KIIT Ranks Fifth in India for Attracting Foreign Students

Odisha is emerging as a key destination for international higher education, with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) ranking as the fifth best university in India for attracting foreign students. The recognition comes from a recent report by NITI Aayog, highlighting India’s broader push towards internationalisation of higher education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

NITI Aayog Findings on International Students

According to the NITI Aayog report, Odisha figures among the top ten Indian states in terms of attracting international students, outperforming neighbouring states such as West Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Bhubaneswar has also emerged ahead of cities like Kolkata and Hyderabad as a preferred education hub, reflecting improved academic infrastructure and global outreach.

KIIT’s Global Student Presence

Despite being located in a Tier-II city, KIIT hosts over 2,000 international students from nearly 70 countries. This constitutes the majority of foreign students studying in eastern India. The university also maintains a strong global alumni network of more than 5,000 international graduates, reinforcing its reputation as a globally connected institution.

Academic Exchanges and Global Engagement

KIIT has attracted around 350 international visiting faculty members and PhD scholars in the current academic session. These scholars have come from leading global institutions including Harvard University, MIT, the University of Washington, City University of New York, and the University of Virginia. Through initiatives such as Global Faculty Programmes, Global Immersion Programmes, and credit-based study abroad schemes, KIIT continues to facilitate sustained academic exchange.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• NEP 2020 prioritises internationalisation of higher education in India.
• Odisha ranks among the top ten states in attracting foreign students.
• KIIT hosts the majority of eastern India’s international students.
• NITI Aayog is the government’s key policy think tank.

IndiaTrek and International Visibility

KIIT’s flagship IndiaTrek initiative plays a central role in boosting global engagement by hosting international delegations, diplomats, scholars, and youth leaders. The university attracts over 1,000 foreign delegates annually and has hosted nearly 25 Nobel Laureate lectures. These initiatives, supported by modern infrastructure and strong institutional leadership, have positioned KIIT as a prominent destination for global academic collaboration.