In a pioneering move, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has introduced a groundbreaking three-month training program on Drone Technology aimed at Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks Officers (OR) with plans to extend the initiative further. This program, spearheaded by the Centre for Educational Technology (CET), Centre for Intelligent Cyber Physical Systems (CICPS), Centre for Drone Technology, and IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (IITG TIDF), is designed to modernize armed forces operations and equip personnel with state-of-the-art skills for drone operations. Furthermore, it seeks to facilitate a seamless transition for armed forces personnel considering post-retirement careers in the rapidly expanding drone technology sector.
Professor Parameswar K. Iyer, the Dean of PRBR and the head of the Centre for Drone Technology at IIT Guwahati, emphasized the institute’s commitment to augmenting the armed forces with niche technologies and implementing skilling programs. He expressed the significance of this first-of-its-kind training program, stating that it would provide comprehensive training in drone technologies, pilot training, software operations, and applications to officers and JCOs, aiming to revolutionize various operational activities.
Addressing the upskilling program, Professor T. V. Bharat, Head of the Centre for Educational Technology at IIT Guwahati, highlighted the institute’s role in offering a certificate program on Drone Technology, a first in the country for the defense forces. The program aims to skill the armed forces with emerging technologies and enhance their career opportunities post-retirement, potentially leading to entrepreneurship or pursuing technology-based second careers.
The program, tailored specifically for armed forces participants, combines theoretical and practical aspects of drone technology and operations. The curriculum covers fundamentals such as Maths and Computing Foundation, Drone Technology, Electrical, Electronics & Mechanical Engineering, and Applied Engineering. The practical component involves hands-on training using Flight Simulators, Basic Assembly, Risk Assessment & Analysis, Drone Equipment Maintenance, Payload Installation and Utilization, Intro to Drone Data & Analysis, Robotics, 3D Printing, Practical Flying with Instructor, and Solo Flying.
Given the participants’ background as members and officers of the Armed Forces, the program capitalizes on their existing high levels of discipline, leadership, and professionalism. Through this training, participants gain reorientation, retooling, and upskilling to thrive in the evolving drone industry.
Brigadier Rajeev Kapur, SM, Assistant Director General of the Directorate General of Resettlement (DRZ), emphasized the program’s role in enabling a smooth transition for service personnel aspiring for a second career after retirement. The three-month course on Drone Technology has been specially designed for JCOs and ORs to expand their knowledge on Drone Technology and its various applications, providing insights into the civil domain and familiarizing them with the corporate world’s working environment.
Sharing his experience, Mr. A. Kumar from the Indian Air Force commended the educational environment at IIT Guwahati. Despite the initial challenge of revisiting basics learned years ago, he appreciated the professors’ teaching methods and described the stay at IIT Guwahati as pleasant and knowledge-enriching.
This program marks the beginning of a series of upskilling Officers Courses offered by IIT Guwahati, demonstrating the institute’s commitment to empowering armed forces personnel with cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
ABOUT IIT GUWAHATI
Established in 1994, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati completed 25 years in 2019. The institute offers a wide array of programs in engineering, science, healthcare, management, and humanities. IIT Guwahati has consistently ranked among the top engineering institutions in India and has gained recognition globally for its research initiatives. The institute continues to maintain its superior position in various international rankings.
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