The IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus is set to nearly double its student strength to around 400 in 2026, expanding its academic and research footprint in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability, energy and smart materials, a senior official said. The campus, which started with a small cohort, continues to scale up its programmes and student body in alignment with regional priorities.
Growth Plans and Student Strength of IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus
According to the Executive Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi-Abu Dhabi, the student population will grow from around 182 students at present to nearly 400 by next year. This expansion reflects the campus’s increasing role as a global educational and research hub for engineering, technology and innovation. The campus offers programmes in areas of high relevance to both India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including AI, sustainability, energy and smart materials. While it functions under the academic umbrella of IIT Delhi’s curriculum, there are regional customisations to align with local innovation priorities.
Academic Programmes and Admission Pathways
The IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus began with a master’s programme, followed by undergraduate and research offerings. The institution plans to add a new undergraduate programme each year, along with expanding master’s and PhD options in subsequent years. This strategy aims to gradually build a wider portfolio of high-end programmes. Undergraduate admissions at the campus are conducted through JEE Advanced and the Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET). Roughly one-third of the students are admitted via JEE Advanced, while the CAET is designed especially for UAE residents and expatriates who have lived in the country for at least five years.
Institutional Alignment and Global Integration
Officials emphasise that the Abu Dhabi campus is not a separate entity but an extension of IIT Delhi’s global vision. The curriculum largely mirrors that of the main campus in India, with certain adjustments to meet local academic requirements in the UAE. The campus’s strategic alignment with local priorities includes partnerships with global institutions and notable emphasis on research collaboration in AI and related fields. The campus, located in Khalifa City, was inaugurated on 02 September 2024 following a bilateral agreement between India and the UAE. While it currently operates as a transit campus, plans are underway for a permanent international infrastructure that integrates sustainability and advanced educational facilities.
