IIT Kanpur imparts training to students so that they become competent and motivated engineers, scientists, and social scientists, and awards Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees in various branches of technology, sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The Institute celebrates freedom of thought, cultivates vision, nurtures entrepreneurship, and encourages growth, inculcating human values and concern for the environment and society at the same time.
IIT Kanpur curriculum offers students broad exposure to core areas of the sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities, along with a solid grounding in their specific discipline. The curriculum also allows students a significant amount of flexibility and choice, enabling them to explore varied areas of interest through open electives and interdisciplinary minors. For more focused interdisciplinary specialization, the Institute offers double majors wherein a student may graduate with a BTech/BS in two separate disciplines through a one-year extension of the academic programme. The one-year extension may also be used to combine a Bachelor's with a Master’s degree (in the same or different disciplines) through the dual degree programmes. The selection of these programs is based on CPI and other credit requirements, wherein graduation requirements are based solely on the successful completion of a required number of credits distributed over several categories.
The Institute follows the semester system with two semesters of eighteen-week duration, including a one-week recess in each semester. In addition, an eight-week summer term is also offered to provide students with additional opportunities to complete the required credits for graduation.
A diagnostic test to ascertain general proficiency in English is conducted for ALL undergraduate students admitted to IIT Kanpur. Based on their performance in this test, the students are advised to take different levels of English Language courses.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AT IIT KANPUR
FOUR-YEAR B.TECH COURSES
1) AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Aerospace engineering is more than 100-year old high-technology discipline. Yet, much remains to be done to broaden its scope and application to develop next generation hypersonic aircraft, fast whisper-quiet helicopters, reusable spacecrafts and launch vehicles, high performance engines, intelligent autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles etc. As a result, aerospace engineering is a dynamic ever-evolving discipline full of exciting opportunities and challenges to keep one excited and engaged in its pursuit over a lifetime. Aerospace engineers are concerned with the design, analysis, construction, testing and operation of flight vehicles, including aircraft, helicopters, rockets and spacecraft. The program includes courses in a wide range of topics such as fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, dynamics, flight mechanics, aerospace materials, structural mechanics, propulsion, aerospace vehicle design, automatic control and guidance etc. The department has state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including the Flight Laboratory that houses a fleet of aircraft and motor gliders, which are used by students for experiments and to learn the practical aspects of aerospace engineering through projects. The students get an opportunity to design, build and fly their own aircraft models in the aeromodelling lab as a part of their curriculum.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
2) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND BIOENGINEERING
B.Tech. program in biological sciences and bioengineering (BSBE) at IIT Kanpur was started in 2004. The program provides a unique fusion of biology with other basic and engineering sciences. There is no prerequisite of biology at school level for admission in this program. The goal of this program is to prepare the students, both in theory and practice, for leadership in the globally competitive fields of Life Science, Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology industry, academia and research. The program has been developed to meet the increasing demand in these fields of industry and research. The students of BSBE will take courses common with all other branches of science and engineering in the first year. During their second year, they will take foundation and elective courses in basic biology and bioengineering topics, besides developing their interest and excitement in biological experimentations and discoveries. Concepts in biology will be developed to provide a holistic view and to facilitate integration of these concepts with the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering. The final two years of the program will be dedicated to the development of the professional competence of the students on a broad spectrum of topics. These include cell and molecular biology, structural and computational biology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, downstream processing, bioengineering, genetics and genomics, neuroscience and neurobiology. Major emphasis during the final semesters will be on research and development and focus will be on development of entrepreneurial skill as well. Students would also compete for “Joy Gill Endowment” scholarship for R&D internship in Biopharma and Biotech industries besides participating in Bio-business plan competitions. UG students will have the opportunity to win the Summer Internship Award and this award is given based on the work carried out during summer internship. The UG students also get an opportunity to upgrade their registered program into a 5 years dual degree (BT-MT) program where they can get also get an MTech degree in Biological Sciences and Bioengineering.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
3) CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Chemical engineers work in diverse fields like petroleum refining, fertilizer technology, paper, cement, processing of food and agricultural products, synthetic food, petrochemicals, drug design and delivery, pharmaceuticals, synthetic fibres, coal and mineral based industries, and prevention and control of environmental pollution. Chemical engineering is concerned with the development and improvement of processes, design, construction, operation, management and safety of the plants for these processes and research in these areas.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
4) CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering professions providing for habitat, water and sanitation in every ancient civilization around the world. As discipline, it has travelled a long way since the building of pyramids and new encompasses a vast array of sub-disciplines. A modern-day civil engineer is expected to gain knowledge of structures, mechanics, materials science, survey, geology, soil and foundation, environment and sanitation, hydrology, water resources, transportation and infrastructure management. Application of this knowledge serve as the foundation of modern-day civilization. Some of these are: planning, analysis, design, construction and maintenance of a variety of facilities such as buildings, highways and railways, airports waterways and canals, dams and power houses, water treatment and waste water disposal systems, environmental quality control, docks and harbours, bridges and tunnels and offshore structures for oil production. Some of the modern developments in civil engineering profession are in the areas of disaster mitigation and management in the times of natural disasters, flood forecasting and flood control, urban transportation planning, alternative energy resources, global climate change, etc. A modern-day civil engineer routinely uses various application software and Computer Aided Design (CAD) and, also develops software for specific application. Civil engineering is particularly attractive to young and bright students because of the breadth and diversity of the profession. The breadth of knowledge gained also opens the door for higher studies in a vast array of specified areas.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
5) COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
The Computer Science and Engineering department at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur is renowned for its cutting-edge research and high-quality education in the field of computer science. The course provides a comprehensive education across all principal sub-fields of computer science, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Vision, Computer Architecture, Database Design, Data and Knowledge Mining, Operating Systems, Compilers, Program Analysis, Programming Languages and Systems, Mobile and Distributed Computing, Computer Networks, Cyber Security, Cryptography, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Theory of Computing, and Logic and Algorithmic Game Theory. The course encourages students to engage in innovative research under the guidance of world-renowned faculty.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
6) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
This course pertains to the broad discipline consisting of electrical power engineering, electronics engineering, signal processing, communication, electromagnetics, RF, microwaves and photonics. Electrical engineering deals with the generation, distribution, and use of electrical power. Electronics engineering deals with electronic components, circuits, semiconductor, digital circuits, IC design and analysis, and their manufacturing process. Signal processing, communication, 5G and 6G wireless communication, networks, electromagnetics, RF, microwave and photonics deal with capture, processing, storage, transmission and presentation of information using wired, wireless and optical means. This program prepares the students to contribute to a wide range of areas such as machine intelligence, human healthcare, power generation, distribution and consumption, renewable energy, microgrids, smart grid, sensors, electric vehicles, communications infrastructure, robotics, photonics/quantum devices and so on.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
7) MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest of all the engineering disciplines. It is concerned with the design, analysis, manufacture, control, and maintenance of systems ranging from power generation, air conditioning, machine tools, industrial automation, automobiles, transportation systems, medical devices, defense-related systems, etc. The field has continually evolved to incorporate advancements in areas like composites, robotics, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAM, biomechanics, Artificial Intelligence, high performance computing and modelling of natural phenomena. In the program, students get exposure to fundamental and applied topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion, kinematics, dynamics, materials, design, robotics, and machine learning. The diversity of the ME program comprehensively prepares the students to effectively handle challenges in almost all industries, apart from financial and IT sectors. Our past students include practitioners, researchers, and educators who have defined mechanical engineering in all spheres of life.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
8) MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
The entire engineering field pivots on material-selection, design, and processing, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at IIT Kanpur nurtures the following facets with great care:
i) teaching and research as driven by diverse needs of the nation combining the traditional metallurgy and modern materials, ii) focus on both fundamental and applied education, iii) sustainable technology and product development leading to incubation of start-ups, and iv) building the bridge between academia and industry.
Its areas of interest remain in physical- and mechanical-metallurgy (metallurgical fundamentals, material testing, and design), process metallurgy (manufacturing, material deformation, thermodynamics, diffusion and phase transformations), functional materials (electronic, automotive/aerospace, and biomaterials), devices and applications (batteries, flexible electronics, energy, sensors, coatings, packaging, etc), and computational modelling (atomistic, fluid-flow, FEM and AI/ML, etc.), in materials development. Such a vast realm of conventional and advanced materials covers metals, polymers, semiconductors, ceramics, and advanced nanomaterials/composites for automotive, aerospace, biomedical, electronic, energy, and other multi-functional and smart applications. B.Tech. students graduating from MSE Department undergo a rigorous training program that includes not only a thorough course work, but also a meticulously planned hands-on training through laboratory works and various projects.
The MSE Department actively contributes to several industry sectors, like steel, nonferrous metals,
energy, space, automotive, aerospace, railways, healthcare, defense, and electronics.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
FOUR-YEAR B.S. COURSES
9) CHEMISTRY
This programme prepares students for research in modern-day chemical sciences and allied disciplines. Besides an in-depth education in chemistry, adequate training in mathematics, physics, computer and engineering sciences is also integrated. In the first two semesters of their stay in the programme, they take the same courses as their fellow engineering students. During the course, they are trained to do frontline research in interdisciplinary areas, including materials science, environmental science, chemical biology, and traditional chemistry.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
10) ECONOMICS
Department of Economics Sciences, IIT Kanpur, is the first separate department of Economics in the IIT System. Economics is in great demand currently. It is not only in demand in the financial industry and the government, but increasingly various firms are in search for professionals who are trained in both economics and technology. The traditional undergraduate programs in economics in India only train people in economics and thus the usual economics graduates may not be suitable for today’s needs. The 4 years BS and 5 years BS-MS (Dual degree) programs in Economics fills this void in an admirable way. The Economics undergraduate program at IIT Kanpur is unique because is trains the students not only in the core areas of economics but also gives them a solid training in basic science and basic engineering disciplines. Thus, the students who graduate in Economics from IIT Kanpur has the requisite skills in both economics and technology and thus are in very high demand from both the financial and technical sectors. The skills imparted during the 4 years BS and 5 years BS-MS (Dual degree) also make the students competent enough to continue higher studies and research in economics and other allied disciplines like statistics and operation research.
