From Delhi to the Desert: IIT Delhi's Abu Dhabi Venture

Tejasraj Mangla -

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has launched its first international campus in Abu Dhabi, bringing the prestigious legacy of IIT Delhi to the vibrant landscape of the UAE, marking a significant milestone in global education. This expansion aims to foster innovation and knowledge exchange between India and the UAE.

Vision and Mission

The establishment of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus is a testament to the strong educational and cultural ties between India and the UAE.  It aims to create a collaborative environment that bridges Indian and Emirati educational excellence, focusing on advanced research and innovation in areas like sustainable energy, climate studies, and cutting-edge technologies. This initiative follows a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2023 between IIT Delhi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and the Indian Ministry of Education.

Academic Programs

The IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus offers a master's program in Energy Transition and Sustainability, aligning with the shared priorities of India and the UAE to promote sustainable development and leverage technological advancements.

Starting from the academic year 2024-25, the campus will admit its first batch of undergraduate students in September 2024, offering programs in key fields with a total of 60 seats available with each course offering 30 seats:

  • Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Computer Science and Engineering
  • Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Energy Science and Engineering

BTech in Energy Engineering: This program will focus on sustainability and equips students with the skills to address challenges in energy production and management. It aims to cover energy resource assessment, cutting-edge technologies, and low-carbon solutions. Core subjects include Energy Resources, Network Analysis, Electrical Machines, Plasma Concepts, Power Electronics, Control Systems, Energy Systems Design, Energy Storage, Smart Grid Operations, Hydrogen Economy, and Energy Economics.

BTech in Computer Science and Engineering: This program will focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Software Development, and Hardware Design, along with Quantum Computing, Cryptography, Blockchains, Security, and Privacy. Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes Cloud Computing and Data Analytics. It aims to develop proficiency in abstraction, computational thinking, and problem-solving techniques, preparing students for diverse industries..

Prof. Shantanu Roy, the Executive Director of IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi, emphasizes integrating IIT Delhi's rigorous academics with Abu Dhabi's innovative environment. Prof. Roy stated, "We aim to provide a transformative educational experience that equips students to tackle global challenges in technology and sustainability".

Admission Process

The admissions for the undergraduate programs at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi for the academic year 2024-25 will be conducted through two modes: the newly introduced Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) and the established JEE (Advanced) exam.

  1. Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) : This entrance test is specifically for admissions to IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi. It will be held on June 23, 2024, in multiple cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The test will consist of three papers covering Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of 90 minutes each.
  2. JEE (Advanced) : Students who have qualified in JEE (Advanced) can also apply for admissions.

Eligibility Criteria for CAET 2024:

  • Candidates must have secured at least 75% aggregate marks in Class XII or be in the top 20 percentile.
  • Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 1999, with a two-year age relaxation applicable as per UAE national policy.
  • Maximum two attempts in two consecutive years for the entrance test.
  • Candidates should not have been admitted to any IIT previously.
  • For UAE residents and international students, additional criteria include valid scores in EmSAT or SAT.

Fees, Campus Accommodation, and Scholarships

Tuition Fee: The annual tuition fee for the four-year course is AED 81,375, totaling AED 325,000.

Accommodation: Separate on-campus housing is available for male and female students, with double and single occupancy options. The fees are AED 1,000 per month for double occupancy and AED 2,000 per month for single occupancy. There is a fully functional kitchen with a stove, fridge, and microwave. Laundry services with washer and dryer, entertainment room with latest gadgets for gaming, fitness center equipped with latest and state-of-the-art machinery, 24X7 security, and a student lounge for relaxing and socializing.

Scholarships:

To draw students, the institute is offering an array of attractive scholarships.

For UAE National Students

  • Full scholarship covering 100% of tuition fee
  • A monthly stipend of AED 4,000
  • Housing fee waiver for double occupancy for students residing outside Abu Dhabi

For students admitted through JEE Advanced 2024

  • Same tuition fee as payable at IIT Delhi
  • A monthly stipend of AED 2,000
  • Housing fee waiver for double occupancy for students residing outside Abu Dhabi

Performance-based Scholarship for International Students and Indian Expats in the UAE

  • Tier 1: Full scholarship covering 100% of tuition fees on maintaining a minimum of 8.00/10.00 CGPA
  • Tier 2: 50% of tuition fees discount to eligible students on maintaining a minimum of 6.00/10.00 CGPA

Infrastructure and Research Facilities

The campus situated in Khalifa City has state-of-the-art infrastructure, featuring modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and dedicated research centers. The architecture seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.

It emphasizes cutting-edge research in sustainable energy, climate studies, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Collaborations with local institutions like Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and Khalifa University will enhance research capabilities.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

The Abu Dhabi campus is part of a broader vision to expand IIT's global footprint. IIT Madras is engaged in discussions with the government of Zanzibar to establish a permanent campus there. This campus would focus on offering specialized programs in areas such as marine science, sustainable development, and renewable energy, leveraging Zanzibar's unique geographical location and natural resources.

Several other IITs are exploring partnerships with institutions worldwide to offer joint programs, conduct research collaborations, and exchange students and faculty.