IIT (BHU) Varanasi (Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi) is a public technical university located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and is designated as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. It is a constituent institute of Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
History
The institute's origins trace back to the establishment of the Benares Engineering College (BENCO) in 1919, making it one of the oldest engineering institutions in India. BENCO was established as part of the then-newly founded Banaras Hindu University by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Over the decades, the college expanded its offerings and evolved through several name changes and structural modifications.In 1968, BENCO, along with the College of Mining and Metallurgy and the College of Technology, was merged to form the Institute of Technology (IT-BHU) under the administrative and financial control of Banaras Hindu University. IT-BHU gained significant autonomy over the years, though it remained academically and administratively a part of BHU.
A long-standing demand for its conversion into an IIT culminated in 2012 when the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, was officially converted into an Indian Institute of Technology and renamed IIT (BHU) Varanasi by an Act of Parliament. This marked its full integration into the prestigious IIT system while retaining its historical connection and location within the Banaras Hindu University campus.
Academics
IIT (BHU) Varanasi offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various engineering, science, and humanities disciplines.- Undergraduate Programs (B.Tech./B.Pharm.): Admissions are primarily through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. The institute offers programs in disciplines such as Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science and Technology, Ceramic Engineering, and Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology.
- Postgraduate Programs (M.Tech./M.Pharm./M.Sc.): Admissions are generally through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or other national-level entrance examinations.
- Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.): The institute offers Ph.D. programs in all its departments, focusing on advanced research and innovation.
The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in fundamental principles, interdisciplinary knowledge, and practical skills, emphasizing research and innovation.
Campus and Facilities
The institute is located within the expansive 1,300-acre campus of Banaras Hindu University, providing a unique academic and cultural environment. It boasts:- Departmental Buildings and Laboratories: Well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and research facilities across all departments.
- Central Library: Access to the extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources of the Central Library of BHU, as well as its own departmental libraries.
- Hostel Accommodation: Residential facilities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Sports Facilities: Access to the vast sports complexes of BHU, including grounds for various outdoor and indoor sports.
- Other Amenities: Medical facilities, student activity centers, dining halls, and general utilities are shared with the broader BHU campus.