Dr. A. Rathinavelu is a Principal in the Dr. Mahalingam College Of Engineering & Technology, Pollachi, Tamilnadu. He did Bachelor of Engineering at GCE( formerly IRTT), Erode, Master of Technology degree from Edith Cowan University, and Doctorate degree at NIT. He has more than 6 years of Industrial experience and 23 years of Engineering College teaching or research experience. He also guided in IT Infra Management and HR Practices for many years in the College. Since 2007, he has been coordinating with NBA & NAAC for the Accreditation process and UGC for Autonomous Process of the college. He has been recognised by UGC, NBA or NAAC as an expert member, assessor for granting autonomous status and accreditation to other colleges. He has initiated several Industry connect programs including establishment of Apple Distinguished School, Microsoft Innovation Centre, Cisco Regional Academy , Capgemini engineering, L & T and Infosys Campus Connect. Dr. A. Rathinavelu published several research articles and work in the area of Human Computer Interaction. He is a Life-Time Member in Computer Society of India, ISTE and member of ACM. He has been nominated by Anna university-chennai to act as a member in Board of studies for non-autonomous institutions of AU. He is a recognised Research supervisor in the Department of CSE under Faculty of Information and Communication Engineering at Anna University, Chennai. He has been awarded by Cisco for his outstanding contribution in CISCO regional Academy and recognised as best SPOC by Infosys Campus connect program.

Dr. Mahalingam College Of Engineering & Technology

What do you see the college’s greatest strengths? 

“Faculties, industrial related subjects and students are our greatest strengths”

Dr.Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology (MCET) has a strong Industry background as it belongs to the educational sector of the ABT & Sakthi Group of Companies established in 1932. MCET is entering into its Silver Jubilee year and has been an Autonomous institution since 2011. The institution is approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affiliated to Anna University, Chennai.

This is the only college in Tamil Nadu to get highest NAAC grade consecutively for two times in Cycle 1 (A Grade) and Cycle 2 (A++ Grade). All eligible UG programmes are accredited by NBA under Tier -1 category. All eligible UG and PG programmes received permanent affiliation from Anna University, Chennai. Five departments (Mechanical, ECE, CSE, Civil & Physics) are recognized as Research Centers to guide Ph.D/MS (Research) by Anna University, Chennai.

Being an autonomous institution we are able to make changes to our curriculum to suit the industry needs. MCET has secured top 10 ranking among the 55 autonomous colleges under Anna University, Chennai for its Academic Performance consistently.

In pursuit of MCET’s keen Institute-Industry partnership initiatives, 18 Centres of excellence are established by the College with necessary infrastructure to enhance the skills of the students. These centres provide ample opportunity for the students and staff to comprehend the latest industry practice and upgrade their knowledge through industry relevant projects using these facilities and the industry know-how. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to the real world challenges? 

“NSS, NCC, Photography, Tamil Mandram, Fine Arts, Quiz Club and more are available for pupils”

We encourage students to take part in different extra-curricular and co – curricular activities so that the overall skills of the students are developed. Through these activities students can develop good communication skills, leadership skills, team work, Creativity etc. We have more than 20 clubs and associations for holistic development, such as Student Guild of Service, NSS, NCC, Photography, Tamil Mandram, Fine Arts, Quiz Club and many more. 

We also conduct many sports and game activities and provide 100% Tuition fee waiver for deserving sports Persons. MCET has received Anna University overall sports championship under zone -10 for three times consecutively.

How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented? 

“Internships, projects, and industrial relevant curriculum are provided to pupils”

Being an autonomous institution we have the privilege to make changes to our curriculum so that it can keep up with the Industry needs. The students carry out industry oriented projects and internships under the guidance of faculty and the alumni. The students try to solve real world problems though these projects and internships. 

Industry Driven Curriculum (IDC) is offered through Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). This provides opportunities to learn beyond the core courses for holistic development of an individual and provides students a scope to select courses either in specialized areas or in generalized areas across several domains. One Credit courses (OCC) are handled by industry experts for skill development of students in relevant areas. Product Based Learning (PBL) has been implemented for effective learning through real world problems and contexts. Through PBL, students exhibit their learning in the application stage by developing products and enhancing the ability to deploy and find solutions in work environments. The professional and technical competencies required by industry are embedded in this PBL based integrated curriculum model.

MCET conducts events such as Student Talent Enhancement Programme (STEP), in association with Industries. STEP acts as a platform for students to gain insight into industry requirements, interact with senior professionals and take their advice for career goal setting.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in your college?

“Professional skill courses and extracurricular activities maintain healthy relationships on campus”

We try to give a peaceful and nurturing environment for our students so that they can focus on education and other extracurricular activities. We have different committees such as Anti Ragging Committee, Grievance Redressal Committee, Women Empowerment Cell and so on. These committees ensure that the students are not facing any problems.

Professional Skills (PS) courses like Wellness for Students (Sports, Yoga and Meditation), Ethical and Moral Responsibility, Personal Effectiveness are introduced in the curriculum to develop the required soft skills in students. These courses are designed, developed and offered with the guidance of experts from academia, industry and research establishments in the behavioural domain. 

Check Dr. Mahalingam College Of Engineering & Technology Courses & Fees

How to you train students for placements, what kind of industry connect programs do you organize? 

“Provide programming language, projects, placements and internships for students”

We have a dedicated training and placement cell that helps students train for jobs and placements. In the first year we focus on developing Basics and soft skills. From the second year they focus on projects and internships. Programming languages, AI and ML are also being taught to other streams such as Mechanical, Electrical, Civil engineering etc., so that students can apply for inter-disciplinary jobs. 

MCET has excellent placement track record of 90% every year with 150+ recruiters including Zoho, Capgemini, CTS, TCS, VVDN, Infosys, Wipro, Ford, Accenture, etc.., visiting our campus regularly. Collaborative Education Programme (CEP) was introduced in partnership with TVS Motors, Capgemini, VVDN Technologies, Infosys, Caresoft Global, and Sakthi Auto Components Limited. Through this CEP, students gain practical exposure, internship and placement opportunities at the associating Industry. 

Capgemini & MCET have signed an MoU to set up a product life-cycle management (PLM) technology lab. Through MCET’s Industry Attachment Programme (IAP), internships are introduced in phases, starting from Semester IV to Semester VIII, with 2-4-12/24 week duration spent in a chosen company with a possibility to carry out a collaborative project work in Semester VII and VIII. The students can select the industry in the second year (fourth semester) to do their internship and can continue to work for the same industry till their final year. 

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students? 

“Placement training, project based learning approach and analytical classes are some new plans for the campus”

We try to come up with plans to suit each and every student’s needs. Each student may have a different goal in mind, not everyone wants to sit for placements. Some students want to go for higher studies, some students want to go abroad. Different students have different needs and expectations. In order to deliver upon these expectations, first we provide training in aptitude, technical and communication skills. Then we do an assessment test and a survey to find out what the students want to do and train them accordingly. If they are interested in landing a job, we focus on placement training. If they want to go for higher education we help them build a profile. 

To provide effective teaching and learning atmosphere, we offer Product Based Learning to meet out industry requirements. Project Based Learning approach is also used in courses such as Introduction to Engineering. This approach has enabled students to experience the application of science and importance of engineering in day-to-day life. 

MCET has also adopted Tablet Based Education to enrich active learning. 3500+ tablets have been given to students since 2017. Online learning platforms were also used for the benefit of our students during pandemic period. Live and Recorded Sessions were conducted through MS Teams. Digital pads and whiteboards were used for Analytical Classes. Virtual Labs and simulation tools were used for lab sessions.

To enhance practical exposure, skill development programs are also offered in partnership with TUV Rheinland, Kemppi India Ltd, Tamilnadu Skill Development Corporation, National Institute of Solar Energy and Tamilnadu Energy Development Agency.

What do you think should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“To provide the best education, research and development activities for students”

Ans. In the forth-coming years we plan to focus on improving the quality of placements. We want to focus on providing best possible education for our students by strengthening Teaching-Learning activities. Research and Development activities will also be another major thrust area. We also plan to concentrate on Accreditation and ranking. We also plan to introduce courses in emerging areas such as Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Science. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about your college?

“Began tablet-based elearning sessions and excellent feedback based teaching classes on the campus”

Ans. MCET has started tablet based e-learning initiative, through which more than 3000+ tablets have been given to students since 2017. Lectures and resources are stored on theses tablets so that the students have easy access to them. Students can go through study material in advance so that they have a better understanding of the lectures. Through this tablet based learning, MCET is ensuring that all the students, regardless of their background have access to good quality education. The tablets can be used for sharing of study materials, sharing of videos tutorials, automatic attendance capturing, assessment through pulse questions, Buzzer quiz, White board for problem solving. Feedback on Teaching Session can be received through pulse questions from students. Students can learn the study material at their convenient pace and time.

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector? 

“To impart academic content, and prepare employability of students keeps me connected with the education sector”

Ans. In my role as an Academic Administrator, I have always focused on strengthening the quality of academic content and delivery mechanisms, preparing Students to fulfil employability criteria and implementation of necessary ICT infrastructure to meet the requirements of Students and faculty.

The key factor that has kept me connected with the Education sector is the stimulating challenge of evolving to keep pace with changes in emerging areas of Engineering and Technology as well as dealing with the needs of students. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style. 

“Follows a participative leadership by engaging employees and getting feedback from students”

In the education sector a leader has to handle two different segments – students and faculty. For the students, I try to develop a better campus life by bringing in radical changes when required. I strongly believe that faculty who work under good leaders are happier, productive and more committed in their role. I strive to achieve this by getting feedback from students and engaging employees in participative management. 

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead? 

“Prepare yourself to face outside challenges and keep learning continuously”

My advice to students is that they must keep learning consistently and continuously to prepare themselves to face challenges in this dynamic world. 

Click Dr. Mahalingam College Of Engineering & Technology Placements

How does the department/college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepares them according to the industry standards?

“Workshops, faculty development programs and workshops are available to students”

Faculty are encouraged to undergo hands-on training, complete Faculty Development Programmes, Workshops and certifications in emerging areas. The College sponsors eligible faculty to undergo such programmes and Certifications. In addition to this faculty are encouraged to visit as well as participate in training events organized by Industries associating with MCET. Faculty members are motivated to take up Research and Development projects as well as engage in Consultancy activities for Industries.