I had recently attended a "Department Live Lounge: way Forward" organized by the Prof. Chandramouli, HoD, Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras. The HoD had invited alumni for a discussion on the topic. I could not stop thinking about it since the meeting and I hope jotting down my thoughts here will help me move on.
The most important point of discussion (in my view) was "Why are Mechanical Engineers not choosing core jobs?"
Should the teachers be blamed for not inspiring the students enough ? Should the students be blamed ? The system ? - All of the above ? I strongly disagree that money / pay package is a motivator although it seems so on the outside. I believe that if the student 'falls in love' with what he learns, he will pursue it for the rest of his life. However, to 'fall in/out-of love', the student needs to spend time with and know the discipline closely. In the current system, the student needs to pick his discipline at the time of entry and stick to it for four years. So the relationship becomes toxic for some and works out for some others (a small percentage).
NEP, in my humble opinion, may have a solution. It would be great if the students are able to pick their discipline (or leave with a Diploma) at the end of 2nd year of their Bachleors degree. The first two years can be used to give strong fundamentals in Mathematics, Intro. to all Engg. disciplines, Life skills, etc. If the student is more interested in management or finance, he or she should be able to leave IIT with a Diploma and try to get into an MBA school or could even pursue MBA in the same IIT.
If the whole Batch of 700-1000 entrants are to be taught the same courses for two years, there could be a logistics problem. This could be solved using :online recorded lectures, self-paced courses with deadlines (like in Coursera, Udemy etc..). Four quarters in a year (like some Universities abroad), instead of two semesters could help reduce the course content and make it focused. A variety of courses can be introduced to the students in the first two years.
In the end, the objective is to help the students find the 'love of their work life'. When someone loves what they do (Ex. Steve Jobs), they tend to be more creative and would contribute more to the society and lead a fulfilling life.
This discussion has also helped me personally to introspect and think deeply about my priorities in life. I should thank Prof. Mouli and, as always, my Alma Mater, The Department of Mechanical Engineering @IITM.