Has the Cabinet Approved the Expansion of Academic and Infrastructure Capacity of 5 IITs?
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Synopsis
The Union Cabinet has officially approved a major expansion of five IITs, aimed at increasing academic capacity significantly. This initiative promises to boost the number of seats available for students and strengthen India's educational framework.
Key Takeaways
- The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs.11,828.79 crore expansion for five IITs.
- Over 6,500 new academic seats will be created across various programs.
- Construction will begin in 2025-26 and conclude by 2028-29.
- Job creation is anticipated through hiring of faculty and staff.
- New research parks will enhance industry-academia collaboration.
New Delhi, May 7 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the enhancement of academic and infrastructure capacity at five new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
This expansion initiative will commence at IIT Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, IIT Palakkad in Kerala, IIT Bhilai in Chhattisgarh, IIT Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, and IIT Dharwad in Karnataka, with a total investment of Rs.11,828.79 crore spread over four years, as detailed in a Cabinet Communique.
Construction is set to begin in the fiscal year 2025-26 and is slated for completion by 2028-29. This project will significantly increase academic seats by over 6,500 across undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and PhD programs.
The anticipated increase in student enrollment will see 1,364 new students in the first year, 1,738 in the second, 1,767 in the third, and 1,707 in the final year.
Upon completion, these five IITs are expected to accommodate 13,687 students, up from the current 7,111, resulting in an addition of 6,576 students, according to the Communique.
The increase in seats is projected to support nation-building by fostering a skilled workforce, driving innovation, and stimulating economic growth. It will also enhance social mobility, mitigate educational inequality, and bolster India's standing on the global stage.
Moreover, this expansion will lead to job creation as new faculty, administrative staff, researchers, and support personnel will be needed to manage the growing number of students and facilities.
The Cabinet has also sanctioned the establishment of 130 faculty positions at the level of Professor (Level 14 and above) across these IITs.
Furthermore, the expansion of IIT campuses is expected to invigorate local economies by creating demand for housing, transportation, and ancillary services.
To strengthen industry-academia partnerships, five cutting-edge research parks will also be established.
The initiative to increase seats in IITs was first revealed during the Union Budget for 2025-26.
According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the total student population across 23 IITs has doubled from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh over the past decade. The new infrastructure will accommodate an additional 6,500 students in the five IITs inaugurated after 2014.
Point of View
I must emphasize that the expansion of IITs is a pivotal step towards equipping the next generation with essential skills. With a focus on innovation and economic growth, this initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening the educational landscape and fostering a skilled workforce.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the expansion project?
The expansion project is estimated to cost Rs.11,828.79 crore over four years.
How many new students will the IITs accommodate?
The expansion will allow for an increase of over 6,500 academic seats.
When will the construction for the new IIT facilities begin?
Construction is scheduled to start in the fiscal year 2025-26.
Will this expansion create job opportunities?
Yes, the expansion will generate employment opportunities for faculty, administrative staff, and support personnel.
How will this impact local economies?
The expansion is expected to stimulate local economies by creating demand for housing, transportation, and services.
