GUWAHATI: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) has introduced a three-month training programme on drone technology specifically designed for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks Officers (OR).
Spearheaded by the Centre for Educational Technology (CET), Centre for Intelligent Cyber Physical Systems (CICPS), Centre for Drone Technology, and IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (IITG TIDF), the initiative aims to modernise armed forces operations and equip personnel with cutting-edge skills for effective drone utilisation.
This training further facilitates a seamless transition for armed forces personnel considering post-retirement career options in the rapidly expanding drone technology sector.
Highlighting the significance of this programme, Prof. Parameswar K Iyer, Centre for Drone Technology and Dean, PRBR, IIT Guwahati, said that it’s a first-of-its-kind programme that will focus on providing exhaustive training on pilot training, software operations, and applications to other officers of the armed forces.
“IIT Guwahati is offering a certificate program on Drone Technology-related courses to the defence forces for the first time in the country. The current training program aims to skill the armed forces with this upcoming technology and boost their career opportunities post-retirement for senior officers,” Prof. TV Bharat, Head, Centre for Educational Technology, IIT Guwahati, told the press.
The programme is tailored to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge, perception, and vision needed to succeed professionally in the diverse drone industry or as technology entrepreneurs.
Prof. Santosha K. Dwivedy, Head, Center for Intelligent Cyber Physical Systems, IIT Guwahati, and Project Director IITG TIDF, explained, “Expert faculties from CICPS are taking care of the theory courses, while technical members from IITG TIDF are imparting practical training and hands-on experience to the participants to make them understand the core concepts, which will help them to be entrepreneurs and have their startups in the field of drone technologies.”
The inaugural batch of the Drone Technology Program comprises 30 personnel from various armed forces. Brigadier Rajeev Kapur, SM, Assistant Director-General of the Directorate General of Resettlement (DRZ), emphasised the importance of the course, stating, “The aim of the Armed Forces Resettlement Courses Program is to enable a smooth transition for service personnel who aspire for a second career in the corporate world at various levels after retirement.”
