Indian Institute of Technology Rupnagar
Encyclopedia
The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, or IIT Ropar, sometimes also referred to as Indian Institute of Technology Punjab (IIT Punjab) is one of the 8 new IITs
which have become functional between 2008 and 2009. The bill for the addition of these eight IITs and the conversion of Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University
to IIT was passed in the Lok Sabha
in March 24, 2011 and is still to be adopted by the Rajya Sabha
.
IIT Ropar was set up by the Ministry of Human Resource Development
(MHRD), Government of India
, to expand the reach and enhance the quality of technical education in the country. This institute is committed to providing state-of-the-art technical education in a variety of fields and also for facilitating transmission of knowledge in keeping with latest developments in pedagogy. These two areas of focus will enable students to gain exposure to recent trends in their chosen domains of study and gain practical experience through a wide variety of activities the institute facilitates in its own campus and arranges for in collaboration with industry and other institutes.
. Rupnagar was founded in the 11th century and named after Rup Sen son of Raja Rokeshar. Recent excavations and explorations conducted at Rupnagar indicate that the first settlements here were the Harappan
s, who reached the upper Satluj towards the close of third millennium B.C. The district has rich historical and religious significance.
Rupnagar town, the district headquarters is 42 km. from Chandigarh
, the state capital. Rupnagar is well connected by road on National Highway NH-21. The Delhi
-Ambala
-Una
railway line passes through Rupnagar and provides good rail
connectivity. The nearest airport
is at Chandigarh at a distance of about 60 km. The Satluj river passes close to Rupnagar.
The climate is characterized by its general dryness, except during the south-west monsoon season, a hot summer and a cold winter. The winter is from mid-November to February, summer from March to June and the monsoon from late June to mid-September. The average annual rainfall in the district is about 776 mm with about 78% in the period of June to September.
), district headquarter of Ropar (Rupnagar
) near to Chandigarh
. The Institute is expected to be operational from its permanent campus by 2013. The Government of Punjab has already approved land for permanent campus of about 525 acres (2.1 km²) in Rupnagar. Foundation stone for permanent campus of IIT Ropar was laid down on 24 February 2009 by former Union HRD Minister Mr. Arjun Singh
.
The current temporary campus is a brief 1 km walk from Rupnagar railway station and the permanent campus is about 4–5 km from it.
The academic programme at the institute follows a semester-based credit system. The prominent feature of the credit system is the process of continuous evaluation of a student's performance and the flexibility to allow a student to progress at an an optimum pace suited to his/her ability or convenience, subject to fulfilling minimum requirements for continuation. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) is necessary for satisfactory progress and continuation in the programme.
IIT Ropar also offers admissions for Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics
, Chemistry
, Mathematics
and Philosophy
.
The UK institutes, with being quite impressed by the state of art facilities at IIT Ropar, have extended their support by signing MoU's in various directions.
The Director of the institute, Prof. M.K. Surappa, along with HRD minister Mr. Kapil Sibbal formally visited the universities in UK to share experiences, with their response reciprocated by a senior official from UK visiting the campus in the month of February.
Students of the 2008 batch have had a great opportunity to explore their academic abilities under the able guidance of collaborated UK universities in the months of May–June, 2010.
The students of the 2008 batch are currently (for the summer period of 2011, May-July) undergoing Industrial Training & Research at various leading industries, companies and other research institutes (such as Microsoft, Bell Labs, Aston University-UK, CSIO-India, Bharti Airtel, Hero Honda, Maruti Suzuki, etc.) in their respective fields. The 2009 batch, now moving to their third academic year (2011-2012) are pursuing their interests through research programmes in various institutes (including Aston University, UK) for the same summer period.
The institute encourages its faculty members to initiate research work and provides an initiation grant and also the basic facilities for its sustenance. It also encourages faculty members to establish collaborative research ventures with other research lab and industry. In this regard, the institute is keen to establish Central Research Facility. The institute has already started its PhD programme, so that the research environment is further augmented, expanded, and made even more vibrant.
The day-to-day management of hostels is taken care of by a committee consisting of student representatives, faculty members and administrative staff. Each hostel has a warden, who guides the students to manage the affairs of the hostels.
Institute has its own independent post office opened for the staff and students of the institute. SBI (State Bank of India) has a well operational branch inside the campus premises, with talks of ATM being introduced in near early future.
The Students Activity Centre(SAC) has a well equipped gymnasium and supports a music room, available for the students.
