports competitions, music competitions, yoga, meditation, arts and crafts, and indoor games like chess, carrom, etc. These are not only helpful in personal development but they also improve academic performance. Students are also free to engage in inter-college competitions and events towards the same goal.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

The post-COVID lockdown scenario in the education industry is teeming with various challenges. One of the major issues is the pace of learning of the students. Using interactive devices and educational resources like MOOCs and NPTEL, we are trying to resolve student boredom issues.