Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi – Tradition Meets Innovation at One of India’s Oldest Tech Pillars

The Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, or IIT BHU, is a legacy institution that blends over a century of educational excellence with modern innovation. Located in the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, this prestigious institute has grown into a global center for technology, research, and entrepreneurship since becoming an IIT in 2012.

📜 History and Establishment

IIT BHU traces its roots to 1919 when it was established as the Banaras Engineering College (BENCO) under the larger Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Over the years, it expanded with the formation of MINMET and TECHNOcolleges, eventually merging into the Institute of Technology, BHU.

In 2012, it was officially designated an Indian Institute of Technology, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions in India.

🎓 Academic Excellence

IIT BHU offers comprehensive academic programs across all major engineering, technology, and science streams. Known for rigorous pedagogy and interdisciplinary learning, it continues to uphold BHU’s strong cultural and academic heritage.

📚 Programs Offered:

• B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Pharm, Ph.D. in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Mining, Metallurgy, Electronics, and more.

• Dual Degree Programs: Integrated courses for deep specialization.

• Humanities and Social Sciences, Architecture, and Mathematical Sciences programs for holistic development.

🔬 Research and Innovation

Research is at the core of IIT BHU’s identity. With advanced laboratories, global partnerships, and strong government-industry collaborations, the institute addresses real-world challenges through cutting-edge R&D.

🔍 Notable Research Centers:

• Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (CIS): Promotes boundary-less research.

• Centre for Energy and Resources Development (CERD): Focuses on renewable energy innovation.

• Materials Science & Nanotechnology Hub: At the frontier of next-gen tech.

• Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology: Leading pharma and biomedical research.

🏞️ Campus and Infrastructure

The campus of IIT BHU is part of the BHU mega-campus, one of the largest residential universities in Asia, spread over 1,300 acres with lush greenery and architectural beauty.

🏫 Facilities Include:

• High-tech Classrooms and smart lecture halls.

• Dedicated Research Buildings and innovation labs.

• Central Library: With over 1 million books and access to digital journals.

• Wi-Fi Enabled Hostels and mess facilities for students.

• Sports Complex, Gym, Auditorium, and Cafeterias.

• On-campus hospital and wellness center for students’ health.

🚀 Entrepreneurship and Startups

IIT BHU fosters a start-up and innovation-driven mindset through its Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) and research incubation units.

💼 Startup Support Includes:

• Technology Business Incubator (TBI): Backed by DST.

• EDC-IIT BHU: Workshops, funding drives, and pitch competitions.

• Collaborations with venture capitalists, angel investors, and startup accelerators.

Notable IIT BHU alumni-founded startups include:

• Zostel (hospitality),

• GreyOrange (robotics),

• NowFloats (SMB services).

🎉 Cultural and Technical Festivals

Campus life at IIT BHU is rich, creative, and intellectually thrilling thanks to its iconic fests and clubs.

🌟 Celebrated Fests:

• Technex: One of India’s oldest tech fests since 1939, featuring global innovations, hackathons, and competitions.

• Kashiyatra: A cultural extravaganza that brings the heart of Banaras to life.

• Spardha: The largest college sports fest in Eastern India.

The campus is also home to over 50 active student clubs in coding, music, literature, design, and more.

👨‍🎓 Notable Alumni

IIT BHU boasts an incredible alumni base in tech, policy, business, and academia.

🏆 Influential Alumni:

• Nikesh Arora – Former President of SoftBank and ex-Google executive.

• Manohar B. Parrikar – Former Defence Minister of India & Goa CM.

• Dr. Anil Kakodkar – Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission.

• Varun Grover – National Award-winning lyricist and writer.

Many alumni are CEOs, global scientists, IAS/IFS officers, and startup founders.

📊 Placement

IIT BHU maintains a strong placement legacy with top-tier companies visiting the campus every year.

📈 Placement Rate:

• 2024: 84%

• 2023: 85.6%

• 2022: 89.4%

🏢 Top Recruiters:

Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple, Intel, Flipkart, Tata Steel, Goldman Sachs, Qualcomm, and DRDO.

📈 ROI & Global Recognition

Despite the low tuition fees, the outcomes from IIT BHU make it one of the best return-on-investment institutions in India. The global acceptability of its graduates adds to its international appeal.

🌍 Diversity and Community

Students from across India join IIT BHU through JEE Advanced, GATE, GPAT, and JAM. The diverse student body, rich cultural exposure of Varanasi, and community life make IIT BHU unique.

📱 Website & Contact Details

Official Website for Children & Students:
🌐 https://www.iitbhu.ac.in

📞 Contact Number
📱 +91-542-2368106

🏁 Conclusion

IIT BHU is not just an engineering institute—it’s a living legacy of innovation, integrity, and inspiration. With over a century of academic excellence, world-class research, vibrant student culture, and industry-ready training, IIT BHU continues to shape India’s brightest minds and lead the way toward a technological renaissance.