Prof. Shweta Srivastava is a Professor and the Dean of Academics and Research at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. She received her B.Tech degree from IPST, Chitrakoot and her PhD degree from the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Before joining Jaypee Institute, Prof. Shweta was a faculty member at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra between 2002 and 2014.

Prof. Srivastava is an active researcher and her research papers have been published in several International and National journal publications including IEEE Transactions. Furthermore, she has presented papers at several National and International conferences/ seminars in India and abroad. She was also awarded the SERC fast track project for young scientists by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. 

She has had 9 PhDs awarded under her guidance and 6 are currently ongoing. Besides performing her duties at Jaypee Institute, she is also a reviewer of several reputed National and International journals like IEEE Wireless Propagation Letters, Progress in Electromagnetic Research etc.

JIIT Noida

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

I believe that over the next decade, Jaypee Institute must prioritise imparting skills to meet the demand of industries. The job market is continuously evolving and universities should focus on preparing their B.Tech graduates keeping in mind the demands of the industry with soft skills training, and practical hands-on experience. There must be encouragement and resources available for innovation and entrepreneurship for all B.Tech students to work on their passion. 

There must be more collaboration between academia and industry that can help B.Tech students gain practical experience and also help universities stay current with the latest industry trends and demands. Students today require a broad-based education that incorporates interdisciplinary learning to equip them with a diverse range of skills and knowledge fields like engineering, science, business, and humanities.

With the increasing influence of technology in our daily lives, universities should emphasize on digital skills training in the B.Tech program. JIIT has already included minor degrees in digital technologies in topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity to equip them with skills that are in high demand in the job market. 

When you first came to JIIT Noida what was your vision for the university? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

When I joined JIIT in 2014, the university was well-established and had a good stature in academics. While assuming the charge of head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, my aim was to make the department one of the best in the nation in terms of teaching, research facilities, and laboratories. During the past few years, there has been considerable change. Now we can boast of having some of the best state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities with major industry-grade hardware and software in northern India. 

The ECE department at JIIT now focuses on educating students in the design, development, and analysis of electronic devices and communication systems. In addition, the department seeks to promote a culture of research and innovation in the field, with a concentration on remaining abreast of the most recent developments and trends. We have a collaborative atmosphere that encourages the free interchange of ideas, allowing for the growth of innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

As a Dean at JIIT, my focus is to enhance the research outcome of JIIT further and to facilitate the academic process for the students. Towards this end, we have undertaken several initiatives.

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

JIIT Noida is a leading private deemed university in India and is continuously ranked among the top 100 engineering institutions in the country by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). We have a 100% placement record and our highest salary was INE 1.15 Cr, the average package was INR 11.01 lacs and the median package was INR 7.60 lacs for the 2021-2022 academic year.

JIIT Noida has tie-ups with several reputed international universities, including the University of Florida, USA and Charles Sturt University, Australia for student exchange programs, joint research projects, and faculty collaborations. We have a strong focus on research and innovation and have a separate Directorate of Research Innovation and Development that facilitates and funds student and faculty projects and Pre startup ideas.

Our campus has a diverse student community from all over India, and the institute provides various clubs, societies, and events that cater to students’ interests and hobbies. We also have a state of Digital Learning Center established with one of the best studios and recording facilities in the country. 

Check Jaypee Institute of Information Technology Courses & Fees

What do you see as JIIT Noida’s greatest strengths?

JIIT’s strengths lie in our wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in several fields besides engineering and management. Our university has a team of highly qualified and experienced 350-plus faculty who are experts in their respective fields. Around 80% of faculty members are PhD holders from premier institutions of the country like IITs, IIIT and NIT. 

JIIT Noida has modern infrastructure with well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, Digital Learning Centre and other facilities. The university has strong linkages with leading industries, which helps students to gain exposure to real-world problems and solutions. This also provides them with better opportunities for internships, placements, and research collaborations. Our vibrant student community can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and technical competitions. This helps in the overall development of students and enhances their interpersonal skills.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for JIIT Noida specifically?

There are several challenges faced by the higher education system in general, and JIIT Noida is not immune to these challenges. Some of the biggest challenges is in technology. Technology is rapidly changing the landscape of higher education, and institutions must adapt to stay relevant by investing in cutting-edge technology and integrating it into the classroom to enhance the learning experience.

