"To make a mark in the field of technical education, we, at Pragati Engineering College, continuously adopt innovative methods in Teaching-Learning process," says Dr. Paruchuri Krishna Rao, Chairman, Pragati Engineering College. This is the one goal, which, since its inception, this institute has slowly been moving towards.Pragati Engineering College began, humbly, in 2001 in Surampalem, near Kakinada, in the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh. Sponsored by the M/s. Gayatri Educational Society, it is permanently affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada. Institute is Accredited with 'A' Grade by NAAC; all its courses are approved by the AICTE.

The Training and Placement Cell works tirelessly to ensure student placement every year. The highest package offered so far has been of Rs. 6lakhs per annum and the average package offered is Rs. 3lakhs per annum. Companies such asTCS, Tech Mahindra, Value Labs, InRhythm, Tripod Technologies GVK, L&T Metro and Efftronics are among other top companies that often recruit students from this institute. The Training and Placement Cell provides a number of programs to maximize student placements. The Mock Recruitment Process is a program aimed at preparing students for placement interviews while the Meet the Leader program aims at developing leadership skills and qualities among its students.In-house Aptitude and Soft Skills trainerstrain students on various aspects of career development.

However, realizing that it is not enough to only provide placements, this institute has prudently seen the importance of developing entrepreneurial spirit, characteristics and personality among its students. Thus, the

Entrepreneur Development Cell aims at developing professional, technical and technological competency among students. It also provides for the students, managerial capabilities that will give them the skills required to start and maintain their own businesses. The cell is also a base for the creation and sharing of knowledge and information. The students can gain insight in the theory and practice of entrepreneurship. This provides a strong base with which to begin ones career.

The institute’s aim to produce highly skilled students can be seen in the programs that build communication skills, professional skills and core employability skills

The institution on its part maintains close relations with the industrial sector; companies sponsor the Best Outgoing Student and Best Student Project Awards for the students. It collaborates with companies like TCS, Infosys, among others. The institute's aim to produce highly skilled students can be seen in the programs that build communication skills, professional skills and core employability skills. Some of the MoUs signed by the college towards this initiative are with Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Campus Connect and Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE). Workshops and Add-On courses are even offered to students, where ever it is required to bridge the gap. The institute also provides guest lectures, workshops and Faculty Development Programs (FDPs).

The vision of the college is to emerge as a premier institute for technical education, focusing on Research and Development to cater to the needs of the country. To work towards that goal, the institute's mission is to maintain sta and information. The students can gain insight in the theory and practice of entrepreneurship. This provides a strong base with which to begin ones career.te-of-the-art infrastructure and build a strong team that can provide need based technical education, and research and development. In this respect,

they are involved in numerous projects with major bodies such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai. They also work with the and AICTE and on minor research projects sponsored by the UGC.The faculty is also involved in supplying major E-content for Globarena Technologies Pvt. Ltd. as part of consultancy work.

"It's the students who have made Pragati Engineering College an amazing place," says Dr. Rao. The students, on their part, have proven their excellence by participating in a number of events. Most notable is the Infosys 'Aspirations 2020' contest where the students won State Champions. They also participated in the in National Finals of Microsoft Imagine Cup and the ACM's International Collegiate Programming Contest. They are also encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities such as involving themselves with the NSS and the NCC and active participation in numerous clubs like the sports club, literary and technical clubs. This is not only good for the physical health of the student but also builds character and the spirit of team-work. With the welfare of the students in mind, counseling and mentoring programs have been provided and there is particular focus given to students who are unable to cope with their workload.

Led by Chairman Dr. Paruchuri Krishna Rao and Sri M. V. Haranatha Babu, Director (Management), Pragati Engineering College aims to soar to new heights.The institute, despite humble beginnings has risen to become a premier engineering college in Andhra Pradesh.

When asked how they intended to handle themselves in the ever changing industrial sector and what plans for the future they had, "To have flexibility in framing of syllabus that suits the industry standards, we have applied for grant of Autonomous status to UGC. The expert committee visit is due. Also, we are exploring collaborations with Foreign Universities."

The close relationship it shares with the industry it wishes to cater to and the programs and activities that it provides as opportunities for its students are symbols of the institute's dedication in the pursuit of excellence. The future looks bright.