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B-TECH in Information Technology at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Information Technology at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal Dakshina Kannada?
This Information Technology (IT) program at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Mangaluru, focuses on equipping students with a robust foundation in computing, software development, data management, and networking. The curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge technologies like Machine Learning, AI, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity, reflecting the dynamic needs of the Indian IT industry. It aims to develop skilled professionals capable of innovating and solving complex technological challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for mathematics, logical reasoning, and problem-solving, aspiring to build a career in the rapidly evolving IT sector. It also attracts individuals keen on understanding how software and hardware systems are designed, developed, and managed. Prospective students should be eager to engage with theoretical concepts and apply them to practical, real-world scenarios.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse and rewarding career paths in India as Software Developers, Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Cloud Architects, and Network Engineers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong curriculum alignment with industry demands prepares students for high-growth roles and potential certifications in emerging technologies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Programming Fundamentals & Logic Building- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently practice C/C++ programming by solving diverse problems, focusing on data structures, algorithms, and logical thinking. Utilize online judges and competitive programming platforms to hone problem-solving skills beyond classroom assignments.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank, CodeChef, NPTEL lectures on Programming in C
Career Connection
Strong foundational coding skills are essential for all IT roles, laying the groundwork for technical interviews and efficient software development.
Build Strong Mathematical & Scientific Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Engineering Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Understand the underlying principles as they form the analytical base for advanced IT concepts, especially in algorithms, data science, and system design. Form study groups for peer learning.
Tools & Resources
Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, Standard textbooks, Campus academic support centers
Career Connection
A solid grasp of mathematics and physics enhances analytical capabilities crucial for tackling complex problems in AI, data analytics, and computational research.
Explore Engineering Disciplines Broadly- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in the common engineering courses (Electrical, Electronics, Mechanics) to understand interdisciplinary connections. Participate in workshops or introductory projects related to these fields to broaden your engineering perspective beyond core IT.
Tools & Resources
Workshops organized by various engineering departments, General engineering reference books, Interdisciplinary student clubs
Career Connection
A broad engineering perspective helps in understanding system-level design, embedded systems, and cross-functional team collaboration in product development.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Core IT Subjects & Practical Application- (Semester 3-5)
Focus intensively on Data Structures, Algorithms, OOP, DBMS, and Operating Systems. Implement concepts practically in labs, build small projects, and participate in coding contests. Aim to understand ''''why'''' certain solutions are better than others.
Tools & Resources
LeetCode, InterviewBit, GitHub for personal projects, Official documentation for DBMS/OS, NPTEL courses
Career Connection
Mastery of these core subjects is non-negotiable for product development roles, technical interviews at top companies, and understanding system internals.
Gain Early Industry Exposure & Network- (Semester 4-5 summer breaks)
Seek out internships or summer training programs, even short ones, after semesters 4 or 5. Attend industry talks, workshops, and connect with alumni on platforms like LinkedIn. Start building a professional network and understanding industry trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, NITK alumni network, College placement cell events, Industry expos
Career Connection
Early exposure helps identify career interests, builds practical experience, and provides valuable contacts for future job searches and mentorship.
Specialize in an Area of Interest & Build a Portfolio- (Semester 5)
Begin exploring program electives (e.g., Machine Learning, Computer Networks, Web Technologies) to identify a specialization. Start working on personal projects or contributing to open-source initiatives aligned with this interest to build a strong technical portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Kaggle for data science, GitHub, Specific technology forums/communities (e.g., Stack Overflow), Online courses (Coursera, edX)
Career Connection
A specialized skillset and a portfolio of projects demonstrate expertise to potential employers, making you a competitive candidate for targeted roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Significant Projects & Research- (Semester 6-8)
Leverage Project Work I, II, III and Mini Projects to delve into complex problems. Collaborate with faculty on research papers or contribute to cutting-edge projects, applying advanced concepts from Machine Learning, AI, or Cloud Computing.
Tools & Resources
Research papers (Google Scholar, ACM/IEEE Digital Library), University research labs, Departmental project guidance
Career Connection
High-quality projects and research enhance problem-solving skills, showcase innovation, and are critical for higher studies (M.Tech/Ph.D.) or R&D roles.
