Ahmedabad: Gujarat Technological University (GTU) introduced several academic reforms aimed at enhancing practical learning and interdisciplinary exposure for engineering students. According to the new system approved in the university’s academic council, project-based learning (PBL) will now be implemented for students pursuing degree engineering courses.Under this initiative, students will be required to complete PBL activities in at least two subjects in every semester starting from Semester 5. A total of 25 marks will be allotted for PBL components, including 10 marks for a seminar, 10 marks for a mini project, and 5 marks for a micro project. The objective of this initiative is to encourage hands-on learning and help students apply theoretical concepts to practical problems.In addition, GTU introduced a multidisciplinary academic approach through the multi-disciplinary open elective course (MOPEC) system. Under this system, engineering students will be able to choose subjects outside their core branch or related fields and earn academic credits. For example, a mechanical engineering student may opt to study data science or another subject of interest, and the credits earned will be merged into the engineering curriculum.The university also mapped the engineering curriculum with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). This integration will help students become familiar with national quality standards and global environmental challenges during their studies. Typically, students become aware of such standards only after entering professional careers, but this change aims to introduce them earlier in their academic journey.Furthermore, GTU made a 10- to 12-day “societal internship” mandatory between Semester 4 and Semester 5. This internship will expose students to real-world social issues and help them understand practical solutions while connecting with communities and industries.For diploma students, the university also included a 60-hour special skill-based training programme. This training is expected to strengthen their technical skills and better align their knowledge with the requirements of the bachelor of engineering curriculum.
