Dr. Ekbal Rashid is the Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Department at RTC Institute of Technology. He has completed his M.Tech in Computer Science in 2009 and his Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering in May 2015. He has more than 43 International and National publications in journals and conference proceedings of repute including Springer, IEEE, and Inderscience. His research areas are software engineering, machine learning, data mining and artificial intelligence. He has written two books on the topic of “Analogy-Based Software Cost Estimation” and “Enhancing Software Fault Prediction with Machine Learning: Emerging Research and Opportunities”. He has more than 18 years of teaching experience in various reputable Institutes and Universities across the country.

RTC Institute of Technology, Ranchi

What are your roles towards the students?

"Clarifying student's academic doubts on time and participating in department activities"

Being an Associate Professor, my primary duties include providing effective classroom teaching to our students and guiding and counseling them for their academics. Apart from this, I also need to participate in departmental committee work and also for the continuous development of the curriculum through assessment. Last is to attend classes on time and to take good care of the Institute.

What are some of the greatest strengths of your college?

"The environment which we provide to our students to explore their hidden talent"

The greatest strengths of our college are that the environment here is very cool and healthy for both the students and staff. Their concerns are also addressed on an individual basis and resolution is also given on time. 

Which approaches do you bring in apart from curriculum to teach students?

"We track their progress of subjects on a continuous basis"

We continuously monitor our student's progress, give them appropriate instructions and feedback and clarify all their doubts on time.

How does your department enhance the skills of faculty and prepare them as per industry standards?

"By organizing professional visits, internships and training for them"

We organize regular research and Faculty Development programs for them. Additionally, we send them for regular industrial visits to keep them updated with the latest industry trends and updates. 

Check RTC Institute of Technology, Ranchi Courses & Fees

How does the curriculum of your department ensure the best practice of the industry?

"We follow a curriculum designed by the University"

Our Institute is affiliated with the university, hence we strictly follow the curriculum designed by the University. Hence industrial requirements automatically come into the picture.

What was your vision for it and how are you trying to achieve the same?

"To make this institute one of the best to study"

I visited this college for the first time on the 10th of October 2019. My vision then was to make the Institute a center of excellence. And to achieve my goals, we are continuously doing hard work.

Any specific challenges which you are facing while uplifting the education quality of your department?

"Shortage of highly qualified faculty for different subjects"

The biggest challenge which we are facing currently is that we are not getting qualified faculty such as Ph.D. holders in relevant disciplines.

Which extracurricular activities are organized by the college to enhance students' skills? 

"We conduct various activities ranging from sports to academic and cultural"

We regularly conduct co-curricular activities for the physical and mental growth of our students with the help of our Sports club, Academic club, Creative and Cultural clubs, etc.

How do you prepare your students to cope with this competitive world?

"By giving them the required quality education"

We offer quality education to our students to prepare them to stand apart from the crowd in this competitive world. And we also teach them leadership qualities by assigning them various kinds of tasks.

What are your views on the placements and higher education of students from your department?

"We are doing well in both the areas"

Our students are placed in different reputed companies and this is definitely due to the hard work of our faculties. On the other hand, many students have also opted for higher education. And our department provides full support to our students for both things.

How do you strategize and update the curriculum to make it befitting for the students?

"University keep updating the curriculum as per feedback of industry persons and we follow the same"

As already discussed, we follow the curriculum designed by the University, and our students get decent jobs after finishing their respective programs. And after a certain time of span, universities update the curriculum based on feedback received from industry experts.

Which best practices are being offered by the department to the students to help them gain necessary skills?

"We provide extra support by giving counseling sessions to required students"

The following best practices are being offered by our department to the students:

  • Orienting the students by imparting basics of outcome-based education at the outset of the semester.
  • Giving additional coaching for slow learners through remedial classes.
  • Involvement of industrial personnel for additional study sessions in and off the classroom.
  • Conduction of counseling sessions for students having poor academic performance.
  • 24 X 7 access to archived study material to students.

How do you introduce a practical and industry-oriented approach towards subjects?

"By introducing a topic in a curious and creative way"

To enforce a practical approach towards subjects, I include a range of activities such as illustrating a concept or idea in such a manner that it generates arguments from the students' side. That's how the process of constructive learning takes place. 

Click RTC Institute of Technology, Ranchi Placements

How do you establish healthy relations with the students?

"I connect with them on regular basis and maintain a positive ambiance in the classroom"

There are some tips that I generally follow to have a cordial relationship with my students. I try to know them by their name as quickly as possible because knowing them on a personal level is very important to the community with them. Next, I conduct value analysis discussion sessions about some current event or topic. And I also try to maintain a positive and enthusiastic environment, avoiding the use of threats and punishment when teaching. For me, it's very essential that students feel connected and valued while being with me. Lastly, during classes, I ensure to have an environment where students can ask questions and give answers freely and without any hesitation.

Any valuable advice which you would like to give to the students to have a prosperous career ahead? 

"Stay focused, disciplined and keep updating yourself"

I would like to advise my students to be disciplined, dedicated and punctual if they want to achieve their goals. Apart from this, they should also seek better internship opportunities, and keep upgrading their skills and knowledge.