Interview: Dr. HN Udaya Shankara, Professor of Geology, Department of Civil Engineering at MIT|Collegedunia

Interview by Yash Panchal

Dr. HN Udaya Shankara is currently working as the Professor of Geology, Department of Civil Engineering at MIT. Before this, he has held multiple positions at MIT like Registrar Evaluation, Director-Admissions, Deputy Registrar, Deputy Controller of Examinations and Officer in Charge- University Affairs. He also worked as a Doctoral Fellow under FIP Department of Marine Geology, Mangalore University, India.

Dr. Shankara is well-versed with the Examination systems/Entrance examinations (online and offline) /Admission activities (advertisement, entrance test, counseling, and admissions)/ ISO certification/ Board of Studies/ Academic Senate/ Regulatory bodies and other activities of a Deemed University. His Ph.D. thesis is titled “Landform analysis of coastal and hinterlands- A part of Dakshina Kannada, West coast of India.”

Dr. Shankara’s experience in the education industry

It is the industry that builds the nation by providing the best platforms for our younger generation.

Dr. Shankara’s philosophy of leadership

Be fair and transparent in all your roles and responsibilities. Bring changes in the system in such a way that people’s waiting time is reduced for any requirement.

Significant challenges faced by Dr. Shankara as the Professor & Chairman-Exam Controller of Manipal University & Director Admission

Strictly adhere to the time schedules of the examination and admission cycles throughout the year and make it appreciable by the students and parents in a fair and transparent way.

Experience as Director-Admissions at Manipal University

Fantastic. I managed to bring a of changes in the career counseling, entrance examinations, admission process, student , refund processes, etc.

Curriculum of MIT

We have Board of Studies (BOS) for each subject including all professors and representatives from junior faculty at different levels and student representatives. Industrial experts are invited to give their input and to bridge the gap between Industry and Academia. BOS will meet twice a year and update the syllabus. This is the best system that makes it robust.

Read about the faculty at MIT here

Growth of students through placement opportunities available at MIT

Since industries are involved in academics, they are aware of the curriculum that meets their requirements. Also, some industries have their laboratory set up in the innovation center at the institute. The practice school concept and international student exchange program makes it an opportunity to understand the student and Industry.

Dr. Shankara’s relation with the students

Always available to students and parents for their specific needs.

Dr. Shankara on the future growth of Civil Engineers in India and across the Globe

With a of Infra projects in the pipeline, India needs Civil Engineers in Multispecialty.

Top qualities that an aspiring Civil Engineering student must possess

Meticulous planning and execution, knowledgeable and hardworking for field problems. They should be able to solve tasks and challenges as and when they come in construction projects.