Patna: In a significant development, Bihar Engineering University (BEU) and the State Board of Technical Education (SBTE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NASSCOM / IT-ITES Sector Skills Council (SSC) under the government-supported FutureSkills Prime program. This collaboration will provide government engineering and polytechnic students across Bihar with an opportunity to acquire skill training in emerging technologies, meeting global standards.
Industry-Oriented Skill Training for Bihar Students
The agreement aims to bridge the gap between technical education and industry by offering students cutting-edge skills in sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. With this MoU, Bihar’s students will have access to online courses and virtual internships that align with international skill standards. The training will be offered through the FutureSkills Prime digital platform, ensuring that even students from rural areas and smaller districts of the state will receive the same quality education as those in larger cities and prestigious institutions.
Read also: Bihar Leads in Mushroom Production with 45,000 Metric Tons in 2024-25, Boosting Farmer Income
Minister’s Remarks on the Collaboration
Minister Shri Sunil Kumar emphasized the importance of such agreements in aligning technical education with industry needs. He stated, “Programs like FutureSkills Prime help directly connect technical education with industry requirements. Through this digital platform, students from government engineering and polytechnic colleges in Bihar will have the opportunity to train in new technologies, offering them better career prospects.”
He further highlighted that the virtual nature of this training ensures accessibility for students in remote areas, breaking the barriers posed by geographical locations. The FutureSkills Prime platform will provide essential training in new-age technologies that are currently in high demand across global job markets.
Empowering Students with Global-Level Skills
The MoU not only provides students with knowledge of in-demand technologies but also opens avenues for virtual internships, where they can apply their learning in real-world scenarios. The minister stressed that the government is committed to offering better opportunities and industry-relevant skills to students of Bihar’s technical institutions.
Additionally, a recent agreement with INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network Centre) in Gandhinagar will provide students access to digital libraries and research facilities, complementing the technological training provided through this partnership.
Comprehensive Training Program with FutureSkills Prime
Dr. Pratima, the Department Secretary, outlined the details of the collaboration, mentioning that Bihar’s government engineering and polytechnic colleges already offer advanced, industry-oriented courses. With this new MoU, students will now benefit from online courses, virtual internships, foundation courses, and deep-skilling programs on the FutureSkills Prime digital platform. Topics covered will include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing, equipping students with globally competitive skills.
Strengthening the Link Between Education and Industry
Dr. Pradeep Kumar, the Registrar of Bihar Engineering University, and Dr. Upmith Singh, the Chief Operating Officer of NASSCOM, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Minister Shri Sunil Kumar, Department Secretary Dr. Pratima, Director Mr. Ahmed Mahmood Bihar, and Vice Chancellor of Bihar Engineering University, Prof. Suresh Kant Verma.
As part of the agreement, each college will appoint a nodal officer to oversee the implementation of the program and ensure quality training for students. Regular workshops and orientation programs will be organized to train both students and teachers, ensuring they make the most of the digital platform.
A Step Towards a Skilled Future for Bihar Students
This MoU marks a significant milestone in the state’s push to offer high-quality, industry-relevant training to its engineering and polytechnic students. By providing access to the FutureSkills Prime platform and focusing on emerging technologies, Bihar aims to foster a generation of students who are well-equipped with the skills required by the global job market, improving employability and enhancing career opportunities for youth in the state.