The beautiful campus has a peaceful environment.
Indian Institutes of Technology
The Indian Institutes of Technology are a group of autonomous engineering and technology-oriented institutes of higher education. The IITs are governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 which has declared them as “institutions of national importance”, and lays down their powers, duties,...
which have become functional between 2008 and 2009. The bill for the addition of these eight IITs and the conversion of Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University
Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University
The Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University is an engineering institute under the aegis of Banaras Hindu University , situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. IT-BHU has 13 departments and 3 inter-disciplinary schools, providing technical education with an emphasis on its industrial...
to IIT was passed in the Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha or House of the People is the lower house of the Parliament of India. Members of the Lok Sabha are elected by direct election under universal adult suffrage. As of 2009, there have been fifteen Lok Sabhas elected by the people of India...
in March 24, 2011 and is still to be adopted by the Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha or Council of States is the upper house of the Parliament of India. Rajya means "state," and Sabha means "assembly hall" in Sanskrit. Membership is limited to 250 members, 12 of whom are chosen by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields of art, literature,...
.
IIT Ropar was set up by the Ministry of Human Resource Development
Ministry of Human Resource Development (India)
The Ministry of Human Resource Development is an Indian government ministry, responsible for the development of human resources...
(MHRD), Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
, to expand the reach and enhance the quality of technical education in the country. This institute is committed to providing state-of-the-art technical education in a variety of fields and also for facilitating transmission of knowledge in keeping with latest developments in pedagogy. These two areas of focus will enable students to gain exposure to recent trends in their chosen domains of study and gain practical experience through a wide variety of activities the institute facilitates in its own campus and arranges for in collaboration with industry and other institutes.
History
This new institute was established by MHRD in year 2008. The classes for academic session 2008-2009 were held at IIT Delhi. The Institute started functioning from its transit campus in Rupnagar in August 2009.Campus & Location
IIT Ropar is located at Rupnagar (formerly known as Ropar) town of the district RupnagarRupnagar district
Rupnagar district is one of the twenty districts in the state of Punjab in North-West Republic of India. The town of Rupnagar is said to have been founded by a Raja called Rokeshar, who ruled during the 11th century and named it after his son Rup Sen. It is also the site of an ancient town of...
. Rupnagar was founded in the 11th century and named after Rup Sen son of Raja Rokeshar. Recent excavations and explorations conducted at Rupnagar indicate that the first settlements here were the Harappan
Harappan
Harappan can refer to:* Aspects related to Harappa an archaeological site and city in northeast Pakistan* The Indus Valley Civilization that thrived along Indus River...
s, who reached the upper Satluj towards the close of third millennium B.C. The district has rich historical and religious significance.
Rupnagar town, the district headquarters is 42 km. from Chandigarh
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a union territory of India that serves as the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab. The name Chandigarh translates as "The Fort of Chandi". The name is from an ancient temple called Chandi Mandir, devoted to the Hindu goddess Chandi, in the city...
, the state capital. Rupnagar is well connected by road on National Highway NH-21. The Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
-Ambala
Ambala
Ambala is a city and a municipal corporation in Ambala district in the state of Haryana, India, located on the border of the states of Haryana and Punjab in India. Politically; Ambala has two sub-areas: Ambala Cantt and Ambala City, approximately 3 kilometers apart from each other...
-Una
Una, Himachal Pradesh
Una is a city and a municipal council in Una district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.-Geography:Una is located at . It has an average elevation of 369 metres .-Demographics:...
railway line passes through Rupnagar and provides good rail
Rail transport
Rail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods by way of wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks. In contrast to road transport, where vehicles merely run on a prepared surface, rail vehicles are also directionally guided by the tracks they run on...
connectivity. The nearest airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
is at Chandigarh at a distance of about 60 km. The Satluj river passes close to Rupnagar.
The climate is characterized by its general dryness, except during the south-west monsoon season, a hot summer and a cold winter. The winter is from mid-November to February, summer from March to June and the monsoon from late June to mid-September. The average annual rainfall in the district is about 776 mm with about 78% in the period of June to September.
Permanent campus
The location for permanent campus of IIT Ropar is Birla Seed Farms, Ropar (RupnagarRupnagar
Rupnagar is a city and a municipal council in Rupnagar district in the Indian state of Punjab. It was formerly known as Ropar. The town of Rupnagar is said to have been founded by a Raja called Rokeshar, who ruled during the 11th century and named it after his son Rup Sen. It is also the site of...