Focus on Placement/Higher Studies Preparation- (Semester 7-8)
Actively participate in placement preparatory activities, mock interviews, and group discussions. Refine your resume and soft skills. If pursuing higher studies, prepare for competitive exams (GATE, GRE) and start contacting professors for Letters of Recommendation.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career counseling, Online interview preparation platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Dedicated preparation maximizes chances of securing desirable placements in top IT firms or admission to prestigious postgraduate programs.
Engage in Advanced Specialization & Mentorship- (Semester 7-8)
Opt for advanced program electives that deepen your chosen specialization. Seek mentorship from industry professionals or faculty in your area of interest. Consider participating in national-level technical competitions or hackathons to test your skills against peers.
Tools & Resources
Industry mentorship programs, Specialized workshops, Advanced online certifications, Competitive tech events (Smart India Hackathon, internal NITK tech fests)
Career Connection
Advanced specialization, coupled with mentorship, provides a competitive edge, fostering expertise and leadership qualities sought after in senior technical roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Based on JEE (Main) score, 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics with at least 75% aggregate marks (or top 20 percentile of respective board) for General/OBC/EWS, and 65% for SC/ST/PwD categories.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 162 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA111 | Engineering Mathematics-I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| PH110 | Engineering Physics | Core | 4 | Wave Optics, Lasers, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Magnetic Properties of Materials, Dielectric Materials |
| CS111 | Introduction to Computing | Core | 3 | Problem Solving, C Programming Language, Functions, Arrays, Pointers, Structures |
| CY110 | Environmental Science | Core | 3 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Waste Management, Sustainable Development |
| PH111 | Engineering Physics Lab | Lab | 1 | Experiments on Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Phenomena, Material Properties |
| CS112 | Introduction to Computing Lab | Lab | 1 | C Programming Practice, Debugging, Basic Algorithms, Data Handling |
| ME110 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 1 | Engineering Curves, Orthographic Projections, Section of Solids, Development of Surfaces, Isometric Projections |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA112 | Engineering Mathematics-II | Core | 4 | Linear Algebra, Vector Spaces, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series, Partial Differential Equations |
| CY111 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 4 | Electrochemistry, Corrosion, Water Technology, Polymer Chemistry, Nano Materials, Spectroscopy |
| EE110 | Elements of Electrical Engineering | Core | 3 | DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Transformers, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, Basic Electronics |
| EC110 | Elements of Electronics and Communication Engineering | Core | 3 | Semiconductors, Diodes, Transistors, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Logic, Communication Systems |
| ME111 | Engineering Mechanics | Core | 3 | Statics, Equilibrium, Friction, Dynamics, Kinematics, Kinetics |
| CY112 | Engineering Chemistry Lab | Lab | 1 | Volumetric Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Chemical Synthesis, Water Quality Testing |
| EE111 | Elements of Electrical Engineering Lab | Lab | 1 | Verification of Circuit Laws, AC/DC Circuits, Transformer Characteristics, Motor Control |
| EC111 | Elements of Electronics and Communication Engineering Lab | Lab | 1 | Diode Characteristics, Transistor Amplifiers, Logic Gates, Op-Amp Circuits |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA207 | Discrete Mathematical Structures | Core | 4 | Set Theory, Logic, Relations and Functions, Graph Theory, Combinatorics, Algebraic Structures |
| IT201 | Data Structures | Core | 4 | Arrays, Stacks, Queues, Linked Lists, Trees, Graphs, Hashing, Sorting, Searching |
