Former IIT director suggests 5-year BTech, flexible exit option to ease student burden

Former IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao has proposed a five-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program as a solution to the pressure students face due to diverse academic backgrounds. This idea comes in the wake of protests at IIT Bombay following the death of a student, with concerns raised about academic pressure and student welfare. Rao's proposal aims to address the growing gap between students admitted through diverse backgrounds, such as those with intense coaching experiences and those without.

Under his proposed five-year BTech structure, students would meet required credits and be able to graduate in four years, or even three-and-a-half years if they perform well and complete the required credit requirements. For those who need more time, the program would offer additional support, such as recorded lectures, online material, and language assistance, allowing them to spread their coursework over five years.

The duration of the program would depend on a student's performance within the IIT, rather than their admission category or entrance rank.

Rao argues that a one-size-fits-all academic system can create pressure, as it expects all students to learn at the same pace, which is not feasible given the heterogeneous classroom environment. He also separates entrance performance from independent learning ability, noting that even top JEE Advanced rankers can struggle with unfamiliar problems. Rao's five-year proposal is designed to support students at their own pace, with psychological benefits for those who need extra time.