IIT Indore
The Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore), officially known as the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, is a premier public autonomous technical and research university in India, established by an Act of Parliament in 2009 as one of the eight second-generation IITs to expand access to high-quality engineering education.[1] Located in the Simrol area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on a sprawling 501-acre campus, the institute focuses on fostering innovation, interdisciplinary research, and leadership development across engineering, sciences, and humanities disciplines.[2] It began operations in July 2009, initially sharing facilities with the Indian Institute of Management Indore before transitioning to its permanent campus, and has since grown into a hub for advanced studies with approximately 2,300 students (as of 2024) and over 200 faculty members.[1][3] IIT Indore offers a range of academic programs, including four-year Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degrees in fields such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Space Science and Engineering; two-year Master of Technology (M.Tech.) and Master of Science (M.S. by Research) programs; and Ph.D. degrees across multiple disciplines.[4] The institute comprises 13 departments and centers, including Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Engineering; Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Chemistry; Civil Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Humanities and Social Sciences; Mathematics; Mechanical Engineering; Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science; Physics; and the School of Data Science.[4] Admissions to undergraduate programs are primarily through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, while postgraduate and doctoral admissions occur via GATE and institute-specific processes, emphasizing merit and research potential. In terms of research, IIT Indore prioritizes interdisciplinary initiatives in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and space technology, with dedicated centers such as the Center for Electric Vehicle and Intelligent Transport Systems (CEVITS) supporting collaborative projects and industry partnerships.[5] The institute has filed numerous patents and hosts international conferences, contributing to India's technological advancement.[5] Its research output is reflected in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 rankings, where it secured the 12th position among engineering institutions, 24th in research institutions, and 27th overall in India.[6][7] The campus features state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern laboratories, a central library with digital resources, hostels accommodating over 2,000 students, sports facilities, and innovation incubators to support holistic development. IIT Indore's placement record highlights its reputation, with graduates securing roles in leading tech firms, research organizations, and startups, underscoring its role in producing globally competitive engineers and scientists.History
Establishment and early development
The Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) was established in 2009 as part of the Government of India's initiative to create eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to enhance technical education and research capabilities across the country.[8] This expansion was overseen by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now the Ministry of Education), aiming to address the growing demand for skilled engineers and foster innovation in emerging fields. The foundation stone for the permanent campus was laid on February 17, 2009, at Simrol, near Indore in Madhya Pradesh, marking the formal beginning of the institute's development. Initial operations commenced in July 2009 at a temporary campus located on the premises of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, under the mentorship of IIT Bombay.[1] The first academic session began with the admission of 107 students into the B.Tech program through the IIT-JEE (now JEE Advanced), distributed across three foundational departments: Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.[9] These departments formed the core of the institute's early curriculum, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to engineering education from the outset. In January 2010, Prof. Pradeep Mathur, a distinguished chemist and researcher, assumed the role of the institute's first Director, providing leadership during the formative years until 2019.[9] Under his guidance, IIT Indore rapidly built its academic infrastructure despite operating from the temporary facility. In 2012, the institute received formal recognition as an Institute of National Importance through the Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 2012, which empowered it to award degrees and solidified its status among premier technical institutions in India. This legislative milestone enabled greater autonomy in governance and resource allocation, supporting the institute's early growth.Key milestones and expansions
In 2012, IIT Indore acquired a 501.42-acre plot for its permanent campus at Simrol, approximately 25 km from Indore city, marking a significant step toward institutional autonomy and expansion. The institute completed its full transition to this campus in October 2015, enabling enhanced infrastructure for academic and research activities. The institute held its first convocation on 8 June 2013 at the temporary campus of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore, where 101 students from the inaugural B.Tech batch received their degrees in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee.[10] This event underscored the rapid progress of the nascent institution, established just four years prior. Postgraduate education expanded notably with the introduction of Ph.D. programs in 2010 across engineering disciplines, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, followed by M.Tech programs in 2011 to foster advanced research and specialized training. By 2016, the institute had established new departments, including Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, alongside Civil Engineering, broadening its academic scope to interdisciplinary fields and supporting the growth of research-oriented curricula. In July 2025, IIT Indore launched two new specialized schools in collaboration with the Mehta Family Foundation: the Mehta Family School of Sustainability, focusing on environmental and sustainable technologies, and the Mehta Family School of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, emphasizing AI-driven healthcare innovations and bioengineering.