IITs set for major boost as govt allocates ₹1,830 crore for expansion of 5 institutions

The enrollment in the 23 IITs has doubled over the last 10 years, increasing from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, according to a March 10 statement by Sukanta Majumdar, the Union Minister of State for Education.

In response to a question about the government’s decision to increase IIT seats by over 100% and the subsequent infrastructure improvements, especially at IIT Patna and IIT Delhi to accommodate an additional 6,500 students, Minister Sukanta Majumdar confirmed that funds have been allocated in the 2025–2026 budget for infrastructure expansion.

This will include academic and accommodation facilities, particularly at IIT Patna and the five IITs established after 2014.

The minister also highlighted that IIT Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), IIT Patna (Bihar), IIT Hyderabad (Telangana), IIT Kanpur, and IIT BHU Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) are now operating from their permanent campuses.

To support the ongoing development of these five IITs, more than ₹1,830 crore has been approved for the fiscal year 2024–2025.

According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in the Union Budget for 2025, IIT Patna will see an expansion in both campus and hostel space.

In addition to the IITs, the government is addressing the country’s growing need for medical personnel.

In her Union Budget 2025 speech, Sitharaman revealed that approximately 10,000 new seats will be added to hospitals and medical institutions in the coming year, contributing to the goal of adding 75,000 extra seats over five years.

Furthermore, with an investment of ₹500 crore, a new Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education will be established.

This is in addition to previous AI centers focused on sustainable cities, healthcare, and agriculture.

The government will also set up five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling.

These centers will collaborate with international experts to develop curricula, train teachers, create a framework for skills certification, and carry out ongoing evaluations.

To offer undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students a comprehensive understanding of IIT Delhi’s academic programs, research projects, and admissions procedures across various fields, the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) will host an event titled "Anveshan: Innovation and Exploration Across Disciplines."

The event will take place at IIT Delhi's Hauz Khas Campus on March 22, 2025.