Former Institute Director Proposes Five-Year BTech to Lower Student Pressure

A five-year BTech structure that lets students graduate earlier if they meet required credits could reduce academic pressure caused by diverse student backgrounds, according to former IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao. The proposal aims to give students the time and support needed to reach academic standards instead of expecting everyone to learn at the same pace.

Background and Context

The suggestion follows protests at IIT Bombay regarding academic pressure and student welfare following a student's death, with the circumstances currently under investigation. Rao points out a growing gap in classrooms between students admitted through intensive coaching. In computer science classes at IIT Delhi, JEE Advanced ranks can range from single digits to five digits, alongside language differences. Rao spent over 25 years on the faculty at IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi, served six years as IIT Delhi director from 2016, and joined BITS Pilani in 2023 as Group Vice-Chancellor.

The Five-Year Proposal

Rao suggests redesigning the BTech as a five-year programme by default while keeping early finish options. Students meeting required credits could finish in four years or three-and-a-half years based on performance. Others could spread coursework over five years with extra support like recorded lectures, online material, and language help. The pace would depend on in-institute performance rather than entrance ranks. Rao notes that a fifth year built into the design removes the stigma of falling behind.

Existing Exit Routes

National Education Policy 2020 allows three or four-year undergraduate programmes with multiple entry and exit points and credits transferable via the Academic Bank of Credits. IIT Bombay already offers a three-year exit route with a BSc Engineering degree after 160 credits and six semesters. IIT Delhi introduced multiple entry-exit provisions in 2023, including diploma exits and discipline switches. IIT Madras offers online BS programmes allowing exits at various stages, while IIT Kanpur offers double majors and minors instead of regular undergraduate multiple exits.