Fifteen students have already availed the early exit option, which is in accordance with the NEP's recommendation of providing multiple entry and exit points in educational programs. While admissions to IITs are based on JEE (Advanced), lateral entry is not currently possible. The NEP suggests offering a certificate, diploma, and degree if students choose to exit after the first, second, or third years, respectively.
Although IITs usually offer limited scope for exit options, IIT-Bombay's senate has agreed to provide this opportunity after the third year. Dean of academic programmes at IIT-Bombay, Avinash Mahajan, told ToI that students would need to complete approximately 60 per cent of the total credits assigned to the course to obtain the BSc (engineering) degree. Furthermore, to enhance flexibility and encourage diverse learning, IIT-Bombay is expanding the intake for several minor programs.
This move allows students to explore multiple subjects outside their specialization. While the institute no longer offers the branch change option after the first year, they have introduced a wide range of minor programs as electives to promote adaptability. Deputy Director of IIT-Bombay, S Sudarshan, also told ToI that the institute is commited to providing a wide choice of courses across disciplines.
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