IIT (BHU) Varanasi

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has formerly been known as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO), the College of Mining and Metallurgy (MINMET), the College of Technology (TECHNO) and the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU). Its establishment is intimately linked with that of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The first convocation ceremony at BHU was held on 2 December 1920.{{cite web|url=http://www.bhu.ac.in/Centre/history.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313230041/http://www.bhu.ac.in/Centre/history.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 March 2008|title=History of the University|publisher=Banaras Hindu University|access-date=4 October 2011}} BHU has the credit of first starting degree classes in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering and Pharmaceutics, thanks to the foresight of its founder, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya.

File:Dept of Electrical Engineering IIT-BHU.jpg

The Department of Geology was started under BENCO in 1920. The Geology Department introduced courses in Mining and Metallurgy. The Department of Industrial Chemistry was started in July 1921. In 1923, Mining and Metallurgy were established as separate departments and in 1944, they were raised to the status of a college forming the College of Mining and Metallurgy (MINMET).

File:IIT_(BHU)_2019_stamps_of_India.png

In 1968, BENCO, TECHNO and MINMET were merged and the Institute of Technology (IT-BHU) was established integrating the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil and Municipal Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Technology, Silicate Technology and Pharmaceutics. The Department of Silicate Technology subsequently became the Department of Ceramic Engineering. A Department of Electronics Engineering was also established. The departments of Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics and Applied Chemistry were established in 1985.

The earlier system of regional admission based on merit lists was replaced in 1972 by admission through Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) for undergraduate courses and Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for postgraduate courses. In the tenth meeting of the IIT Council in 1972, it was also proposed to convert the then IT-BHU into an IIT and a committee was appointed by the IIT Council for the purpose but because of political reasons, the desired conversion could not be achieved then.{{cite web|url=http://www.iitsystem.ac.in/IITcouncil/minutes/Minutes-10-Meeting-of-IIT-Council.pdf|title=Minutes of 10th Meeting of IIT Council|work=iitsystem.ac.in|access-date=8 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117234832/https://www.iitsystem.ac.in/IITcouncil/minutes/Minutes-10-Meeting-of-IIT-Council.pdf|archive-date=17 January 2015}}

In 2003, Committees constituted by MHRD (Professors Joshi and Anand Krishnan Committees){{cite web|author=Urmi A Goswami |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Wait_longer_for_IIT-level_engg_colleges/articleshow/2015905.cms |title=The Economic Times: Wait Longer for IIT-level engg colleges |work=The Economic Times |date=2007-05-08 |access-date=2013-06-17}} had recommended for the conversion of the Institute into an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).{{cite web|url=http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2005/nov/18iit.htm |title=Rediff: Turn BHU-IT into full fledged IIT |publisher=Inhome.rediff.com |date=2005-11-18 |access-date=2013-06-17}} On 17 July 2008, the government of India issued a press release granting "In principle approval for taking over the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University – a constituent unit of the Banaras Hindu University, a Central University, its conversion into an Indian Institute of Technology and integrating it with the IIT system in the country."{{cite press release|url= http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=40461 |title=Setting up of eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and conversion of IT-BHU into an IIT |work=pib.nic.in |access-date=3 May 2012|publisher=Government of India}} The BHU Executive Council approved the proposal of the HRD ministry to convert IT-BHU to IIT (BHU) Varanasi, retaining academic and administrative ties to BHU.

