The IIT Council, the apex body coordinating the 23 premier engineering institutes, will meet on Monday after a gap of two years to deliberate on crucial reforms. A major focus will be on making JEE Advanced less coaching-dependent and enabling credit sharing among IITs under the National Credit Framework (NCrF), which they currently do not follow. The council will also consider curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment reforms in response to the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, alongside discussions on IITs’ contribution to building an “Atmanirbhar and Samriddha Bharat.”
From Accreditation to Scholarships: Key Reforms on the IIT Council’s Agenda
Another important agenda item is the accreditation of IITs, as recommended by the Radhakrishnan Committee in May 2023. The committee suggested that IITs be brought under the ambit of the national accreditation and assessment framework proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The council is also expected to review reforms in PhD education, accountability in research, and greater commercialization of innovations developed in higher education institutes, with an emphasis on bridging the gap between academic discovery and practical impact. An outcome-oriented peer review process for IITs is also on the table.
In addition to academic and research reforms, student welfare is expected to receive attention. The council may enhance merit-cum-means scholarships and pocket allowances for SC and ST students, introduce measures to address mental health and wellness, and expand inclusivity through the use of regional languages to overcome learning barriers. The meeting, last held in April 2023, is seen as pivotal in shaping the direction of IITs and aligning their goals with national priorities.
Summary:
The IIT Council will meet after two years to discuss reforms including making JEE Advanced less coaching-dependent, credit sharing under NCrF, and AI-driven curriculum changes. Key agendas include accreditation under NEP 2020, PhD accountability, research commercialization, scholarships, mental health initiatives, and inclusivity through regional languages.
