IIT Bombay Implements NEP 2020 Entry and Exit Policy to Reduce Dropout Rates Among Marginalized Students

NEW DELHI, July 19, 2024 – The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), including IIT Bombay, have adopted a multiple entry and exit policy as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative aims to provide students with greater academic flexibility and reduce dropout rates, especially among marginalized communities.

IIT Bombay Early Exit Policy Important Points

NEP 2020: The NEP 2020, introduced by the Narendra Modi government in July 2020, features a multiple entry and exit policy to allow students flexibility in their academic pursuits. This policy, proposed by the IIT Council and implemented across IIT Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, and Roorkee, addresses high dropout rates by offering students the option to exit and rejoin programs as needed.
Impact on Marginalized Students: According to data shared with Parliament in December 2023, 3,542 students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) have dropped out of various IIT programs over the past five years. The multiple entry and exit policy aims to provide these students with flexible academic pathways to prevent dropouts.
Undergraduate Programs at IIT Bombay: The 2023 rule book for IIT Bombay specifies that students in regular undergraduate programs (B.Tech., B.S., B.Des., B.Tech.+M.Tech.) are eligible for an exit degree upon completing a minimum of 160 credits. This option is also available to students who have not completed their degree within the stipulated time frame.
Postgraduate Programs: At the postgraduate level, IIT Bombay has long permitted early exits with lower qualifications. Recent data shows an increase in students opting for this route, from 52 in 2019 to 85 in 2023. The updated rules allow students to earn a DIIT degree with a minimum of 58 credits and a four Cumulative Performance Index (CPI).
RTI Data from IIT Delhi: An RTI application revealed that 53 students across various courses at IIT Delhi obtained diplomas under the exit rule. This policy was also implemented for undergraduate programs in 2023.

NEP 2020: Flexible Education Change

The NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework designed to address systemic issues in Indian education, including high dropout rates and rigid curricula. The IIT Council, chaired by the Union Education Minister, proposed the multiple entry and exit policy to provide students with flexible academic options. This policy enables students to exit programs after completing specific credit requirements and rejoin later, ensuring continuous education without significant loss of time or academic progress.

From 2019 to 2023, the number of postgraduate students opting for early exits at IIT Bombay increased significantly. The data shows a trend of increasing flexibility and support for students needing alternative academic routes.

A spokesperson from the IIT Council stated, “The multiple entry and exit policy is a progressive step towards making education more inclusive and adaptable to the needs of our diverse student population. It ensures that students do not face an all-or-nothing situation but can navigate their academic paths more flexibly.”

An IIT Bombay student who utilized the exit option shared, “This policy allowed me to take a necessary break and return to complete my education. It’s a lifeline for students like me who face unforeseen challenges.”

Impact

This policy not only addresses dropout rates but also sets a precedent for other educational institutions in India to follow. By providing flexible academic options, it aims to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. The positive reception and increasing number of students utilizing this option highlight its importance in contemporary education.

The multiple entry and exit policy at IIT Bombay and other IITs is a landmark initiative under the NEP 2020, offering a pragmatic solution to high dropout rates among marginalized students. By providing flexible academic pathways, it supports students in completing their education without undue pressure, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and resilient educational system in India.

For more detailed information about the policy and its implementation, visit the official IIT Council website at iitsystem.ac.in Engage with ongoing discussions about educational reforms by following updates on social media platforms.