Author – Ritesh Ranjan: Sricity International University, also known as SIU, has officially launched at its Interim Campus, introducing a new and practical approach to higher education in India. The university was launched in the presence of Hon’ble Minister Shri Lokesh Nara and has positioned itself as an institution focused on solving one of India’s biggest education and employment challenges: the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.
At the centre of SIU’s vision is India’s first Work-Study Dual Model, a system designed to help students gain professional exposure while they continue their degree. Unlike traditional higher education models where internships are usually offered only toward the end of a programme, SIU plans to integrate work experience from the first year itself. This means students will not only study in classrooms but also work with industry partners as paid interns during their academic journey.
The launch comes at an important time for India. Every year, the country produces more than nine million graduates. However, only around 42.6% of them are considered employable. Many graduates who do secure jobs often find themselves working in roles that do not fully match their qualifications. At the same time, more than 80% of employers report serious skill gaps among fresh graduates. This mismatch between education and employment has become a major concern for students, families, institutions and industries.
SIU aims to address this problem through an education model that combines academic learning, workplace training, industry exposure and entrepreneurship support.
A New Direction for Indian Higher Education
The Work-Study Dual Model introduced by Sricity International University is based on a simple but powerful idea: students should learn by doing. Under this model, students are expected to spend about one-third of their time on campus and the remaining time working as interns with industry partners.
This structure allows students to gain hands-on experience while still pursuing their undergraduate degree. From the first year itself, students will receive a minimum monthly stipend of ₹10,000. This stipend may increase as students gain more experience, improve productivity and take on greater responsibilities.
By the time students complete a four-year degree, they are expected to graduate with more than two years of real work experience. This gives them a major advantage in the job market, especially at a time when companies increasingly prefer candidates who are already familiar with workplace expectations.
For students, this model can reduce the pressure of entering the job market with only theoretical knowledge. For employers, it creates a talent pool that is trained, tested and better prepared for professional roles.
Industry-Linked Curriculum for Future Careers
One of the key strengths of SIU is its industry-linked curriculum. The university’s programmes are co-designed with industry partners, ensuring that students learn subjects, tools and skills that are relevant to the modern workplace.
In many traditional academic systems, curricula often take years to change. As a result, students may graduate with knowledge that does not fully match current industry needs. SIU aims to solve this by updating its curriculum every year. This is especially important in today’s AI-driven economy, where industries are changing quickly and new skills are becoming essential.
The university’s academic model focuses not only on theory but also on practical knowledge, competencies and workplace readiness. Students are expected to develop technical skills, communication abilities, problem-solving capacity, professional discipline and adaptability.
This approach can be especially valuable for students entering fields such as computer science, manufacturing, finance, digital media and communications, where technology and industry practices are constantly evolving.
Advantage of the Sri City Ecosystem
Another major advantage for SIU students is the university’s location within the Sri City ecosystem. Sri City is home to more than 200 companies from over 30 countries, operating across multiple sectors.
This gives students access to a strong industrial environment during their studies. Instead of learning about industries only through textbooks or occasional visits, students can engage with companies, professionals and real workplace situations more regularly.
The presence of national and international companies nearby can help students understand how businesses function, what skills employers value and how different sectors operate. It also strengthens the university’s ability to create meaningful internship and employment pathways.
For a work-study model to succeed, industry participation is essential. SIU’s connection with the Sri City ecosystem gives it a strong foundation to make this model practical and scalable.
Paid Internships from the First Year
A standout feature of SIU’s model is the introduction of paid internships from the first year. Students will receive a minimum stipend of ₹10,000 per month during their internship engagement.
This is significant for multiple reasons. First, it gives students early exposure to professional life. Second, it helps them develop confidence and financial responsibility. Third, it allows them to understand the connection between classroom learning and workplace application.
Paid internships also make education more meaningful because students can see the value of their skills in real situations. Instead of waiting until graduation to discover what employers expect, they begin learning those expectations early.
Over four years, this can result in a much stronger profile. A graduate with academic knowledge and two years of work experience is likely to be better prepared than one with only classroom learning.
Focus on Entrepreneurship and Startups
Sricity International University is also placing strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. The university has established Station-S, an incubation centre on campus, to support startup ideas and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Around 10 startups have already begun operations with support from Station-S and Gnan Circle Ventures, a Category-I Venture Capital Fund. This creates an encouraging environment for students who want to become entrepreneurs rather than only job seekers.
Through this ecosystem, students can receive mentoring, business support and exposure to startup development. They can learn how to build ideas, test products, understand markets and create ventures.
This is especially important in India’s current growth environment, where entrepreneurship is becoming a key driver of employment and innovation. By combining academic learning, industry exposure and incubation support, SIU is creating multiple pathways for students.
Programmes Offered for 2026–27
For the 2026–27 academic year, Sricity International University is offering four undergraduate programmes:
| Programme | Area of Focus |
| B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering | Technology, software, AI, computing and digital systems |
| B.Tech in Advanced Manufacturing | Manufacturing, automation, industrial systems and production |
| BBA in Finance & Accounts | Finance, accounting, business management and corporate operations |
| BBA in Digital Media & Communications | Media, branding, communication, content and digital platforms |
These programmes have been selected to match growing industry demand and future career opportunities. Each course is expected to follow SIU’s work-study approach, giving students the opportunity to gain academic knowledge and workplace experience together.
Admissions Open for 2026–27
Admissions are now open for the 2026–27 academic year. Interested students can apply online through the official website: www.thesiu.org.
Students looking for a practical, career-focused and industry-connected education model may find SIU’s approach highly relevant. With paid internships, annual curriculum updates, industry partnerships and entrepreneurship support, the university is aiming to create a new model for higher education in India.
Conclusion
The launch of Sricity International University marks an important development in Indian higher education. At a time when employability has become a major concern, SIU’s Work-Study Dual Model offers a fresh and practical solution.
By combining classroom learning with paid internships, industry-designed curriculum, real workplace exposure and startup support, SIU is preparing students for both jobs and entrepreneurship. The university’s model reflects a clear shift from degree-focused education to outcome-focused education.
If implemented effectively, SIU’s approach could become a strong example for other institutions in India. It represents a future where students do not wait until graduation to become employable. Instead, they begin building their careers from the first year itself.
FAQs
1. What is Sricity International University’s Work-Study Dual Model?
It is an education model where students divide their time between classroom learning and workplace internships with industry partners.
2. Will SIU students receive paid internships?
Yes. Students will receive a minimum stipend of ₹10,000 per month from the first year, which may increase with productivity and experience.
3. How much work experience can students gain before graduation?
By completing a four-year degree, students can graduate with more than two years of real workplace experience.
4. What courses are offered by SIU for 2026–27?
SIU is offering B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, B.Tech in Advanced Manufacturing, BBA in Finance & Accounts, and BBA in Digital Media & Communications.
5. How can students apply for SIU admissions?
Students can apply online through the official website: www.thesiu.org.