In 2024, Scaler School of Technology (SST) claims to have witnessed a meteoric rise in applications, with over 12,000 students vying for a spot in its flagship undergraduate residential program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. This was a sharp increase from 5,000 applicants the previous year. Out of the 440 students admitted, 137 chose SST over renowned institutions like IITs, NITs, IIITs, and BITS, solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for technology education in India.  

Now there’s a question, why do students prefer new-age institutes like SST? SST’s appeal lies in its industry-aligned curriculum, expert faculty, and practical learning opportunities. Shreshtha Sharma, Student President of the 2027 batch, explained. “Scaler made sense to me because of three things: the hands-on curriculum designed by tech experts, the experienced faculty from companies like Google and Microsoft and the mandatory one-year internship I’ve already started. Many of my peers have secured internships even before the placement cycle began,” she added.  

SST asserts a practical, project-driven approach to education, bridging the gap between traditional academics and real-world industry requirements. Its faculty includes professionals from companies such as Google, Amazon, and Flipkart, ensuring students gain industry-relevant skills.  

Addressing the skills gap  

According to Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-founder of InterviewBit and Scaler, “Almost 90% of India’s engineering graduates are deemed unemployable due to outdated curricula. At SST, our pedagogy is designed to meet the dynamic demands of the tech industry. The overwhelming rise in applications and students choosing SST over premier institutions validates our approach to addressing the prevalent skills gap.”  

Admission procedure

It is believed that securing admission to SST is no easy feat, with a mere 3.8% acceptance rate. Applicants undergo the Scaler National Entrance Test (NSET), followed by two rounds of interviews conducted by industry professionals. In 2024, of the 12,000 test takers, only 440 were admitted. This cohort included students with top-tier credentials, such as JEE Main scores in the 99.44 percentile and offers from global universities like the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo. SST also boasts diversity, with students hailing from 160 districts across 21 Indian states.  

Scholarships  

Applications for the 2025 batch are now open. Early applicants are eligible for scholarships, funded by industry leaders like Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The program includes:  

– Specializations in emerging technologies.  

– A year-long paid internship.  

– Dual degrees: a BSc from BITS Pilani and a Master’s from Woolf University.  

SST has also claimed to have partnered with leading banks and NBFCs to offer financing options, making world-class education accessible to deserving students.