With the Gujarat government announcing a second ‘Centre of Excellence,’ CEPT University in Ahmedabad is setting up a new CEPT TechCommons lab.
As part of its efforts to upgrade its campus, CEPT has also constructed two modern studio buildings, funded by external donations. Both buildings are expected to be ready by June.
CEPT is expanding opportunities for students and will engage in international practices through immersive workshops, and travel-based field visits. Under student and faculty exchanges progammes, CEPT currently has arrangements with more than 30 international collaborations across Asia, Europe and North America.
According to report,”The TechCommons lab will involve new technologies for student learning, including digital and related technologies, such as AR, VR, advanced computation, photography, video, sound and other associated areas. Since its first recognition as a Centre of Excellence by the Gujarat government, CEPT University has made significant strides towards its stated action plan. We introduced new multi-disciplinary Master’s programmes in housing design, computational design and fabrication, and architectural tectonics,” Prof Barjor Mehta, President, CEPT University authorities.
The Government of India has also recognised CEPT as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design – the only private institution among four such institutions across India.
The Centre of Excellence (CoE) status granted by the Gujarat government allows institutes to be exempt from the Fee Regulation Committee (Technical) and the Admission Committee for Professional Courses (ACPC), giving them autonomy over admissions and fees. However, a Government Resolution (GR) issued on April 28 states that all admissions must still follow the guidelines, norms, and standards set by the relevant statutory bodies—AICTE, PCI, or CoA.
The colleges, institutions or private universities declared as ‘Centre of Excellence’ are also required to submit an undertaking to the effect that it shall not do profiteering and/or charge capitation or donation fees. The CoE provision was brought in to “improve the quality of professional education in Gujarat and to pave ways for promoting and establishing of world class educational institutions imparting professional courses in Gujarat”.
“This summer, around 300 students participated in international travel-based courses to seven cities across the world, including Singapore, Bandung, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Cairo and others,” Prof Mehta said.
“The recognition as a Centre of Excellence reaffirms our resolve to push boundaries of excellence, strengthen research and commit ourselves to making a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of people across India’s towns and cities,” Prof Mehta added.
CEPT University has started CEPT Professional Programmes, a special unit that offers courses for continuing education and lifelong learning. These programmes are designed to help working professionals and government officers across India build new skills that match industry needs.