Biswabrata Goswami
MIDNAPORE, 2 APRIL: In a landmark move aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced transformative reforms to its undergraduate (UG) programmes, set to be implemented from the academic year 2024-25. These initiatives aim to revolutionize the educational landscape, offering students unprecedented flexibility, interdisciplinary opportunities, and international exposure.
Effective from the upcoming academic session, admission to all UG programs at IIT Kharagpur will be streamlined into 4-year B.Tech and B.S. levels exclusively. However, students will have the option to transition into 5-year dual degree programmes after completing their second or third year of study. This paradigm shift allows students to make more informed decisions about their academic paths, enabling them to explore diverse disciplines within their parent department or opt for interdisciplinary dual degree programs offered by various schools and centers within the institute.
This pioneering approach opens avenues for innovative combinations such as a B.S. (Hons.) in Economics paired with an M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or a B.Tech (Hons.) in Civil Engineering coupled with an M.Tech in Financial Engineering. By deferring the choice of specialization, students can better tailor their academic trajectories to align with their evolving interests and career aspirations.
Furthermore, the traditional practice of allowing branch change at the end of the first year for UG students admitted through JEE (Advanced) has been abolished. This strategic decision aims to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with securing higher grades for branch change, thereby fostering a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. Embraced by both existing and prospective students, this reform is poised to mitigate mental health challenges and enhance overall academic performance.
Moreover, IIT Kharagpur introduces the concept of “Double Major” programmes, allowing UG students to concurrently pursue a second major alongside their primary B.Tech (Hons.) or B.S. (Hons.) degree. This innovative initiative enables students to diversify their skill sets and broaden their academic horizons. For instance, a student majoring in Mechanical Engineering may opt for a “Double Major” in Economics, thereby fostering interdisciplinary expertise.
In a bid to enhance global exposure and experiential learning, IIT Kharagpur introduces the Semester Away Program (SAP). Under SAP, UG students can spend one semester in a reputed national or international institute, industry, or research laboratory, earning full credits equivalent to the semester credits. This immersive experience offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultural and academic environments while gaining valuable real-world insights and skills.
Additionally, the institute emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning by offering minors and micro-specializations in various disciplines. With a mandatory AI/ML elective and a diverse range of elective courses spanning linguistics, happiness and well-being, Indian knowledge systems, and performing arts, students are empowered to explore diverse fields and cultivate holistic competencies.
Professor V.K. Tewari, Director of IIT Kharagpur, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of these reforms. He highlighted the Double Major program’s capacity to attract brilliant students and the abolition of branch change’s positive impact on curriculum flexibility. Moreover, he emphasized the strategic significance of the SAP in fostering global partnerships and enhancing students’ employability.
Tags: #IITKGP #NEP #SAP