[11] These initiatives represent the largest single philanthropic contribution to the institute, aiming to produce over 400 B.Tech graduates in sustainability and more than 1,000 professionals across programs in biomedical fields.[12] Recent international collaborations include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in September 2024 with Mid-West University in Nepal to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and academic programs, enhancing global outreach as of 2025.[13] In September 2025, IIT Indore hosted a foundation laying ceremony for its capacity expansion infrastructure projects.[14] By 2025, IIT Indore's student enrollment had grown to approximately 2,300 across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, while the faculty strength reached approximately 200, reflecting sustained institutional expansion and capacity building.[3]Organisation and administration
Governance structure
The governance of the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) is overseen by the Board of Governors (BoG), which serves as the highest executive body responsible for strategic direction, financial management, and policy approval. The BoG is chaired by Dr. K. Sivan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, who was appointed in September 2023 for a three-year term.[15][16] The board includes ex-officio members such as the institute's director, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and nominated experts in academia and industry, ensuring comprehensive oversight of the institute's operations.[15] Academic policies and curriculum matters are managed by the Senate, a key deliberative body chaired by the director and comprising deans, heads of academic departments, elected faculty representatives, and external experts. This structure facilitates collaborative decision-making on teaching, examinations, and research guidelines, with the Senate meeting regularly to address institutional academic needs.[17] The current director, Professor Suhas S. Joshi, appointed in January 2022, holds ultimate responsibility for overall administration, strategic planning, and implementation of board decisions, drawing on his expertise in mechanical engineering and prior role at IIT Bombay.[18][19] Supporting the director are key administrative functionaries, including the Registrar, who manages non-academic operations, and deans such as the Dean of Academics and Dean of Research & Development, who report directly to the director and oversee specialized areas like student affairs and innovation initiatives. IIT Indore's funding is primarily provided through grants from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, enabling its operations and expansions, while the institute enjoys significant autonomy in financial and academic decisions under the provisions of the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961.[20]Academic departments
IIT Indore's academic structure is anchored by 13 departments and schools that deliver undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across engineering, sciences, and humanities, with a strong integration of research into the curriculum to promote experiential learning and innovation. As of 2025, these units collectively house approximately 212 faculty members, who emphasize interdisciplinary approaches in teaching to address contemporary challenges like sustainability and advanced technologies.[2][4] The Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Engineering (AAS) specializes in space science, satellite systems, and astrophysical modeling, offering B.Tech., M.Tech. (in Space Engineering), MS by Research (in Space Science and Engineering), and Ph.D. programs that incorporate hands-on projects in observational astronomy and propulsion technologies.[21][22] The Mehta Family School of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, formerly the Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE) and elevated in 2025, focuses on biotechnology, biomedical devices, and healthcare innovation, providing M.Sc. in Biotechnology, M.Tech. in Biomedical Engineering, MS by Research, and Ph.D. programs with curricula centered on biomechanics, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.[23][4] The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE), established in 2023, concentrates on process design, reaction engineering, and sustainable materials, delivering B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs that blend theoretical foundations with practical applications in energy and environmental processes.[21][22][24] The Department of Chemistry (CY) explores organic synthesis, nanomaterials, and computational chemistry, supporting M.Sc., MS by Research, and Ph.D. programs through laboratory-intensive teaching that fosters skills in molecular analysis and green chemistry methodologies.[21][25] The Department of Civil Engineering (CE) addresses structural dynamics, water resources, and geotechnical systems, offering B.Tech., M.Tech. (in Structural Engineering, Water and Climate), and Ph.D. programs designed to tackle infrastructure resilience and urban planning challenges.[21][22] The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) emphasizes algorithms, machine learning, big data analytics, and cyber-physical systems, with B.Tech., M.Tech., MS by Research, and Ph.D. offerings that include project-based courses in AI, software engineering, and generative models to prepare students for computational problem-solving.[26][21] The Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) covers VLSI design, communication systems, power electronics, and renewable energy integration, providing B.Tech., M.Tech. (in VLSI Design and Nanoelectronics, Communication and Signal Processing), MS by Research, and Ph.D. programs featuring labs in optoelectronics and signal processing.