IIT-Delhi to Start its First Session at Abu Dhabi, UAE
The decision to create an overseas campus in Abu Dhabi was announced on 18th February 2022 under the India-UAE trade agreement. Since then, discussions have been ongoing between the two parties to finalize the implementation plan.
During his visit to the UAE, the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, signed an agreement with the education ministry and the Abu Dhabi department of education and knowledge to establish the IIT-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi.
Once established, IIT-Delhi will become the second Indian Institute of Technology to have an international campus, following IIT Madras, which is expected to begin its operations in Tanzania later this year. Furthermore, IIT Madras is also planning to establish campuses in Sri Lanka and Nepal in the coming years.
In addition to IIT-Delhi and IIT-Madras, IIT-Kharagpur is also in the process of setting up an overseas campus in Malaysia, expanding the presence of Indian Institutes of Technology on the global stage.
IIT-Delhi New Curriculum
As per a statement by a ministry of training official, IIT-Delhi is set to introduce a new curriculum from the academic session of 2023. This updated curriculum will be implemented in its UAE campus starting from September 2024.
IIT Delhi's Abu Dhabi campus has ambitious goals to establish a remarkable example of utilizing knowledge to foster mutual prosperity and contribute to global progress.
The UAE campus will offer a wide array of educational programs, with Master's courses scheduled to commence in January 2024, and Bachelor's courses planned to begin in September of the following year.
The Royalty Benefit:
A previous proposal by an Indian Central Government Panel suggested that IITs opening overseas campuses should be entitled to a royalty for using the IIT brand name. Additionally, the panel recommended adopting the world's best governance system, including the governance structure of IITs, for these institutes.
The 17-member panel, led by K Radhakrishnan, the chairperson of the IIT council standing committee, emphasized that the governance structure should maintain the connection with the mentoring IITs but not require constant approval or sanction from them or the Indian government.
Furthermore, the panel suggested that the establishing IIT in India should receive benefits from the overseas institute, such as royalties for using the IIT brand. Safeguards should be implemented to ensure the long-term preservation of the IIT brand without dilution.
On the occasion of signing the MoU between IIT Delhi and the Education Ministry of UAE, India's Union Education Minister, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, extended his congratulations to IIT Delhi for this landmark agreement. He emphasized that the IIT Delhi campus in UAE exemplifies innovation and expertise in the "New India" context. It also represents the strong friendship between India and UAE and aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) to utilize knowledge for mutual prosperity and global welfare.
The government had previously announced plans to establish the first IIT campus outside of India in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This collaboration with the Tanzanian government will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, and technology.
These endeavors demonstrate IIT-Delhi's commitment to becoming a global brand with a significant impact.
IIT Delhi becomes the second IIT to announce the establishment of an offshore campus
IIT Delhi becomes the second IIT to announce the establishment of an offshore campus, following IIT Madras. Recently, IIT Madras signed an MoU to set up a campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
This move marks a significant expansion of the prestigious IIT system beyond Indian borders, fostering educational collaboration and creating new opportunities in the region.
Named "IIT Madras at Zanzibar," the campus is scheduled to commence its operations in October 2023. Initially, it will admit 50 undergraduate students and 20 master's students. Zanzibar will be among the three international campuses for IIT, joining Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur.
IIT-Delhi First Session at Abu Dhabi FAQs
Q: When will IIT-Delhi start its first session at Abu Dhabi, UAE?
Ans: The first session of IIT-Delhi at Abu Dhabi, UAE, is scheduled to begin in September 2024.
Q: What does this initiative signify for IIT-Delhi?
Ans: This initiative marks the establishment of IIT-Delhi's first overseas campus, representing a significant expansion of the prestigious institute's presence beyond Indian borders.
Q: How will the curriculum at the Abu Dhabi campus differ from the one in India?
Ans: The curriculum at the Abu Dhabi campus will be based on a new framework implemented by IIT-Delhi from the 2023 academic session.
Q: What educational programs will be offered at the Abu Dhabi campus?
Ans: The Abu Dhabi campus will offer a diverse range of educational programs, including Bachelor's and Master's courses.
Q: Is there any MoU or agreement involved in setting up the campus?
Ans: Yes, IIT-Delhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Ministry of UAE for the establishment of the campus in Abu Dhabi
