Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Hauz Khas,
New Delhi 110016
INDIA
PHONE: 91-11-666979
www.iitd.ernet.in

THE BOTTOM LINE

Ask Renu Tripathi what being a Ph.D. student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, has meant to her, and she can show you a pile of letters from top foreign universities accepting he r for post-doctoral studies. IITD opened the doors. "I am thankful," says the 29-year-old from Uttar Pradesh. "Teaching here is of international standard. Nobody misses classes like in general universities and there are many opportunities for internationa l exposure."

To plug in its students and faculty even more to the outside world, IITD last year set up a research center with global computer giant IBM. It aims to establish three or four similar ventures, including one with Tata Infotech. Other collaborations with business include a $140,000 endowment from multinational Ford Motor Co. for a chair in biomechanics and transportation safety, and a faculty post funded by Microsoft.

Among IITD alumni are success stories such as Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla. Still, the university is not resting on its laurels. IITD is expanding its 3,350-student capacity to offer 320 more places. With a faculty of 448 the institute has an enviable 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio. "There is a will to excel, and we will do anything to enhance and sustain this excellence," vows Prof. Ashok Mishra, dean of alumni affairs and international programs. "If you slip up, you've had it." Far fro m slipping, so far, IITD looks like it has been making all the right moves.

- Reported by Ritu Sarin