Old Building

Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence, Innovation, and Nation-Building

IIT Kharagpur, established on 18 August 1951, stands as the first and the largest Indian Institute of Technology in the country. Its journey began modestly in the historic Hijli Detention Camp with just 224 students and 42 teachers. Over the decades, it has evolved into a global powerhouse of education, research, and innovation. In 2019, the Government of India recognised IIT Kharagpur as an Institute of Eminence, reflecting its far-reaching contributions to academia, industry, and national development.

A Campus Built for Ideas and Innovation

Today, IIT Kharagpur stretches across 2,200 acres, home to a vibrant community of:

• Over 17,000 students
• More than 770 faculty members
• Around 930 staff members

The Institute encompasses 21 academic departments, 11 schools, and 25 centres, including 12 Centres of Excellence and 2 Academies. Together, these units foster cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary learning, and groundbreaking technological advancements.

A Leader in Multidisciplinary Education

IIT Kharagpur goes beyond traditional engineering and technical programmes. Its multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary courses span fields such as:

• Management
• Law
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Artificial Intelligence
• Precision Agriculture
• Medical Science and Technology
• Classical and Folk Arts
• Social and Economic Sciences

The Institute’s mission is to cultivate innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual curiosity. It aims to attract the brightest minds in science, technology, management, and law, while also delivering impactful research and consultancy services relevant to national priorities and societal needs.

Vision for the Future

As IIT Kharagpur approaches its 75th year, it aspires to rank among the top ten universities globally. The Institute aims to:

• Become an international centre of excellence in education and research
• Produce visionary leaders in technology, management, and science
• Drive knowledge creation in areas of national and global relevance
• Improve the quality of life for communities across India

Research, Innovation, and Global Recognition

IIT Kharagpur currently manages over 1,160 sponsored research and consultancy projects, making it a key contributor to India’s scientific and technological progress. Notable innovations include:

• Covirap rapid diagnostic device
• iMedex telemedicine platform
• PUBBS and Deekshak e-learning systems
• AI-based social distancing monitoring
• Ultra-high corrosion-resistant steel for space missions
• Painless Needle technology
• Robotic solutions for plant disease detection
• Climate reconstruction techniques
• Circular economy and low-cost AI meteorological solutions

These developments have cemented IIT Kharagpur’s global stature.

Recent Rankings

• QS World University Rankings 2025:
  • 3rd among IITs
  • 4th in India
  • 222nd globally
• QS Sustainability Rankings 2025: 2nd in India
• NIRF 2024:
  • 6th Overall
  • 5th in Engineering and Research
  • 2nd in Architecture
  • 9th in Innovation
• Pitchbook University Rankings 2024: 45th globally

Global Collaborations

IIT Kharagpur has established academic partnerships with premier international institutions such as:

• Purdue University
• Virginia Tech
• UCLA
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Manchester
• University of California
• University of Warwick
• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
• University of Ulm, Germany
• Georgia Tech
• Universities of Kyoto, Tokyo, and Singapore

These collaborations enhance India’s academic and research presence on the global stage.

Commemorative Postage Stamps

The commemorative stamps released by the Department of Posts depict two iconic structures of IIT Kharagpur:

• The Old Tower of the Hijli Saheed Bhawan, symbolising the Institute’s historic roots
• The New Tower, reflecting its progress and modern identity

These stamps celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of IIT Kharagpur, which will mark 75 years on 18 August 2026. They pay tribute to the Institute’s extraordinary contributions to higher education, innovation, technological advancement, and nation-building.