Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT Mesra): Pioneering Technical Education in India
BIT Mesra, short for Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, is a prominent government-funded technical institute and deemed university located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Founded in 1955 by the renowned industrialist B. M. Birla, the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping technical education in the country.
Historical Background
BIT Mesra was originally established in Mesra, Ranchi, and was initially affiliated with Patna University until 1960. Later, it became affiliated with Ranchi University. In 1986, it attained the status of a deemed university under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, solidifying its reputation as a center of excellence in technical education.
One of BIT Mesra’s groundbreaking achievements was being the first institute in India to establish a department dedicated to space engineering and rocketry in 1964, showcasing its commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Promoting Entrepreneurship
In 1970, the Small Industries Research and Development Organization (SIRDO) was established as a platform for nurturing small manufacturing enterprises led by BIT graduates. This visionary concept gave rise to successful companies like Meditron and Alcast. The Indian government recognized the potential of this initiative, leading to the establishment of similar programs, including the Science and Technological Entrepreneurs Park (STEP), with BIT Mesra hosting the first STEP.
To further bolster entrepreneurship, BIT set up the SIDBI Centre for Innovation and Incubation (SCII) in partnership with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). SCII provides financial support to new entrepreneurs, startup companies, and technology-based organizations aligned with the institute’s areas of interest.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
BIT Mesra boasts impressive central facilities, including:
- CAD Laboratory: A hub for design and analysis software used by undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members.
- Central Computing Facilities (CCF): Maintained by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, CCF is utilized by students and staff from various departments and houses the PARAM 10000 Supercomputer, a gift from C-DAC, supporting projects requiring parallel processing and multi-processor capabilities.
- Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF): Established in 2006, CIF offers advanced instrumentation facilities for faculty engaged in cutting-edge research.
- Central Library: Established in 1955, it boasts a vast collection of print and electronic resources in science and technology, including online journals, print journals, books, CDs, audiocassettes, and project reports.
Organization and Administration
BIT Mesra operates under the governance of a Board of Governors, comprising representatives from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Human Resource Development, UGC, State Government, Chancellor, A.I.C.T.E., Hindustan Charity Trust, and Institute Faculty. The institute’s chancellor is the Governor of Jharkhand, and the Technical Council, headed by the Vice-Chancellor, shapes the institute’s academic policies.
University Polytechnic
Established in 2001, the University Polytechnic offers diploma-level technical education in collaboration with the Department of Welfare, Government of Jharkhand. Its campus is located near the National Highway 33, on the outskirts of Ranchi.
Centers Across India and Overseas
BIT Mesra has established extension centers across India, including Allahabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Noida, Patna, Deoghar, and Lalpur. Additionally, it has overseas centers in Muscat and Ras al-Khaimah, expanding its global footprint.
BIT Mesra continues to be a beacon of technical education in India, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.
Birla Institute of Scientific Research
Affiliated with BIT Mesra, the Birla Institute of Scientific Research (BISR) in Jaipur hosts an auditorium and a planetarium, promoting science education through its museum and planetarium. The institute also houses a state-of-the-art Bioinformatics Centre and a Remote Sensing Department.
