Reference:

• Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the educational and infrastructure capacity (Phase-B construction) of five new IITs established in the states/Union Territories of Andhra Pradesh (IIT Tirupati), Kerala (IIT Palakkad), Chhattisgarh (IIT Bhilai), Jammu and Kashmir (IIT Jammu), and Karnataka (IIT Dharwad).

Details of the Expansion Plan:

• Total Cost: ₹11,828.79 crore
• Timeline: From 2025-26 to 2028-29
• Objective: To strengthen the educational and physical infrastructure of these IITs, enabling an increase in student intake.

Implementation Strategy and Targets:

• The following implementation strategy and targets have been set for the expansion of student intake in these five IITs:

Total Increase:

• • Over the next four years, the student intake in these IITs will increase by more than 6,500 students.
  • This increase will occur at various academic levels (UG, PG, PhD).

Details of the Increase:

• • First Year Increase: 1,364 students (UG, PG, and PhD)
  • Second Year Increase: 1,738 students
  • Third Year Increase: 1,767 students
  • Fourth Year Increase: 1,707 students

Beneficiaries:

• Upon completion of the expansion, these five IITs will be able to educate 13,687 students, compared to the current student strength of 7,111, which is an increase of 6,576 students.
• With this increase in total seats, over 6,500 additional students will be able to fulfill their aspirations of studying at the country's most prestigious and in-demand academic institutions. This will contribute to nation-building by creating a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and promoting economic development.
• It will also enhance social mobility, reduce educational inequality, and strengthen India’s global position.

Employment Generation:

• To manage the increasing number of students and facilities, direct employment will be generated through the recruitment of faculty, administrative staff, researchers, and support personnel.
• The growing number of graduates and postgraduates from IITs will further boost the innovation and startup ecosystem, contributing to job creation across various sectors.

Budget Announcement for 2025-26:

• "In the last 10 years, the total student number in 23 IITs has increased from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, doubling by 100%. In the five IITs established after 2014, additional infrastructure will be created to provide education to more than 6,500 students."

Background:

• These five new IITs were established in the states/Union Territories of Andhra Pradesh (IIT Tirupati), Kerala (IIT Palakkad), Chhattisgarh (IIT Bhilai), Jammu & Kashmir (IIT Jammu), and Karnataka (IIT Dharwad).
• The academic session at IIT Palakkad and IIT Tirupati commenced in 2015-16, while the remaining three IITs started their academic session in 2016-17 from their temporary campuses.
• These IITs are now operating from their permanent campuses.