Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the NIELIT Digital University (NDU) in New Delhi on Thursday. The platform will provide high-quality digital education in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and semiconductors. With flexible digital learning modes and virtual labs, NDU aims to equip youth across the country with future-ready skills.
Virtual inauguration of five new NIELIT centres
During the launch, Minister Ashwini Vaishnav virtually inaugurated five new NIELIT centers in Bihar (Muzaffarpur), Odisha (Balasore), Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati), Mizoram (Lunglei), and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Daman). These centers will expand access to technical education, especially in underserved and remote areas.
Partnership with industry, MoU signed
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed at the event with companies such as Microsoft, Zscaler, Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), Dixon Technologies, and Future Crime. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav emphasized industry collaboration and said that NIELIT should adopt a learner-centric model by engaging with top 500 companies.
NDU: Inclusive and Employment-Oriented Education
Available on NDU.digital, the platform offers NCVET-approved and NSQF-compliant courses integrated with the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC). Features include multilingual content, AI-powered learning tools, verifiable digital certificates, and career mentors. NDU aims to reach 4 million learners by 2030.
Emphasis on synergy between industry and education
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav advised NIELIT to follow a model similar to the Gati Shakti University for the transportation sector, which is closely aligned with industry demands. He pointed out that the electronics manufacturing sector has reached ₹13 lakh crore, and NIELIT can make a significant contribution to workforce development.
Panel Discussion on AI and Digital Education
Experts from Intel, Infosys, Microsoft, and Barco Electronics discussed the role of AI in education and linking skilling with industry trends at the event, which was attended by over 1,500 participants, including MPs and MLAs.
Legacy and expansion of NIELIT
NIELIT, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is a leader in digital empowerment with 56 centers, over 750 affiliated institutions, and over 9,000 facilitation centers. It was recently granted “Recognized as a University” status by the Ministry of Education. It has its main campus in Ropar, Punjab, and campuses in 11 other cities.
