Beginning with the 2026–27 academic session, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will officially allow students to study across different IIT campuses. This initiative ensures seamless credit transfers and is expected to enhance academic flexibility and foster stronger collaboration among the 23 IITs nationwide.
IIT Madras shared the announcement through its official communication platforms, describing the initiative as the “first official intra-IIT academic mobility” program.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, stated, “The academic deans are synchronizing their programs for a seamless rollout.” The concept was initially proposed by the IIT Council, chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in August 2025. The plan aims to benefit approximately 5% of the total undergraduate population. To ensure smooth implementation, IITs are aligning curricula for compatibility, subject to approval from the respective institute senates.
For the first time, IIT students will gain the opportunity to attend courses across campuses within the IIT ecosystem, whether enrolling in specialized subjects or spending a complete term at another IIT, without losing academic credits.
For example, a B.Tech student from IIT Bombay may opt to pursue robotics electives at IIT Kanpur during the sixth semester and return with full credit recognition. This model reflects modern professional realities, where individuals frequently relocate for projects, training, or career advancement.
Each IIT will cap the number of incoming visiting students based on infrastructure and academic capacity. While the initiative will begin on a limited scale, it has the potential to expand gradually if balanced mobility across campuses is maintained. By integrating all IITs into a unified academic framework, this reform aims to strengthen India’s technological talent pool amid growing global competition.
The revamped academic structure will also provide broader learning exposure, including flexible electives and internship opportunities, equipping students with diverse and industry-relevant skill sets.
Although certain logistical challenges have been highlighted, Prof. Kamakoti and other IIT leaders have expressed confidence that pre-mapped courses and coordinated academic calendars will minimize disruptions. This shift marks a move away from the traditionally rigid JEE rank-based campus allocation model and instead emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and academic mobility. Students interested in niche fields can now explore advanced AI programs at IIT Delhi or biotechnology courses at IIT Madras without affecting their core degree requirements.
Admission to IITs
IIT Roorkee will conduct the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2026 for admission into IIT undergraduate programs. The JEE Advanced 2026 examination is scheduled to take place on May 17, 2026.
The IIT JEE registration process will commence on April 23, 2026, for Indian candidates, while foreign nationals can begin registering from April 6, 2026. Applicants who secure scores above the NTA JEE Main 2026 cutoff percentile will be eligible to apply for IIT admissions through JEE Advanced.