Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi

The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, also known as IIT (BHU) Varanasi, is a public engineering institution located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the 23 IITs in the country and was founded in 1919 as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO). In 2012, it was designated as an Indian Institute of Technology and renamed IIT (BHU) Varanasi. The institute is known for its excellence in technical education and research.

History

The history of IIT (BHU) Varanasi dates back to 1919 when it was established as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO) by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a prominent Indian educationist and freedom fighter. The college was initially affiliated with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and offered courses in electrical and mechanical engineering.

In 2012, the institute was granted the status of an Indian Institute of Technology and renamed as IIT (BHU) Varanasi. This change in status brought the institute under the direct control of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and provided it with greater autonomy and resources.

Academics

IIT (BHU) Varanasi offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering, technology, and science. The institute has 16 departments and three inter-disciplinary schools, which offer a wide range of courses and research opportunities to students.

The undergraduate programs offered by the institute include B.Tech. in various branches of engineering, such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Materials Science and Technology. The institute also offers a five-year integrated M.Tech. program in certain branches of engineering.

The postgraduate programs offered by the institute include M.Tech., M.Pharm., and MBA. The M.Tech. program is offered in various specializations, such as Power Systems, VLSI Design, Computer Science and Engineering, and Thermal and Fluids Engineering. The institute also offers a dual degree program, which allows students to pursue a B.Tech. and M.Tech. simultaneously.

The doctoral programs offered by the institute include Ph.D. in various fields of engineering, technology, and science. The institute also offers a postdoctoral research program for scholars who have completed their Ph.D.

Research

IIT (BHU) Varanasi is known for its excellence in research and has several research centers and facilities that support cutting-edge research in various fields.

The institute also has several collaborative research projects with leading universities and research institutions in India and abroad.

Campus and Facilities

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a sprawling campus spread over 1,300 acres on the banks of the river Ganges. The campus has several academic buildings, research centers, laboratories, libraries, and student amenities, such as hostels, sports facilities, and healthcare centers.

The institute has a central library, which is one of the largest technical libraries in the country, with a collection of over 400,000 books and 20,000 e-journals. The library also has a digital library facility, which provides access to several online databases and research publications.

The institute has several state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, such as the National MEMS Design Center, the Center for Advanced Materials, and the Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. These facilities support cutting-edge research in various fields of engineering and technology.

Notable Alumni

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a distinguished alumni network, with several notable graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields, such as academia, industry, entrepreneurship, and public service. Some of the notable alumni of the institute include:

• Prem Saran Satsangi, former chairman of the Indian Railway Board and founder of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME)
• Krishan Kant, former Vice President of India
• Rajesh Gupta, professor of computer science and engineering at the University of California, San Diego
• Rakesh Mohan, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India

IIT (BHU) Varanasi is one of the premier technical institutions in India, with a rich history and a strong reputation for excellence in education and research. The institute offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of engineering, technology, and science, and has several research centers and facilities that support cutting-edge research.