| IT202 | Object Oriented Programming | Core | 4 | OOP Concepts, Classes and Objects, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Abstraction, Exception Handling, File I/O |
| IT203 | Digital Logic Design | Core | 3 | Boolean Algebra, Logic Gates, Combinational Circuits, Sequential Circuits, Registers, Counters, Memory |
| IT204 | Computer Organization and Architecture | Core | 3 | Processor Organization, Data Path, Control Unit, Memory Hierarchy, I/O Organization, Pipelining |
| IT205 | Data Structures Lab | Lab | 1 | Implementation of Stacks, Queues, Linked Lists, Trees, Sorting Algorithms, Searching Algorithms |
| IT206 | Object Oriented Programming Lab | Lab | 1 | OOP Problem Solving, Class Design, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Exception Handling in Java/C++ |
| IT207 | Digital Logic Design Lab | Lab | 1 | Logic Gate Implementation, Combinational Circuit Design, Sequential Circuit Design, FPGAs/CPLDs |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA208 | Probability and Statistics for IT | Core | 4 | Probability Theory, Random Variables, Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression, Correlation |
| IT251 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | Core | 4 | Algorithm Analysis, Asymptotic Notations, Divide and Conquer, Greedy Algorithms, Dynamic Programming, Graph Algorithms |
| IT252 | Database Management Systems | Core | 4 | Database Concepts, ER Model, Relational Model, SQL, Normalization, Transaction Management, Concurrency Control |
| IT253 | Operating Systems | Core | 4 | OS Structure, Process Management, CPU Scheduling, Deadlocks, Memory Management, Virtual Memory, File Systems |
| IT254 | Software Engineering | Core | 3 | Software Life Cycle, Requirements Engineering, Design Principles, Testing, Maintenance, Project Management |
| IT255 | Database Management Systems Lab | Lab | 1 | SQL Queries, Database Design, PL/SQL, Triggers, Views, Application Development |
| IT256 | Operating Systems Lab | Lab | 1 | Linux Commands, Shell Scripting, Process Management, Threading, Inter-process Communication |
| IT257 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Project Planning, Design, Implementation, Testing, Documentation, Presentation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS301 | Professional Ethics and Human Values | Core | 3 | Ethics, Professionalism, Human Values, Rights, Duties, Corporate Social Responsibility |
| IT301 | Formal Languages and Automata Theory | Core | 3 | Automata, Regular Languages, Context-Free Grammars, Pushdown Automata, Turing Machines, Decidability |
| IT302 | Computer Networks | Core | 4 | Network Models, Physical Layer, Data Link Layer, Network Layer, Transport Layer, Application Layer, Network Security |
| IT303 | Theory of Computation | Core | 3 | Computability, Complexity Classes (P, NP), NP-completeness, Reducibility, Approximation Algorithms |
| IT304 | Web Technologies | Core | 3 | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Client-side Scripting, Server-side Scripting, Web Services, AJAX |
| IT341 | Computer Graphics | Elective | 3 | Graphics Primitives, 2D/3D Transformations, Viewing, Clipping, Projections, Shading, Rendering |
| IT342 | Advanced Algorithms | Elective | 3 | Amortized Analysis, Randomized Algorithms, Approximation Algorithms, Network Flow, Linear Programming |
| IT343 | Distributed Systems | Elective | 3 | Distributed Architecture, Communication, Synchronization, Consistency, Fault Tolerance, Distributed File Systems |
| IT344 | Compiler Design | Elective | 3 | Lexical Analysis, Parsing, Semantic Analysis, Intermediate Code Generation, Code Optimization, Target Code Generation |
| IT345 | High Performance Computing | Elective | 3 | Parallel Computing, Distributed Memory, Shared Memory, GPU Programming, Cluster Computing, Cloud Computing |
| IT346 | Information Theory and Coding | Elective | 3 | Entropy, Channel Capacity, Source Coding, Channel Coding, Error Detection, Error Correction |
| IT347 | Optimization Techniques | Elective | 3 | Linear Programming, Simplex Method, Duality, Non-linear Programming, Integer Programming, Dynamic Programming |
