From Rented Classrooms to Simrol’s Skyline: IIT-I Turns 17
Indore: Seventeen years ago, the Indian Institute of Technology-Indore (IIT-I) began its journey not in grand buildings or state-of-the-art laboratories, but in borrowed classrooms and temporary corridors. As the institute celebrates its foundation day on February 17, the story of its evolution from two rented campuses to a sprawling academic city in Simrol is a testament to India’s growing scientific ambitions.
Growth and Expansion
Today, IIT-I is home to over 3,400 students enrolled in nearly 60 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. This impressive growth reflects not only rapid academic expansion but also a rising national stature in research, innovation, and technology education. In recent years, the institute has introduced programs in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, sustainability, and space science, aligning its academic direction with India’s future technological priorities.
Leadership and Vision
The appointment of former ISRO chairman K. Sivan as the chairperson of the board of governors in September 2023 has further strengthened the institute’s alignment with national scientific leadership. Established in 2009 as part of India’s new generation of IITs, IIT-I initially operated from the Institute of Engineering and Technology at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, under the mentorship of IIT-Bombay, with Pradeep Mathur as the founding director.
Milestones and Achievements
Academic milestones since its inception highlight the scale of transformation at IIT-I. The first convocation in 2013 saw 101 BTech students graduate, while the 2025 graduating class expanded to 813 students across six programs. This growth signals both institutional maturity and a widening academic reach.
Faculty Experiences
Prashant Kodgire, a faculty member in biosciences, recalls the challenges of those early days. “It was a demanding time. We had to commute constantly between classrooms, makeshift laboratories, and departments spread across different buildings. Space was limited, but we managed. The institute began with 120 BTech students and has now grown to around 3,400 students across nearly 60 programs,” he said. “The first graduating batch in 2013 had 101 BTech students and a few PhD scholars, and we operated largely in makeshift labs. Today, we have transitioned from those temporary labs to five dedicated research towers. Our core strength today is research.”
The Simrol Campus
Even in those uncertain beginnings, a vision for permanence was already in place. On February 17, 2009, Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh laid the foundation stone for the permanent 501-acre Simrol campus, located about 25 km from Indore. A decisive shift occurred in October 2015, when full academic operations began at the Simrol campus in February 2016, replacing improvised spaces with purpose-built laboratories, smart classrooms, and dedicated research infrastructure.
A Contrast to Origins
The Simrol campus presents a striking contrast to its origins. Today, it is a hub of innovation, featuring student-run startups, innovation clubs, and informal maker spaces that extend learning beyond traditional textbooks. This vibrant environment fosters creativity and entrepreneurship among students, preparing them for future challenges.
Research and Innovation
The research momentum at IIT-I reflects its steady evolution. The institute has undertaken over 816 sponsored projects, secured 115 granted patents, and filed 237 patent applications, signaling a deepening commitment to innovation alongside academic growth. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 ranked IIT-I 27th overall, 24th in research, and 12th among engineering institutes. A year earlier, NIRF 2024 placed it 16th in engineering, 33rd overall, and 27th in research institutions, underscoring its evolving national standing.
Conclusion
The journey of IIT-Indore from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading institution in India is a remarkable story of resilience, vision, and commitment to excellence. As it celebrates its 17th foundation day, the institute stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.
Note: This article is based on information available up to October 2023 and reflects the ongoing journey of IIT-Indore.
