IITs have for long been the flag bearers of the Indian technical education. Every year, some of the brightest minds in the country join the IIT in order to secure a better future for themselves.
Now, the government wishes to take the IIT brand further. In order to attract more foreign students on campus, IITs are planning to hold entrance tests for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses abroad.
In a recent meeting, it was decided that the entrance tests will be conducted in eight other countries for foreign nationals from next year.
This would also apply to both JEE as well as GATE from 2017. The programme for attracting more foreign students will begin this year across the eight countries.
IITs will be administering the tests; however it would not affect the seats offered to Indian students. Having more foreign students would boost international rankings so the government as well as the IITs is keen.
About the IIT
Formed under the Indian Institute of Technology Act 1961, the IITs are autonomous institutions. The IIT council which overlooks the operations of IITs is headed by the HRD minister. Currently, there are 18 IITs in total, spread across the entire country.