IIT Kharagpur Makes Changes in UG Curriculum, Introduces Dual Degree Program

New Delhi: IIT Kharagpur has made changes to its UG curriculum for the academic year 2024-25 by removing the option to change branches and introducing double majors, a semester-away program (SAP), mandatory AI/ML electives and minor specializations.

IIT Kharagpur has decided to remove the branch-change option to reduce the stress faced by students. Most students don’t end up changing their branches at the end of their first year, and those who do often face mental health issues and issues with academic performance. 

Additionally, IIT Kharagpur will also make all BTech and BS students choose one elective between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) during their course. Other electives like performing arts, Indian Knowledge Systems, linguistics etc will also be available.

Commenting on the dissolution of branch change option, IIT Kharagpur Director V K Tewari said, “Once the branch change is abolished, the first year curriculum need not be common across all branches, and the departments have the opportunity to introduce relevant, department-specific subjects from 1st year onwards. The students can also get exposure to top organizations in the world through SAP, while the organizations can utilize the talent of the exceptionally brilliant IIT students to solve the challenging problems of the organization/industries.” 

What does the IIT Kharagpur Semester Away Program Entail?

Under the semester-away program (SAP), UG students will be able to spend a semester in any other institute, organization or research laboratory and gain international exposure to their subject. The credits they earn during their semester away will be transferred to their course. 

The students can also opt for doing their required eight-week summer internships during their semester away, thus getting first-hand industry experience from an international standpoint. They can also accept Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) or invitations for PG or doctoral programs at the institute or organization hosting them for the SAP. 

What is the IIT Kharagpur Dual Degree Program?

The dual degree program at IIT Kharagpur is one of the biggest curriculum changes due for this year. The program will allow BTech and BS students to opt for a five-year course based on their interest in the second or third year of their UG degree. 

At the end of the dual degree program, students will have the skills and knowledge of both their base UG degree and the PG degree of their choice. They can also choose to stay in their own department or enroll in any of the Interdisciplinary Dual Degree Programs (IDDP) offered by other departments or centers.

Talking about the possibilities of the program, an IIT Kharagpur official said, “This will also create interesting possibilities such as a BS (Hons) in Economics with MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or a BTech (Hons) in Civil Engineering with MTech in Financial Engineering etc. These changes will facilitate the students to make informed choices after spending a few semesters at IIT Kharagpur for dual degree, instead of choosing before they join the institute.”

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