VTU introduces 3.5-year ‘fast-track’ engineering degrees

Bengaluru: Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has launched a fast-track program enabling “exceptional” students to complete their engineering and B.Tech. degrees in just 3.5 years, one semester earlier than usual.

This initiative applies to students who joined engineering courses in 2022 and will come into effect from their 7th semester starting next July. Eligible students can complete their 8th semester simultaneously with the 7th semester.

Who qualifies as an ‘exceptional’ student?

Students with a CGPA of 9 or above in their 2nd and 3rd semesters, without any backlogs, are considered exceptional.

To enroll in this fast-track program, eligible students must apply through their college principal and pay the prescribed fee during the 4th semester. They must register for additional credits from the 5th semester onward.

Revised guidelines specify that students must earn an additional 12 credits in the 5th semester, totaling 22 credits. Similarly, in the 6th semester, students must complete 18 regular semester credits and an additional 12 credits.

By the 7th semester, students must complete their internships, technical seminars, and coursework. They are required to achieve a total of 160 credits before the semester ends.

“Such a system is already followed in the U.S. This reduces education time by six months, helping students prepare earlier for jobs or competitive exams,” said Dr. S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of VTU.