[27][22] The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) integrates literature, economics, psychology, and sociology into technical education, offering foundational courses for all programs alongside M.A. in English (introduced in 2025-26) and Ph.D. options that enhance ethical reasoning and societal impact analysis in engineering contexts.[28][22] The Department of Mathematics (MA) focuses on applied mathematics, optimization, and statistical modeling, supporting M.Sc., MS by Research, and Ph.D. programs with emphasis on computational tools and interdisciplinary applications in data science and engineering simulations.[21][22] The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) targets thermal systems, manufacturing, and robotics, delivering B.Tech., M.Tech. (in Mechanical Systems Design, Production and Industrial Systems), MS by Research, and Ph.D. programs through design-oriented teaching and fabrication labs.[21][22] The Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) investigates advanced materials, metallurgy processes, and nanotechnology, offering B.Tech., M.Tech., and Ph.D. programs that incorporate experimental work in alloy development and material characterization.[21][22] The Department of Physics (PH) delves into condensed matter, quantum optics, and high-energy physics, providing M.Sc., MS by Research, and Ph.D. programs with a curriculum blending theoretical lectures and advanced experimental techniques in photonics and spectroscopy.[21][22] Complementing these, the Mehta Family School of Sustainability, launched in 2025 as an interdisciplinary initiative spanning departments like CE, ChE, and EE, concentrates on environmental engineering, sustainable development, and climate adaptation, introducing B.Tech. in Environmental Economics and Sustainable Engineering alongside PG and Ph.D. pathways to integrate sustainability across IIT Indore's teaching framework.[4][11]Research centers and hubs
IIT Indore hosts over 13 specialized research centers and technology hubs dedicated to interdisciplinary innovation across engineering, technology, and societal applications. These facilities support collaborative research initiatives funded by government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through the Fund for Improvement of Science and Technology Infrastructure (FIST) program, which has enabled advanced infrastructure like the DST-FIST Center of Excellence in Gear Engineering and a 500 MHz NMR facility.[29][30] The Centre for Advanced Electronics (CAE) focuses on developing materials, devices, and systems for semiconductor technologies and advanced electronics, fostering interdisciplinary projects in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.[31] The Computer and Information Technology Center (CITC) manages IT infrastructure, providing essential services like email, networking, and computational resources to support research and academic activities across the institute.[32] The Center of Futuristic Defense and Space Technology (CFDST), established to promote innovations in aerospace and defense, facilitates collaborations with organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and emphasizes areas such as satellite systems and propulsion technologies.[33][34] The IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, launched in 2019, serves as a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), specializing in AI-IoT integration for cyber-physical systems and hosting initiatives like the HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 in partnership with the Digital Health Network (DHN).[35][36] Among other notable centers, the AgriHub, funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2025, acts as a Centre of Excellence for AI/ML and deep learning in agriculture, supporting projects on precision farming and sustainable crop technologies.[37][38] The Center for Electric Vehicles and Intelligent Transport Systems (CEVITS), founded in 2021, advances research in electric mobility and smart transportation, including battery systems and autonomous vehicle algorithms.[39] Additional hubs include the Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), which integrates technology for sustainable rural advancements in areas like renewable energy and water management, and the Charak Center for Digital Healthcare, which employs data-driven solutions and digital twins to enhance holistic health practices, incorporating elements of Ayurveda.[40][41] These centers collectively drive over a dozen key projects, emphasizing technology translation and societal impact through partnerships with industry and government.[42]Academics
Programs and degrees
IIT Indore offers a range of undergraduate programs primarily focused on engineering and design, emphasizing a flexible curriculum that allows students to pursue minors and electives across disciplines such as astronomy, biosciences, humanities and social sciences, and chemistry. The flagship Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) program is available in nine disciplines, including Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Mathematics and Computing, Engineering Physics, and Space Science and Engineering, with a total intake of approximately 480 seats annually. Additionally, a Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) program in design is offered with 16 seats, and eligible B.Tech. students can opt for a five-year dual-degree B.Tech.-M.Tech. program starting from the sixth semester. The curriculum incorporates interdisciplinary options, including minors and electives, and includes special admissions under the Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) scheme, providing one supernumerary seat per B.Tech. program for qualified athletes beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. To promote research engagement, the institute runs the Promotion of Research and Innovation among Undergraduates (PRIUS) scheme, supporting undergraduate projects with faculty supervision for at least six months.[22][2][43] At the postgraduate level, IIT Indore provides Master's programs in engineering, sciences, and humanities, with admissions primarily through national exams such as GATE for M.Tech. and JAM for M.Sc. The M.Tech. program spans 17 specializations, including examples like VLSI Design and Nanoelectronics, Structural Engineering, Communication and Signal Processing, Thermal Energy Systems, Electric Vehicle Technology, Space Engineering, and the newly introduced Water, Climate and Sustainability under the Mehta Family School of Sustainability launched in 2025. The M.Sc. programs are offered in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy, while the M.A. in English focuses on literature and linguistics. Dual-degree options such as M.Tech.