INSTITUTIONAL EXPOSURE PROGRAMME

Introduction

An Institutional Exposure Program refers to an initiative where students are taken to institutions, organizations, or communities to observe best practices, gain hands-on experience, and learn through direct exposure. It is based on the principle of “seeing is believing” and is widely used for capacity building, skill development, and knowledge transfer.

Students of The Aga Khan Hostel, Botad, participated in an Institutional Exposure program organized by the Economic Planning Board for Ahmedabad (EPB), which included a visit to three leading institutions in Ahmedabad.

Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) - A hub for vocational training and industry-relevant skill enhancement.

Tata Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Ahmedabad - A premier institute focused on advanced skill-building and workforce readiness.

Venture Studio – Incubation Center at Ahmedabad University. - Incubation Center at Ahmedabad University: A vibrant ecosystem fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup incubation.

The visit was organized on 5th December 2025 – Friday, by The Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ahmedabad with the purpose of making students aware of emerging career pathways, future skill demands, and innovation-centric learning environments.

Seven students from Classes 10–12 participated, as below details with the Academic Director Mr. Amin Ladhani leading the visit to facilitate learning, reflection, and career awareness throughout the program.

Objectives of the Visit • To expose students to future-oriented skill development opportunities. • To help them understand the significance of industry–academia partnerships and vocational training. • To inspire critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurial awareness. • To support students in identifying realistic and relevant future academic and career options, aligned with modern industry needs.

Places Visited & Learning

A. Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC)

-ASDC offers practical, industry-driven courses such as:

• Cyber Security (certificate programs) Data Analytics

• Technical and digital skill programs aligned to industry needs.

Learning for Students:

• Students learned about the rapid rise in fields like Cyber Security and Data Analytics, understanding that these areas are among the fastest-growing global professions.

• They saw modern training labs and equipment, giving them a realistic ability to imagine themselves in IT, digital technology, and data-driven careers.

• Exposure helped them understand that employability today requires technical skills

• Discipline + digital awareness, not just academic marks.

• Students realized that vocational and certificate routes after Class 12 can be equally strong pathways to careers in high-demand sectors.

B. Tata Indian Institute of Skills (IIS Ahmedabad)

IIS Ahmedabad provides fuure-centric training in:

• Robotics & Industrial Automation

• 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Courses – EV diagnostics, repair, servicing

• Advanced manufacturing & simulation-based training.

Learning for Students:

• Students saw high-tech labs demonstrating how industries are shifting toward automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing.

• The EV training module exposed them to the future of mobility, where electric vehicle servicing and battery management will become essential skills.

• They learned that practical, hands-on training can lead to well-paying, future ready careers and is not limited only to engineering graduates.

• The exposure helped them understand that India’s industrial future lies in advanced manufacturing and technology-driven services, encouraging them to align their studies accordingly.

C. Venture Studio – Incubation Center (Ahmedabad University)

Venture Studio nurtures innovation through

• Startup incubation Prototype development labs

• Mentorship for student innovators

• Entrepreneurial and design-thinking programs

Learning for Students:

• Students witnessed a culture of entrepreneurship where young innovators create solutions for real-world problems.

• They learned how ideas evolve into prototypes and eventually into startup ventures, giving them exposure to design thinking, innovation, and creative problem-solving.

• This visit inspired students to think differently—beyond the traditional "degree → job" path—towards pathways such as innovation, research, product design, and entrepreneurship.

• They observed how creativity, technology, and teamwork combine to build new solutions that can have social and economic impact.

Academic Importance of the Visit

This exposure aligns closely with the academic and developmental needs of young

learners:

Career Orientation

Students gained clarity about diverse academic paths and career opportunities in fields like cyber security, data analytics, robotics, EV technology, and entrepreneurship.

Skill Integration

The visit emphasized how practical skills complement classroom learning, preparing students for real-world expectations.

Informed Decision-Making

By understanding upcoming industries and their skill requirements, students can now make more thoughtful decisions regarding stream selection and future courses.

Holistic Development

Students returned with increased motivation, awareness of global trends, and a deeper understanding of how technological and entrepreneurial ecosystems function.

Future-Ready Mindset

The institutions highlighted the importance of adapting to future job markets,

encouraging students to cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Conclusion

This academic exposure visit empowered students with a clear understanding of the skills and industries that will shape their future. By witnessing real-world training in cyber security, data analytics, robotics, EV technology, and innovation ecosystems, students broadened their career vision and developed a future-ready mindset. The visit bridged the gap between school learning and industry expectations, inspired creativity and confidence, and equipped students with the awareness needed to make informed academic and career choices.

We express our sincere gratitude to Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for Ahmedabad for organizing this highly enriching educational opportunity.

A special thanks to Mr. Sahil Kothiya for his exceptional support in coordinating logistics and ensuring that the visit was smooth, meaningful, and academically impactful for all participants.