A New Chapter of Collaboration in Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Skill Development
Ghatshila, East Singhbhum (Jharkhand), July 18, 2026
A landmark achievement was recorded today in Jharkhand’s higher education landscape as the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur, and Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership marks a significant and long-term initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fields of education, research, innovation, industry-academia engagement, and skill development.
The MoU has been formulated in alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the primary goal of providing students, research scholars, and faculty members with enhanced opportunities for quality education, advanced research, innovation, and skill-based training. The collaboration will focus on developing industry-ready human resources, fostering a robust research culture, and promoting employment-oriented education.
The National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jamshedpur, an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, is renowned for its academic excellence in engineering, science, management, and research. Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, established under an Act of the Government of Jharkhand and recognized under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, is a leading multidisciplinary university offering more than 66 academic programmes across 13 schools.
Under the terms of the MoU, both institutions will jointly undertake research projects, Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), national and international conferences, workshops, seminars, training and certification programmes, corporate training initiatives, student and faculty exchange programmes, summer internships, industrial visits, placement activities, academic projects, and programmes related to digital and emerging technologies. Special emphasis will also be placed on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), innovation, and quality enhancement initiatives.
The agreement will initially remain in force for three years and may be extended in the future with the mutual consent of both institutions. Through this collaboration, students will gain access to guidance from national-level experts, advanced research laboratories, industry-oriented training, and enhanced career opportunities.
On this occasion, Mrs. Archana Singh, Assistant Registrar of Sona Devi University, described the MoU as a matter of immense pride and a significant milestone for the university. She stated that this collaboration would connect students, faculty members, and researchers with national-level academic resources, advanced research facilities, and industry-oriented training, thereby accelerating quality education, innovation, and administrative excellence within the university.
Dr. Nit Nayana, Registrar of Sona Devi University, remarked that the MoU represents a historic milestone in the university’s academic journey. He emphasized that the partnership with a prestigious Institution of National Importance like NIT Jamshedpur would provide students, research scholars, and faculty members with new opportunities in quality education, research, innovation, and technical training while strengthening the university’s presence at the national level.
Mrs. Archana Singh further observed that universities today have a responsibility that extends beyond imparting education. They must actively contribute to societal and national development through innovation, research, and skill development. She expressed confidence that this partnership would promote collaborative research, technological advancement, industry-academia integration, and globally relevant academic initiatives.
In his inspiring address, Mr. Prabhakar Singh, Chancellor of Sona Devi University, described the MoU as a historic achievement for the higher education sector in Jharkhand. He stated that the agreement signifies not merely collaboration between two institutions but the beginning of a new era in education, research, innovation, and skill development. He expressed confidence that the partnership would provide students with world-class educational and research opportunities and contribute significantly toward realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Gautam Sutradhar, Director of NIT Jamshedpur; Mr. Prabhakar Singh, Chancellor of Sona Devi University; Dr. Nit Nayana, Registrar; Mrs. Archana Singh, Assistant Registrar; along with senior officials and representatives from both institutions.
At the conclusion of the programme, both institutions expressed confidence that this MoU would serve as the foundation for a long-term and outcome-oriented partnership in education, research, innovation, skill development, and industry-academia collaboration, opening new avenues of opportunity for students across Jharkhand and the country.
