175 Years of IIT Roorkee

India’s Strength in Science and Technology

In the 21st century, India has emerged as a strong player in the fields of science and technology, supported by world-class institutions and skilled manpower. Among these institutions, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) hold a place of pride, shaping the country’s knowledge economy and contributing to technological advancement across the globe.

Origins of IIT Roorkee

The roots of IIT Roorkee trace back to the mid-19th century. In 1845, Lieutenant Baird Smith of the Bengal Engineers began training young Indians in Civil Engineering at Saharanpur. By 1847, this effort culminated in the establishment of the Roorkee College of Civil Engineering, which later came to be known as the Thomason College of Civil Engineering. It became the oldest engineering college in India, born along the waters of the sacred Ganges.

From University to IIT

In 1949, Roorkee College became the first technical university of India, known as the University of Roorkee. It earned a reputation as a torchbearer of technical education, nurturing the nation’s brightest minds. In 1996–97, the institution proudly celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a legacy of excellence in education and innovation.
On 21st September 2001, the University was declared an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament, transforming it into the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee—joining the elite IIT system.

Academic Excellence and Global Reach

Today, IIT Roorkee offers:

• 13 Undergraduate Programs in Engineering and Architecture.
• 55 Postgraduate Programs in Engineering, Applied Science, Architecture, and Planning.
• Doctoral research opportunities across all Departments and Research Centers.

The institute has 23 Departments, 7 Academic Centres, and the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Its three campuses—Roorkee (365 acres), Saharanpur (25 acres), and Greater Noida (10 acres)—together foster a thriving academic ecosystem. Students from over 50 countries join annually for full-time programs and specialized training.

Contributions to Nation Building

IIT Roorkee alumni have played pioneering roles in India and abroad. They include:

• 7 Chairmen of the Indian Railway Board
• Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
• Over 100 Secretary-level officers in the Government of India
• Presidents of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
• Governors of Indian States and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC)

Alumni of IIT Roorkee have also won 10 Padma Awards and 25 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for Science and Technology.

Rankings and Recognition

IIT Roorkee enjoys a distinguished global standing:

• QS World University Rankings: 387th (2021)
• QS Asia Rankings: 90th (2020)
• QS BRICS Rankings: 47th (2019)
• NIRF India Rankings 2021: #1 in Architecture, #6 in Engineering, #7 Overall
• ARIIA Rankings 2021: 5th in Innovation Achievements

Its Department of Management Studies was ranked 12th in India (NIRF 2020), securing the top position in Research and Professional Practices.

International Engagement

Since 1955, the Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRDM) and the Department of Hydrology have trained over 2,469 service engineers and agricultural scientists from 48 countries, particularly from the Afro-Asian region. The institute continues to build global partnerships through MoUs, exchange programs, and collaborative research initiatives.

A Legacy of 175 Years

From its modest beginnings in 1847 to its present status as a premier institution, IIT Roorkee has remained a symbol of knowledge, innovation, and leadership. It has shaped generations of engineers, scientists, and policymakers who continue to contribute to nation-building and global progress.

Philatelic Tribute

The Department of Posts is proud to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 175 Years of IIT Roorkee, celebrating its glorious journey and enduring contributions to science, technology, and education in India and beyond.