Vijaybhoomi University and BITS Pilani Sign MoU to Deepen Academic, Research and Innovation Collaboration
Karjat / Pilani: Vijaybhoomi University (VU), India’s first Liberal Professional University, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BITS Pilani to establish a deeply integrated, two-way academic partnership. This collaboration marks a significant evolution in Indian higher education, creating a reciprocal exchange of technical depth, liberal education, and cutting-edge research across both institutions.
The MoU builds on ongoing academic engagement between Vijaybhoomi University and Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), BITS Pilani, under a national initiative supported by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). As the Knowledge Partner for the Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha program, Vijaybhoomi University is designing and delivering a structured entrepreneurial learning pathway for students from NSTIs, ITIs, and technical institutions across India – guiding participants from idea validation to market-ready enterprises. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to translating technical skills into entrepreneurial capability and real-world impact.
The collaboration is rooted in a deep intellectual and emotional synergy. Vijaybhoomi University’s Founding President, Mr. Sanjay Padode, is an alumnus of BITS Pilani (B.E. Electrical & Electronics and M.Sc. Mathematics, 1989). VU’s academic framework draws inspiration from several pioneering practices introduced at BITS Pilani – including choice-
based credit systems over rigid preset courses, flexible attendance policies, student-led initiatives, and practice-oriented learning. This MoU represents a natural progression of these shared values, formalizing a relationship that has existed since VU’s inception.
Under this agreement, the partnership serves as a two-way street for student development:
For BITS Pilani Students: Students will have opportunities to engage with Vijaybhoomi University’s multidisciplinary courseware and pathway-based programs, including international semester-abroad options. The partnership also opens pathways for dual-degree opportunities in creative domains such as the performing arts, where Vijaybhoomi University has developed distinctive academic offerings.
For Vijaybhoomi University Students: Students will gain exposure to specialized engineering and technical programs at BITS Pilani, strengthening their disciplinary depth through semester exchanges.
These initiatives are designed to allow students from both institutions to combine technical excellence with creative and human-centred learning.
A key pillar of the MoU is faculty collaboration. Faculty members from both institutions will participate in guest lectures, modular teaching, and short-term academic residencies across campuses. This exchange is expected to enrich classroom learning, foster cross-pollination of ideas, and create a shared academic culture that values experimentation and inquiry.
The collaboration also extends to research, with both institutions committing to jointly develop research projects in emerging areas. Vijaybhoomi University’s work in AI governance, AI-enabled learning systems, and technology-driven educational infrastructure presents opportunities for meaningful collaboration with BITS Pilani’s strong research ecosystem.
Both institutions share a strong alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, credit mobility, and holistic student development. Vijaybhoomi University has built its academic model around discovery, holistic development, social responsibility, and professional readiness – principles that resonate strongly with BITS Pilani’s progressive academic legacy. This commitment was recently evidenced by a team of 40 VU students winning the largest number of competitions at BITS Pilani’s cultural festival, Oasis ’25.
This partnership represents a long-term commitment to co-creating academic models, research initiatives, and learning experiences that prepare students for a world defined by rapid technological change. The MoU lays the foundation for a future where education is not merely about degrees or vocations, but about the enablement of self, society, and humanity.