IIT-Delhi will put together the admission criteria for Abu Dhabi campus: Official

Abu Dhabi has a prestigious New York University campus, INSEAD and other brands as well. Why does it need the IIT Delhi campus?

Having IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate’s higher education ecosystem was an evident choice in light of the calibre, specialisation, vast technical knowledge, and prestige of the institution. It also reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a hub for global educational excellence. IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi’s academic offerings will pave the way for education pathways aimed at upskilling the future generation, contributing to the development of our knowledge-based economy.

When is the campus expected to open? Also, what facilities will the Abu Dhabi government provide to IIT Delhi?

Academic offerings will start in January 2024 at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi’s temporary campus. The campus will operate advanced research centres related to sustainable energy and climate studies, as well as computing and data sciences.

Who will be the director of the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus? How many locals will be hired and how many will be IIT Delhi faculty?

Appointing IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi’s faculty and administrative teams is still underway. The campus will be staffed with high-calibre professionals from the UAE, India, and the rest of the world to create a diverse and proficient team that will offer the best learning experience for students.

What will the admission criteria be? Would a JEE score be required for local students as well?

The admission criteria will be put together with our partners at IIT Delhi, respecting the institute’s rigorous procedures and ensuring the equitable inclusion of students from different backgrounds.

What courses will it offer? Does it include new-age courses like data science and AI?

IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi’s academic offerings will begin with a host of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes, including a range of emerging areas such as energy and sustainability, artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, mathematics and computing, and other disciplines of engineering, and sciences. These academic offerings are chosen to address the needs of the UAE’s priority sectors.

While IIT Delhi has a robust placement process, how will placements be conducted here? Also, how would your government help them in getting internships?

IIT Delhi is known for its strong placement process, and the Abu Dhabi campus will adopt similar best practices while capitalising on its unique strengths. This will involve forming significant partnerships with prominent UAE and international entities, serving as a link between academia and the professional sphere and enhancing internship opportunities.

How would Abu Dhabi ensure the safety of its international students?

Abu Dhabi was ranked as the world’s safest city in the latest Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2021. Reflecting on this exceptional status, our students continue to share their satisfaction with the robust health and safety procedures implemented across our education ecosystem.

Additionally, higher education institutions in Abu Dhabi must adhere to the highest campus safety protocols, provide orientation programmes, and offer support services to international students. Collectively, these measures create a safe and welcoming environment both on and off campus for students pursuing their education in Abu Dhabi.