Parliament Question: Establishment of IIT in Silchar, Assam

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2705 ANSWERED ON 09/03/2026 Establishment of IIT in Silchar, Assam 2705. Shri Parimal Suklabaidya: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has received any proposal or representation for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Silchar, Assam, considering its role as the educational hub of South Assam and neighbouring North-Eastern States; (b) if so, the details thereof and the present status of examination of the proposal; (c) whether the Government is aware that the Barak Valley and adjoining States contribute a large number of Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) aspirants every year, yet lack an IIT-level institution in South Assam, resulting in regional imbalance and migration of students; and (d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure balanced regional distribution of premier technical institutions in the North-Eastern region, particularly in South Assam? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR) (a) to (d): At present there are 23 Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) established and functioning in the country. NIT Silchar, an Institute of National Importance (INI) has already been established by the Central Government in the state of Assam along with IIT Guwahati, IIIT Guwahati. Further, many other INIs such as NIT Arunachal Pradesh, NIT Nagaland, IIIT Manipur, NIT Manipur, NIT Mizoram, IIIT Agartala, NIT Agartala, NIT Meghalaya have been functioning in the North-East Region for the benefit of the people of North-East. These institutes are known for their excellence in technical education, advanced research in bothfundamental and applied domains, innovation, promotion of entrepreneurship, and consultancy services to industry. The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 focuses on strengthening existing educational institutions by improving their infrastructure, governance, and resources. NEP 2020 also recommends the establishment of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) as model public institutions to set the highest standards in education and research. All Indian Institutes of Technology in line with the vision of NEP 2020 have implemented holistic, multidisciplinary education and flexible academic programs. Admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is conducted at the national level through highly competitive examinations, thereby providing students from across the country equal opportunities to compete and secure admission. *****