| IT348 | Wireless Sensor Networks | Elective | 3 | Sensor Network Architecture, Communication Protocols, Localization, Time Synchronization, Security, Applications |
| IT305 | Computer Networks Lab | Lab | 1 | Network Configuration, Socket Programming, Network Protocols, Packet Analysis, Network Security Tools |
| IT306 | Web Technologies Lab | Lab | 1 | Web Page Development, Interactive UI, Server-Side Scripting, Database Connectivity, Web Frameworks |
| IT307 | Industrial Training (Industrial Training Report and Seminar) | Core | 2 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skills, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT351 | Machine Learning | Core | 4 | Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Model Evaluation |
| IT361 | Image Processing | Elective | 3 | Image Fundamentals, Enhancement, Restoration, Segmentation, Feature Extraction, Compression |
| IT362 | Computer Vision | Elective | 3 | Image Formation, Feature Detection, Object Recognition, Scene Understanding, Motion Analysis, Deep Learning for Vision |
| IT363 | Human Computer Interaction | Elective | 3 | HCI Foundations, Usability, Design Principles, User Research, Prototyping, Evaluation Methods |
| IT364 | Information Retrieval | Elective | 3 | Text Processing, Indexing, Ranking, Evaluation, Web Search, Recommender Systems, Question Answering |
| IT365 | Parallel and Distributed Algorithms | Elective | 3 | Parallel Architectures, Concurrency, PRAM Models, Distributed Graph Algorithms, Consensus, Message Passing |
| IT366 | Advanced Database Systems | Elective | 3 | Distributed Databases, Object-Oriented Databases, NoSQL, Data Warehousing, OLAP, Query Optimization |
| IT367 | Real-time Systems | Elective | 3 | Real-time Operating Systems, Scheduling, Resource Management, RT Communication, Fault Tolerance, Real-time Programming |
| IT368 | Software Testing and Quality Assurance | Elective | 3 | Testing Fundamentals, Test Levels, Test Techniques, Test Automation, Quality Models, Process Improvement |
| IT371 | Data Analytics | Elective | 3 | Data Collection, Cleaning, Exploration, Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Tools (R/Python) |
| IT372 | Mobile Application Development | Elective | 3 | Mobile Platforms (Android/iOS), UI/UX, Data Storage, Networking, Location Services, App Deployment |
| IT373 | Virtual and Augmented Reality | Elective | 3 | VR/AR Hardware, 3D Graphics, Interaction Techniques, Tracking, Immersion, Applications |
| IT374 | Game Programming | Elective | 3 | Game Engines, Graphics Programming, Physics, AI for Games, Multiplayer Games, Game Design Principles |
| IT375 | Ethical Hacking and Cyber Forensics | Elective | 3 | Hacking Methodologies, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Analysis, Malware, Digital Forensics, Incident Response |
| IT376 | Software Project Management | Elective | 3 | Project Planning, Estimation, Scheduling, Risk Management, Quality Management, Agile Methodologies |
| IT377 | System Programming | Elective | 3 | Assemblers, Loaders, Linkers, Macros, Compilers, Operating System Services, Device Drivers |
| IT378 | Quantum Computing | Elective | 3 | Quantum Mechanics Basics, Qubits, Quantum Gates, Quantum Algorithms (Shor''''s, Grover''''s), Quantum Cryptography |
| IT353 | Machine Learning Lab | Lab | 1 | Python for ML, Data Preprocessing, Supervised Learning Models, Unsupervised Learning Models, Model Evaluation |
| IT354 | Project Work - I | Project | 2 | Project Definition, Literature Survey, System Design, Prototype Development, Technical Report Writing |
| IT355 | Minor Project | Project | 2 | Problem Identification, Solution Design, Implementation, Testing, Documentation, Presentation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT401 | Artificial Intelligence | Core | 4 | AI Agents, Search Algorithms, Knowledge Representation, Logic, Planning, Machine Learning Overview |
| IT402 | Professional Practice & Internship | Core | 2 | Project Execution, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Professional Ethics, Industry Standards |
| IT441 | Advanced Deep Learning | Elective | 3 | Advanced CNNs, RNNs, Transformers, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Reinforcement Learning, Explainable AI |
| IT442 | Cloud Native Computing | Elective | 3 | Microservices, Containers (Docker), Orchestration (Kubernetes), Serverless, DevOps, Observability |
