Gauhati University launches northeast India's first Undergraduate Minor Degree in Quantum Technology

Guwahati, August 01, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening India's quantum technology ecosystem, Gauhati University has announced the launch of an Undergraduate Minor Degree Course in Quantum Technology, aligned with the ambitious National Quantum Mission (NQM) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, from the academic year beginning in August 2026. With this initiative, Gauhati University becomes the first higher education institution in North-East India to introduce a programme of its kind.

Aligned with vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the 18-credit, six-semester Minor Degree programme will be based on the Model Curriculum on Quantum Technologies jointly developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in December 2024. The course will run alongside the regular B.Tech./B.E. curriculum. Students enrolled in the third semester of engineering programmes across institutions will be eligible to pursue the course, which will continue until the eighth semester.

Quantum Technology is widely regarded as one of the world's most transformative emerging technologies, with applications spanning secure communication, defence, healthcare, finance, advanced computing and scientific research. As governments and industries worldwide invest heavily in quantum innovation, the National Quantum Mission has identified the development of skilled human resources as a key national priority.

Lauding the Department of Physics for spearheading the initiative, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, said, "As the first university in North-East India to introduce this programme, we are creating opportunities for our students to engage with one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. This initiative will prepare a future-ready workforce that will contribute to National Quantum Mission of India, and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047."

Students completing the programme will gain specialised knowledge and skills in frontier areas including Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Sensing, Semiconductor Technologies, Quantum Internet, and the rapidly expanding quantum startup ecosystem. The programme is expected to significantly enhance graduates' employability in both industry and national research laboratories.

The programme is being initiated and coordinated by the Department of Physics, Gauhati University. The programme committee comprises faculty members from the Department of Physics and other technical departments of the University, along with experts from IIT Guwahati. 

With this initiative, Gauhati University joins a select group of premier institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and IIT Bombay, which have introduced similar programmes to develop India's quantum-ready workforce.