New Delhi: The Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has announced India’s first undergraduate (UG) minor program in quantum technologies.
This initiative, part of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), aims to create a quantum-trained workforce and establish India as a global leader in quantum research and technology.
Professor Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, stated that the curriculum would blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory training, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of quantum technologies. “This program is essential to align with the goals of the National Quantum Mission and build a quantum-ready workforce for India’s technological advancement,” he stated.
The program, designed for undergraduate engineering students, will be offered as a minor specialization starting from the third or fourth semester. It includes 18 credits spanning theory and laboratory courses, covering the four key verticals of quantum technology: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communications, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices.
Strategic Milestone for the National Quantum Mission
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, described it as a transformative step toward achieving a skilled quantum workforce.
He added, “The curriculum caters to diverse institutions and disciplines, ensuring that all engineering students can access this program. Additionally, the National Quantum Mission will support the creation of teaching labs in select institutions and collaborate with AICTE for faculty development.”
Professor T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, emphasized the role of the program in sparking a quantum revolution. He revealed that the curriculum is ready and will be rolled out in top institutions from the upcoming academic session in July 2025. He also urged institutes to adopt the program proactively to maximize its impact.
Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of the Mission Governing Body (MGB) for the NQM, advocated for the inclusion of internships alongside the course to enhance its practical value.
Faculty Development and Infrastructure Support
To ensure the program’s success, AICTE and DST have proposed sustained Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and the establishment of quantum teaching labs.
These efforts aim to provide high-quality training to students while fostering innovation in quantum research. Additionally, the National Quantum Mission plans to support the creation of specialized course materials, books, and quantum awareness programs to complement the curriculum.
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step in democratizing access to quantum education, previously available only at select institutions of national importance. By scaling this program across AICTE-approved institutions nationwide, India is poised to tap into its vast student talent pool, accelerating its journey toward global leadership in quantum technologies.
The course structure is meticulously planned, with theory and lab components ensuring a minimum of 36 in-class hours per semester for theory courses and rigorous lab sessions to impart practical expertise.
The launch of this UG minor program has highlighted India’s commitment to advancing quantum research and technology, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and workforce development.
National Quantum Mission: Building a Quantum Future
The National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023, with a budget of Rs 6,003.65 crore for 2023-24 to 2030-31, aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D while fostering a vibrant ecosystem for quantum technologies.
The Mission is expected to accelerate quantum technology-driven economic growth and position India as a global leader in Quantum Technologies and Applications.
Key objectives of the Mission include:
- Developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits using platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
- Enabling satellite-based secure quantum communications over 2,000 kilometres within India and establishing inter-city quantum key distribution networks.
- Supporting the development of magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.
- Designing and synthesizing quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for quantum device fabrication.
The Mission also focuses on creating single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for quantum communications, sensing, and metrology applications.
Implementation and Sectoral Impact
As per the government, the NQM will establish four Thematic Hubs in leading academic and R&D institutes to focus on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices. These hubs will drive both basic and applied research while promoting R&D in their respective domains.
NQM is expected to significantly benefit critical sectors like communication, healthcare, finance, and energy, with applications ranging from drug design to space exploration and cybersecurity.
It should be also noted that the Mission aligns with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Startup India, and Self-reliant India, while also advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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