IT BHU is now an IIT

The Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT BHU) will soon add the missing I to its name. The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has taken a decision to convert IT BHU into an IIT.

The Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT BHU) will soon add the missing I to its name. The Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has taken a decision to convert IT BHU into an IIT.

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Minister of State for HRD D Purandeswari conveyed this decision to the Lok Sabha on Monday. She was replying to a question on whether the government had taken any decision to develop technology institutions across the country on the lines of the IITs.

IT BHU has long been considered a front-runner to been upgraded into an IIT. It already admits students through the IIT Joint Entrance Examination.

“The IIT status will go a long way in improving both infrastructure and academics at IT BHU. We will get better students and will be able to attract bright faculty,” said SN Upadhyaya, Director, IT BHU.

He added that with more academic freedom, the institute would look at starting inter-disciplinary courses.

“Today, we are limited by the rules and regulations of the university. We have to go through numerous councils to get a new academic programme passed. But with IIT status, these limitations will go,” said Upadhyaya.

“Appointment of faculty will also become easier,” he added.

Apart from IT BHU, an expert panel has identified seven other institutions that have potential for upgradation to IIT-level. These include Bengal Engineering College, Howrah, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Engineering and Technology Department of Jadavpur University, and Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University.