The program provides courses in basic science, engineering, and computational methods in the first year. The next few semesters of the program offers extensive training in the foundational subjects: the core areas of Economics, namely Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics along with courses on Game Theory, Applied Probability and Statistics, and Optimization which are useful for different areas of science and engineering. Courses in later years allow students to choose elective courses to pursue their diverse interests in area such as business, finance, policy, and data analysis.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
11) MATHEMATICS AND SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING
The development of mathematics has always affected all human endeavours, including the computing technology. Today, the nature of mathematics and the way mathematicians think are also being affected significantly because of the fast-changing trends in computing technology. Modern Mathematics has a significant computing component that is essential in vast areas of scientific and industrial activities.
This programme provides a rigorous training in mathematical thinking and the analytical capability needed in present-day scientific computing. Through a carefully designed sequence of compulsory and elective courses, the programme enables a student to specialize in the area of his/her choice, be it pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or computing and development of mathematical/analytical software.
A graduate of this programme would have an extensive and rigorous training in algebra, analysis, computational techniques, probabilistic and statistical methods, mathematical modelling, simulation, and will be equipped to make significant contributions in academic research/teaching, or to pursue a meaningful professional career in public/private sector undertakings or in leading R&D organizations.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
12) STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE
In every aspect of the modern world, copious amounts of data are being produced. Studying and analyzing this data leads to breakthrough discoveries and fundamental developments in science, technology, industry, and public policy.
Such a "study of data" requires fundamental training in both theory and computation.
This programme brings together the much-desired intersection of "Statistics and Data Science". The programme has been carefully designed to equip students with the fundamental concepts of probability, statistical analysis, practical implementation, and software development. There are plenty of opportunities for students to explore aspects of machine learning, artificial intelligence, modelling and simulation, theoretical statistics, industry internships, and research projects.
Given that students can decide to focus more on either Statistics or Data Science, they can develop their academic profile based on their employment goals. Thus, graduates of the programme will be in an excellent position to contribute to any of academia, government, and industry.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
13) PHYSICS
This course is designed to produce students capable of pursuing advanced studies in theoretical and experimental physics as well as handling problems related to applications of physics in engineering, technology, industry and medicine. This is achieved by making use of a well-balanced course structure consisting of undergraduate core courses in basic sciences, engineering sciences including computer programming and in technical arts that include engineering drawing and workshop practices during the first and second year. In addition, students in the BS programme also develop a broad perspective by taking courses in Social-Sciences, Communication, Humanities, Economics, Management and Environment (SCHEME), which are an integral part of the curriculum required to get a BS. The students obtain a wholesome hands-on training in experiments and all foundational aspects of physics, further the students can opt for specialized courses in advanced physics. During their studies, students also acquire valuable research expertise by working on projects related to current research problems physics. Based on their performance, students also get an opportunity to convert the BS into BS-MS program.
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/ neurological)-based restrictions: NONE
14) EARTH SCIENCES
The Department of Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 2014, offers a BS-MS program to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research with the goal of providing trained manpower to meet our nation’s demands.
The BS-MS program aims to focus on studying the Earth, encompassing its evolution and internal dynamics, surface processes, natural and human-induced transformations, natural hazards, and the terrestrial environment vis-a-vis sustainable development. The program's first year will be common with all other branches of science and engineering.
The foundation courses in Earth Science will start in the second year, followed by advanced core courses in the third and fourth years. The MS program will provide an opportunity to specialize in applied geology, applied geophysics, water and climate, solid earth geology, and natural hazards. In addition to an interdisciplinary course curriculum, the students will be trained to perform high-quality research on pertinent issues related to Earth Sciences, such as those concerned with the exploration of natural resources and their use by society, solid earth geology, quaternary geology, and the mitigation of natural hazards. Thus, this program will provide a sound and up-to-date foundation on various aspects of Earth Sciences, which will form the foundation for further study and a wide range of employment opportunities in mineral, energy, water, environmental, and geospatial sectors. Recognizing the increasing complexity of coupled environmental-social systems, this program aims to meet the expectations of the nation in terms of creating modern and interdisciplinary earth science programs that will produce manpower capable of engaging in services and research related to advancing the fundamental understanding of the Earth system and promoting sustainable development of natural resources. The course will involve several field-based courses/training but will not require any specialized skills.
For more information, visit http://www.iitk.ac.in/es/
Gender-based and/or handicap (physical/neurological) based restrictions: NONE