Maj Gen Viney Handa (Retd)

It is with immense pride and a profound sense of national purpose that I welcome you to the official web page of the School of Defence & Aerospace Technology at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune.

Our nation stands at a historic inflexion point. The call for an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) in defence is not just a government policy; it is the most significant strategic and economic opportunity of our generation. The burgeoning defence manufacturing sector is poised for exponential growth, creating a high-demand for a new cadre of “Defence Technocrats” who can innovate and lead. To answer this national call, a conventional engineering degree is not enough.

At SSPU, a university built on the very foundation of providing skills relevant to the industry, we have crafted a B.Tech. program that is fundamentally different. Our curriculum has been meticulously designed by experts from DRDO and leading public and private sector experts from defence industries and the Defence Forces, being the end users. We are committed to a practice-based learning model with a 70% focus on learning by doing, ensuring that our students are not just theoretically sound but are truly industry-ready.

As a student here, you will not be a passive learner in a classroom. You will immerse yourself in the world of defence systems. You will learn the principles of aerodynamics that guide a missile, the electronics that power a RADAR system, the robotics that operate an unmanned vehicle, and the AI that provides a strategic edge. We don't just teach engineering; we forge Defence Technologists who understand the synergy between systems and the imperatives of the battlefield.

Having served for over 37 years in the Indian Army and commanded units with state-of-the-art technology, I bring the end-user's perspective to our pedagogy. My promise to you is that you will be mentored by a unique blend of accomplished academicians, industry veterans, and experienced military leaders. We will provide you with a vibrant ecosystem of learning, complete with state-of-the-art labs and deep industry collaborations for internships and live projects.

Upon graduation, a vast and exciting career landscape awaits you. You will be sought after by premier organizations across the global and Indian defence ecosystem, including DRDO, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and leading private sector companies, MSMEs. You will have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to national security and become a leader in this high-growth sector.

If you have the passion to innovate, the diligence to learn, and the spirit to contribute to our nation's security, I invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Let us, together, build a safer, stronger, and self-reliant India through technology, talent, and tenacity.

Jai Hind!

Major General Viney Handa (Retd.) Director, School of Defence & Aerospace Technology Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune