Kozhikode: The National Institute of Technnology, Calicut, (NTIC) is to receive an infra boost: a new academic block to comply with the National Education Policy 2020 guidelines, a source close to the development told Onmanorama.

“The new academic block is a project sanctioned under the EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) scheme of the Ministry of Education,” said Dr Priya Chandran, Dean (planning and development). "We expect the work to be completed by December 2024," she said.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 37.2 crore for the new academic block to ensure infrastructure support as the student and staff numbers see a spike with the introduction of new programmes. The institute is launching new academic programmes - M Tech and Integrated BSc/BEd - from the current academic year.

“NTIC is planning large-scale infrastructure development to provide a spacious and state-of-the-art ambience for the students,” said professor Prasad Krishna, director of the institute.

The campus spread across a sprawling 285 acres will now accommodate 21 laboratories, 21 class rooms, 42 faculty single rooms and 21 faculty double rooms.

In addition, the new space shall house research scholars too.

As per the plan, the new block will have 7 floors (G+6) with a total plinth area of 9,073 sq m.

The work has been entrusted to the Central Public Works Department; the preliminary works have already been started, said Dr Sajith A S, professor of civil engineering & superintending engineer (in charge), engineering unit, NIT Calicut.