Dr. A. Srinivasulu Reddy is currently serving as the Principal of CMR Engineering College in Hyderabad. Dr. A. Srinivasulu Reddy, a name that spells supreme quality in the fields of Academics and administration, An ME and PhD (Electrical Engineering) holder with a vast experience of over 20 years in the educational sector, he has always played a pivotal role in the development of colleges like CMREC and SECT. Idolized by many, he is an intellectual par excellence, wherein his mind has been the key player in learning, critical thinking, analysis, researching, and reasoning. Over the years, under his able guidance, professional integrity, and administrative competence, CMREC grew manifold to become one of the top Engineering Colleges in Hyderabad. He has initiated several co-curricular, extra-curricular, and research activities to provide a platform for the students to pool together their individual talents across various disciplines in pursuit of big projects and big ideas. His impeccable and proven track record as an able and visionary administrator has enabled him to excel as a leader. In both roles, Being an academician and as an administrator, his focus has always been on par of all able leader. He is an acclaimed scholar, an accomplished teacher, and an empathetic leader.

CMR Engineering College

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. in recent years?

We offer industry required courses like Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology. Recently, we have added Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Data Science Courses.

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

Our recently introduced courses have given us more employment opportunities as the world needs today. The course have the potential to generate self-employment and enable students to begin something of their own with the skills they have learned. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science courses allow students to become part of this cutting-edge innovation and deal with futuristic technologies as per industry expectations and demands. 

What is your take on the New Education Policy?

The New Education Policy(2020) Gives more flexibility for the student for multiple entry and exit as per his/her career choice. It is the most comprehensive and participatory design structure for the students to complete their study of Choice. 

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.that align with the latest educational policy?

As per the educational policy and recognition of the widespread knowledge we offer emerging technologies, and branches we expect our students to be well-versed in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Cyber Security. To be prepared for a global job market, we help the students cultivate their skill sets through various training and Placement activities, i.e., personality development programs and certification programs.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future post-pandemic corporate culture?

Through our own Co-Academic activities, which are included in the timetable, we are enabling the students to visualize beyond the subject and match up with industrial demand, by adapting recent research trends like LEAD experiments and hobby projects. We motivate them to induce innovations in practical assignments. They give us a broader knowledge of the subject and allow us to increase our teaching standards.

At this juncture, we have introduced an Advanced Technology Learning (ATL) concept for advanced courses they can learn within the campus and get certification, and offer electives by industry professionals for a better understanding. Several companies have signed Memoranda of Understanding(MoU) with us, so we have a lot of active collaborations with well-known and reputed multinational companies. These industry interactions and sessions equip our students to work effortlessly in the future and become the top class professionals.

What are your views on the future of education in the rapid trend of technological addition in every course curriculum?

We encourage each and every faculty member to upgrade their skills and expand their knowledge through research and innovation. We conduct regular seminars, workshops, and conferences for our faculty and students to keep them aware of the most recent technological advancements in particular academic curriculums. We also used modern ICT Tools and Technologies in Teaching and Learning to deliver the curriculum and adapt to the rapid changes in the education System.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with the new roles that are being offered by companies? 

We have our own Training and Placement Team. It has Collaboration with companies for tech programs and assess the research in their respective fields. Apart from other traditional courses, Computer Science & Engineering and some new outfits like Artificial Intelligence which is growing force in the technology industry.. We also assess the potential business and financial value by knowing the technology and business processes before launching a new tool using virtual assistants. We recommend e-resources, remote workshops, and online courses to the students.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating the new program in your curriculum?

First, we need to change the mindset of stakeholders to take the program according to their choice of studies. We need to explain the structure of the program and the various subjects they are going to study. For this purpose problem-solving, creative thinking, and critical data analysis must be implemented in new courses. Next, we develop a sense of familiarity with the curriculum among the students. During our implementation phase, we are prepared to unlearn, learn, and relearn. we collect information about the new program through preparatory groundwork. Also, facilitation and feedback help students figure out and understand themselves. The best part of this curriculum is that it is adaptable to their changing environment and is student-centered. Our institution faces the challenges of acquiring a competency-based curriculum, which we aim to overcome through the education model.

What are the key factors that are being considered while adding a new course?

Firstly, we ensure that the faculty members and required physical infrastructure readily available to introduce new programs on our campus. Later, we will provide the necessary training by sponsoring and encouraging certification courses and FDPs and procuring the necessary items to build the state-of-the-art laboratory.

What are the new-age student Internships/Projects that are being planned for students?

Students are encouraged to do hardware- and software-based research projects that invariably result in high-quality research articles and patents. We offer internships to students in Machine Learning, Data Science, Data Science Engineering, and Google Cloud. We have registered with the AICTE Internship Portal, though we did more internships apart from our T&P.