Nirma Institute of Technology (NIT) is first of its kind quality engineering education college in the state of Gujarat. Initially it was affiliated to Gujarat University.
Progress path of NIT: (1995-2003)
It started with total intake of 240 in Five different engineering disciplines. Initially, the institute has 50% free seats and 50% payment seats with higher tuition fees. In very first year it was well accepted in the society. The NERF provided the state of the art infrastructure from the beginning. Even though, it was started in rented premise, it was equipped with all required laboratories and equipment. Modern workshop was established for first year students from very beginning.
The institute became the front runner in all academic ventures it followed. The mission of NIT was Quality.. Quality.. and Quality. In very first year more than 50% of the faculty members were in the cadre of professors and Assistant Professors (equivalent to present associate professors). The institute laid down emphasis on discipline and quality. The authority regularly interacted with the parents for the progress of their wards. Even NIT was affiliated to Gujarat University, at that time emphasis was given on course beyond curriculum. The institute organised many field trips and guest lecturers for the students.
As a result, in very first year, out of top 10 rankers in Gujarat University, Five were from Nirma Institute of Technology. In second year, NIT became the First choice amongst the students seeking for admission in Engineering in Gujarat. Faculty induction and training programmes were regularly organised. Institute deputed faculty members in STTPs and CEPs organised by IITs from very beginning. Students’ counselling and mentoring was given top priority from the beginning. From 1998-99, just after its three years of existence, the management started to depute the faculty members for higher education under QIP. Faculty members were deputed only in IITs for M Tech. Even though, the institute was in developing stage, management took bold decision to depute large number of its faculty members to pursue M Tech in different disciplines. The faculty members were top rankers at IITs during their study. That created good impression amongst the professors of IITs. This helped significantly to have good relations with IITs.
The institute hosted ISTE national convention in 2000, where more than 1100 professionals visited the institute.
NIT was known for its infrastructure and quality education in whole country. Institute went for the first cycle of NBA in its just fifth year of existence. In 2001-02 Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication and Civil Engineering were accredited.
Institute initiated promoting students to participate National level competition from 2002 with full finical support. As a result, Team Nirma became National champion in Robocon 2002 beating IIT Kanpur and represented India at Japan.
Growth of student intake Institute of Technology, NU
Era of Institute of Technology under Nirma University (2003- Till date)
In 2003 NIT comes under the banner of Nirma University and known as Institute of Technology, Nirma University (ITNU)
After having Academic Autonomy choice based credit based system was introduced in 2003. More emphasis was given on Continuous Evaluation. Continuous revision in curriculum in line with need of the society. Major revision in curriculum every 4-5 years is regular practice. All stake holders are involved in the design of Curriculum. Large number of electives are added – offering cafeteria system in academic system. Evolved system of introducing value added courses, enrichment subjects, compulsory industrial internship, mandatory course on social services, NSS and NCC activities, counselling and mentoring process. Outcome based education is introduced. All department of ITNU are accredited by NBA.
The institute was one of the pillar to host India Science congress in 2005, where more than 6000 professionals visited the institute. That time President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India and Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat was present n campus.
Students of Institute also participated in big way and achieve laurels in National Competition of SAE-BAHA, Mitshibishi Cup, Freescale Cup, National Level Hackthon to name a few.
Large number of MoUs with research organisations including SAC-ISRO, IPR,CSIR labs, etc. for strengthening M Tech and PhD programmes. Faculty strength increased from 100+ in 2003 to 220+ in 2020. Faculty with PhD increased from 20 in 2003 to 100+ in 2020, at present all faculty members are with either PhD or pursuing PhD. 100+ publications per year.
Research is in forefront of next level of excellence. Number of funded projects increased – first funded project in 2004 from ISRO, till now 120 + funded projects worth Rs. 10 Caror. More than 15 patents filed in last three years. For Academic benefits, large number of MoUs with leading foreign universities for student and faculty exchange. Industrial consultancy of the tune of @ 40 lakhs per annum. Good number of MoUs with leading Industries.
Now, we are looking towards Centre of Excellence. Already, Centre of Excellence is established in current technology domain of Data Science in colloberatino with Binghamton University, USA as well as Robotics & Automation. Research, Testing and Consultancy labs are existing in the form of NAFETIC: Thermal Insulation testing lab (AICTE Supported) in Mechanical Engineering, Heavy Structure laboratory in Civil Engineering, PLC lab in collaboration with Mitsubishi as well as Centre of Advanced Instrumentation at University level. Institute is looking forward to establish incubation centre for development of entrepreneurship among the next generation students. Theme based research parks are in plan to carry out interdisciplinary research in collaboration with industries, research organization and academia.