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Established in 1960, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, is one of the premier institutes of India, having universal recognition and providing excellent opportunities for career growth. All the IITs spread across the country were declared “institutions of national importance”, when the Parliament passed the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961.

Initially when the foundation stone of the IIT was laid, it was the general notion that taking help from western countries might prove to be of help in emerging as a world-class technical institute. This resulted in the collaboration of IIT Kanpur with the US through a specially created programme — KIAP (Kanpur Indo-American Programme), said to be the largest ever academic assistance programme supported by America. IIT Kanpur has also been given the responsibility of monitoring the activities of the upcoming IIT Rajasthan.

According to Sanjay Govind Dhande, director of the institute, “IIT Kanpur is not governed by the demand and supply of engineers. Instead, our aim is to train an individual, and hone his skill for research and teaching. The main focus of the institute is on design and analysis so that the analytical skill of the students is developed.”

Speaking about some of the ambitious projects taken up at IIT Kanpur, Dhande says the institute is attempting to develop a pilot-less helicopter which can be monitored through mobile communication. It is also involved in carrying out extensive work for the railways. Dhande says with new technological development, the speed, latitude and longitude of a running train can be now calculated.

Students at IIT Kanpur have the option to choose from a vast array of courses. At the bachelor level, a student can enrol for BTech programmes in aerospace, biological science and bioengineering, chemical, civil, computer science, electrical, metallurgy and mechanical engineering. The institute also offers integrated MSc programmes in physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics. From July 2005, an integrated MSc in economics has been introduced. Students are selected through the joint entrance examination (IIT-JEE).

There are also programmes for an integrated MSc in physics, chemistry, mathematics and statistics. Students with BSc (honours) background are given preference and chosen through an all-India examination known as JAM.

The institute also offers MTech programmes in several branches of engineering. Along with this, there are MTech programmes in interdisciplinary areas such as nuclear engineering, biological sciences and bioengineering, laser technology, environmental engineering, materials science, and industrial and management engineering.

IIT Kanpur has also started a dual degree (BTech-MTech) programme. Students are expected to complete the MTech programme in five years. After the completion of the programme, the students are awarded both BTech and MTech degrees. Entrance to MBA and MDes is possible through JMET (Joint Management Entrance Test) and CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) respectively. Apart from this, various PhD programmes are offered at IIT Kanpur.

A.K. Singhal, who is doing his research at IIT Kanpur, speaks highly of the institute. Presently pursuing his research under J. Ramkumar, Singhal says the faculty members are always eager to help the students.

The course fee at IIT Kanpur varies for different programmes. According to Dhande, there is a provision for scholarships at IIT Kanpur. Undergraduate students can avail of national scholarships. There is also a merit-cum-means scholarship. Donations given by the IIT Kanpur alumni are used for this purpose. IIT Kanpur boasts of good infrastructure. It has well-equipped laboratories, an extensive library, hostels and a horde of amenities for research and development. The institute has its own airstrip and six instrumental crafters and three gliders.

The institute has a very active placement cell that tries to ensure that all students find employment. According to Dhande, almost 150 companies recruit students from IIT Kanpur every year. The institute also has MOUs and collaborations with leading companies for technology development and research, which is an additional advantage when it comes to placements.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)