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Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT Mesra) and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic collaboration and expand joint research initiatives. The agreement, which can be extended through mutual consent was signed by Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor of BIT Mesra and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur.
The MoU establishes a framework for student and faculty exchanges, joint supervision of research scholars, access to specialised facilities and collaborative academic programmes. It also enables both institutions to jointly develop and submit research proposals to national and international funding agencies.
Partnership to Advance Research and Innovation
Commenting on the collaboration, Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor of BIT Mesra, said, “Our collaboration with IIT Kanpur represents an important milestone in BIT Mesra’s pursuit of academic excellence, impactful research and innovation-led growth. Through this partnership, we aim to create new opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in advanced research, benefit from specialised academic expertise and work on challenges that have national relevance. Strong institutions, capable researchers and a skilled workforce will be central to India's progress towards Viksit Bharat @2047. By bringing together the academic strengths and research capabilities of both institutions, we aim to contribute to this national goal through joint research, technology development and the preparation of graduates equipped to address the country's emerging scientific and technological needs.”
The agreement focuses on five key areas: undergraduate and postgraduate research, student exchanges and internships, joint Master's and Ph.D. supervision, academic programmes, and training opportunities for staff and officers.
Under the research framework, faculty members from both institutions will jointly supervise undergraduate projects from the third year onwards and postgraduate projects from the first semester. Students may also receive technical assistance and undertake planned institutional visits as part of their research activities.
Joint Research and Student Exchange Opportunities
At the Master's and Ph.D. levels, research scholars may be jointly supervised by two or more faculty members from the participating institutions. Arrangements related to funding, academic credits, residency requirements and intellectual property rights, including publications and patents, will be governed by mutually agreed guidelines.
The student exchange component will include summer and winter internships, short-term courses and workshops hosted by either institution. Both institutes may also organise Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) courses, micro-credit courses, seminars, workshops, conferences and consultancy assignments.
The agreement further provides for shared access to research facilities, faculty exchanges and professional development programmes. It also includes short-duration training programmes for staff and officers, which may be extended to participants from other institutions.
Benefits for Students and Faculty Members
For BIT Mesra students, the partnership is expected to create opportunities to participate in joint research projects, access IIT Kanpur's specialised laboratories and take part in exchange programmes and internships, subject to the terms of individual activities.
Eligible Master's and Ph.D. scholars will also have the opportunity to pursue research under the joint supervision of faculty members from both institutions. BIT Mesra faculty members can participate in collaborative research initiatives and professional development programmes, providing opportunities for academic engagement and knowledge exchange.
Implementation and Institutional Coordination
The MoU will be implemented through designated coordinators at both institutions. At BIT Mesra, Prof. Raju Poddar, Dean of Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (DRIE), will serve as the Coordinator, while Dr. Gautam Sarkhel, Dean of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS), will serve as the Joint Coordinator.
At IIT Kanpur, either Prof. Ashoke De, Dean of Academic Affairs (DOAA), or Prof. Jayandharan Giridhara Rao, Dean of Research & Development (DORD), will serve as the Coordinator. An Associate Dean or the Dean's nominee will take on the role of Joint Coordinator.
Through this five-year partnership, BIT Mesra and IIT Kanpur aim to strengthen institutional collaboration, promote research-driven learning and create new opportunities for students, researchers and faculty members across both institutions.
