Students seeking careers in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced computing and quantum technology will have a new engineering program option from the 2026-27 academic session, with the introduction of four specialized B.Tech and M.Tech courses in emerging technology fields.
The program has been initiated by: National Institute of Technology Rourkela This comes as part of interdisciplinary expansion in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and India’s growing focus on deep technology sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and advanced manufacturing. The newly announced programs include B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing, B.Tech in Engineering Physics, M.Tech in Semiconductor Devices and Technology, and M.Tech in Machine Learning and Signal Analysis. The institute says these courses are designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and enhance research and innovation in areas related to the national technology mission and future workforce demands.
The B.Tech in Mathematics & Computing program combines mathematics, computing, and data science with subjects such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, cryptography, statistical modeling, theory of computation, and advanced computing. In the first batch, 25 students will be admitted through JEE Main.
Professor Manas Ranjan Tripathy, head of the Department of Mathematics, said the program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of AI, software development, fintech, cybersecurity and data analytics. “Mathematics today goes far beyond traditional calculations and theoretical learning and is the basis for artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, quantitative finance, cryptography, advanced computing and digital technologies,” he said.
The B.Tech in Engineering Physics program focuses on areas such as semiconductor devices, photonics, nanotechnology, quantum technology, optoelectronics, spintronics, space technology, and materials science. The program will admit 25 students through JEE Main and will integrate engineering coursework with laboratory training, modeling and simulation.
In the graduate category, the Master’s degree program in Semiconductor Devices and Technology trains students in semiconductor manufacturing, wafer technology, device characterization, packaging technology, and simulation technology. The program will host 15 students through GATE and aims to support India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem, which is expected to require a large skilled workforce in the coming years.
The institute has also introduced M.Tech programs in Machine Learning and Signal Analysis through the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. This program will focus on deep learning, audio and image processing, wireless communications, biosignal analysis, and autonomous systems. The first batch includes 12 students through GATE.
