KIIT-DU: A university where vision meets transformation

Khaleej Times

7 hours ago

The Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed-to-be-University has emerged as a global symbol of educational excellence, innovation, and inclusivity from its modest beginnings in the early 1990s. Sprawling across 36 sq km in the eastern city of Bhubaneswar in India, this institution is not just an academic destination — it is a dynamic ecosystem that has touched countless lives, broken new ground in research, and nurtured the leaders of tomorrow. Today, KIIT stands tall as a multidisciplinary, globally recognised university offering over 200 academic programmes to more than 40,000 students.
A Transformational Journey
The evolution of KIIT into a university of repute is marked by strategic milestones. What began with a focus on vocational training transitioned into a higher education institution in 1997 with the launch of its BTech programme, thanks to the vision of noted educationist Dr Achyuta Samanta. The recognition as a 'Deemed to be University' by the Government of India in 2004 formalised its standing as a premier academic institution. Since then, KIIT has not only expanded its academic offerings but also made substantial progress in sports, research, and global rankings. Being one of the most recognised institutes, it offers higher studies to students from 65 countries, lending the campus a multi-cultural flavour.
At KIIT, education is more than a degree. It is a transformative journey — one where dreams find direction, and ambition is met with opportunity. As the world steps into a new era, KIIT continues to lead from the front, empowering students to not only imagine a better world but to build it.
A Campus That Breathes Innovation
KIIT's approach to education is holistic. While it has always prioritised academic rigour, the university also ensures that students receive practical exposure, industry insights, and a nurturing environment to chase their passions. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure — including smart classrooms, high-tech labs, and expansive libraries — offers students an optimal learning experience.
Cutting-edge research is the heartbeat of KIIT. The Central Research Facility (CRF), spread across one lakh square meters, serves as a unified hub for research and innovation, accessible to all students and faculty. The KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), supported by the Department of Science & Technology, provides mentorship, resources, and infrastructure to emerging entrepreneurs, placing KIIT among India's top university-based incubators.
Specialised centres like the Centre of Innovation and Research in Artificial Intelligence (COIR-AI) and the Centre of Innovation and Research on Quantum Technology (COIR-QT) foster advanced work in AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and cryptography. Meanwhile, the Centre for Water Research and Climate Change (CWRCC) is a testament to KIIT's commitment to sustainability and climate resilience, addressing issues like disaster mitigation and water conservation.
A trailblazer:
KIIT's performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 demonstrated its commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among 2,400 universities from over 130 countries, KIIT emerged as a leader in several crucial areas. It was ranked No. 1 in India for its impact in reducing inequality, promoting peace and strong institutions and ensuring access to clean and affordable energy. Additionally, KIIT stood third in India for quality education. On the global scale, it was placed in the top 101 cohort, underscoring its consistent international standing.
The university's growing international footprint was further underscored when QS World University Rankings 2026 placed KIIT as the 9th best among all private institutions in India. It secured the 55th position in South Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings.
Shaping Global Citizens
KIIT's students are not just academically sound — they are global thinkers with grounded values. The university exposes them to real-world problems and multicultural perspectives, ensuring they graduate as compassionate, capable individuals ready to make a difference.
The KIIT Career School helps students map their aspirations to real-world goals, while the Training & Placement Cell tirelessly works year-round to hone their employability. More than 5,585 job offers were made during the last placement cycle, with over 1,000 students securing multiple offers — an impressive achievement by any metric.
KIIT also empowers students through unique initiatives. The UN Volunteers Partnership allows students to work with UN agencies on real-world projects, fostering a sense of global responsibility. The India Trek Initiative, in collaboration with the KISS Foundation, offers international students a deep dive into India's educational innovation and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Global Faculty Programme (GFP) connects KIIT students with leading scholars and educators from around the world, enhancing their global outlook.
A Culture That Celebrates Life
While academics are the cornerstone of KIIT, the campus vibrates with life beyond classrooms. Whether it's sports, festivals, or student-run events, there's always something happening.
Home to 15 sports complexes, 5 indoor and 9 outdoor stadiums, 14 swimming pools (including an Olympic-sized one), KIIT supports an unmatched sporting infrastructure. It has also earned a top rank in India for Sports Science. The university has produced dozens of Olympians and athletes who have made the country proud in international events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, besides the summer Olympics.
Among the highlights of KIIT's calendar is KIITFest, one of the largest techno-cultural festivals in Eastern India. Spanning three days, this event showcases the creativity and spirit of youth through technical competitions, cultural performances, and star-studded entertainment. In 2025, KIITFest 8.0 featured over 80 events with the theme 'Echoes of the Youth.'
KIIT International Model United Nations (KIIT-MUN), launched in 2013, has become one of Asia's largest MUN simulations. In 2024, it hosted over 1,200 delegates from across the world, offering a platform for diplomacy, critical thinking, and global dialogue.
The sense of belonging at KIIT is further strengthened through its traditions. Students fondly speak of 'KSAC after classes,' a phrase symbolising the vibrant post-class life at the KIIT Student Activity Centre. Celebrations like Holi at Gandhi Chowk and hangouts at the MBA Garden or the Instagram-famous Rose Garden at Campus 12 add colour to everyday life.
Voices from the Campus
Student testimonials reveal how transformative the KIIT experience can be. Take Jay Kumar Atal, a third-year BTech Electrical Engineering student, for example. He has filed a patent for an 'Automatic Smart Hydroponic Plant Monitoring and Controlling System,' reflecting KIIT's encouragement of innovation.
'The beauty of KIIT is that it nurtures every dimension of you, whether academic, professional, or personal,' says Shubhraneel Singha, who transitioned from BTech to MBA.
Alumni Making a Mark
The legacy of KIIT is not only built on its infrastructure and academic prowess but also through the success of its alumni. Several have made their mark in public service, entrepreneurship, law, and global finance.
Their stories reflect how KIIT equips students with the tools, confidence, and global perspective needed to lead and innovate.