Mangaluru: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal has signed a bipartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a tripartite MoU with NSDC and EdTech company USDC to expand access to online higher education and professional learning opportunities. The collaboration aims to make high-quality certification and postgraduate programmes accessible to a broader community of learners, including students, working professionals and entrepreneurs.
The MoUs were signed by Prof B Ravi, Director of NITK Surathkal, Mahima Singh representing NSDC, and Vivek Bhattacharya representing USDC. The partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing digital education and promoting industry-relevant learning through flexible online programmes.
Expanding access to quality education
The collaboration is designed to leverage NITK Surathkal’s academic expertise and deliver advanced educational programmes through online platforms. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by offering courses that cater to the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
Officials said the partnership will enable learners from different parts of the country to access specialised postgraduate education without the constraints of geographical location. The programmes are expected to benefit fresh graduates seeking advanced qualifications as well as professionals looking to upgrade their skills and improve career prospects.
The move aligns with the growing emphasis on digital learning and continuous professional development in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Online MTech in Signal Processing and AI from 2026
As part of the initiative, NITK Surathkal will introduce an online Master of Technology (MTech) programme in Signal Processing and Artificial Intelligence (SP&AI) from the academic year 2026–27.
The programme is expected to provide learners with advanced knowledge in signal processing techniques and artificial intelligence applications, two areas that are witnessing rapid growth across industries. The curriculum will be designed to equip students with technical expertise relevant to sectors such as telecommunications, automation, data analytics, healthcare technology and intelligent systems.
Admissions for the programme will open for the 2026–27 academic year. Interested candidates will be able to access details regarding eligibility criteria, admission procedures and application timelines through the institute’s official channels.
More online programmes in the pipeline
NITK Surathkal has also announced plans to expand its portfolio of online postgraduate programmes in the coming years. Future offerings are expected to include an online MTech in Information Technology, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and other specialised programmes aimed at addressing emerging industry requirements.
The institute believes these programmes will contribute to workforce development by creating opportunities for upskilling and reskilling among professionals. The collaboration with NSDC and USDC is expected to support wider outreach and ensure effective delivery of the programmes to learners across diverse backgrounds.
By integrating academic excellence with digital learning platforms, the initiative seeks to strengthen access to quality technical and management education while supporting national skill development objectives.
Ceremony attended by institute leadership
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Prof Kumar GN, Registrar (in-charge), along with deans, faculty members and other functionaries of NITK Surathkal.
Institute officials expressed confidence that the collaboration would help create a robust ecosystem for online learning and contribute to the development of skilled professionals capable of meeting future industry challenges.
With the launch of its first online MTech programme and plans for additional courses, NITK Surathkal is positioning itself to play a larger role in the rapidly growing digital education landscape, offering flexible learning pathways for students and professionals alike.