New Delhi: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are preparing to roll out a major academic reform that will allow undergraduate students to study across any of the 23 IIT campuses in the country. The move is aimed at giving students greater flexibility, wider access to specialised courses, and exposure to diverse academic environments all while earning credits toward their degree.

The proposal, cleared in principle by the IIT Council, will allow up to 5% of undergraduate students at each IIT to participate in inter-campus study. Students may take electives, pursue specialised subjects, or access learning opportunities available at other IITs, with a system in place to ensure smooth credit transfer to their home institute.

More Choice, More Exposure for Students

The initiative is designed to help students explore subjects or faculty expertise that may not be available at their own campus. For example, a student interested in a niche area of engineering, data science, or interdisciplinary studies could temporarily study at another IIT known for strength in that domain, without extending the duration of their degree.

Officials involved in the discussions noted that this approach would encourage academic mobility, foster collaboration across IITs, and enrich the overall learning experience. It is also expected to open up better access to specialised electives and internship-linked academic opportunities offered at different campuses.

Phased Rollout with Institute-Level Approvals

While the plan has been approved at the central level, it will now require formal clearance from the academic senates of individual IITs before implementation. According to Prof. Prathap Haridoss from Indian Institute of Technology Madras, a common framework is being finalised to guide institutes on implementation, eligibility, credit mapping, and timelines.

Once adopted, the policy will enable students to spend a part of their academic term at another IIT and return with transferable credits, making the IIT system more integrated and student-centric.

A Step Towards Flexible, Interconnected Learning

This cross-campus study model marks an important shift in how technical education is structured across IITs. By allowing students to move between campuses for specific academic needs, the IIT system aims to provide broader exposure, encourage interdisciplinary learning, and create a more flexible and modern higher education environment.

The initiative is expected to be rolled out in phases as individual institutes complete their internal approvals and operational planning.