NEP 2020: IIT Delhi to launch B.Tech in Energy Engineering, Design

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has announced multiple interdisciplinary programs in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. IIT Delhi will launch B.Tech program in Energy Engineering from the upcoming academic year 2021-22.

The Institute also plans to start Bachelor of Design in 2022-23 and B. Tech program in Design from 2025-26. The NEP was announced last year on July 29 by then Minister of Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, which will replace the Education Policy launched in 1986. Since the new policy was announced many institutions started moving towards the implementation of its various provisions.

IIT Delhi and NEP 2020

IIT Delhi also started assessing the proposed guidelines under the NEP and started exploring appropriate measures for the implementation of the NEP 2020 recommendations.
IIT Delhi also constituted a committee to look into various recommendations under the NEP and their implementation at the institute. According to V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi: “As an Institute of Eminence, IIT Delhi is fully cognizant of its role in the timely and proper execution of educational policies. The Institute is carefully examining the structure and nature of its existing programs, which could provide a strong foundation for introducing the NEP 2020 directives. Over the last many months, a committee for the implementation of NEP 2020 has carefully considered all Higher Education-related guidelines. Currently, feedback on the committee’s report is being sought from all academic units for further deliberations.”

The institute is also planning to start two new multidisciplinary programs at the postgraduate (PG) level i.e. M.Tech In Electric Mobility, and Master of Public Policy from 2021-22. As per a statement issued by the institute, discussions are underway for an M. Tech. program in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

Rao also pointed out that several initiatives have recently been taken to form new schools, departments and centres at the institute with multi-disciplinary teaching and research programs, which dovetail nicely with the broad objectives of the NEP 2020.
A new department named ‘Department of Energy Science and Engineering’ has recently been created. The ‘Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Programme (TRIPP), which was running at the Institute since 2002 as an interdisciplinary programme has been converted into a full-fledged centre in 2021. Another new centre named ‘Optics and Photonics Centre' ‘has been created that will focus on doctoral and postgraduate programmes including special programs for industry professionals.

Multiple entry, exit options

IIT Delhi already offers several options for multiple exits from programs and movement between programs. In order to make the options even more flexible, as envisioned in NEP 2020, a committee has also been constituted to examine the same and make recommendations for implementation.
Rao also underscored the relevance of holistic, all-round education for students. IIT Delhi has always encouraged its students to actively participate in different cultural and social events organized by multiple student-run clubs and societies. In the future also, IIT Delhi will keep promoting an integrated approach to learning and teaching, thus aligning with one of the primary visions of the NEP 2020.