On 4 August 2010 a bill seeking to amend the Institutes of Technology Act 1961 to declare IT-BHU an IIT was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for HRD, D. Purandeswari.{{cite web |url= http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bill-to-declare-itbhu-as-iit-intoduced-in-ls/129916-3.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100902055912/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bill-to-declare-itbhu-as-iit-intoduced-in-ls/129916-3.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 September 2010 |title=Bill to declare IT-BHU as IIT introduced in LS |work=ibnlive.in.com |access-date=3 May 2012}}{{cite web |url= http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141106/cabinet-approves-changes-iit-amendment.html |title=Cabinet approves changes in IIT amendment bill |work=deccanherald.com |access-date=3 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://164.100.24.207/lob/15/VII/RLOB10.3.2011.pdf|title=LOK SABHA, REVISED LIST OF BUSINESS|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703124022/http://164.100.24.207/lob/15/VII/RLOB10.3.2011.pdf|archive-date=3 July 2011}} The Lok Sabha passed The Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 2011 on 24 March 2011{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BHUs-Institute-of-Technology-gets-IIT-status/articleshow/7781262.cms |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120516144051/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-24/india/29182519_1_iit-status-institutions-of-national-importance-new-institutes |url-status= live |archive-date= 16 May 2012 |title=BHU's Institute of Technology gets IIT status |access-date=3 May 2012 |work= The Times of India |date=24 March 2011}} and the Rajya Sabha on 30 April 2012, thereby formalizing the IIT status of the institute.{{cite news |url= http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-04-30/news/31508352_1_ropar-and-institute-indian-institutes-iit |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120505083416/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-04-30/news/31508352_1_ropar-and-institute-indian-institutes-iit |url-status= dead |archive-date= 5 May 2012 |title=Parliament passes IIT bill – Economic Times |work=indiatimes.com |access-date=3 May 2012 |date=30 April 2012}} The Bill was signed by the President of India on 20 June 2012 and notified in the gazette on 21 June.{{cite web |url=http://www.iitbhu.ac.in/institute/images/imp_circulars/IIT-Amendment-Act-2012.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=16 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904105118/http://www.iitbhu.ac.in/institute/images/imp_circulars/IIT-Amendment-Act-2012.pdf |archive-date=4 September 2014 |url-status=dead }}

The Department of Architecture, Planning and Design was set up in the Institute in collaboration with IIT Roorkee, beginning its academic activities in the session 2019–2020. The first cohort of students consisted of 20 students admitted into the five-year programme through the JEE Advanced exam.{{cite news|author=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/iit-roorkee-to-assist-iit-bhu-in-setting-up-new-architecture-and-pl-119061401133_1.html |title=IIT Roorkee to assist IIT BHU in setting up new Architecture and Pl' | Business Standard News |newspaper=Business Standard India |publisher=Business-standard.com |date= 14 June 2019|accessdate=2022-04-12}}

The institute celebrated its centenary year in 2019–2020. It organized a global alumni meet and other cultural events during the celebration. The 80-year-old BENCO chimney was also re-erected to commemorate the institute's completion of a century.{{cite web|date=2020-11-05|title=IIT-BHU Scientists among top-2% {{!}} News 20-20% %|url=https://news20-20.com/iit-bhu-scientists-among-top-2/|access-date=2020-11-20|website=News 20-20|archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105114607/https://news20-20.com/iit-bhu-scientists-among-top-2/|url-status=dead}}

{{see also|Indian Institutes of Technology#Organisational structure}}

All IITs follow the same organisational structure which has the president of India as the visitor at the top of the hierarchy. Directly under the president is the IIT Council. Under the IIT Council is the board of governors of each IIT. Under the board of governors is the director, who is the chief academic and executive officer of the IIT. Under the director, in the organizational structure, comes the deputy director. Under the director and the deputy director, come the deans, the heads of various departments, and the registrar.

However, IIT-BHU has special provisions under The Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, where the executive council of Banaras Hindu University can nominate the Vice Chairman, as well as two members of the board.

According to Kapil Sibal, the then HRD Minister, the purpose of such a system was to maintain the integrity of the Banaras Hindu University, and to maintain the linkage between the two (the university and IIT), and ensuring the cross-disciplinary research.{{cite web|title=Finally, IIT tag for IT-BHU|date=May 2012 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/finally-iit-tag-for-itbhu/}}

File:IIT BHU Varanasi.jpg

Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) has 11 engineering departments, 3 science departments, 3 schools, and a humanities department:{{cite web|title=Departments and schools in IIT (BHU), Varanasi|url=https://www.iitbhu.ac.in/dept}}

IIT (BHU) Varanasi offers four-year instructional programs for the degree of Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and five-year programs for Integrated Dual Degree (IDD). The IDD program offers both BTech and MTech degrees. Admission to all programs is expressly through the Joint Entrance Examination – Advanced conducted by the Indian Institutes of Technology.{{cite web|url=http://www.itbhu.ac.in/admissions/|title=Admissions|publisher=IT-BHU|access-date=5 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926041316/http://www.itbhu.ac.in/admissions/|archive-date=26 September 2011}} Earlier half of the intake for Pharmaceutical sciences was through JEE and the other half through BHU-PMT. But after the college was converted into an IIT, intake for BTech and the IDD in Pharmaceutical sciences (now Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology) is exclusively through Joint Entrance Examination - Advanced.