+Ph.D. and M.Sc.+Ph.D. are available, along with an MS (Research) in areas like Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Data Science. These programs feature flexible structures with electives and opportunities for conversion to doctoral tracks.[22][44] The doctoral program at IIT Indore encompasses Ph.D. degrees across all academic departments and research centers, including engineering, sciences, humanities, astronomy, and emerging areas like defense technology, with approximately 300 enrolled scholars as of 2025. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and innovation, integrating with initiatives like PRIUS for undergraduate transitions to doctoral work. Overall, the institute enrolls approximately 2,000 students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs combined, fostering a research-oriented environment through curriculum flexibility and specialized admissions pathways.[3]Admissions procedures
Admissions to the undergraduate B.Tech programs at IIT Indore are conducted through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, accessible only to candidates ranking among the top 2.5 lakh performers in JEE Main.[45] The selection process involves centralized counseling via the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA), where candidates are allotted seats based on their JEE Advanced ranks, preferences, and category reservations.[46] IIT Indore offers approximately 480 seats across its B.Tech programs in disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Engineering Physics, Mathematics and Computing, and Space Science and Engineering, with reservations as per Government of India norms: 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Other Backward Classes-Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL), 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and 5% for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) within each category.[47] Additionally, starting from the academic year 2025-26, IIT Indore provides supernumerary seats under the Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) quota, offering one gender-neutral seat per B.Tech program to candidates with exceptional sports achievements, selected based on a sports rank list alongside JEE Advanced qualification.[43] For postgraduate admissions, M.Tech programs are filled primarily through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), with eligible candidates participating in the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP) for seat allotment, followed by interviews or written tests for shortlisted applicants in certain departments.[48] M.Sc. programs, offered in fields like Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biotechnology, require qualification in the IIT JAM exam, succeeded by centralized counseling through the JAM Online Application Processing System (JOAPS).[49] Ph.D. admissions involve an online application process, where candidates are shortlisted based on valid scores in national exams such as GATE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or equivalent, followed by an institute-specific written test and/or interview; exceptions may apply for candidates with a master's degree in a relevant field with first division and relevant research experience.[50] International admissions, including for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreign nationals, are handled through the Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme for undergraduate programs, which allocates limited supernumerary seats based on JEE Main scores for NRIs/CIWG categories or SAT scores for foreign nationals, with reservations for Children of Indian Workers in Gulf Countries (CIWGC) at 5% of supernumerary seats.[51] Postgraduate and Ph.D. international admissions follow similar eligibility criteria as domestic ones but require additional documentation like TOEFL/IELTS scores and are subject to limited availability through the institute's application portal.[52] Cutoff trends for JEE Advanced at IIT Indore reflect its competitive nature; for the general category in 2024, closing ranks ranged from approximately 1,389 for Computer Science and Engineering to 10,894 for Civil Engineering across JoSAA rounds, indicating typical entry ranks between 3,000 and 10,000 for various branches.[53] The annual undergraduate intake has grown significantly since the institute's inception, starting with 120 seats in 2009 across three initial B.Tech programs (Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering) and reaching approximately 500 seats by 2025, incorporating B.Des and supernumerary seats to meet rising demand.[54][2]Rankings and accreditations
In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) achieved 12th rank in the Engineering category, marking an improvement from its 16th position in 2024.[55] The institute also ranked 24th among Research Institutions and 27th in the Overall category for the same year.[6][7] These rankings reflect IIT Indore's growing emphasis on teaching, research, and outreach, positioning it as a leading institution among the newer Indian Institutes of Technology. Internationally, IIT Indore is ranked 477th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing it 14th among Indian engineering institutes.[56] In the NIRF Innovation Rankings 2024, the institute secured 26th position, highlighting its contributions to patents, startups, and technology transfer.[57] Additionally, IIT Indore received an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2023, the highest accreditation level, underscoring its excellence in academic and administrative standards.[58] IIT Indore's reputation is bolstered by its strong research performance, where it leads among newer IITs in citation impact based on Scopus data up to 2023.[59] The institute also maintains robust placement outcomes, with an average package ranging from ₹20 to ₹25 lakh in 2024, attracting recruiters from top technology and consulting firms. The institute's NIRF Engineering rankings have shown a positive trajectory over recent years, demonstrating sustained progress:| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 12 |