BITS Pilani, IIT Madras sign agreement to boost academic collaboration via student exchange, joint research

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have signed a five-year agreement that will boost academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on September 29, 2026, at the IIT Madras campus.

Speaking about the collaboration, V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “BITS Pilani has always believed that students and faculty should have access to the best academic ecosystems, wherever they are. This collaboration with IIT Madras will create new opportunities for student mobility, joint research and faculty engagement, and will strengthen the larger culture of collaboration among India’s leading institutions.”

The agreement will work towards giving opportunities for student and faculty exchanges. The two institutions will also organise events together, which include seminars and workshops as part of the agreement.

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BITS Pilani, IIT Madras to facilitate student exchange

A student exchange programme is another important aspect of the collaboration that will allow students from both institutions to choose courses, participate in research and work on projects at the partner institute.

Students who will be selected for the programme will be considered as special exchange students. With approval from the concerned faculty members or project supervisors, these students might also enrol in courses for credit or audit.

Addressing the collaboration, V Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director, said, “Extremely happy to have signed an MoU with BITS Pilani. Looking forward to working closely on an entire spectrum of  areas ranging from critical and emerging technologies to wellness initiatives, mutually learning from all best practices.”

The programme will also give tuition-fee waivers. Based on the academic report, the host institution will consider the credits and marks earned during the exchange. The collaboration will expand student exchanges, learning and research opportunities for students and faculty at both BITS Pilani and IIT Madras.