Dr. Rita Chhikara is currently working as the Head and Professor of the Department of CSE. She is a target-driven, dedicated professional with more than 22 years of experience in teaching, administration and research. She holds a B.E Degree from Pune University, M.Tech from Punjab Technical University and Ph.D. Degree from The NorthCap University in the area of Machine Learning and Information Security. She is an EICT and IIT Roorkee Certified Data Science Professional. She has completed two DST-sponsored projects in the area of Steganalysis and Dementia. Her current areas of research include Data Mining, Pattern Recognition, Machine Learning, Image Processing, and Deep Learning. She has published around 65 papers in peer-reviewed International Journals with good indexing and reputed national/international conference proceedings and published a book on Intelligent Healthcare: Applications of AI in eHealth in Springer. Her belief in sharing knowledge led her to deliver talks on emerging topics of Machine Learning at various reputed conferences, FDPs and Ted-Ed events. Her administrative responsibilities as NIRF nodal officer and NAAC coordinator have contributed to improving the visibility of the University. Recipient of the Teaching and Research Excellence National Award, certificate of appreciation for Judge Toyacathon 2021 organized by the Ministry of Education and Star Performer of the Year award at NCU. 

She has chaired various sessions at Springer, IEEE and Elsevier conferences in India, Malaysia and Singapore. She has guided around 35 B. Tech projects, 15 M.Tech theses, 3 Ph.D Scholars and currently supervising 7 Ph.D. scholars. She is a professional member of ISTE, ACM, IEEE, and IET and her perseverance and expertise has helped the University grow as one of the top institutes in Haryana.

The NorthCap University

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy centers on empowering individuals, fostering collaboration, and leading by example with unwavering integrity and honesty. I wholeheartedly endorse an adaptive approach that empowers each team member to realize their full potential while simultaneously advancing collective goals. I firmly believe in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, underpinned by positive reinforcement and recognition of achievements. I am convinced that by diligently tending to the needs of the team and upholding steadfast values, we can not only attain remarkable outcomes but also adapt to the ever-evolving challenges of our world.

How does the curriculum of The NorthCap University ensure the best practice of industry?

Our university’s curriculum is a dynamic and responsive system that ensures the best practices of the industry are integrated into our programs. We have industry experts from reputed organizations as part of our Board of Studies who provide valuable insights to align our programs with current industry standards and incorporate the latest industry tools and technologies. Internships are an integral part of our curriculum which helps our students in gaining real-world experience within the industry. We regularly invite industry professionals to conduct guest lectures and workshops. This provides students with insights from those actively working in the field. Experiential learning components like case studies, group discussions and mini-projects are integral parts of our curriculum. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students are offered value-added courses through various academia partners like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Oracle, EC-Council, etc. Students and faculty members are encouraged to engage in research and innovation projects through an active incubation center that often has direct applications in the industry. 

In addition to technical skills, we also emphasize soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers. We actively seek feedback from alumni and industry partners to gauge the effectiveness of our curriculum. This feedback loop helps us make continuous improvements. This commitment to industry relevance equips our graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers.

Are there any placement opportunities for the students in the School of Engineering and Technology at NorthCap University, Gurugram?

Yes, our university is dedicated to providing ample placement opportunities for our students. We have a well-established and proactive Career Professional Attachment and Alumni cell that works tirelessly to connect our students with a wide range of employment options. We have strong connections with a network of industry partners, including corporations, organizations, and start-ups, which regularly recruit our students. Our Career Services team provides individualized career counselling to help students identify their career goals and prepare for interviews. We conduct workshops on resume building, interview skills, and job search strategies to enhance our student's employability. We organize HR conclave on a regular basis for networking opportunities. In addition to academic qualifications, we focus on developing students' soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, to make them Industry-ready. We have a strong track record of more than 95% successful placements, with many of our graduates securing positions in leading companies both nationally and internationally.

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What are the strengths of the School of Engineering and Technology at The NorthCap University, Gurugram?

The School of Engineering and Technology at NorthCap University stands out for its commitment to providing a contemporary and high-quality education, fostering innovation and research, and offering students opportunities to excel both academically and professionally on a global scale. The school is backed by a team of highly qualified and seasoned faculty members who offer deep expertise and valuable insights in their respective fields. The school provides specialized programs in contemporary technologies such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics, IoT and 5G, Cybersecurity, Gametech, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, Full Stack Development, Mobile Applications, Sound Engineering, Visual Communication and more. This ensures that students receive an education that aligns with the latest industry trends and technological advancements. 

The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including high-end computing systems and centers of excellence established in collaboration with renowned organizations. Smart classrooms enhance the overall learning experience for students. The department actively supports student clubs, competitions, and extracurricular activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills among students. The faculty has successfully implemented research projects sponsored by reputed Govt. organizations like DST, DRDO, AICTE, and many more. The school has achieved QS I-Gauge Platinum Badge, underscoring its steadfast commitment to maintaining high academic standards. The school’s emphasis on multidisciplinary projects has enabled students to excel in various prestigious competitions and hackathons. Notably, consecutive wins in the Smart India Hackathon in 2021 and 2022 highlight the innovative thinking of both students and faculty. The school has established international ties with universities worldwide, including those in the USA, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. These collaborations offer students and faculty exposure to global standards and facilitate international exchanges.

Any suggestions/messages that you would like to give to the current youth?

The journey of youth is a time of exploration and growth. Embrace it with enthusiasm, and never underestimate your ability to shape your own destiny and make a positive impact on the world. Pursue a career or path that you are genuinely passionate about. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, and you’re more likely to excel. Life will present challenges and setbacks. Learn to bounce back from failures, adapt to changes, and keep moving forward with determination. Learn about managing your finances early on. Budget wisely, save, and invest for your future. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Failures are valuable learning experiences that can lead to future success. You have the potential to make a difference in the world. Believe in your ability to create a brighter future for yourself and others.

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

A healthy relationship and environment are maintained through various team-building activities and problem & design thinking workshops. The university has clear and transparent policies. It provides ample opportunities for skill development and career growth and empowers its members to take ownership of their work and contribute to decision-making processes.