IIT Guwahati launches flood-focused M.Tech to arm Assam engineers against climate crisis

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 15, 2025

In a strategic move to strengthen Assam’s capacity to tackle recurring floods and water management challenges, the state’s Water Resources Department has partnered with IIT Guwahati to upskill government engineers through a newly launched M.Tech program in Flood and Water Resources Management.

The collaboration was formalized earlier this year through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in the presence of Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika. As part of the agreement, 20 engineers from the department will be nominated annually to undergo specialized training, subject to meeting eligibility and admission requirements. Over the next decade, the program aims to train more than 200 engineers under a World Bank-supported initiative led by the Assam Flood and River Erosion Management Agency (FREMAA).

The program, developed by the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Guwahati, is structured to support working professionals through a hybrid model — online classes  coupled with in-person lab sessions and examinations at the IIT Guwahati campus. With no GATE score required, applicants will be selected through a written test and/or interview conducted by the institute.

The course curriculum is designed to address urgent water-related challenges such as flood risk, climate variability, water scarcity, and sustainable development. Students will be trained in advanced tools including hydrological modelling, GIS, remote sensing, and flood forecasting — preparing them for critical roles in disaster management, infrastructure planning, and climate adaptation.

Prof. Hemant B. Kaushik, Dean of Online Education and Skilling at IIT Guwahati, highlighted the urgency of the program. “As climate risks intensify and floods become more frequent, the demand for skilled professionals in water management is growing rapidly. This program empowers engineers to lead solutions in building a resilient water future for Assam and beyond,” he said.

The flexible, multi-tier structure of the program allows participants to earn progressive qualifications PG Certificate in Basics of Flood and Water Resources Management (after 4 courses), PG Diploma (after 7 courses), Master of Science (Engineering) (after two semesters and 10 courses) and full M.Tech Degree (after four semesters and capstone project).

Students who exit with an intermediate qualification can rejoin after a one-year gap to continue their education. The program includes opportunities for hands-on training, campus visits, and faculty mentorship.

The application window for the inaugural batch is open until July 31, with classes set to begin on August 18. Applicants must hold a four-year degree in Civil, Agricultural, or Allied Engineering fields with at least 60% marks and have a minimum of one year of professional experience in the water resources sector.