B.Tech in Semiconductor Design and Technology at NCU: Powering India’s Chip Revolution
The global semiconductor industry is at the heart of innovation, driving progress across domains like electronics, AI, automotive, telecommunications, and defense. The need for qualified experts in chip design and manufacturing is growing as India strives to become an independent semiconductor hub through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). A program that is industry-aligned and future-focused, the B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) with a specialisation in Semiconductor Design and Technology is introduced by The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram, in collaboration with IIT Mandi and NSDC, in response to this need.
The goal of this unique program is to turn aspiring engineers into top-tier semiconductor experts who can steer India’s technological and digital future.
The Right Programme at the Right Time
With substantial government support, including a $10 billion incentive package, the semiconductor market in India is expected to grow to $64 billion by 2026. The need for a specialised, skilled workforce has never been higher as international companies like Micron, Vedanta-Foxconn, and Tata Electronics enter India’s chip ecosystem.
These national goals are strategically aligned with NCU’s distinctive B.Tech program, which provides students wishing to enter the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry with the ideal starting point.
Academic Excellence with IIT Mandi & NSDC
This program’s academic collaboration with IIT Mandi and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is what really sets it apart. Students gain from:
- Curriculum co-developed and co-delivered with IIT Mandi, bridging academic excellence with real world experience.
- Hands-on sessions at IIT Mandi’s advanced labs and clean rooms across six semesters.
- Expert-led courses delivered in hybrid mode by IIT Mandi faculty.
- Industry connections, internships, and skill development facilitated by NSDC.
- Recognition as a CCE IIT Mandi Fellow, with credit certifications awarded at IIT Mandi.
Through this integrated learning experience, students can benefit from the individualised and innovation-focused environment of NCU along with the pedagogical rigour of an IIT.
Industry Immersion with Sahasra Semiconductors
The partnership between NCU and Sahasra Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd., a pioneer in chip testing and packaging, helps to close the knowledge gap between academia and business. Students are exposed firsthand to:
- Real-time packaging and production processes.
- Live projects supervised by industry mentors.
- Classes held directly at Sahasra’s facilities, offering unmatched experiential learning.
Such real-world exposure gives students a decisive edge in employability and industrial readiness.
Global Exposure with Taiwan’s Semiconductor Powerhouse
NCU has also partnered with National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan — a global leader in semiconductor research — to launch the Taiwan Education Centre (TEC) on its campus. This partnership offers:
- Mandarin language training.
- Study-abroad opportunities in Taiwan’s chip industry.
- Access to international research projects and internship pathways.
With Taiwan manufacturing more than 60% of the world’s chips, this collaboration gives NCU students access to a global student body.
A Curriculum that Covers the Semiconductor Spectrum
The B.Tech in Semiconductor Design and Technology offers a robust curriculum covering core and advanced modules such as:
- Semiconductor Device Physics
- VLSI Design (Analog, Digital, and CMOS)
- Fabrication and Process Technology
- Semiconductor Packaging & Testing
- AI & Semiconductors
- RTL Design, Verification & Testing
- Nanoelectronics and Emerging Materials
This comprehensive approach ensures that students are industry-ready from day one.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure & Tools
To support hands-on learning and research, NCU provides:
- VLSI Design Labs equipped with Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, Xilinx, and more under the Government of India’s Chips to Startup (C2S) initiative.
- Cleanroom access at both IIT Mandi and Sahasra for fabrication and packaging training.
- Advanced characterization labs with tools like SEM, XRD, and UV-Vis spectrophotometers for device analysis.
- LAM Research Software tools for process modeling, used in collaboration with IISc Bangalore.
These facilities ensure that students can simulate, fabricate, and validate semiconductor components with industry-level precision.
Memberships with Leading Industry Bodies
NCU is a proud institutional member of:
- India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA)
- VLSI Society of India (VSI)
These memberships provide students with deep industry engagement throughout their academic journey by providing them with access to global innovation challenges, industry mentorship, and national/international competitions.
Career Opportunities: High Demand, High Impact
Graduates of this programme are prepared for exciting roles such as:
- Chip Design Engineer
- Semiconductor Process Engineer
- AI Chip Designer
- Embedded Systems Developer
- Packaging & Testing Engineer
Career options in this field are growing quickly, both domestically and internationally, as India becomes a significant hub for semiconductors and foreign corporations invest in local factories.
Student-Centric Learning and Global Perspective
NCU’s holistic approach ensures students not only excel academically but also grow personally. Through clubs, contests, and international immersion programs, the university promotes creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Alumni from NCU are already employed by prestigious companies like Apple, Siemens EDA, Cadence, and Synopsys, demonstrating the university’s capacity to produce professionals who are prepared for the workforce.
Conclusion
More than just a degree, The NorthCap University’s B.Tech in Semiconductor Design and Technology serves as a springboard for advancement in electronics, innovation, and national growth. NCU is leading the way in semiconductor education in India thanks to its prestigious partnerships, state-of-the-art facilities, and curriculum that is in line with international demands.
NCU is the right place for you if you’re an aspiring engineer who wants to influence the technology that changes the world.
Authored By
Prof. Sharda Vashisth
Dy. Dean (International Affairs)
Head – Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
The NorthCap University
E-mail: shardavashisth@ncuindia.edu, deaninternational@ncuindia.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharda-vashisth-23a25021
Broad Research Area: Signal and Image Processing, Biomedical Electronics, Navigation Systems, Technology and Society