Expansion of Academic Offerings Marks a New Era for the Prestigious Institution
In a groundbreaking development for international higher education, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is poised to introduce undergraduate courses at its Abu Dhabi campus starting September 2024. This expansion represents a significant milestone for the offshore campus, which was established in 2023 and has thus far focused solely on postgraduate programs.
New Undergraduate Programs
The Abu Dhabi campus will offer two cutting-edge undergraduate courses:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Energy Engineering
These programs have been carefully selected to align with the technological and environmental needs of the region, positioning graduates at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
Admission Process and Seat Distribution
Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, unveiled the details of the admission process during a recent press conference. The institute has allocated a total of 60 seats for these inaugural undergraduate programs, with a unique admission strategy:
- 20 seats reserved for students who qualify through the JEE (Advanced) 2024 examination
- 40 seats to be filled through a newly introduced Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET)
The CAET seats are further divided to ensure diversity and opportunities for various student groups:
- 20 seats for UAE nationals
- 20 seats for expatriates in the UAE (including Indian expatriates) and international students
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
Industry Partnerships
The IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus is actively engaging with industry leaders and partners in the UAE and the Gulf region. This collaboration aims to foster:
- Research initiatives
- Innovation projects
- Entrepreneurship activities
These partnerships are expected to provide students with real-world experience and opportunities for cutting-edge research.
Campus Development
Plans are underway for the establishment of a permanent campus for IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi. This development will further solidify the institute’s presence in the region and provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and faculty.
Faculty Recruitment
To maintain the high standards of education synonymous with IIT Delhi, the Abu Dhabi campus is implementing a rigorous faculty selection process:
- Initially, faculty from the Delhi campus will be seconded to Abu Dhabi
- A dedicated faculty recruitment drive for the Abu Dhabi campus is planned
- The recruitment process will adhere to the stringent standards of IIT Delhi
Conclusion
The introduction of undergraduate programs at IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus marks a significant step in the institute’s global expansion. By offering world-class education in fields crucial to the region’s development, IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi is poised to become a key player in shaping the future of technology and innovation in the Middle East.