Postgraduate courses offer Master of Technology (MTech) and PhD degrees. Admissions to the MTech program are made through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) conducted jointly by Indian Institute of Science and Indian Institutes of Technology.{{cite web |author=Administrator |url=http://iitbhu.ac.in/admissions/index.php/academic-programmes.html |title=Academic Programme |publisher=Iitbhu.ac.in |date=2010-05-09 |access-date=2013-06-17 |archive-date=16 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116023114/http://iitbhu.ac.in/admissions/index.php/academic-programmes.html |url-status=dead }} For admission into the various PhD courses, one can apply through the official institute website. The application brochure is released on the same.

The admission of students to the institute is through JEE Advanced for undergraduate courses and Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) for postgraduate courses. From 2013, admission to undergraduate programs is based on a two-tier test called (1) Mains and (2) Advanced.{{cite web|url=http://jee.iitd.ac.in |title=Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) – 2013 (JEE (Advanced) – 2013) |publisher=Jee.iitd.ac.in |access-date=2013-06-17}} In addition, the students qualifying through JEE (Advanced) need to be in the top 20 percentile of the respective categories and/or have secured 75% or above in the qualifying exam conducted by the boards of their respective state/UT.

{{Infobox India university ranking

| type=University

| QS_W_2025 = 531

| QS_A_2024 = 271-280

| NIRF_O_2024 = 30

| NIRF_E_2024 = 10

}}

Internationally, IIT (BHU) Varanasi was ranked 531rd in the world by the QS World University Rankings of 2025 and 12th in India.{{Cite news |date=2024-06-06 |title=IIT (BHU) at 531st position in QS World University Ranking 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iit-bhu-ranks-531st-in-qs-world-university-ranking-2024/articleshow/110751208.cms |access-date=2024-08-13 |work=The Times of India }}

IIT (BHU) Varanasi was also ranked 10 among engineering colleges, by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024{{Cite web |title=MoE, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/Rankings/2024/EngineeringRanking.html |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=nirfindia.org}} and 30 overall.

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has a Main Library and five independent departmental libraries. The main library has a collection of books across streams in engineering, science, and technology, along with a host of books in humanities, social sciences, and literary fiction.

The library has about 1,38,000 volumes of books,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} journals, theses, reports, and pamphlets. Basic facilities like circulation, scanning, printing, and photocopying amenities are also available in this Wi-Fi-enabled library. The library has a sitting capacity of more than 600 students. The faculty and students can have access to these facilities by registering themselves.

File:Library_reading_hall.jpg

The library permits access to nearly 8000 e-journals, 25,000 standards and more than 30,000 electronic books and databases. It has an excellent collection of bound volumes of old (Since 1918) and new periodicals, codes standards, etc. The library also maintains an online repository containing student thesis and publications, transcripts and event videos, available on the Institute intranet.{{cite web|url=https://iitbhu.ac.in/cf/lib/about/collection|title=Collection|last=Administrator|website=iitbhu.ac.in|access-date=2019-11-18|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302205856/https://iitbhu.ac.in/cf/lib/about/collection|url-status=dead}} Apart from this, students also enjoy access to the central and cyber library of Banaras Hindu University.

The IIT (BHU) Gymkhana, housed in Kings' Pavilion, is the primary hub of all extracurricular activities in the institute.

