Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Mar 16: Responding to the growing demand for industry-ready graduates, St Aloysius Deemed to be University, Mangaluru, in collaboration with Sierra Learning Academy, has introduced India’s first Industry-Embedded Programmes (IEP) that integrate academic learning with practical industry experience from the first semester.

The new programmes include BCA in AI-Augmented Software Systems and BSc in Media and Creative Technologies, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world industry requirements.

Under this initiative, the academic curriculum and degree will be administered by St Aloysius Deemed to be University, which is recognised by the UGC, while industry-oriented training, live projects, mentorship, and internships will be provided by Sierra Learning Academy.

Addressing the media, Fr Melwin D’Cunha, pro vice chancellor of the university, said that the programme aims to ensure that students gain practical exposure alongside academic learning, making them better prepared for employment in a rapidly evolving job market.

Unlike conventional degree programmes where industry exposure is limited to optional internships or final-year projects, the Industry-Embedded Programme allows students to work directly with industry experts from the first semester itself. The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning through live industry projects, real-world problem-solving, and work-simulation exercises.

During the first two years, students will focus on practical learning through a ‘learning by doing’ approach. BCA students will gain exposure to areas such as cloud infrastructure, DevOps, CI/CD workflows, and applied artificial intelligence. BSc students will study content production, visual communication, motion design, and brand strategy.

A key highlight of the programme is the mandatory full-time paid industry internship in the third year, which forms an integral part of both degree courses. During this period, students will work directly with companies and gain professional experience.

BCA students are expected to work in domains such as software development, cloud operations, AI implementation, and systems engineering, while BSc students will be placed in creative agencies, media organisations, content production studios, and brand teams. All internships will be paid, providing students with a stipend while they gain professional experience.

Graduates of the BCA programme are expected to receive starting annual salaries ranging from Rs 3.6 lac to Rs 7.2 lac, while BSc graduates may earn between Rs 3 lac and Rs 4.8 lac, depending on industry placement.

The academy also offers a merit-based institutional sponsorship, under which selected students will not be required to pay the full course fee at the beginning and can start repaying after securing employment.

Admissions for the programmes have already begun, and classes are scheduled to commence in the 2026 academic year at the university campus in Mangaluru. The initiative is expected to strengthen Mangaluru’s position as a major education and technology talent hub in coastal Karnataka.

Also present at the press meet were Deepith Kundar, head of the creative department at Sierra Learning Academy; Manu Bhatt, technical mentor; and Chandrakala, PRO of St Aloysius Deemed to be University.