The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) launched four new engineering programs, effective from the 2026-27 academic session. According to the NIT Rourkela, these programs will equip students with future-ready skills and address emerging industry demands across various national priority areas, such as digital transformation, semiconductor ecosystem development, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and scientific innovation. These new courses include:
1) B.Tech in Mathematics and Computing
Offered by the Department of Mathematics at NIT Rourkela, this program will integrate mathematics, computing, and data science, and includes the following core subjects:
| Data Structures and Algorithms |
| Theory of Computation |
| Machine learning |
| Artificial intelligence |
| Cryptography |
| Numerical analysis |
| Statistical modelling |
| Advanced computing |
In the first batch, 25 students will be admitted through JEE Main, and this is expected to open up career paths in software development, AI and ML, data science, quantitative finance, cybersecurity, research, and academia.
2) B.Tech in Engineering Physics
The B.Tech in Engineering Physics is a four-year undergraduate program that combines the fundamental principles of physics with engineering applications to create advanced technical solutions.
This program will cover a wide range of subjects, including Quantum Technology, Semiconductor Devices, Photonics, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Cryogenics, Optoelectronics, Spintronics, Astronomy and Space Technology, High-Energy Physics, and Biophysics. The first batch will admit 25 students, and admission to this program will be conducted through JEE Main.
3) M.Tech in Semiconductor Devices and Technology
The objective of this program is to bolster the country’s semiconductor ecosystem. It will provide students with knowledge regarding the following areas:
| Semiconductor devices |
| IC fabrication |
| Semiconductor wafer technology |
| Device characterisations |
| Packaging technologies |
| Modelling, simulation |
| Advanced materials for electronic applications |
Furthermore, according to the NIT Rourkela, this program will include comprehensive practical training through advanced laboratory experiments and industry-relevant projects. The first batch of this program will comprise 15 students selected through GATE.
4) M.Tech in Signal Processing and Machine Learning
The M.Tech in Signal Processing and Machine Learning (SPML) is a two-year, advanced postgraduate program that integrates advanced electrical engineering with artificial intelligence. It focuses on analyzing, interpreting, and processing data signals (audio, images, sensors) using intelligent algorithms. Its core subjects include Deep Learning, Adaptive Filters, Pattern Recognition, and Linear Algebra, and it offers excellent career prospects in the fields of automation, communication, and AI research.
The first batch of this M.Tech in Signal Processing and Machine Learning program will admit 12 students through GATE.
About NIT Rourkela:
The National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) is a premier public technical university located in Rourkela, the “Steel City” of the Indian state of Odisha. Founded on August 15, 1961, as the ‘Regional Engineering College’ (REC) Rourkela, it is designated as an ‘Institute of National Importance’ by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Nationally, the institute ranks 13th in engineering and second among all NITs nationwide.
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