NIT Rourkela launches AI, semiconductor and advanced computing programs for 2026-27

NIT Rourkela has introduced four new academic programs for the 2026-27 session, expanding its offerings in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, advanced computing, and scientific research as the institute focuses on emerging industry and technology sectors.

The newly launched courses include two BTech and two MTech programs designed around areas such as machine learning, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum technologies, advanced materials, data science, and digital transformation.

According to the institute, the programs have been developed to equip students with future-ready technical skills and support India’s growing focus on deep-tech innovation, semiconductor development, and interdisciplinary research.

New BTech Programs Introduced

Among the newly announced undergraduate courses is a BTech in Mathematics and Computing, which will be offered by the Department of Mathematics.

The program combines mathematics, computer science, and data science with training in areas including data structures and algorithms, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cryptography, numerical analysis, statistical modeling, advanced computing, and theory of computation.

NIT Rourkela said the course aims to prepare students for careers in software engineering, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, quantitative finance, data science, academic research, and technology-driven industries.

Admissions to the program will be conducted through JEE Main, and the first batch will have an intake capacity of 25 students.

The institute has also launched a BTech in Engineering Physics with a focus on next-generation scientific and technological applications.

The course curriculum includes subjects related to quantum technologies, semiconductor devices, nanotechnology, photonics, cryogenics, optoelectronics, spintronics, materials science, astronomy and space technology, biophysics, and high-energy physics.

The inaugural batch will also admit 25 students through JEE Main.

Focus on Semiconductor and AI Research

At the postgraduate level, NIT Rourkela has introduced an MTech in Semiconductor Devices and Technology to support India’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem and electronics manufacturing ambitions.

The program will train students in semiconductor devices, integrated circuit fabrication, semiconductor wafer technology, device characterization, packaging technologies, modeling and simulation, and advanced electronic materials.

The institute stated that laboratory training and industry-oriented projects would form a major part of the curriculum to provide hands-on exposure to semiconductor technologies. Admissions to the course will be through GATE, with 15 seats available in the first batch.

Another new postgraduate program, MTech in Machine Learning and Signal Analysis, will be offered by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering.

The course is designed around the intersection of artificial intelligence, signal processing, and data science, with specialization areas including deep learning, speech processing, image analysis, biomedical signal processing, autonomous systems, and wireless communication technologies.

NIT Rourkela said the program aims to strengthen interdisciplinary research and collaboration across engineering, applied mathematics, and computer science domains. The inaugural batch will admit 12 students through GATE.

Institute Highlights NEP 2020 Vision

Explaining the academic vision behind the launch of the new programs, Prof Ashok Kumar Turuk, Dean Academic at NIT Rourkela, said the institute is aligning its curriculum with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.

“Aligned with the vision of NEP 2020, the future of higher education lies in multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, skill integration, and research-driven innovation,” Kumar said.

“At NIT Rourkela, we believe that subjects like Physics and Mathematics should no longer be viewed only through the lens of theory but as foundational disciplines powering emerging technologies and industrial transformation,” he said.

“These programs represent an important step towards building a future-ready workforce for India’s growing deep-tech and knowledge economy,” he added.

The institute said that the introduction of these programs reflects growing demand for specialized talent in AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and computational technologies, sectors that are expected to play a major role in India’s future industrial and research ecosystem.