With over 100 years of legacy behind it, Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE), Cuttack, stands today as a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and relevance in India’s technical education landscape. Established in 1923, BOSE is the oldest diploma engineering institution in Odisha and one of the most historic in the country. Now in its second century, BOSE continues to evolve, thanks to the leadership of Dr Hrusikesh Mohanty, Principal of BOSE and a staunch advocate for academic excellence and industry integration.
Founded as the Orissa School of Engineering, BOSE began with Civil Engineering and later expanded into Mechanical and Electrical streams. It served the national cause during World War II by training over 1,000 war technicians and industrial workers. As India industrialized post-independence, BOSE consistently upgraded its programs to stay relevant to evolving industry needs.
A Doctorate in Friction Stir Welding from IIT Roorkee, Dr Hrusikesh Mohanty previously transformed ITI Cuttack into a nationally lauded institute before taking charge at BOSE. “For me, BOSE is not just an institution,” he tells Machine Maker, “it is the legacy of Odisha’s contribution to India’s industrial and technological journey. My mission here has been to uphold this heritage while infusing it with future-ready capabilities.”
Academic Excellence, National Recognition
In 2024, BOSE was ranked No. 1 in Odisha by the Quality Council of India (QCI) for its academic standards and institutional development. The achievement was acknowledged with the Chief Minister’s Award on 15 August 2024. “The QCI ranking reflects our faculty’s commitment, infrastructure advancement, and a strong vision aligned with industry needs,” Dr Mohanty explains. “The Chief Minister’s Award gave us collective pride—and a greater responsibility.”
Within two years, BOSE achieved NBA accreditation for six key diploma programs: Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Applied Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Information Technology. “NBA accreditation is not just a quality benchmark—it’s a gateway to global relevance. Our graduates are now more equipped than ever to compete on national and international platforms,” Dr Mohanty states.
Industry-Integrated Learning Environment
One of the defining features of Dr Hrusikesh Mohanty’s leadership at BOSE Cuttack has been his focus on purposeful industry engagement. Today, the institute boasts 13 state-of-the-art laboratories, established through collaborations with leading global companies under CSR initiatives, creating a dynamic learning ecosystem rooted in practical exposure. “Along with educating engineers, we’re immersing them in the realities of the industry from Day One,” says Dr Mohanty. “Whether it’s smart manufacturing or automotive mechatronics, our students are hands-on with the latest technologies.”
Notable collaborations include Mercedes-Benz India, which brought the prestigious Advanced Diploma in Automotive Mechatronics (ADAM) course to BOSE, making it the first institute in Eastern India to offer this specialized program. A partnership with NIT Warangal established a cutting-edge Digital Manufacturing Lab, focusing on 3D printing and innovative production technologies.
Key partners like Festo India, Mitutoyo South Asia, Schneider Electric, and Hexagon Geodetic India have contributed to developing advanced labs in mechatronics, dimensional metrology, industrial automation, and digital twin technology. These collaborations ensure that BOSE students gain immersive, industry-aligned training, preparing them for the fast-evolving demands of modern engineering.
Looking Ahead: Building a Culture of Research and Innovation
BOSE has also carved a niche in applied research and intellectual property. With support from NRDC and CSR-IIMT, BOSE students and faculty have filed multiple patents—an uncommon feat among diploma-level institutions. “Innovation is no longer optional—it is fundamental,” remarks Dr Mohanty. “We are actively pushing students toward creating, protecting, and commercializing their innovations.”
Dr Hurshikesh Mohanty was awarded the Best Academic Administration Award at the Odisha Technological Conclave 2024 to recognise his transformative impact. His leadership blends administrative insight with a passionate vision for industry-aligned, innovation-focused education. “We cannot produce world-class engineers without building world-class ecosystems,” he emphasizes. “We must first believe in our capabilities before expecting global recognition.”
Having crossed its centenary milestone in 2023, BOSE is now charting the course for its next 100 years. With nationally top-ranked credentials, NBA-accredited programs, and real-world industry integration, BOSE is redefining what it means to be a diploma institution in the 21st century. Dr Hrusikesh Mohanty concludes. “We are building creators, innovators, and problem-solvers who will carry India’s industrial momentum forward.” From its roots in pre-Independence India to its role in today’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem, BOSE Cuttack is a shining example of what sustained vision and leadership can achieve.
