Kolkata | June 22, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s higher education and research ecosystem, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster long-term collaboration in academics, research, innovation, and institutional development.The five-year agreement, extendable by mutual consent, was signed by Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor of BIT Mesra, and Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur. The ceremony was attended by senior academic leaders from both institutions, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing research excellence.The collaboration will cover a wide range of initiatives, including joint Ph.D. supervision, shared laboratory facilities, student and faculty exchange programmes, internships, collaborative research projects, intellectual property development and commercialization, faculty development programmes, and joint academic events such as seminars, workshops, GIAN courses, and micro-credit programmes.Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Indranil Manna said, “The collaboration with IIT Kharagpur represents an important milestone in BIT Mesra’s pursuit of academic excellence, impactful research, and innovation-led growth. Through this partnership, we aim to create new opportunities for our students and faculty while contributing to national priorities through collaborative research and technology development.”Highlighting the broader impact of the partnership, Prof. Suman Chakraborty remarked that the agreement would facilitate knowledge sharing, strengthen joint research initiatives, and enhance institutional capacity, benefiting both the academic community and the nation.The MoU also proposes exploring a Joint Integrated M.Tech.–Ph.D. Programme and dual-degree pathways, while a dedicated Joint MoU Implementation Committee will oversee the execution of collaborative activities through regular biannual reviews.For BIT Mesra students, the agreement offers valuable opportunities to access IIT Kharagpur’s advanced research infrastructure, participate in joint research projects, work alongside distinguished faculty members, and engage in specialised academic programmes.The partnership aligns with the vision of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, encouraging interdisciplinary research, innovation, and stronger collaboration between leading educational institutions. It will focus on strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, climate resilience, water resources, energy, and defence technologies—areas crucial to eastern India’s future economic growth.With both institutions sharing a legacy of excellence since the early years of independent India, this landmark collaboration is expected to accelerate cutting-edge research, nurture future innovators, and strengthen India’s global academic standing.
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