NEW DELHI, August 9, 2024 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus is set to expand its educational offerings with the introduction of two undergraduate (UG) courses starting September 2024. This development marks a significant milestone for the offshore campus, which has been operational since 2023 and has thus far focused exclusively on postgraduate courses.
New Undergraduate (UG) Courses
IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi will offer two UG Courses:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Energy Engineering
These programs aim to cater to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the technology and energy sectors, both of which are crucial for the UAE’s economic diversification efforts.
Admission Process & Seat Distribution
A total of 60 students will be admitted to these programs, with seats allocated through two distinct pathways:
- 20 seats reserved for students who have qualified through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2024
- 40 seats to be filled through a new entrance test called the Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET)
The CAET seats are further divided to ensure diversity and opportunities for various student groups:
- 20 seats allocated for UAE nationals
- 20 seats for expatriates in the UAE (including Indian expatriates) and international students
This distribution reflects IIT-Delhi’s commitment to fostering a diverse student body and catering to both local and international talent pools.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, stated, “All infrastructural requirements, including laboratories and hostel facilities, are ready for the launch of the two UG programs.”
This preparedness ensures that students will have access to state-of-the-art resources from the outset of their academic journey.
Future Plans and Collaborations
The Abu Dhabi campus is actively engaging with industry partners in the UAE and the broader Gulf region. Prof. Banerjee revealed, “We are in active discussions with the industry and partners in the UAE and the Gulf region. Research, innovation, and entrepreneurship activities are expected to start soon.”
Plans are underway to establish a permanent campus for IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi. This move signifies a long-term commitment to the region and aims to create a comprehensive educational ecosystem that includes:
- Leisure activities
- Student clubs
- Business opportunities
Faculty Recruitment and Quality Assurance
To maintain the high standards of education synonymous with IIT-Delhi, the Abu Dhabi campus is taking a measured approach to faculty recruitment:
- Initially, faculty members from the Delhi campus will be seconded to Abu Dhabi following a rigorous selection process approved by the board.
- In due course, the Abu Dhabi campus will initiate its own faculty recruitment process, adhering to the stringent standards set by IIT-Delhi.
Prof. Banerjee emphasized, “Faculty recruitment for the Abu Dhabi campus will eventually take place as well, in line with faculty recruitment standards of IIT Delhi and following similar processes, to ensure the quality of education in the Abu Dhabi campus is as per the standards established in the Delhi campus.”
International Student Enrollment at IIT Delhi
The main campus of IIT-Delhi has also been making strides in internationalization. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the institute welcomed 44 international students across various postgraduate programs:
- 10 students enrolled in PhD programs
- 34 students pursuing various master’s courses
This diverse intake underscores IIT-Delhi’s growing global appeal and its efforts to create a multicultural learning environment.
Implications for the UAE’s Education Landscape
The introduction of UG courses at IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus is a significant development for the UAE’s higher education sector. It aligns with the country’s vision to become a knowledge-based economy and positions Abu Dhabi as an emerging hub for world-class technical education.
As the first batch of undergraduate students prepares to join in September, all eyes will be on this ambitious initiative. The success of these programs could pave the way for more renowned international institutions to establish a presence in the UAE, further enriching the country’s academic landscape.
For prospective students, faculty, and industry partners, the expansion of IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge educational venture that bridges Indian technical expertise with the UAE’s innovative spirit. For more details visit official website IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi.
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