On the Cards at IITs: Reforms in M.Tech and PhD Programmes, JEE Advanced to Be More Student-Friendly, as the apex decision-making body of the IITs considers sweeping changes in advanced engineering education. The proposed reforms aim to address low enrolment, limited industry exposure and prolonged doctoral timelines. Discussions also include plans to make JEE Advanced a more balanced and less stressful assessment. The proposals were deliberated during the 56th meeting of the IIT Council held on 25 August 2025, the minutes of which were shared on 07 January 2026.
IIT Council Flags Underutilisation of M.Tech and PhD Seats
The IIT Council expressed concern over persistent vacancies in postgraduate programmes across Indian Institutes of Technology. Limited specialisations and weak industry linkages were identified as key reasons behind low M.Tech enrolment. Data presented to Parliament earlier showed that 3,229 M.Tech seats and 1,779 PhD seats remained vacant in 2020–21, while 3,083 M.Tech seats and 1,852 PhD seats went unfilled in 2021–22, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Proposed Reforms in M.Tech Programmes at IITs
To improve the attractiveness of M.Tech courses, the council recommended making industry internships a compulsory component of postgraduate engineering education. It also discussed the introduction of dual-track M.Tech programmes, with one track focused on industry engagement and the other on research-oriented careers. The council further suggested expanding multidisciplinary, blended-mode and product-based M.Tech programmes, including options that do not require mandatory publication of research papers. All IITs have been advised to redesign their M.Tech curricula within one year, aligned with institutional goals and industry needs.
PhD Programme Reforms and Project-First Model
Wide-ranging reforms were also discussed for doctoral education, with a focus on outcomes, accountability and innovation. IIT Ropar proposed repositioning PhD programmes as drivers of innovation rather than being publication-centric. A project-first PhD model was recommended, featuring predefined research goals, structured timelines and stronger industry collaboration. The council also discussed networked PhD programmes across IITs and with international universities, along with the establishment of Doctoral Academies at each IIT to strengthen mentorship and career development.
Oversight, Faculty Accountability and Role of Ministry of Education
All IITs have been directed to constitute internal committees to assess the baseline quality of incoming PhD students, streamline administrative processes and map research outcomes. Faculty performance in doctoral supervision may also influence future allocation of PhD scholars. A sub-committee under the Ministry of Education may be formed to propose a framework for promoting product-based PhDs and submit recommendations to the IIT Council Chairman within one month of its constitution.
Proposal to Make JEE Advanced Adaptive
The council also discussed concerns about the current structure of JEE Advanced, including heavy coaching dependence and stress on students and families. To address this, IIT Kanpur proposed transitioning the exam to adaptive testing. Under this model, questions would be dynamically generated and adjusted based on a candidate’s performance, improving fairness and assessment depth. The council recommended forming an expert committee led by the Joint Admission Board to evaluate the proposal, conduct pilot mock tests and prepare a phased implementation roadmap within six months.
What Lies Ahead for IIT Education Reforms?
If implemented, these reforms could significantly reshape postgraduate education and entrance assessments at IITs. The council noted that aligning curricula, research output and evaluation methods with national development goals will be critical in strengthening India’s advanced engineering ecosystem.
