Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 12:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) based in Odisha capital would increase its student intake capacity from the academic year starting this July.

Naveen IIT

“While the current intake capacity of the institute was 180 last year; the number of seats would go up to 260 after the increase starting this July. This marks a 30 percent rise in capacity,” said IIT-Bhubaneswar Director RV Rajkumar speaking to reporters on the occasion of the eighth foundation day of the IIT.

He also reminded that, IIT - BBS had an intake capacity of 120 students when it came up in February 2009.

Addressing the gathering, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took pride in the institute and expressed happiness over its growth in terms of infrastructure, academics, research and innovation in past years.

“IIT brand has enhanced the image of India and proved beyond doubt the professional ability of our engineers and scientists at the global level. It is the product of our collective wisdom and the spirit of enquiry. India's tradition of mathematical and scientific knowledge dates back to thousands of years. Unfortunately, we missed the industrial revolution because of colonial rule,” said Patnaik addressing the students.

“As you are aware, professor Mashelkar of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has professed that in the 21st century world will turn to India for three things- digital, spiritual and herbal. It is time that we took advantage of our unique selling points on these three fields and take them to higher levels of excellence,” he added.