IIT BHU Overhauls Dual Degree Courses for Flexibility

IIT BHU Varanasi has recently announced a significant change in its undergraduate structure by converting several five-year Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) courses into BTech seats. This overhaul is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to provide more flexibility to students. The institute recognizes that the previous IDD model was too rigid, leaving students with no option to exit after the BTech part of the program.

Previously, students enrolled in IDD programs faced a fully integrated curriculum, which required them to commit to both BTech and MTech degrees over five years. However, many students expressed a desire to leave after four years with just a BTech degree. Understanding this need, IIT BHU has restructured its offerings to better suit student preferences.

Starting from July 2025, all MTech IDD program seats will be converted into BTech seats in their respective disciplines. Importantly, the MTech IDD program is not discontinued; it will now be an optional choice for students after completing six semesters of their BTech program. This gives students the flexibility to decide whether they want to extend their study to a total of ten semesters.

Under the new curriculum aligned with NEP guidelines, students entering a BTech program will have four distinct pathways to choose from. They can pursue a plain BTech in their primary discipline, opt for a Minor or Major in another field after the fourth semester, or choose the optional MTech in their discipline after the sixth semester. This restructuring is touted as a significant expansion of choice for students.

In response to inquiries about whether faculty shortages influenced this decision, IIT BHU emphasized that the restructuring was a strategic move to increase student flexibility, rather than a result of any constraints. The changes received formal approval from the Senate and Board of Governors.

Students currently enrolled in IDD programs will continue under the original structure, and no special transition is planned for them, as the restructuring applies only to new admissions. The institute also indicated that its curriculum now includes new interdisciplinary opportunities, enhancing the educational experience for students.

Additionally, IIT BHU is committed to continuously reviewing its curriculum, ensuring that it aligns with industry needs and student interests. The institute has observed a declining interest in some programs over recent years, but it believes in redesigning and reframing programs rather than phasing them out entirely.