Indian Institute of Technology – Full Review

Overview

Indian Institutes of Technology, commonly known as IITs, are premier institutions of higher education and research in engineering and technology in India. There are currently 23 IITs located across various cities in the country, which are governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961. These institutions offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering and science.

History

The first IIT was established in the city of Kharagpur in 1951, with the assistance of the government of West Bengal and the then Soviet Union. The aim was to create a world-class center of learning in engineering and technology that would contribute significantly to the country’s industrial and economic growth. Over the years, more IITs were established in various parts of the country, and they have become renowned globally for their academic excellence and research contributions.

Organization

The IITs are governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, which provides them with broad autonomy in academic and administrative matters. Each IIT has a Board of Governors who are responsible for the overall functioning of the Institute, including its finances, infrastructure, academic programs, and research activities. The Director is the chief executive officer of the Institute and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Institute.

Campus

The IITs are known for their sprawling and well-equipped campuses that provide students with a conducive environment for learning, research, and overall development. The campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities such as libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, hostels, and computer centers. Many of the IIT campuses are also located in scenic locations, providing students with a peaceful and serene environment.

Academics

The IITs offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering and science. The undergraduate programs are four-year courses leading to a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree. The postgraduate programs include Master of Technology (M.Tech) and Master of Science (M.Sc) degrees, while the doctoral programs include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degrees. The IITs are known for their rigorous academic curriculum, which emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Colleges and Schools

Each IIT has multiple departments that offer courses in different fields of engineering and science. Some of the common departments across IITs include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In addition, some IITs have specialized schools focusing on specific areas such as management, design, materials science, and biotechnology.

Student Life

The IITs have a vibrant campus life, with students involved in various extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural events, and technical competitions. The institutes have clubs and societies that cater to different interests, such as literature, music, dance, drama, and photography. The IITs also have a strong tradition of student autonomy wherein students have a say in the functioning of the institute.

Athletics

The IITs have a strong tradition of sports, and many students participate in various athletic activities. Each IIT has state-of-the-art sports facilities such as cricket grounds, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, and gymnasiums. Many IIT students have excelled in sports, and some have even gone on to represent the country at international events such as the Olympics.

Notable Alumni

The IITs have produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some of the well-known IIT alumni include Sundar Pichai (CEO, Google), Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft), Arvind Kejriwal (Chief Minister, Delhi), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Founder, Biocon), Vinod Khosla (Founder, Khosla Ventures), Raghuram Rajan (former Governor, Reserve Bank of India), and Chetan Bhagat (Author).

University Profile