Tidbits about IIT-Kharagpur

IIT-Kharagpur was established in 1951, and is the oldest of all IITs. It is located in Kharagpur, West Bengal.

IIT-Kharagpur has a total of 29 academic departments, centres and schools and 17 hostels (called Halls of Residence). The 2100 acre campus is a self contained township of over 15,000 inhabitants.

IIT-Kharagpur has about 450 faculty, 2200 employees and 9500 students (4,500 undergraduate and 4,000 postgraduate) on the campus. Its central library is claimed to be the largest among all the IITs.

IIT-Kharagpur is possibly the only major technical institution in the world that started life in a prison house.

It has been ranked the No 1 engineering institute in India by India Today in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

The institute is a member of LAOTSE, an international network of leading universities in Europe and Asia exchanging students and senior scholars.

Illumination (better known as Illu) is a festival unique to IIT-Kharagpur. It is celebrated and inspired from the day of Diwali, the festival of lights and is usually held on the day of Diwali itself.

On the same day as Illumination, the Rangoli Competition is also organised. Gigantic Rangolis (around 12' by 12') of exquisite detail and subtle shading are constructed using coloured powders, crushed bangles, pebbles, etc. Interplay of light and shadow and ambient music are part of the display. This is also fought for on an inter-hall basis.

Held annually in January, Spring Fest is the largest college fest in Eastern India and the second largest in the country. Spread over four days, Spring Fest hosts a variety of competitions and performances by some of the best professionals (individual performers and bands) in India.

Kshitij, is the annual techno-management festival of IIT-Kharagpur. It has participation from colleges all over India (and even some from abroad).