The management of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) on Wednesday announced that it will offer elective courses to first-year engineering students in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) starting from the academic session 2026-2027. Previously, this option was available only to BTech second, third, and fourth year students. From now on, students across over 750 government and private engineering colleges affiliated with AKTU in Uttar Pradesh will be able to study electives from their first year itself.
New Curriculum and Elective Options
According to university officials, students will have the opportunity to choose elective courses from a group of papers, enabling them to acquire knowledge related to subjects outside their primary discipline. Furthermore, the curriculum for various engineering branches has been updated to align with contemporary requirements. Subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Data Science have been incorporated with a strong practical focus.
Details of the New Framework
Prof Anurag Tripathi, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at AKTU, stated, “AKTU will provide 60 hours of instruction for four-credit courses. Within this framework, students will be able to opt for three theory courses and one elective course. Through these elective courses, AKTU aims to provide students with practical knowledge and real-world experience.”
Industry Partnerships and Internships
The university will also forge partnerships with various industries and companies to open opportunities for students to undertake internships, participate in industrial tours, and attend expert guest lectures. This initiative is expected to enhance the employability and practical skills of engineering graduates.