The Gymkhana functions through its five councils:

1. Games and Sports Council
2. Cultural Council
3. Science and Technology Council
4. Film and Media Council
5. Social Service Council

These councils are headed by their respective Counsellors who work in close coordination with the Dean (Student Affairs). On the student side, each council has a General Secretary and two Joint General Secretaries, with each club being headed by a Secretary and two Joint Secretaries. The councils also organize different festivals in the college annually.

IIT BHU has four main student-organised festivals:

• Technex is the annual techno-management festival of IIT BHU and Asia's oldest techno-management fest.
• Kashiyatra is the annual socio-cultural festival
• Spardha is the annual sports festival
• FMC Weekend is the annual film and media festival

Apart from these, there are several departmental festivals, and events organized by student-run clubs.{{cite web |url=https://www.placement.iitbhu.ac.in/academics/beyond |title=Beyond Academics |publisher=IIT BHU Training and Placement Cell |accessdate=2024-10-23}} IIT BHU also participates in Banaras Hindu University's Inter-college festival Spandan{{cite web|agency=TNN |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/five-day-fest-spandan-begins-at-bhu-today/articleshow/68101832.cms |title=Five-day fest 'Spandan' begins at BHU today |work=The Times of India |date=2019-02-22 |accessdate=2022-04-12}}{{cite web|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi-city-spandan-celebration-in-bhu-varanasi-18983101.html |title=spandan celebration in bhu varanasi – बीएचयू : 'स्पंदन' में आतंकवाद के खिलाफ युवाओं की हुंकार, उत्सव का औपचारिक आगाज |publisher=Jagran.com |accessdate=2022-04-12}} which is held annually in February.

The institute newsletter, IIT BHU Connect is a bi-yearly magazine that features in-depth cover stories, recently organized events, adopted proposals, and technical advances and helps promote the Institute beyond the boundaries of the university. Having been initiated in 2016, six editions have been published so far which received mostly positive reviews.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} It is run by a student team of around twenty students with one Student Editor.

Malaviya Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (MCIIE) was established in 2008. The objective of MCIIE is to produce successful firms that will leave the program financially viable. Incubator tenants benefit from business and technical assistance and official affiliation with the incubator, a supportive community with an entrepreneurial environment, a direct link to entrepreneurs, and immediate networking and commercial opportunities with other tenant firms.{{cite web |author=Express news service |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/bhu-students-to-turn-entrepreneurs-soon/272393/ |title=Tbi at Itbhu |publisher=Expressindia.com |date=2008-02-13 |access-date=2013-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004135738/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/bhu-students-to-turn-entrepreneurs-soon/272393/ |archive-date=4 October 2012}} The various programmes under MCIIE include:

• Open Learning Programme in Entrepreneurship (OLPE)
• Entrepreneurship Development and Awareness Programs
• Technology Business Incubator (TBI) sponsored by National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board, DST, New Delhi.

{{main|List of IIT (BHU) Varanasi people}}

IIT (BHU) Varanasi has produced alumni who made a mark for themselves in the fields of technology, business, politics, and arts, among other fields. Alumni interactions are maintained by the Student Alumni Interaction Cell (SAIC) under the aegis of the Dean of Resources and Alumni. IIT BHU has multiple alumni organisations including IIT BHU Global Alumni Association (IBGAA) and the Association of IITBHU Alumni (AIBA).

Some notable alumni include:

• Ashok Singhal,former president Vishwa Hindu Parishad
• Deepak Ahuja, Former CFO at Tesla, Inc.{{cite web|title=Tesla's CFO is retiring – for the second time|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/teslas-cfo-is-retiring-for-the-second-time/articleshow/67765330.cms|access-date=2021-08-12|website=Business Insider}}
• Krishan Kant, former Vice-President of India.{{cite news|last=Malhotra|first=Inder|date=29 July 2002|title=Krishan Kant|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/jul/29/guardianobituaries|access-date=7 October 2011}}
• Manoj Sinha, 2nd Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Former Minister of State, Railways and Communication.{{cite web|title=Manoj Sinha Biography – About family, political life, awards won, history|url=https://www.elections.in/political-leaders/manoj-sinha.html/|access-date=2021-08-12|website=Elections in India}}
• Jay Chaudhry,{{cite web|title=Jay Chaudhry|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/jay-chaudhry/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Forbes}} CEO and Founder of ZScaler
• Varun Grover, National Film Award-winning Lyricist and Songwriter. Famous for writing the songs of Gangs of Wasseypur.{{cite web|date=2012-06-02|title=IITBHUGlobal.org: The Chronicle: Interview with Varun Grover (Civil 2003). published by Colors website|url=http://www.itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/archives/2012/06/interview_with_49.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523191310/http://www.itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/archives/2012/06/interview_with_49.php|archive-date=23 May 2013|access-date=2016-12-01|publisher=Itbhuglobal.org}}{{cite web|author=Aswajith mp|date=2014-01-05|title=6 IIT Engineers in BollyWood. | ASWAJITH ONLINE|url=http://www.jithumpa.com/entertainment/films/bollywood/6-iit-engineers-in-bolly-wood/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214005040/http://www.jithumpa.com/entertainment/films/bollywood/6-iit-engineers-in-bolly-wood/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 February 2014|access-date=2016-12-01|publisher=Jithumpa.com}}{{cite web|date=2016-03-28|title='Bahut achcha hai, par slow hai': National Award winning lyricist Varun Grover recalls initial reactions to 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage' – News18|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/movies/bahut-achcha-hai-par-slow-hai-national-award-winning-lyricist-varun-grover-recalls-initial-reactions-to-moh-moh-ke-dhaage-1222145.html|access-date=2016-12-01|publisher=Ibnlive.com}}
• Thomas Anantharaman, one of the 3-member team at IBM who developed IBM Deep Blue supercomputer.
• Kota Harinarayana,{{cite web |url=http://www.itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/archives/2011/08/scientist_kota.php |title=The Chronicle: Scientist Kota Harinarayan (Mechanical 1965) conferred with Lokmanya Tilak award |publisher=ITBHUGlobal.org |date=2011-08-14 |access-date=2013-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926022359/http://www.itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/archives/2011/08/scientist_kota.php |archive-date=26 September 2012 |url-status=dead }} a Padma Shri awardee and distinguished scientist at DRDO
• Nikesh Arora, CEO at Palo Alto Networks, Former President at Softbank, Ex-Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer at Google.{{cite web |url= http://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/about/corporate/company/execs.html#nikesh |title=Management team – Company|access-date=25 August 2011}}
• Ram Charan, renowned management consultant and Economic Times Global Indian of the Year, 2010.
• A B Pandit, Vice Chancellor Of Institute of Chemical Technology Mumbai
• Nikku Madhusudhan, Professor of Astrophysics and Exoplanetary Science of Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

The Alma Communiqué is the official alumni newsletter of IIT (BHU), Varanasi prepared by the Office of Dean (Resource and Alumni) and the Student Alumni Interaction Cell (SAIC).{{cite web|title=DORA – Announcements {{!}} Indian Institute of Technology(BHU)|url=https://www.iitbhu.ac.in/deans/dora/news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302204952/https://iitbhu.ac.in/deans/dora/news|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2021|access-date=2021-10-25|website=iitbhu.ac.in}} It is a monthly newsletter (previously bi-annual), which aims to apprise the alumni of the various happenings in IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

The IIT (BHU) Chronicle is a monthly e-magazine published by the IITBHU Global Alumni Association. It was first published in May 2005.{{cite web|title=About IIT-BHU Chronicle|url=http://www.itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007234145/http://itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/|archive-date=7 October 2011|access-date=5 October 2011|publisher=IIT-BHU Global Alumni Association}} It provides an account of events at the institute as well as notable achievements of members of the alumni community. It also publishes news and articles, sourced from several published sources, stating recent developments around the world. The magazine is published around the 25th of each month. It is emailed to over 11,000 alumni, students and faculty of the institute.{{cite web|title=About IT-BHU Chronicle|url=http://www.itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007234145/http://itbhuglobal.org/chronicle/|archive-date=7 October 2011|access-date=5 October 2011|publisher=IT-BHU Global Alumni Association}}

Several incidents of suicides have occurred at the IIT (BHU) in recent years.

• February 2024: A final-year B.Arch student was found dead in his hostel room, with the cause of death attributed to suicide. The student was reportedly suffering from depression.{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student hangs self in hostel room|url=https://www.news18.com/india/iit-bhu-student-hangs-self-in-hostel-room-8764313.html|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=News18}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student found hanging in hostel room|url=https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/higher-education/iit-bhu-student-found-hanging-in-hostel-room/107432981|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Economic Times}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student hangs self in hostel room|url=https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/iit-bhu-student-hangs-self-in-hostel-room/1262187|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=PTI News}}{{cite web|title=UP IIT BHU student suicide|url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/02/02/des45--up-iit-bhu-suicide.html|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=The Week}}
• August 2023: A student of Pharmaceutical Engineering was found hanging in his room.{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student commits suicide, body found hanging in room|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi-city-iit-bhu-student-commits-suicide-body-found-hanging-in-room-23501916.html#|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Jagran News}}
• June 2023: A research scholar of Mathematical Sciences committed suicide. His fellowship was about to end next month and his research work was in its final stages. The police reported that the reason behind his suicide was not clear.{{cite web|title=IIT BHU research scholar commits suicide, probe on|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iitbhu-research-scholar-commits-suicide-probe-on/articleshow/101294428.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=IIT student Varanasi dies by suicide|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/iit-student-varanasi-dies-suicide-178975|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=The News Minute}}
• June 2022: An M.Tech student of Mechanical Engineering was found dead in his hostel room, with the cause of death attributed to suicide. Police reported that he was worried because of not finding a job in campus placement.{{cite web|title=IIT BHU's M.Tech student Bhagwan Singh commits suicide|url=https://www.patrika.com/varanasi-news/iit-bhu-s-m-tech-student-bhagwan-singh-commits-suicide-7616398|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Patrika}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU boy ends life in hostel room|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iit-bhu-boy-ends-life-in-hostel-room/articleshow/92481045.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}
• April 2017: A Dalit B.Tech student of Mining Engineering self-immolated and subsequently jumped from the hostel building. Raju’s family members suspected that his caste might have played a role in his death and feared that he may have been murdered.{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student immolates self, jumps from hostel building|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iit-bhu-student-immolates-self-jumps-from-hostel-building/story-1X4p7i0uqckzkOwfC3bzSN.html|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Hindustan Times}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student commits suicide|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/iit-bhu-student-commits-suicide|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=The Quint}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU pupil sets himself on fire, dies|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iit-bhu-pupil-sets-himself-on-fire-dies/articleshow/58039529.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU pupil sets himself on fire, dies|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iit-bhu-pupil-sets-himself-on-fire-dies/articleshow/58039529.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU student commits suicide|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/story/iit-bhu-student-commits-suicide-902929-2017-04-05|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=India Today}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU Nellore Dalit student suicide in Varanasi, caste angle|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/andhra-pradesh/iit-bhu-nellore-dalit-student-suicide-in-varanasi-caste-angle|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Asianet News}}

IIT (BHU) has faced several controversies over the years, reflecting broader challenges in maintaining institutional standards and addressing systemic issues.

In October 2012, seven second-year students from IIT (BHU) were suspended following a ragging complaint filed by a first-year electrical engineering student. The complaint alleged that the student was subjected to severe harassment, including being made to strip. Cases of ragging in the institute have been reported earlier, too. In a similar case of ragging in June 2009, ten students were booked.{{cite web|title=Seven students suspended for ragging|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/seven-students-suspended-for-ragging/articleshow/16663051.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=7 IIT-BHU students suspended for ragging|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/7-iitbhu-students-suspended-for-ragging/|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Indian Express}}{{cite web|title=10 IIT-BHU students booked for ragging|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/10-it-bhu-students-booked-for-ragging/articleshow/4838220.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}

In April 2014, a professor from the Civil Engineering Department of IIT (BHU) was removed from service following allegations of sexual harassment by a final-year student. The student reported the incident to the women’s grievance cell immediately. The professor challenged his removal, but in February 2015, the Allahabad High Court dismissed his plea, ruling that a broad establishment of facts was sufficient for termination.{{cite web|title=HC dismisses IIT-BHU professor’s plea challenging his removal|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/hc-dismisses-iit-bhu-prof-plea-challenging-his-removal/|access-date=12 February 2025|publisher=Indian Express}}

In January 2016, a distressing incident emerged involving a Dalit student from IIT (BHU), who, faced with severe financial constraints, attempted to sell his kidney to cover his education loans. This case drew significant media attention and raised concerns about the systemic issues students from marginalized backgrounds face in prestigious institutions. Sensing trouble, a few of his friends told their former teacher Sandeep Pandey about the incident. Pandey collected money from IIT (BHU) alumni and paid off Mahesh’s loan. {{cite web|title=Poverty forced Dalit IIT-BHU student to sell kidney; his caste kept the buyers away|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/poverty-forced-dalit-iit-bhu-student-to-sell-kidney-his-caste-kept-the-buyers-away/articleshow/50691894.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=IIT student tries to sell his kidney to pay education loan, but no buyers for Dalit organ|url=https://english.newsnationtv.com/india/news/iit-student-tries-to-sell-his-kidney-to-pay-education-loan-but-no-buyers-for-dalit-organ-111535.html|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=News Nation}}

In January 2016, IIT (BHU) dismissed Professor Sandeep Pandey, a Magsaysay Award winner, citing national interest. The institute justified the expulsion by alleging that Pandey was influencing students in a manner deemed Anti-National and Pro-Naxal. Pandey contested this decision, arguing that his dismissal was politically motivated and linked to the Vice-Chancellor's alignment with RSS ideology. The dismissal followed a complaint from an M.A. Student of BHU, who was not related to any course Pandey taught at the IIT.{{cite web|title=IIT BHU faculty member sacked for turning students anti-national|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/iit-bhu-faculty-member-sacked-for-turning-students-anti-national-502389.html|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Deccan Herald}}{{cite web|title=IIT BHU boots out Naxal, Magsaysay winner as lecturer|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IIT-BHU-boots-out-Naxal-Magsaysay-winner-as-lecturer/articleshow/50476348.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=Expelled professor Sandeep Pandey claims BHU VC pursuing RSS ideology|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/expelled-professor-sandeep-pandey-claims-bhu-vc-pursuing-rss-ideology-302498-2016-01-06|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=India Today}}{{cite web|title=BHU terminated IIT teaching contract of Sandeep Pandey in national interest on the complaint of a non-engineering student|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/bhu-terminated-iit-teaching-contract-of-sandeep-pandey-in-national-interest-on-the-complaint-of-a-non-engineering-student/articleshow/50638639.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}} The situation reached a legal resolution in April 2016 when the Allahabad High Court quashed Pandey’s termination, declaring it unjustified and against natural justice. The court's ruling emphasized that the dismissal lacked proper adherence to legal and administrative procedures.{{cite web|title=Allahabad HC quashes sacking of Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey from IIT BHU|url=https://hindi.sabrangindia.in/judgements/allahabad-hc-quashes-sacking-magsaysay-awardee-sandeep-pandey-iit-bhu|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Sabrang India}}{{cite web|title=Allahabad HC quashes Sandeep Pandey’s termination order|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/allahabad-hc-quashs-sandeep-pandeys-termination-order/articleshow/51954807.cms|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Times of India}}{{cite web|title=Allahabad HC quashes sacking of Magsaysay awardee Sandeep Pandey from IIT BHU|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/allahabad-hc-quashes-sacking-of-magsaysay-awardee-sandeep-pandey-from-iit-bhu/|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Indian Express}}

In October 2019, three IIT (BHU) students were arrested for allegedly attacking a fellow student with a rod. The incident was reported as a result of an altercation between the students, and the accused were taken into custody by the local police.{{cite web|title=3 IIT-BHU students arrested for attacking another with rod|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/3-iit-bhu-students-arrested-for-attacking-another-with-rod/story-CUk843YXQyH9TYxervCimM.html|access-date=7 September 2024|publisher=Hindustan Times}}

In February 2023, a controversy arose when it was revealed that the Department of Humanistic Studies rejected the only Other Backward Class candidate and did not admit any candidates from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes categories in its PhD admissions for the Even semester of 2022-23. This raised concerns about the institution's adherence to the reservation policy, prompting discussions on potential biases in the selection process.{{cite web |title=IIT BHU PhD admission 2023: Rejects only OBC candidate, no SC, ST admitted |url=https://news.careers360.com/iit-bhu-phd-admission-2023-rejects-only-obc-candidate-no-sc-st-admitted-reservation-policy |access-date=7 September 2024 |publisher=Careers360}}

On 2 November 2023, around 01:30 AM, three men on a motorcycle harassed and gang-raped a girl student.{{cite news |title=BJP IT cell duo among 3 held for IIT-BHU girl's gang rape |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/bjp-it-cell-duo-among-3-held-for-iit-bhu-girls-gang-rape/articleshow/106426429.cms |work=The Times of India |date=1 January 2024}} Following this, massive protests broke out at IIT (BHU) demanding safety and security for students.{{cite news |title='They kissed, disrobed her, made video': IIT-BHU girl alleges molestation on campus |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iit-bhu-girl-alleges-molestation-on-campus-massive-protests-break-out/articleshow/104925615.cms |work=The Times of India |date=3 November 2023}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=IIT-BHU student alleges molestation on campus, thousands stage protest |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/iit-bhu-student-alleges-molestation-campus-protest-9010519/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=The Indian Express}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=IIT-BHU Student 'Forcibly Kissed', 'Stripped Naked' as Accused Record Video; Massive Protest on Campus |url=https://www.news18.com/india/varanasi-iit-bhu-banaras-hindu-university-protest-over-girl-student-molestation-8645098.html |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=News18}}{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Saurav |title=Kissed, Stripped, Clicked! IIT-BHU Student's Molestation Sparks Outrage |url=https://news24online.com/india/kissed-stripped-clicked-iit-bhu-students-molestation-sparks-outrage/186889/ |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=News24}}{{Cite web |title=VIDEO: IIT-BHU Student Forcibly Kissed By 3 Men on Bike in Campus, Hundreds of Students Stage Protest |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/video-iit-bhu-student-forcibly-kissed-by-3-men-on-bike-in-campus-hundreds-of-students-stage-protest |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=Free Press Journal}} On 31 December 2023, Varanasi Police arrested three accused who are said to be the officials of the BJP IT Cell.

In 2024, a case of corruption was unearthed in the Civil Engineering Department of IIT (BHU), Varanasi, involving fake meetings and cash incentives. Reports revealed misuse of funds and fraudulent activities in official proceedings, raising concerns over financial irregularities.{{cite web|title=IIT-BHU Civil Engineering Department’s corruption exposed: Fake meetings and cash incentives|url=https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi/story-iit-bhu-civil-engineering-department-s-corruption-exposed-fake-meetings-and-cash-incentives-201727900121402.html|access-date=12 February 2025|publisher=Live Hindustan}}

• Indian Institutes of Technology
• Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, another IIT in Uttar Pradesh
• List of educational institutions in Varanasi
• Banaras Hindu University(B.H.U.)
• Institutes of National Importance

{{reflist}}

53. [https://desitrends.in/nirf-ranking-2020-top-10-university-list-iisc-jnu-and-bhu-best-universities/ NIRF Ranking 2020-Top 10 University list IISc, JNU, and BHU Best Universities] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702041515/https://desitrends.in/nirf-ranking-2020-top-10-university-list-iisc-jnu-and-bhu-best-universities/ |date=2 July 2020 }}

{{Commons category|Banaras Hindu University}}

• {{Official website|https://www.iitbhu.ac.in/ }}

{{Banaras Hindu University}}{{Indian Institutes of Technology}}

{{Varanasi}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi}}

Varanasi, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)

Category:Banaras Hindu University

Category:Engineering colleges in Uttar Pradesh

Category:Universities and colleges in Varanasi

Category:Universities and colleges established in 1919

Category:1919 establishments in India