New Delhi, May 7 (HS): The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of academic and infrastructure capacity (Phase-B construction) for five newly established IITs located in Andhra Pradesh (IIT Tirupati), Kerala (IIT Palakkad), Chhattisgarh (IIT Bhilai), Jammu & Kashmir (IIT Jammu), and Karnataka (IIT Dharwad). This initiative involves a total investment of Rs. 11,828.79 crore over four years, from 2025-26 to 2028-29.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the creation of 130 faculty positions (at the professor level) in these IITs and the establishment of five advanced research parks to enhance industry-academia collaboration. The student intake in these IITs is set to exceed 6,500 over the next four years, with first-year enrollments increasing by 1,364, second-year by 1,738, third-year by 1,767, and fourth-year by 1,707 across various programs.

Upon completion, the total capacity of these five IITs will rise to 13,687 students, a significant increase from the current strength of 7,111, thereby enabling more than 6,500 additional students to enroll in these prestigious institutions. This expansion not only aims to foster nation-building and economic growth but also enhances social mobility and reduces educational inequality in India.

Moreover, this initiative will generate direct employment opportunities through the hiring of faculty and administrative staff and stimulate local economies through increased demand for housing and services. While these IITs are regionally located, admissions are open to students from across the country, benefiting all states and UTs. In the last decade, the total number of students in 23 IITs has doubled, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational access and infrastructure.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar