The Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi (IIT Delhi) has sought the approval from the Central government to open two overseas campuses – one in Egypt and another in Saudi Arabia.

According to officials, IIT Delhi authorities have had discussions with both the countries. Once it gets the green light from the Indian government, IIT Delhi will start work on setting up the two campuses. The funding will be done by the respective governments of the host countries either directly or through a dedicated system.

Confirming the development, IIT Delhi Director V. Ramgopal Rao said, “We are a Government of Indian institute, and we have sought approval from the union education ministry for the foreign campuses." However, he refused to share more details.

Requesting anonymity, another official said that foreign campuses will offer bachelor’s degree in engineering and science. But it won’t be called BTech as a BTech from any IIT needs adherence to the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) system. Instead, admission to these campuses can happen through some other global engineering and science entrance exams without compromising the quality standard for which IITs are known for.

“IIT Delhi is looking to start with around 250 students at each of the campuses at the bachelor’s level. Gradually, the numbers will increase and post-graduate and doctorate level courses will be added, " the official said.

According to a report, while the fees received in the foreign campuses will not be ploughed back to the main campus in Delhi, the students’ fees paid for the education at the Delhi campus will stay with them. It means, only one of the four years’ fees can come to the Delhi campus, as per the proposal.

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