The Higher Education Review

Located in Gurugram,a financial and technology hub in Delhi NCR, The NorthCap University(NCU)is among the handful of elite universities in India that are emphasizing on broadening research and innovation in their premises. Since its inception in 1996, the University has grown into the fore most educational institutions in North India with an aim of bringing a difference in the Indian higher education sector by focusing on quality of learning and innovation in all programmes with rigor and relevance.

"Apparently by 2020, India will have the largest tertiary-age population in the world with the second largest graduate talent pipeline globally, following China and ahead of the USA. Hence, we are keen to produce a force which is no less competent than the youth studying in foreign universities, "shares Dr.H.B. Raghavendra, Vice-Chancellor, The NorthCap University. Approved by relevant bodies and endorsed by the State Government of Haryana and the UGC, the University offers 21 programmes in a wide range of professional fields in areas of Engineering, Management, Law and Applied Sciences at Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD levels.

Considering research as the primary target,NCU has established a Research, Development and Industrial Liaison (RDIL)Cell led by Dean level academician with industry background to take care of the various industrial consultancy works, sponsored research projects and promote industry and academia interaction. As of 2017, over 300 research papers of the faculty have been published in reputed national and international journals with high citation index.

There also exists a Central Research Facility providing advanced

instruments for common areas of research. Moreover, the "Rs.10 million Vice-Chancellor's Innovation Fund"in NCU has been instituted to encourage innovative ideas amongst research scholars, faculty members and students to research activity. A contingency grant of Rs.25,000 to each full-time Doctoral research scholar along with funds for student projects also facilitates research. Recognized as a Publicly Funded Research University by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, GOI, the Central Research Facility has further strengthened the research-relevant infrastructure of science and technology at the University. In the pursuit of enhancing more such facilities, NCU has signed MoU with ISRO, Dept of Space, Ahmedabad for IRNSS Navigation Receiver Field Trial and Data Collection.

"Students at NCU are exposed to real-life applications and industry interactions for practical understanding and learning"

Array of Opportunities
The winner of the HUDA garden competition in Gurugram in March 2016 for the 16th consecutive year, NCU is spread over 10 acres of clean and pollution-free environment. "Our university is committed to the green movement. Campus-wide initiatives at reducing, reusing and recycling are helping it achieve a green code of living and encouraging students to become environmental friendly citizens,"opines Dr. Raghavendra. With hi-tech classrooms, seminar hall, conference rooms, media room, a 450 seat state-of-the-art auditorium and a double basement parking and so on, the NCU campus is one of the few attractions appreciated by the student community from time to time.

Last year, in collaboration with Beijing Wave Spectrum Science & Technology Co. Ltd.,China, NCU has set up a first of its kind Vibration Laboratory in Haryana equipped with research instruments which are only used in premier technicalinstitutions. The University has recently set up a ‘Common Rail Direct Injection’(CRDI) Engine which has upgraded the IC Engine Laboratory for quality research. “We are incorporating the best facilities on our campus as the goal is to educate students in such a manner where they will be proficient

enough to serve the industry and society atlarge,”says Dr. Raghavendra. There is a regular annual budget planned for laboratory progression in all the Departments ensuring the existence of the latest equipment to meet the requirements of the revised curriculum.

Recently,in order to realize the dreams of entrepreneur enthusiasts,NCU launched 'The Master Jagannath Centre for Excellence& Incubation' MJCEI),a start-up incubation platform at the University. "The intriguing element behind the initiation of this centre is to help young minds to transform their innovative ideas into viable business propositions and create an environment for research and innovation, including software products and apps followed by incubation for commercialization, "explains Dr.Raghavendra.

Bracing Peerless Alliances
Students at NCU are exposed to real-life applications and industry interactions for practical understanding and learning. These activities are carried out with the help of the strong associations of NCU with different institutions and companies. NCU has collaborations with leading international institutions such as ITB Ireland, University of Chester, UK; University of Regina, Canada; Michigan Technological University, Houghton, USA and so on.

"From the very initial stage of the commencement of the classes, our superlative and talented faculty members make it their priority to prepare every student job ready before they leave the university," shares Dr. Raghavendra. Associating with companies like IBM, Mitsubishi Electric India, Delta Power Solutions India and much more, NCU is assuring interactions with industry experts, summer internships, industry sponsored live projects to the students.

Rendering and inculcating an international standard education, the students of NCU are the most sought after candidates by the recruiters in the industry. Holding decent positions, today, the alumni of NCU are placed in top-notch companies such as Delloitte, EY Global, Yatra, Gemini Solutions, just to name a few.