MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has announced the launch of the Prof Makarand Hastak School of Construction Engineering & Management, a new academic initiative aimed at preparing skilled professionals for India’s rapidly expanding construction and infrastructure sector. The School will begin admissions from the 2026–27 academic year and will focus on developing future leaders equipped with engineering, management and technology expertise.
The launch comes as India continues to make significant investments in infrastructure development, smart cities, urban transformation and sustainable construction. With demand increasing for professionals capable of managing large and complex infrastructure projects, the new School seeks to bridge the gap between technical education and industry requirements.
The School will offer programmes that combine engineering fundamentals with management education and practical industry exposure. Students will receive training in emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital construction, project management, sustainability and data-driven decision-making. The curriculum has been designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in infrastructure development, real estate, engineering consulting and construction management.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr RM Chitnis, Vice Chancellor of MIT-WPU, said the construction industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability and urbanisation. He said the new School has been established to develop professionals with strong technical knowledge as well as leadership and managerial capabilities required to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects that contribute to national development.
The flagship programme of the School will be an MBA in Construction Management, designed specifically for engineering graduates who aspire to build careers in infrastructure and project management. The programme will combine classroom learning with practical industry exposure, enabling students to understand the commercial, operational and technological aspects of construction projects.
To strengthen industry engagement, MIT-WPU also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between its Department of Civil Engineering and the Builders Association of India (BAI), Pune Centre. The collaboration will provide students with internships, live projects, industry mentoring, guest lectures, skill development programmes, experiential learning opportunities and improved placement support. The partnership is expected to enhance interaction between academia and industry while helping students gain practical knowledge before entering the workforce.
As part of the launch, the university organised a Round Table Conclave titled “Building Future Construction Leaders: Why Techno-Managerial Competencies Are Needed?” The discussion was moderated by Prof (Dr) Sushma Kulkarni, Principal Advisor to the School, and brought together representatives from the Builders Association of India (BAI), Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), PCERF and several senior industry professionals.
The conclave focused on the changing requirements of the construction sector, highlighting the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, digital construction technologies, Building Information Modelling, sustainability, workplace safety, communication skills and modern project management practices. Participants agreed that future infrastructure professionals will require multidisciplinary skills to manage increasingly complex projects.
To encourage meritorious students, MIT-WPU has announced scholarships for the inaugural batch. The first 20 eligible students, comprising 10 girls and 10 boys, will receive a 50% tuition fee waiver. The next 20 eligible students, including 10 girls and 10 boys, will receive a 20% tuition fee waiver, subject to the university’s scholarship guidelines.
With its focus on technology, industry collaboration, practical learning and leadership development, the Prof Makarand Hastak School of Construction Engineering & Management aims to produce professionals capable of supporting India’s growing infrastructure ambitions while promoting innovation, sustainability and excellence across the construction sector.
