Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a pioneering move, IIT Indore has introduced an undergraduate inbound programme, called Vidyasamagam, which provides a remarkable opportunity for final-year BE/BTech students from government engineering colleges in Madhya Pradesh. This semester exchange programme, developed through an agreement between the state government and IIT Indore, allows students to complete their final semester at the country’s leading engineering institute.
This initiative is a first of its kind and sets IIT Indore apart from other IITs. The first batch, comprised of 23 students selected from various government engineering colleges in MP, included eight girls. The second batch comprised 17 students, including seven girls. Through this programme, students were exposed to IIT Indore’s world-class academic environment, dynamic campus and advanced research facilities.
They could choose from various courses in fields such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, information technology, material science, mechatronics and metallurgy. A standout feature of the programme is the chance to collaborate with IIT Indore’s distinguished faculty on innovative research projects. Students get a unique opportunity to work in labs on subjects like machine learning, sustainable energy, and advanced materials.
This hands-on experience not only enhances their technical skills but also offers insight into the research process. IIT Indore director Prof Suhas Joshi highlighted, “IIT Indore is known to foster a culture of critical thinking and problem-solving and now we are opening our boundaries to all the deserving young minds who could not make it to an IIT. The programme encourages teamwork and cultural exchange, enabling inbound students to collaborate with IIT Indore peers on group projects, hackathons, and innovation challenges.”
Feedback from the first batch has been highly positive. Ms Khushi, a participant, expressed how the programme reshaped her career goals. “The competitive atmosphere and interactive classroom sessions at IIT Indore helped me grow. The exposure to research and the guidance from faculty have opened many doors for my career,” she said. The campus’ state-of-the-art sports facilities, libraries, and recreational areas further enrich student life.
The programme is designed to open doors to career advancements and higher education opportunities. Students would benefit from industry interactions, career development workshops, and guidance on graduate studies. Those excelling in the programme may even pursue a dual degree of MS (Research) and PhD, following IIT Indore’s guidelines.
