VTU’s 3.5-year degree for ‘extraordinary achievers’

This opens job opportunities sooner for ‘extraordinary’ performers but might put undue pressure on students

While most general degree students wrap up their courses in three years, engineering students typically commit to an additional year for their four-year BE program (and yes, MBBS students have an even longer grind!). But here’s some exciting news: Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) is introducing a game-changing fast-track programme for engineering students, allowing them to earn their degree in just 3.5 years. Sounds incredible? Well, there’s a twist! This opportunity isn’t for everyone—it’s exclusively for ‘extraordinary’ students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. Only those who stand out as the best of the best will qualify for this elite programme.

An official said, “This ‘fast-track’ programme allows students who meet the eligibility criteria to complete their degrees in a reduced timeframe, provided they maintain exceptional academic performance. Typically, it takes four years to earn a B.Tech degree without carrying over any subjects.

However, this new initiative opens doors for exceptional students to graduate in 3.5 years, enabling them to enter the workforce sooner. The programme is designed to benefit career-oriented students by allowing them to graduate faster and secure employment opportunities immediately.

Graduates will receive their degree completion certificates from their respective colleges and VTU upon finishing the programme.” VTU currently oversees 208 engineering colleges with over 300,000 students enrolled.

Eligibility criteria

Students who joined VTU-affiliated institutions in 2022 and are currently in their 4th semester are eligible to apply for the “extraordinary” programme. They must have achieved a CGPA of 9 or above in both the 2nd and 3rd semesters. If they fail to maintain this performance level, their enrollment in the programme will be cancelled. On the other hand, faculty members have been instructed to conduct regular classes and expedite the completion of the syllabus. Practical exams and internal assessments must be conducted immediately after the completion of each semester. Dr S Vidyashankar, vice-chancellor, VTU said, “Our aim is to support talented students by enabling them to graduate faster through the fast-track ‘extraordinary’ degree programme. Colleges are encouraged to identify eligible students and enroll them in this scheme.”

Programme structure

A VTU official explained, “Students must submit a grade report to VTU to confirm their eligibility for the programme. During the 7th semester, they are required to complete both their internship and technical seminar. To streamline the process, subjects typically covered in the 8th semester will be preemptively taught and assessed in the 7th semester itself.

The total credits for the programme remain capped at 160, ensuring no additional workload for students. Detailed guidelines have been shared with college principals, who are tasked with explaining the programme to students and overseeing its effective implementation. Additionally, the project work for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be merged into a single evaluation process, simplifying the academic requirements. This innovative initiative from VTU sets a new standard in education, empowering exceptional students to accelerate their engineering journey and embark on their professional careers ahead of schedule.”

The idea has stirred a debate. A sixth-semester student said, “The fast-track degree is a revolutionary opportunity for exceptional students to enter the workforce sooner while maintaining academic rigour. It rewards talent, streamlines education, and equips students to meet industry demands more efficiently.” However, a college professor who didn’t want to be named added, “While the idea of a fast-track degree is promising, it might put undue pressure on students to maintain exceptional grades and compress an already demanding curriculum. Engineering education is about holistic learning, and rushing through it could compromise the depth of knowledge and skill development.”