In a proud moment for Gujarat, students from the state have outnumbered those from Maharashtra in new admissions at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn). This marks a significant change in the demographics of this prestigious engineering institute.
For many years, Maharashtra students dominated the admissions at IIT-Gn. However, recent data shows that there is a new trend. The incoming undergraduate class of 2025 consists of 362 students, including 352 BTech students and 10 from the integrated BTech-MTech program. Among these, 72 students, or 19.88%, are from Gujarat. In contrast, Maharashtra has 65 students, which is 17.96% of the total.
This trend continues from the previous year. In 2024-25, Gujarat led with 81 students, making up 20.98% of a 386-student batch, while Maharashtra had 78 students at 20.21%. Although the total number of students from both states has slightly decreased, the important point is the increasing representation of local students at the institute.
This change is remarkable, considering that just a few years ago, the gap was much wider. In 2021-22, Maharashtra had 25.51% of students, with 62 out of 243, while Gujarat had only 15.23%, with 37 students. The gap reduced in 2022-23 and 2023-24, with Gujarat gradually increasing its numbers.
Professor Rajat Moona, the director of IIT-Gn, attributes this shift to several factors. He mentioned that students in Gujarat are becoming more aware of the opportunities available at IIT-Gn. The institute’s strong outreach programs have played a crucial role in this growing awareness. “Students are getting to know the IIT-Gn system better,” he said. He believes that students from different states have similar intelligence levels. Those choosing technology programs now see the value of studying at IIT-Gn.
The director also praised the students from Gujarat for excelling not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities. He highlighted a recent graduate, Adit, who was not only outstanding in his studies but also won a swimming championship among all 24 IITs.
The increase in the number of students from Gujarat choosing IIT-Gandhinagar reflects a positive trend. More students are recognising the value of quality education and the opportunities provided by the institute. The strong emphasis on both academics and co-curricular activities helps students develop a well-rounded profile, making them more competitive in their future careers.
As IIT-Gn continues to grow and attract more local talent, it is likely that this trend will continue. The increasing number of students from Gujarat is a promising sign for the state’s educational landscape and its future in engineering. This shift not only benefits the students but also enhances the overall diversity and quality of education at IIT-Gandhinagar.
In conclusion, the rising number of Gujarat students at IIT-Gn marks a significant change in the competitive landscape of engineering education in India. As more students choose IIT-Gn and excel in both academics and extracurricular activities, it is clear that the future is bright for aspiring engineers from Gujarat.