Established in 1997, the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management (IIITM), Gwalior, stands as a prestigious autonomous institute under the MHRD, Government of India. The establishment of IIITM is a testament to MHRD’s unwavering commitment to nurturing skilled management and information technology professionals. Initially known as IIITM, the institute adopted the prefix ABV in 2002, paying special tribute to the revered former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The beginning of IIITM can be traced back to 1992 when the MHRD (now Ministry of Education) envisioned the creation of advanced information systems like IIMs and IITs across various locations in India. The pivotal decision to establish national centers focussed on IT and management training was further solidified in 1995, following a comprehensive report prepared by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) featuring inputs from eminent academicians, policymakers, and professionals.
Eventually, the inaugural course, PGDMIT (Post Graduate Diploma in Management and Information Technology), was introduced in 1998 with an initial enrollment of thirty students. This was followed by the initiation of PGDIT (Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology) in 1999 and the introduction of Ph.D. and 5-year Dual Post Graduate programs in 2000.
About the Director
Meet Prof. Sri Niwas Singh, the director of ABV-IIITM, Gwalior. Hailing from a remote village in the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh, Prof. Singh embarked on a remarkable journey that has shaped his distinguished career. He earned his M.Tech. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1989 and 1995, respectively. During his Master’s studies, Prof. Singh took on the role of an Assistant Engineer at the U.P. State Electricity Board.
After completing his Ph.D., Prof. Singh transitioned into academia, joining Roorkee University (now IIT Roorkee) as an Assistant Professor. His academic journey then took him to the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand, where he served as an Assistant Professor. Returning to IIT Kanpur in 2002, Prof. Singh assumed the role of an Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering Department. His leadership skills were further recognized when he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Madan Mohan Malviya University of Technology in Gorakhpur from April 2017 to July 2020.
In April 2022, Prof. Singh added another milestone to his career by becoming the Director of ABV-IIITM in Gwalior, India. Prof. Singh has also garnered numerous awards throughout his illustrious career, including the Young Engineer Award 2000 from the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Khosla Research Award from IIT Roorkee. His international recognition includes the Humboldt Fellowship of Germany (2005, 2007) and the Ottomonsted Fellowship of Denmark (2009-10). Prof. Singh was the first Asian to receive the 2013 IEEE Educational Activity Board Meritorious Achievement Award in Continuing Education.
His contributions to education were further acknowledged with the INAE Outstanding Teacher Award in 2016 and the IEEE R10 region (Asia-Pacific) Outstanding Volunteer Award in the same year. Prof. Singh’s expertise has been recognized globally, and he has been appointed as an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer of the Power & Energy Society since 2019 and the Industry Application Society from 2019-2023. In addition to the NPSC 2020 Academic Excellence Award, he was honored with the 2021 IEEE Industry Application Society (IAS) Outstanding Educator/Mentor Award, solidifying his impact on electrical engineering and education. Prof Singh is Fellows of several Indian and foreign professional societies such as IEEE (USA), IET(UK), INAE, IE(I), IETE, AAIA (Asia-pacific), IAIIA, ISTE, etc. Prof Singh has supervised 42 PhD students and published more than 550 research papers, 15 books, 34 book chapters.
Commitment to Excellence
ABV-IIITM’s primary mission involves teaching and research, emphasizing emerging technologies, business processes, and high-tech solutions tailored for low-tech environments. An integral aspect is the amalgamation of technologies and management in diverse, cross cultural settings. The institute is dedicated to shaping students into innovative, entrepreneurial, supportive, assured, and globally minded individuals.
ABV-IIITM is committed to delivering quality education, training, research, competency development, and consultancy to meet the expectations of all stakeholders. By employing innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research, the institute continually strives to enhance the efficacy of IT and management practices. Throughout its endeavors, ABV-IIITM actively fosters a knowledge-networked environment by:
- Proper understanding of quality policy and its efficacious communication across all levels
- Consistent adherence to the quality policy as part of routine operations
- Regular audits to ensure compliance with quality procedures.
- Connecting the eminent personalities of India and Abroad.
- Organizing Atal Research and Innovation Conclave (ARIC) every year
Navigating the Changing Job Market
As Prof. Singh points out, the dynamics of job markets are undergoing a transformation driven by government policies, industry requirements, and technological advancements. There was a time when traditional core branches dominated students’ preferences, overshadowing subjects like computer science. However, today, the tide has shifted. Computer science, AI, ML, Block Chain and other emerging branches are experiencing heightened demand due to evolving technology and changing industry needs. And IIITM is at the forefront of this transformation, not just preparing its students for the future but ensuring their success.
Innovative Academic Offerings
What truly sets ABV-IIITM apart is its unique vision. Initially conceived as an IT enabled management institution, the institute offers a distinctive 5-year integrated program, combining BTech IT with either MBA or MTech. Beyond this, the institute provides a four-year BTech program encompassing computer science and various disciplines. Expanding its horizons, IABV-IITM has also introduced programs in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and has ventured into Mathematics and Scientific Computing. These are apart from regular MTech, MBA and PhD programs.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Minds
Drawing upon his extensive experience, Prof. Singh discerns a dichotomy among students, categorizing them into two distinct groups. The first comprises those aspiring to enter the workforce upon completing their education, seeking conventional job opportunities. In contrast, the second group envisions a path marked by innovation, incubation, and the establishment of startups.
Prof. Singh’s emphasis on the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and its pivotal role in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit is noteworthy. Operating an incubation and innovation center, the ministry extends vital financial support to incubates, fortifying their ventures and cultivating an environment conducive to robust growth and development. The institute goes beyond the conventional approach of acquiring degrees and completing necessary coursework. Instead, it motivates students to undertake extra initiatives, particularly in technological development.
In essence, ABV-IIITM’s success is not only rooted in its academic programs but also in its faculty members, who bring not only capability but also global exposure. Their guidance and support contribute significantly to students’ academic and career pursuits. ABV-IIITM, with its rich history, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence, continues to be a beacon of quality education and innovation in the dynamic landscape of information technology and management.
