The development of higher education institutions focused on science, engineering, and management in South Asia has followed a steady path shaped by policy direction, economic needs, and global trends.
In particular, two categories of institutions have come to represent academic prestige in the region: the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
What started as a response to the shortage of technical and managerial expertise has now become a well-established system producing graduates recognised both locally and abroad. The foundation of these institutes was influenced by post-independence ambitions and the drive to strengthen self-reliance in sectors like industry, technology, and administration.
Where ambition meets excellence in lecture halls across the nation (Photo: Getty Images)
Initially, the aim was to create centres of excellence to supply the country with trained professionals who could support nation-building. With time, both sets of institutions adjusted their academic direction, selection methods, and internal frameworks. Their transformation has been affected by political changes, global collaborations, and the rise of private enterprise across different sectors.
Historical Foundation and Purpose
The IIT system began in the 1950s as part of a plan to train engineers who could work across core sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy. The first IIT was set up in Kharagpur in 1951, followed by others in Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, and Delhi.
Each location was developed with assistance from international partners, including the Soviet Union, the United States, and Germany. The IIMs followed shortly after, with the first established in Calcutta in 1961 and the second in Ahmedabad. These institutes were designed to create skilled managers to run state enterprises and develop the private sector.
Both categories of institutions were built with strong emphasis on merit-based admissions. Competitive entrance examinations became the central method of selecting candidates.
IITs used the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), while IIMs created the Common Admission Test (CAT) for management aspirants. This process helped to set a high academic standard, which would later become a defining feature of their identity.
Academic Approach and Curriculum Development
One of the major changes over the years has been the change from purely technical or theoretical teaching towards a broader academic approach. The IITs initially focused on engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Over time, they expanded into computer science, biotechnology, and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science and artificial intelligence.
The IIMs also made similar progress in their offerings. Starting with traditional management subjects like finance, marketing, and operations, they have moved towards areas including public policy, entrepreneurship, and analytics. Many of them now offer specialised programmes that respond to the demands of evolving industries and corporate sectors.
Another important change has been the increased use of research. Earlier, teaching was the main function, but now research output carries equal weight. Professors are expected to publish papers, attend international conferences, and contribute to policy development.
This has placed IITs and IIMs on the map globally, as their faculty and alumni now participate in conversations that affect both regional and international sectors.
Expansion and Inclusion of New Campuses
During the early years, the number of IITs and IIMs remained limited, and the seats available were few. However, since the 2000s, the government started to open more campuses to cater to rising demand and regional development. New IITs were introduced in places such as Hyderabad, Indore, Gandhinagar, and Ropar, while newer IIMs were created in locations like Ranchi, Rohtak, Udaipur, and Trichy.
While this expansion allowed more students to gain access, it also brought up issues about faculty availability, funding, and quality control. The newer institutes did not have the same resources or reputations as the older ones, and that raised concerns about whether the same academic level could be maintained across the board.
Global Partnerships and Corporate Engagement
As both IITs and IIMs matured, they began forming stronger relationships with universities and companies outside the country. Joint research programmes, student exchange opportunities, and executive education tie-ups became part of the academic structure. Multinational firms also started to show more interest in recruitment from these institutions, which helped increase visibility and funding.
Corporate engagement has influenced course content as well. Both IITs and IIMs now adjust their curriculum to include subjects relevant to the current business climate. Workshops, case studies, and internships are now common features, blending academic knowledge with real-world experience. This connection has strengthened the employability of graduates and encouraged start-up culture among students.
Admission Pressure and Coaching Culture
A consequence of the high academic standing of these institutions is the intense competition to gain admission. This has given rise to a coaching industry that prepares students specifically for the entrance exams. Many students begin preparation years in advance, often relocating to cities known for exam coaching.
From chalkboards to global boardrooms, these institutes leave a mark (Photo: Twitter)
Critics argue that this practice reduces diversity and favours those who can afford additional instruction. It also puts extreme pressure on students, raising mental health concerns. Both IITs and IIMs have started counselling services and awareness programmes to address these issues, but the debate around access and equity continues.
Role in National Development
Graduates from these institutions have played a large part in various sectors including information technology, banking, public policy, and research. Many alumni have taken leadership roles in global corporations, while others have joined government services or launched their own enterprises.
Their presence in policy advisory boards, industry associations, and academic councils shows that their contributions go beyond employment figures. Their role in shaping the knowledge economy has been widely acknowledged, and their continued relevance depends on how well they respond to changing societal and technological demands.
Digital Adaptation and Future Outlook
In recent years, the focus has shifted towards digital integration in learning. Online classrooms, hybrid instruction, and digital certification programmes are now offered to reach a wider student population. These digital options also include short-term management programmes, online engineering courses, and professional development for working individuals.
There is also a push towards inclusivity, with attempts to balance gender ratios and support students from underrepresented communities. Scholarships, mentorship schemes, and outreach activities are all part of this effort.
Looking ahead, these institutions are expected to play a role in research related to climate change, sustainable development, and digital infrastructure. The ability to remain current and provide useful knowledge and skills will determine their position in global academic conversations. They will need to continue adjusting their teaching, research, and governance styles to remain valuable in the years to come.