| IT443 | Robotic Process Automation | Elective | 3 | RPA Fundamentals, Process Analysis, RPA Tools (UiPath/Automation Anywhere), Bot Development, Deployment |
| IT444 | Business Intelligence | Elective | 3 | Data Warehousing, OLAP, ETL, Dashboards, Data Visualization, Reporting, Decision Support Systems |
| IT445 | Data Visualization | Elective | 3 | Principles of Visualization, Data Storytelling, Interactive Dashboards, Tools (Tableau/Power BI), Infographics |
| IT446 | Cognitive Computing | Elective | 3 | AI, Machine Learning, NLP, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Systems, IBM Watson |
| IT447 | GPU Computing | Elective | 3 | GPU Architecture, CUDA/OpenCL, Parallel Programming, Performance Optimization, Scientific Computing, Deep Learning on GPUs |
| IT448 | Web and Social Media Analytics | Elective | 3 | Web Analytics Tools, Social Media Metrics, Sentiment Analysis, Network Analysis, A/B Testing, Digital Marketing |
| IT451 | Fintech | Elective | 3 | Financial Technologies, Blockchain in Finance, Digital Payments, Robo-Advisors, Insurtech, Regulatory Tech |
| IT452 | Bioinformatics | Elective | 3 | Biological Databases, Sequence Alignment, Phylogenetics, Gene Expression Analysis, Proteomics, Drug Discovery |
| IT453 | Agricultural Informatics | Elective | 3 | Precision Agriculture, IoT in Agriculture, Remote Sensing, Farm Management Systems, Supply Chain Optimization |
| IT454 | Geo-Informatics | Elective | 3 | GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS, Spatial Data Models, Geospatial Analysis, Cartography, Environmental Applications |
| IT455 | E-Commerce Technologies | Elective | 3 | E-Commerce Models, Payment Gateways, Security, Digital Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management |
| IT456 | Health Informatics | Elective | 3 | Electronic Health Records, Medical Imaging, Telemedicine, Health Data Analytics, Public Health Surveillance |
| IT457 | Legal Informatics | Elective | 3 | AI in Law, Legal Research, E-Discovery, Cybersecurity Law, Data Privacy Regulations (GDPR/IT Act), Smart Contracts |
| IT458 | Social Network Analysis | Elective | 3 | Network Structure, Centrality, Community Detection, Link Prediction, Influence Maximization, Social Media Mining |
| IT403 | Artificial Intelligence Lab | Lab | 1 | AI Programming (Python), Search Algorithms, Constraint Satisfaction, Logic Programming, ML Libraries |
| IT404 | Project Work - II | Project | 2 | Advanced Project Development, System Integration, Performance Evaluation, Technical Documentation, Thesis Writing |
| IT405 | Seminar | Core | 1 | Technical Topic Research, Literature Review, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Q&A Session |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT490 | Project Work - III | Project | 10 | Full-scale Project Development, Advanced Research, System Integration, Performance Optimization, Thesis Submission, Defense |
| IT491 | Research Methods in IT | Elective | 3 | Research Design, Literature Review, Data Collection, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing, Ethical Considerations |
| IT492 | Data Streaming and Real-time Analytics | Elective | 3 | Stream Processing, Kafka, Flink, Spark Streaming, Real-time Dashboards, Event Processing |
| IT493 | Quantum Cryptography | Elective | 3 | Quantum Key Distribution, Quantum Random Number Generators, Quantum Hashing, Post-Quantum Cryptography |
| IT494 | Explainable AI | Elective | 3 | Interpretability, Transparency, Fairness, Model-agnostic Methods, Model-specific Methods, LIME, SHAP |
| IT495 | Cyber-Physical Systems | Elective | 3 | CPS Architecture, Sensors/Actuators, Control Systems, Real-time Communication, Security, Industrial IoT |
| IT496 | Edge Computing | Elective | 3 | Edge Architecture, Fog Computing, Distributed Intelligence, Data Locality, Latency Optimization, Edge Devices |
| IT497 | Neuromorphic Computing | Elective | 3 | Brain-inspired Computing, Spiking Neural Networks, Analog Circuits, Learning Rules, Energy Efficiency |
| IT498 | Trustworthy AI | Elective | 3 | AI Ethics, Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, Robustness, Privacy-Preserving AI, Governance |
| OE4XX | Open Elective | Elective | 2 |
