By Tanmay Sharma
Photo Credit: The Suncity News
New Delhi, June 5, 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has announced the creation of a landmark national academic and research collaboration network by signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with 18 National Institutes of Technology (NITs).
The initiative aims to strengthen higher education, research, innovation, and talent development in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.
The collaboration was formally launched at an event held at IIT Delhi on June 4, 2026, in the presence of Saumya Gupta, who joined virtually, along with IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee, directors of the participating NITs, and senior institute officials.
The partner institutions include National Institute of Technology Sikkim, National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, National Institute of Technology Silchar, National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, National Institute of technology Raipur, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology Nagpur, Sardar Vallabhbhai national Institute of Technology Surat, Malaviya National Institute of technology Jaipur, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology Bhopal, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, National Institute of Technology Calicut, National Institute of Technology Karnataka Surathkal, National Institute of Technology Warangal, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar national Institute of Technology Jalandhar.
Expanded opportunities for students and faculty through IIT Delhi:
The partnership seeks to create one of India’s largest structured academic collaboration frameworks among premier technical institutions.
Under the initiative, students and faculty members from participating institutions will gain access to academic exchange programs, joint research projects, shared use of advanced research infrastructure, collaborative supervision of dissertations, faculty development programs, and participation in multidisciplinary innovation initiatives.
Special exchange program at IIT Delhi:
A major feature of the collaboration is the introduction of structured pathways for meritorious NIT students to study at IIT Delhi.
Eligible undergraduate students will be able to spend their final year at IIT Delhi as Special Exchange Students, pursuing advanced coursework and research projects under the mentorship of IIT Delhi faculty members.
Similarly, postgraduate students from partner NITs will have opportunities for research immersion and academic engagement at the institute.
The framework also introduces an Early Admission Scheme for outstanding students from participating NITs.
Subject to prescribed academic and research performance criteria, eligible candidates may be considered for admission to IIT Delhi’s M.Tech, MS (Research), and Ph.D. programs without the requirement of qualifying through GATE or other national-level entrance examinations.
The initiative aims to identify talented students early and create a smoother transition into advanced research and higher education.
Credit transfer and academic mobility:
The collaboration also incorporates provisions for credit transfer, credit sharing, and advanced standing.
The system will allow eligible students to complete a portion of their academic requirements at IIT Delhi while institutions, potentially reducing the overall time required for advanced degree completion without compromising academic standards.
To support the collaborative framework, IIT Delhi has introduced ALIGN (Academic Linkages for Innovation and National Growth), a dedicated institutional platform designed to strengthen academic and research engagement between IIT Delhi and its partner institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, the director of IIT Delhi, said that the initiative represents a shift from institution-centric growth toward a collaborative national model of higher education.
According to him, the partnership reflects the spirit of NEP 2020 by creating a more interconnected and globally competitive academic ecosystem while expanding educational and research opportunities for students and faculty across India.
Dhanya C.T., Dean, Academics, IIT Delhi, highlighted the importance of academic mobility, stating that the collaboration would create new pathways for talented students to access advanced coursework, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and accelerated postgraduate programs.
Also Read: IIT Delhi showcases advanced scientific infrastructure at CRF Day 2026.
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