IIT Madras,IIT Palakkad launch collaborative educational initiative

Students of IIT Madras BS (Data Science and Applications) programme who meet the eligibility criteria can earn credits by attending courses at IIT Palakkad, encouraging academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.

In Short

• IIT Madras and IIT Palakkad partner for shared resources
• MoU signed on November 14, 2024, to formalise partnership
• IIT Palakkad students access Data Science courses at IIT Madras

In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) have partnered to provide students with access to shared academic resources, research internships, and summer immersion programs.

The initiative is designed to leverage the strengths of both institutes, enriching the learning experiences of students in IIT Madras’s Bachelor of Science (BS) program in Data Science and Applications and IIT Palakkad’s undergraduate courses. Launched in June 2020, the IIT Madras BS program combines online course delivery with in-person assessments, attracting over 30,000 active learners.

On November 14, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to formalise this partnership. Present at the event were Professor V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Professor A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, along with faculty from both institutions.

Professor Kamakoti emphasised the importance of expanding access to quality education, stating, “This collaboration with IIT Palakkad aligns with our mission to provide high-quality learning opportunities to deserving students across the country.”

Echoing this sentiment, Professor Seshadri Sekhar said, “We are thrilled to mentor talented students from IIT Madras’s Data Science program and offer them hands-on learning and internship opportunities. This collaboration will help students develop the skills and networks needed for success.”

KEY FEATURES FOR THE COLLABORATION

1. Credit transfer opportunities: IIT Madras BS students can complete credit requirements by taking eligible courses at IIT Palakkad, fostering academic exchange.

2. Access to data science courses: IIT Palakkad students can enroll in IIT Madras courses on Data Science and Programming, gaining valuable skills in emerging fields.

3. Enhanced student support: The partnership includes exchange programs, internships, and collaborative initiatives to provide a holistic learning experience.

This collaboration is part of a broader effort by IIT Madras to provide final-year BS students with in-person learning opportunities at leading institutions. IIT Gandhinagar, IIIT Hyderabad, and the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) have already opened their campuses to eligible students from IIT Madras’s BS programme.

By pooling resources and expertise, IIT Madras and IIT Palakkad aim to build a robust academic ecosystem that prioritises interdisciplinary learning, practical application, and research, empowering students to thrive in an evolving academic and professional landscape.