To keep up with the competition, JIIT Noida must continue to differentiate itself from other institutions and offer unique programs and experiences to attract and retain students. In an increasingly globalized world, JIIT Noida must prepare students to work and compete on a global scale. There must be abroad study programs, international partnerships, and a diverse student body. Moreover, the job market is constantly evolving, and JIIT must adapt its programs and curriculum to meet the changing needs of employers. 

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Certainly! I do have some suggestions for the current youth and aspiring B.Tech students. Take the time to explore different areas of interest and find what really excites you. This will help you find the right B.Tech specialization and career path. It is important to focus on building strong fundamentals in your chosen field that will help you in the long run.

Participating in extracurricular activities like sports, music, or volunteering can help you develop important life skills such as teamwork, time management, and leadership. Keep up with the latest developments in your field. This will give you an edge in the job market and help you stay ahead of the curve. Networking is crucial in today’s world. Take time out to attend conferences and workshops and connect with professionals in your field there.

Keep in mind that soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are just as important as technical skills. So work on developing these skills to become a well-rounded professional. Finally, pursuing a B.Tech degree can be challenging, but remember to stay focused, work hard, and never give up on your dreams.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for JIIT Noida, international affairs, and/or students?

Presently, we have plans to collaborate with foreign universities. We are seeking out partnerships with universities abroad to facilitate student exchanges, faculty visits, and joint research projects. There are plans to have study abroad programs that give students an opportunity to experience different cultures, enhance language skills, and gain a global perspective.

We aim to provide support services to international students that can help them navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and other challenges. Our university also organizes cultural events that showcase different cultures and promote cross-cultural exchange towards this end. Additionally, we are trying to provide international internship opportunities and international research collaborations.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute/ university?

JIIT puts in efforts to have open communication among students, faculty, and staff. We provide channels for people to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback through suggestion boxes, open-door policies, or town hall meetings. We try to build trust among the members of the community by being transparent, fair, and consistent in our actions and decisions. 

In order to have a culture of collaboration and teamwork we encourage our students and faculty to work together on projects and initiatives. This can help build relationships and create a sense of community. We also offer academic and emotional support to students, faculty, and staff through tutoring services, counselling, and mental health support. We ensure that the campus’s physical environment is conducive to learning, research, and work. We maintain clean and comfortable spaces, provide a good environment to study and model projects, and create spaces for socialization and relaxation.

Click Jaypee Institute of Information Technology Placements

With the competition so high, how do you guide your students to survive in such a competitive scenario?

As a part of the Dean’s duty, I try to identify student’s unique skills and qualities and work to improve and develop them. This will help them to stand out from the crowd and make a strong impression on potential employers or other stakeholders. The ever-evolving job market requires one to keep up with the latest trends and developments in their field. Our students take part in various external area relevant certificate courses, attend seminars/conferences, participate in software/hardware workshops, and are aware of latest publications related to industry problems and work on it, to stay on top of their game.

We teach students to build relationships with people in their field that can help them stay informed about job opportunities, learn about new developments, and gain valuable insights. They are also highly flexible and can adapt to any situation. They are open to new opportunities, willing to take new challenges, and are flexible in any working environment. Competition can be stressful, so we take care of their physical and emotional health, by mentoring students with their mentors who help them stay motivated by reminding them their chosen path and opportunities ahead.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

One of the primary challenges that we faced was engaging students towards continuous learning because in today’s fast-paced world, students are easily distracted and may struggle to focus on their studies. Educators need to find creative and innovative ways to engage students and make learning relevant and enjoyable. There is also the challenge of assessment and evaluation. It can be difficult to accurately measure student learning and ensure that they are meeting the necessary standards. Our assessment methods need to be fair, reliable, and valid, and educators need to be able to provide timely and constructive feedback to students.

How does the curriculum of your department/college ensure the best practice of the industry?

JIIT Noida, or Jaypee Institute of Information Technology Noida, aims to provide education that is relevant to the needs of the industry. To ensure the best practices of the industry, the curriculum of JIIT Noida is designed in such a way that it provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

JIIT Noida offers courses that are designed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date with the latest industry trends and practices. In the past, we have collaborated with Ericsson and Paras Anti Drone Technologies and many more are in the pipeline. We regularly organize guest lectures and workshops by industry experts to provide students with insights into the latest news and best practices of the industry. The institute encourages its students to undertake industry visits and internships to gain practical experience and exposure to the industry.

JIIT Noida encourages its faculty and students to undertake research projects that are relevant to the needs of the industry. We have MOU’s with several industries for this. We also have provisions for soft skills training for our students to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies required by the industry.