), district headquarter of Ropar (Rupnagar
Rupnagar
Rupnagar is a city and a municipal council in Rupnagar district in the Indian state of Punjab. It was formerly known as Ropar. The town of Rupnagar is said to have been founded by a Raja called Rokeshar, who ruled during the 11th century and named it after his son Rup Sen. It is also the site of...
) near to Chandigarh
Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a union territory of India that serves as the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab. The name Chandigarh translates as "The Fort of Chandi". The name is from an ancient temple called Chandi Mandir, devoted to the Hindu goddess Chandi, in the city...
. The Institute is expected to be operational from its permanent campus by 2013. The Government of Punjab has already approved land for permanent campus of about 525 acres (2.1 km²) in Rupnagar. Foundation stone for permanent campus of IIT Ropar was laid down on 24 February 2009 by former Union HRD Minister Mr. Arjun Singh
Arjun Singh
Arjun Singh was an Indian politician from the Indian National Congress party. He was the Union Minister of Human Resource Development in the Manmohan Singh cabinet from 2004 to 2009....
.
Temporary campus
The temporary campus of IIT Ropar is former Women's Polytechnic, Rupnagar. The academic and administration buildings have been completely renovated to accommodate all the requirements of the Institute . It has all the basic infrastructure to run Academic programmes specially designed by IIT Delhi. The transit campus is equipped with state of art lecture halls along with well maintained playgrounds to nurture the bright minds and enhance their overall development. Special emphasis has been laid to set up advanced laboratories to help students gain practical insight of the courses that are a part of their curriculum.The current temporary campus is a brief 1 km walk from Rupnagar railway station and the permanent campus is about 4–5 km from it.
Academic system
The curriculum followed at IIT Ropar provides for a science-based engineering education, with a view to produce quality engineer-scientists. If facilitates broad-based knowledge acquisition and, simultaneously, nurtures a temper for life-long learning and exploration. Students are encouraged to go beyond the classroom to conduct and carry out independent work by means of research projects, guided reading, and by allowing them to join the research activities undertaken by faculty members. The idea behind such a fashioning of the curriculum is the belief that classroom activities must be supplemented by independent study and also by individual research that broadens one's horizon and provides for opportunities to bring one's ideas to fruition.The academic programme at the institute follows a semester-based credit system. The prominent feature of the credit system is the process of continuous evaluation of a student's performance and the flexibility to allow a student to progress at an an optimum pace suited to his/her ability or convenience, subject to fulfilling minimum requirements for continuation. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) is necessary for satisfactory progress and continuation in the programme.
Academic programmes
In its first year, i.e. academic year 2008-2009, three undergraduate programmes were offered. Admission to these programmes is through the JEE and students are admitted after completing 10+2 (high-school level) schooling.- Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering
- Bachelor of Technology in Electrical EngineeringElectrical engineeringElectrical engineering is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. The field first became an identifiable occupation in the late nineteenth century after commercialization of the electric telegraph and electrical...
- Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical EngineeringMechanical engineeringMechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
IIT Ropar also offers admissions for Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
, Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
and Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
.
Academic information
The institute's transit campus developed almost fully by the winter semester of academic session 2009-2010. The first half of academic year 2009-2010 was overseen by faculty from IIT Delhi. IIT Ropar has also been in talks with three of the United Kingdom's best universities.The UK institutes, with being quite impressed by the state of art facilities at IIT Ropar, have extended their support by signing MoU's in various directions.
The Director of the institute, Prof. M.K. Surappa, along with HRD minister Mr. Kapil Sibbal formally visited the universities in UK to share experiences, with their response reciprocated by a senior official from UK visiting the campus in the month of February.
Students of the 2008 batch have had a great opportunity to explore their academic abilities under the able guidance of collaborated UK universities in the months of May–June, 2010.
The students of the 2008 batch are currently (for the summer period of 2011, May-July) undergoing Industrial Training & Research at various leading industries, companies and other research institutes (such as Microsoft, Bell Labs, Aston University-UK, CSIO-India, Bharti Airtel, Hero Honda, Maruti Suzuki, etc.) in their respective fields. The 2009 batch, now moving to their third academic year (2011-2012) are pursuing their interests through research programmes in various institutes (including Aston University, UK) for the same summer period.
