The Union Cabinet has given the green light to a substantial expansion of academic and infrastructural capabilities across five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This expansion project, with an outlay of Rs 11,828.7 crore, is targeted towards IITs in Tirupati, Bhilai, Jammu, Dharwad, and Palakkad. The approved plan aims to augment the collective student capacity by 6,500 seats, effectively nearly doubling the current capacity to a total of 13,687.

The expansion is not limited to increasing student intake but also includes the creation of 130 new faculty positions across these institutions. Furthermore, the initiative incorporates the establishment of five advanced research parks. These parks are intended to foster collaboration between the institutes and industry, driving innovation and development.

This infrastructure expansion is in line with the Union Budget 2025-26 and reflects a broader national trend of increasing the capacity of IITs, which has seen a rise from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh over the past decade. The Union Budget 2025 has an emphasis on skill development with the addition of National Centers of Excellence and promotion of digital learning platforms in local languages.

The project is expected to have a significant impact on employment generation, both directly and indirectly. Direct employment opportunities will arise through the recruitment of faculty, research staff, and administrative personnel. Indirect employment will be stimulated through construction activities and the increased demand for local services such as accommodation and transport in the areas surrounding the IIT campuses.

This capacity expansion at the five IITs also aligns with the government's vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasizing capacity building in education. By increasing the number of seats available in these premier institutions, the government aims to provide greater access to high-quality technical education, fostering a skilled workforce that can contribute to the country's economic growth and technological advancement. This initiative complements other measures outlined in the Union Budget 2025, such as the establishment of new Centers of Excellence in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Agri Tech, Health, and Sustainable Cities.