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Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education, through joint research and partnerships
with global universities, can help build a strong, connected and future-ready higher
education ecosystem across Andhra Pradesh. In an exclusive interview, Prof. S. Vijaya
Bhaskara Rao, Vice Chairman, APSCHE, explains to Vidushi Gupta, Reporter, APAC Media
how the objective is to develop well-rounded graduates who are technologically skilled,
creative, adaptable and capable of solving real-world problems.
Andhra Pradesh is undertaking several reforms in higher education. What are the key
changes at ground level you believe are needed to make the state’s universities more
future-ready?
The Government of Andhra Pradesh is undertaking several significant reforms in higher
education with the objective of making the State’s universities more future-ready, globally
competitive and industry-responsive.
A key focus is introducing new and emerging courses such as AI, Quantum Technologies
and other advanced technologies at UG and PG levels, in both conventional and technical
programmes. This will enable students to acquire contemporary skills and prepare
themselves for the future workforce.
Another important reform is strengthening academic leadership. The Government has also
appointed several Vice-Chancellors from reputed national universities and institutions,
bringing wider academic and research experience at the State Universities.
Most importantly, the Government has taken responsibility for recruiting teaching faculty in
all State Universities, targeted for completion by March 2027. Strengthening the faculty base
will be a game changer, as qualified faculty are essential for quality teaching, research and
student development.
Andhra Pradesh is also looking at areas such as AI and quantum technologies. How
can the state build the right faculty, infrastructure and research ecosystem to support
these emerging fields?
The Government of Andhra Pradesh is taking proactive steps to build a strong ecosystem for
emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technologies.
To spearhead the development of the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV), the State
Government has constituted a Core Committee and various sub- committees comprising
industry experts, eminent academicians, researchers and technical experts. These
committees are regularly engaging with stakeholders and closely monitoring the day-to-day
progress and development of the Quantum Valley, with a focus on creating an industry-
academia-government ecosystem.
APSCHE is also strengthening faculty capabilities. During the last year, APSCHE has
conducted 20+ Faculty Development Programmes on AI, Quantum Technologies and
related emerging areas.
APSCHE has also conducted the Amaravati Quantum Valley Hackathon 2025, giving
students and faculty an opportunity to work on real-world problems and develop innovative
solutions.
Going forward, the focus will be on specialised infrastructure, research facilities, faculty
training, industry collaboration and innovation.
In your opinion, how can universities strike the right balance between technology-
driven education and skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity and
problem- solving?
Universities should ensure that technology supports education rather than replacing
essential human skills. Along with AI and other emerging technologies, students must
develop critical thinking, communication, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
The focus should be on learning by doing through projects, group discussions,
presentations, case studies, internships, hackathons and real- world problem-solving. This
will help students apply technology while developing their communication and decision-
making skills.
Faculty also have an important role in creating interactive and discussion- based
classrooms, rather than relying only on technology-driven teaching. The objective should be to develop well-rounded graduates who are technologically skilled, creative, adaptable and capable of solving real-world problems.
Looking ahead, what would you like to see Andhra Pradesh achieve in higher
education over the next five years?
I would like to see Andhra Pradesh build a strong, inclusive and future-ready higher
education system that produces skilled, employable and innovative graduates.
Faculty recruitment should be completed on priority and adequate qualified faculty should be
ensured. Sufficient and timely funding should be provided to strengthen infrastructure,
laboratories and research. Access to higher education should be expanded and greater
student enrolment should be encouraged.
Programmes in AI, Quantum Technologies, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Semiconductors
and other future-oriented areas should be expanded. Students should be provided with
meaningful industry exposure and practical learning through internships and
apprenticeships. Research, innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship should be
strengthened in universities through Research and Innovation Hubs.
Stronger industry linkages and institutional placement systems should be built to improve
placements.Students and faculty should be encouraged to convert innovative ideas and
research into start-ups and enterprises.
Andhra Pradesh has been building partnerships with companies such as Microsoft
and other technology players for AI and advanced-technology skills. How do you see
these partnerships changing the way higher education is delivered in the state?
Partnerships with leading technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, WYSER and other
industry players are helping Andhra Pradesh move towards a more industry-aligned and
future-oriented higher education system.
Traditionally, higher education has largely focused on classroom-based theoretical learning.
These partnerships are helping bridge the gap between academic learning and industry
requirements by providing students and faculty with exposure to contemporary technologies,
industry practices, practical projects and globally relevant skill sets.
At the student level, such collaborations can strengthen experiential and outcome-based
learning through industry-led training, certifications, hackathons, internships, real-world
projects and problem-solving activities. This enables students to apply their academic
knowledge to practical challenges and improves their readiness for employment and
entrepreneurship.
For faculty, industry partnerships provide opportunities for Faculty Development
Programmes, technology training and continuous upskilling, enabling teachers to incorporate
current tools and technologies into their teaching and research. This is particularly important
in rapidly evolving domains such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, data science and
quantum technologies.
What role can APSCHE play in bringing together universities, industry, government
and global academic institutions so that these partnerships create a stronger higher-
education ecosystem across the state?
APSCHE can act as a bridge between universities, industry, government and global
academic institutions, bringing them together on a common platform. At the academic level,
APSCHE can facilitate industry-oriented curriculum development in emerging areas such as
AI, Quantum Technologies, semiconductors, cybersecurity and data science.
For students and faculty, APSCHE can coordinate FDPs, internships, industry training,
certifications, hackathons and real-world projects across universities in the State.
APSCHE can also promote joint research, Centres of Excellence, innovation, incubation and
technology transfer by connecting universities with industry and research institutions.
With global universities, APSCHE can facilitate joint research, faculty and student exchange,
academic collaborations and international exposure.
Most importantly, APSCHE can ensure that MoUs translate into measurable outcomes such
as trained faculty, student projects, research, patents, start- ups and employment
opportunities. In this way, APSCHE can help build a strong, connected and future-ready
higher-education ecosystem across Andhra Pradesh.
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