The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of academic and infrastructure capacity for five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) established in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh), Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), and Dharwad (Karnataka).
Boost in Student Capacity & Research Initiatives
This initiative will increase student capacity across these institutions by over 6,500, taking the total student strength to 13,687. To strengthen industry-academia collaboration, five new state-of-the-art research parks will be developed alongside this expansion.
The ₹11,828.79 crore investment, spanning from 2025-26 to 2028-29, also includes the creation of 130 new faculty positions at the professor level to ensure quality education and research advancement.
Impact on Employment & Economic Growth
Beyond fostering innovation, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities for faculty, administrative staff, and researchers. Additionally, it will stimulate local economies by creating demand for housing, transportation, and services in the regions housing these IITs.
Aligning with Budget 2025-26 Goals
This expansion aligns with the government’s vision, as highlighted in the Budget 2025-26 announcement, to increase the student capacity across IITs. Over the past decade, the total number of IIT students has doubled from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, demonstrating the government’s commitment to education and nation-building.
Nationwide Educational Benefits
While these IITs are situated in specific states, admissions remain open on a pan-India basis, ensuring benefits for students nationwide. This move is expected to significantly impact India’s education landscape by providing world-class learning opportunities and further strengthening India’s position in global academia.
