Institutional Transformation in Action of a Private Engineering College in Western Maharashtra - A Case Study

Ever increasing industry expectations from engineering graduates, growth in technology, changing academic roles and emerging and new career options make transformation, an imperative for technical education. Understanding the intricacies of technology transformation is critical to staying relevant in the technical education environment. Established in the year 1983, Kasegaon Education Society's Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT) functioned as an affiliated college to Shivaji University till it became autonomous in 2011-12. The institute from the beginning wanted to carve a niche for itself as an institute imparting quality technical education to realize its vision, "Transformation of young minds in to competent engineers to face global challenges". RIT embraced a three pronged approach to sensitize the entire system and bring about a visible and sustainable change. RIT as a prerequisite to initiate the major changes in teaching-learning process implemented outcome based education (OBE), with a firm belief in the mantra. "We are teaching, are they learning?" This paper discusses the process of transformation, approach strategic initiatives adopted, key action areas and the outcomes of the process of transformation. The outcomes are visible in terms of increase in merit of students at entry level, better employability skills, increase research output, rewards and recognitions to the institute and faculty. This is just a beginning and RIT is looking forward to transform in to a nationally recognized and globally visible technological institute to attract the best talent both faculty and students for education and research.