IITs Revamp Curricula to Match Rapid Technology Shifts

• IITs update curricula to match NEP 2020 and industry needs.
• Flexible entry-exit options and interdisciplinary, AI-driven courses were introduced.
• Greater focus on projects, customization, and practical learning.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are revamping their curricula to stay in sync with swiftly evolving technology and business requirements, as well as to comply with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).

The organizations are transitioning to more adaptable, forward-looking, and practical educational approaches. This will enable students to have various entry and exit points during their studies while integrating AI, sustainability, and ethics into every course. Easing attendance requirements and granting credits for project-centered learning and innovation are also on the horizon. Although IITs typically assess programs every ten years, the IITs in Kharagpur and Kanpur are currently revising them much more often.

“We treat academics like a dynamic software system—continuously updated, continuously tested, continuously improved,” said Suman Chakraborty, director, IIT Kharagpur.

Students can now tailor degrees in engineering, sciences, humanities, management, and law. The new interdisciplinary pathways will provide students with additional options for course combinations such as AI+X (artificial intelligence paired with another field), healthtech, energy transition, defense & space, bio-innovation, and more.

Also Read: IIT Kharagpur Hosts Smart India Hackathon 2025 Grand Finale

The outcome is that the updated courses at the IIT are now more focused on outcomes. “The curriculum incorporates team-driven capstone projects and more laboratory, tutorial, and project-based credits than before,” said Professor Dhanya CT, Dean of Academics, IIT Delhi.

“Early exit to a lower Certificate/Diploma or Degree than BTech is possible now. Re-entry is possible seven years from the year of admission,” said Major Nisha Baloria (retired), deputy registrar (academic affairs), IIT BHU.

This includes several academic choices (with entry and exit alternatives) for undergraduate students, such as minor degrees, specialized degree options, and additional master's programs in any field, along with the introduction of BTech Honours for those wishing to enhance their BTech undergraduate degree. For example, IIT BHU (Varanasi) offers various entry and exit avenues and utilizes NPTEL, along with online and hybrid courses for students.