Laurel 2026

The second edition of Laurel was held yesterday, 20 Aug 2026 in our department Seminar hall. Laurel is the event where we facilitate students who scored more than 8SGPA or S grade in a subject. 

Both the Chairman and Principal attended the event which also saw faculty members from other departments who offered the courses in our department. Medals and certificates wee distributed to the students as part of the ceremony.

 

Congratulations to all for your academic achievement.

Kudos!

ISFMG 2026

The International Symposium on Field Monitoring in Geomechanics (ISFMG) is a well-established international symposium that began in Switzerland in 1977. Held once every four years, the symposium has since been hosted in several countries, including Italy, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. The 12th edition of ISFMG was hosted by IIT Indore from 6–10 August 2026, jointly organised by IIT Indore and the Indian Geotechnical Society.

The symposium focuses on the specialised area of field monitoring and measurements in geomechanics and brings together academicians, consultants, practising engineers, and manufacturers and suppliers of monitoring and measurement equipment from across the world.

Two faculty members from our department, Dr. Unni Kartha G. and Ms. Rajalakshmi, attended the symposium and presented a paper titled “Field Study on Ground Vibrations from Rock Blasting and Their Impact on Nearby Infrastructure.” The presentation provided an opportunity to discuss the work with senior academicians and industry professionals. The paper also led to useful interactions with members of the audience, including Prof. Ikuo Towhata of the University of Tokyo.


The symposium also provided opportunities to interact with several senior academicians and professionals, including Prof. Neelima Satyam, Convenor of the symposium, Dr. Anil Joseph, Prof. S. K. Prasad, Prof. M. R. Madhav, and Prof. Muralikrishna, among others. 

Another important feature of the symposium was the series of keynote lectures by leading academicians and industry professionals from different parts of the world. The technical sessions and exhibitions also provided exposure to current developments, instrumentation, monitoring techniques, and technologies being used in the field of geomechanics.

Participating in ISFMG 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to present our research, interact with experts in the field, and gain an understanding of recent developments and practices in field monitoring and geomechanics. It was inspiring too.

--

Rajalakshmi T R, AP CE

BIM Awareness Session: Building the Future with Digital Construction

Our Department, in association with the ISTE Chapter, hosted a BIM Fast Track Awareness Session in collaboration with BIM Cafe Learning Hub on 29 July 2026. The programme was conducted in the Advanced Computing Lab with the objective of familiarising students with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its growing role in the construction industry.

The programme was organised in two parts, comprising of a BIM drafting competition followed by a technical awareness session. The drafting competition was conducted for students from the second, third and fourth years of Civil Engineering. Participants were provided with a given plan and were required to develop its 3D model using drafting software Autodesk Revit or AutoCAD. The one hour competition saw 33 participants. Ms. Uma Shankar, BIM Expert and Industry Professional, served as the moderator for the programme and guided the participants during the competition. The activity provided students with hands-on exposure to digital drafting and modelling tools and encouraged them to explore BIM-based approaches to construction planning and design.

The Technical awareness session, “Building the Future with Digital Construction,” focused on the fundamentals and applications of Building Information Modelling in the construction sector. The session was led by Ms. Anitha Shamla, Managing Director, DDG BIM Services Pvt. Ltd. She introduced the students to the concept of BIM and highlighted its significance in transforming conventional construction practices through digital technologies. The session provided insights into the role of BIM in improving collaboration, coordination, visualisation and efficiency throughout the construction lifecycle.

The combination of the practical drafting competition and the expert-led awareness session helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices in BIM and digital construction. The BIM Fast Track Awareness Session was a meaningful initiative towards enhancing students’ awareness of emerging digital technologies and preparing them for the evolving demands of the construction industry.

--

Dr. Asha Joseph, Professor, CE

Stepping into the NEST Team: A Journey of Intentional Growth

Joining the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) initially started as a simple desire to engage more with campus life and connect with peers. Serving as the Student Lead for IEDC FISAT completely transformed that perspective, fuelling a drive to lead impactful initiatives and elevate our campus startup ecosystem.

When applications opened for the NEST Team - a state-level initiative supported by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) across college-level higher education institutions in Kerala, the prospect felt ambitious. Encouraged by friends, I submitted my application. Passing the initial state-wide screening was a major validation, but the journey wasn't without hurdles.

"On the day of the final interview, amidst a chaotic schedule, I almost missed the opportunity entirely. Driven by the effort already invested, I took the call sitting on a campus staircase under flickering lights." Receiving the selection notification afterward made the entire process surreal. Representing FISAT in the NEST Team is both an honour and a reminder that stepping out of comfort zones pays off. 

