IIIT will award B.Tech Honors degrees, including to the 2025 batch. Learn about the rules regarding backlogs, patents, and CGPA..

IIIT BTech Honors Degree: The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) has taken a major step towards strengthening research-based education by introducing the first-ever B.Tech Honors degree. The Institute's Senate approved this decision, aimed at promoting innovation, academic excellence, and advanced learning. It will apply to students admitted in the current academic session, starting with the 2025 batch.

Honors Degree to Promote Research and Innovation
Under the newly approved framework, IIIT will offer the B.Tech Honors with Research, a unique distinction designed to encourage students to actively engage in research and innovation during their undergraduate studies. However, an Honors degree will not be offered by default to everyone. Only students who meet strict academic and research criteria will be eligible.

To qualify, students must not have failed any subject in any semester. Additionally, at least one patent must have been filed during the course of study. These requirements ensure that the Honors title is awarded only to students who demonstrate consistent academic performance and contribute to genuine research.

Extra Credits Mandatory for Honors
While the regular B.Tech program requires 160 credits, students opting for an Honors degree must complete 12 additional credits. These extra credits will be distributed throughout the semesters, starting from the third semester. Students will be required to earn three additional credits per semester, continuing until the seventh semester.

Two New Options: Honors Basket and Honors by Research
Elaborating on this new initiative, Dean of Academics, Prof. Pawan Chakraborty, said that IIIT has introduced two structured pathways – the "Honors Basket" and "Honors by Research."
Under the "Honors Basket" option, students can earn an Honors degree by completing 12 additional credits in advanced subjects related to their respective branches. These specialized courses will be offered from the third to the seventh semester, allowing students to gain deeper expertise in the subject.

For research-oriented students, the Honors by Research pathway will focus on research-oriented courses, projects, and concrete outputs such as research publications or patents. Awards under this category will be based on the quality and impact of the research work done during the Honors program.

Eligibility Criteria for the Honors Program
Admission to the Honors program will be competitive and performance-based. Students must achieve a minimum of 8 CGPA (equivalent to 80 percent marks) by the end of the second semester. Furthermore, they must have no backlogs when applying for the Honors track.

Department-Wise Honors Baskets
Honors degrees will be awarded based on different baskets offered by different departments at IIIT. Each department will design its own set of advanced courses and research components to ensure relevance and academic rigor. To maintain high standards, the Institute has also made necessary changes in the existing rules and regulations.

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