IIT Kharagpur announces curriculum reforms; double majors, 5-year dual degree courses for UG students

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has announced several reforms in its UG programs starting academic year 2024-25 in line with the National Educational Policy (NEP 2020). 

The new programs include five-year dual degree programs, elimination of branch change, double major options, and semester away programs.

All UG programs at IIT Kharagpur starting from year 2024-25, will be for five-year – BTech and BS levels only. The students will be able to opt for the five-year dual degree programs after the second or third year of their study. 

Depending on the student’s interest and suitability, these dual degree programs may be availed by them within the parent departments or through interdisciplinary dual degree programs (IDDP) options available across various schools and centers.

This initiative aims to create new possibilities such as combining a BS (Hons) in Economics with an MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, or pursuing a BTech (Hons) in Civil Engineering alongside an MTech in Financial Engineering.

These changes will enable students make informed choices after spending a few semesters at IIT Kharagpur for a dual degree, instead of choosing before they join the institute.

The UG students taking admission in 2024 will have the option of earning simultaneously a “double major” along with the BTech (Hons) or BS (Hons) degree in the departments in which they take admission. 

Several departments will offer the ‘Double Major’ program in any discipline after the first year. 
For example, a student pursuing a BTech (Hons) in mechanical engineering can opt for a ‘Double Major’ in economics or a student pursuing BS (Hons) in Physics can opt for a ‘Double Major’ in electronics and electrical communications engineering or artificial intelligence and machine learning.

IIT Kharagpur has also decided to remove the provision for branch change at the end of the first year for UG students admitted through JEE Advanced so that there is no pressure on students to secure higher grades for branch change thereby reducing disparity in opportunities among students.

Currently, less than 10 percent of students typically manage to change their branches each year, leaving a significant portion of students disappointed.

The institute hopes to create a conducive learning environment and encourage holistic growth among students. 

Furthermore, the institute is set to introduce the concept of 'minor' or 'micro-specialization' options in various disciplines, allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

The institute will be making certain elective courses, including those related to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) mandatory in order to keep the students abreast with evolving needs of industries and latest skills and knowledge.

In addition to the above, IIT Kharagpur will also implement a Semester Away Program (SAP) from the academic year 2024-25, allowing undergraduate students to spend one semester at another reputed national or international institute, industry, or research laboratory.