I am eager to bring these experiences back to our institution and continue fostering innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth.

--

Amina Farhath, S7 CE

Beyond tomorrow - Conference by Kerala Startup Mission

Me and three of my friends, Amina Farhath, Agnal Joby and Athul C G had the opportunity to attend the conference "Beyond Tomorrow", centered on the theme creative economy which took place at KSUM (Kerala Startup Mission), Kochi on August 4, 2026. 

The conference featured three distinct panel discussions. The first panel, titled "Creative Industries & AI: New frontiers of imagination," included speaker Actor Raveendran, moderator Sadhana Rao, and panelists Sanjoy K Roy, Asha Batra, and Joe Cyril. The second panel, "Creating with AI: Cinema & the creative industries," was moderated by Asad Lalljee with panelists Dr. C.S. Venkiteswaran, Firoz Merchant, and Xerxes Ranina. The third and final panel, "The New Creative Canvas: AI Publishing & the Future of Art," was moderated by Dr. Tany Abraham and featured panelists Jayant Mathew, Murali Cheiroth, Devika MS, and Sluba Paul. Across all these sessions, key insights explored the extent of AI's growth within creative fields and how artificial intelligence can be integrated into the creative industry without sacrificing the beauty of art.

Despite the enthusiasm for AI as a revolutionary tool in the creative economy, it ultimately functions as a synthetic echo chamber rather than a true creative canvas. Because it inherently lacks human intentionality, lived experience, and emotional depth, AI remains an inadequate and potentially detrimental substitute for genuine human artistry, I felt.

Attending the conference and listening to these people was a great experience for us. It has kindled a lot of contradicting thoughts in me!

--
Abiram B Krishna, S7 CE

Symposium on Resilient Steel Infrastructure at NIT Calicut

Three final year students from our department Ms. Ananya Ajith K., Ms. Fida P. P., and Mr. Shan Ahammed Shamseer and faculty member Dr. Asha Joseph, Professor, attended a one-day symposium on “Resilient Steel Infrastructure (RSI) – Recent Trends and Way Forward” organized by the Civil Engineering Association (CEA), Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) on 24 July 2026 at NIT Calicut. The symposium was sponsored by the Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG), with Technospan Structures Pvt. Ltd., CDISC Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and Roofs & Shades as event partners.

The symposium was organized in honour of Prof. T. M. Madhavan Pillai and Prof. M. Ameen of the Department of Civil Engineering, NIT Calicut, who will be superannuating from the NIT's service this year. The programme recognized their distinguished and valuable contributions to teaching, research, and academic administration over the years.

The symposium brought together eminent academicians, researchers, industry professionals, and students to discuss emerging trends and innovations in structural steel and resilient infrastructure. A notable feature of the programme was the thoughtful selection of speakers. The speakers had direct academic associations with Prof. T. M. Madhavan Pillai, either as his teachers or students, making the technical sessions not only academically relevant but also a meaningful tribute to his professional journey and contributions to the field.

The technical sessions covered a wide range of contemporary topics related to structural steel, sustainable construction, pre-engineered buildings, life-cycle assessment, and transportation infrastructure. Prof. A. Meher Prasad, Retired Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, delivered the opening technical talk, setting the context for the discussions on resilient steel infrastructure.

Mr. Shiladitya Chanda, Deputy General Manager (Civil & Structural), delivered a session on “Structural Steel for Resilient Infrastructure: Balancing Performance, Speed and Economy.” The session highlighted the advantages of structural steel in achieving efficient, durable, and economical infrastructure while meeting the demands of modern construction.
The session by Dr. M. Nithyadharan, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Tirupati, on “Pre-Engineered Steel Building Systems: From Concept to Practice,” provided valuable insights into the design, construction, and practical implementation of pre-engineered steel building systems.

The industry sessions conducted by the sponsors and event partners were also highly informative and technically engaging. Mr. Rishav Dutta, Assistant Manager (Civil & Structural), presented “Green Building Frameworks and Life Cycle Assessment for Resilient Steel Structures.” The session highlighted the increasing importance of sustainability, green building principles, and life-cycle assessment in the development of resilient steel structures.

Another technically significant session was delivered by Mr.  Satyanarayana V.V. Koya, Technical Director – Bridges, Jacobs, on “Advancements in Steel Structures for Transportation Infrastructure.” The presentation provided an overview of recent advancements and innovative approaches in steel structures used for transportation infrastructure.

The presentations by the event partners were particularly engaging, as they provided participants with practical exposure to ongoing and completed projects, innovative construction practices, advanced technologies, and contemporary solutions adopted in the steel construction industry. The real-world examples and project experiences presented by the industry representatives captured the attention of the participants and helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice.

The symposium offered the participating students an excellent opportunity to interact with experts from leading academic and professional institutions and to gain a better understanding of the latest developments in structural steel engineering. Exposure to pre-engineered building systems, sustainable construction, life-cycle assessment, advanced steel structures, and industry practices was particularly valuable for the final-year students as they prepare to enter the professional field.

The programme concluded with the valedictory and photo session, followed by a special felicitation ceremony for Prof. T. M. Madhavan Pillai, marking a fitting tribute to his distinguished service and contributions to the Department of Civil Engineering, NIT Calicut.
The participation in this technically enriching programme provided valuable academic and professional exposure while also offering an opportunity to be part of a memorable occasion honouring two distinguished academicians of NIT Calicut.

--

Dr. Asha Joseph, Professor, CE

Happy Independence day!

Every Indian feels a deep sense of pride celebrating Independence Day on the 15th of August. Like every year, we celebrated the day with the flag hoisting ceremony and renewed our pledge of commitment to the nation.

This year, our Vice Principal, Dr. Mini P. R., hoisted the national flag. Our NCC cadets put up an impressive parade, featuring a special freedom formation. 

What made the day particularly memorable for me was taking a selfie with Sarangi, a proud cadet from our department.

Kudos to the NCC cadets for organizing such a splendid show!

Workshop by BAI on KBR

There is no doubt that a thorough understanding of the Kerala Municipality Building Rules is very essential for any civil engineering graduate practicing in Kerala.  While some of the theoretical aspects are covered in the curriculum, procedural requirements, such as navigating online building permit applications using Ksmart (online platform of Govt. of Kerala) often remain unaddressed.

To bridge this gap, the student chapter of the Builders' Association of India (BAI) organized a hands-on workshop for final-year students on 10 August 2026. The session was conducted by Er. M. A. Mohammad Azhar, Structural Engineer at Anversons Design, Planning & Services, Aluva.

The workshop focused on practical execution and was well-received by the students. The event was supported by the BAI Angamaly Centre, with office bearers Mr. Johnson, Mr. Vinod, and Mr. Biji Stephan becoming part of the workshop.

ASCE Tech Quiz

The ASCE Student Chapter of our department organised Civil Stress Test, an online technical quiz on 31st July 2026. The aim of the competition was to encourage students to think critically and test the basic concepts of civil engineering. 

The quiz featured a total of 20 questions structured across four distinct formats like Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), Multiple Select Questions (MSQs), Fill in the Blanks, and True / False Questions. Participants competed under specific game rules, including individual per-question countdown timers that auto-submitted when time ran out, and the requirement to select all correct answers for MSQs before submitting. 

Hrishika T K of S5 CEB was the winner and Sarangi P S - S5 CEB & Krishnaj K K - S3 CEB came out second and third respectively.

Congratulations to the winners!

--

Somya Goswami, S5CE

Placement update!

The department shares the happiness of the students who secured job offers through campus placements this year. Their achievement reflects the dedication and effort they have shown throughout their academic journey.

As of 1 August 2026, 31 students from the 2026 graduating batch have received job offers. The major recruiters include Aarbee Structures, Mazameer Design and Engineering Studio, Mudbricks, Raj Constructions, TBPL, Design Seeds Architects, Paradigm, UltraTech Cement, Chandragiri Projects, VD Property Developers, Magicpotion and CG Glob Infra.

We are proud of their success and wish them the very best as they begin this exciting new chapter in their professional lives.

Kudos!

Draft It Right - AutoCAD Drafting Competition

Our Department Association, ACE, organised “Draft It Right,” an AutoCAD Drafting Competition, on 15 July 2026. The theme was “From Pencil to Precision: The Art of Engineering Drafting”. 

The competition challenged students to prepare a G+0 residential building floor plan with an approximate built-up area of 120-150 m², at a scale of 1:100, incorporating the specified spaces and essential drafting details. 

The entries were evaluated based on space planning and functional layout, compliance with requirements, accuracy of dimensions and scale, drafting standards, dimensioning and annotation, technical accuracy, neatness and presentation, and innovation and design quality.

The competition provided students with an opportunity to apply their AutoCAD skills and demonstrate accuracy, planning ability, and technical drafting proficiency through a practical design exercise. Azra T Navas, S5CE emerged as the winner in the competition. 

Congratulations Azra!

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Sreerath S, AP CE.