Collaborations in hand and the future plans
IIT Ropar is keen to start collaborative ventures with universities, industries, and other research institutes (both in India and outside India). In sequel to the agreement signed between the Prime Minister of India and its counterpart in UK in June 2008, a number of universities and their consortia have expressed keen interest in collaborating with IIT Ropar. In the last few months, the Director, Prof. Surappa, has signed a number of MOUs with his counterparts in various universities in the United Kingdom. They have also had several visitors from universities abroad with a view to establish partnership in research and teaching.Research or inspiration from the innovation
The institute, apart from establishing robust teaching environment, is keen to facilitate and support cutting-edge research in a variety of areas. This aspect will enable the students to acquaint themselves with latest development in their respective areas of study and pursue their own research interests. This would also result in a constant revision of the contents of courses that are being taught.The institute encourages its faculty members to initiate research work and provides an initiation grant and also the basic facilities for its sustenance. It also encourages faculty members to establish collaborative research ventures with other research lab and industry. In this regard, the institute is keen to establish Central Research Facility. The institute has already started its PhD programme, so that the research environment is further augmented, expanded, and made even more vibrant.
Hostel Facilities
The Institute campus houses four hostels: three for boys and one for girls. The hostels are well equipped for comfortable lodging and boarding of approximately 380 students. All hostels are provided with water coolers and RO systems. Each hostel has a common room that provides facilities for indoor recreation and games. The hostel complex also includes four shops that cater to the basic needs of the residents, and also a few washing machine facility. High speed internet is available via wireless internet (spread in the complete campus area) and LAN connections provided by BSNL.The day-to-day management of hostels is taken care of by a committee consisting of student representatives, faculty members and administrative staff. Each hostel has a warden, who guides the students to manage the affairs of the hostels.
Institute has its own independent post office opened for the staff and students of the institute. SBI (State Bank of India) has a well operational branch inside the campus premises, with talks of ATM being introduced in near early future.
Medical Facility
The institute has allocated a separate building, which adjoins the hostel complex, for its medical facility. A doctor and a nurse have been appointed to attend to medical emergencies of the campus residents. In addition the institute relies upon a few super-speciality hospitals in the city of Ropar for providing medical care to its members.Sports Facilities
The currently enrollled three batches (2008 entry, 2009 entry and 2010 entry) of students are, apart from showing excellent academic progress, keen to pursue their interests in sports and games. To nurture these interests, the institute has several facilities. At present, the institute has cricket field, three tennis courts, a football field, a hockey field, a gymnasium, a basket ball court and also a number of facilities for several athletic events. The institute also encourages its students to participate in inter-IIT sport events and other competitions. The appointment of a coach has further augmented sports-related activities in the campus.The Students Activity Centre(SAC) has a well equipped gymnasium and supports a music room, available for the students.
Central Library
The Central Library functions as the primary information resource and repository for all teaching and research activities at the institute. Apart from textbooks and recommended reading material prescribed for each course offered at the institute, the library houses a growing collection of research monographs, reports, multi-volume reference works, dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, and so on. In addition, the library also facilitates access to a number of journals through its participation in consortia such as INDEST-AICTE. At present, users can consult more than 4000 books (available on shelves) and hundreds of journals (through electronic subscription).Security
The institute has ensured that its campus and residents are safe and secure. To accomplish this, a security agency has been entrusted with the task of providing security to its personnel and resources.The beautiful campus has a peaceful environment.
Societies & Clubs
There are various societies being run by the student body at the institute to promote extra currulicular and co-curricular activities. These clubs ensure participation from the students in different institute level activities & competitions, and prepare them for inter-college competitions. The Music Society, The Dance Club, LitSoc- The Literary Society, The Chess Club, The Athletics Club, The Creative Writing Club, Science and Technology Club, etc. are managed by the respective student representatives and a secretary.Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist is the annual cultural fest of IIT Ropar. The first fest was held in September 2010 and with the theme "The Spirit of the Times" (the meaning of the word Zeitgeist). It was sponsored by Hero Honda and the star performers were Faridkot, The Band. The student body at IIT Ropar aims for the next Zeitgeist to be held in November 2011.See also
- List of universities in India
- Indian Institutes of TechnologyIndian Institutes of TechnologyThe Indian Institutes of Technology are a group of autonomous engineering and technology-oriented institutes of higher education. The IITs are governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 which has declared them as “institutions of national importance”, and lays down their powers, duties,...
- Education in IndiaEducation in IndiaEducation in India is provided by the public sector as well as the private sector, with control and funding coming from three levels: federal, state, and local. Child education is compulsory. The Nalanda University was the oldest university-system of education in the world...