Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad: A Beacon of Excellence
Dhanbad, India – Nestled in the mineral-rich heartland of India, the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, abbreviated as IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, stands as a beacon of technical education. This public technical university has earned its place among the top 50 engineering institutions in India, cementing its status as an Institute of National Importance.
Historic Beginnings
IIT Dhanbad’s journey began way back in 1926 when it was established by the British Indian Government, following the blueprint of London’s Royal School of Mines. Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India, officially inaugurated this institution on 9 December 1926. Initially, it focused on mining and mineral sciences, but over the years, it has transformed into a technical powerhouse with diverse academic departments.
A Gateway to Excellence
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad selects its undergraduate students through the prestigious Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced), previously known as IIT-JEE, a testament to its rigorous academic standards.
The Transformation to an IIT
In a historic move on 25 May 2016, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Modi, approved the conversion of ISM Dhanbad into an Indian Institute of Technology. This transformation was made official through an amendment to the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961, receiving approval from the Indian Parliament and Presidential assent. On 10 August 2016, the Gazette of India notified the transition.
A Glance at History
The idea of establishing a Government College of Mining Engineering in India was first proposed by the Indian National Congress in 1901. This vision eventually led to the formation of the Indian School of Mines & Applied Geology in Dhanbad on 9 December 1926. Professor F. W. Sharpley played a crucial role in leading the institution from 1926 to 1946.
Originally focused on Mining Engineering and Applied Geology, the institute expanded its offerings to include Petroleum Engineering and Applied Geophysics in 1957, leading to its renaming as the Indian School of Mines. It became a university in 1967 under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. In subsequent years, it introduced courses in Industrial Engineering and Management, Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and many more.
A Campus of Innovation
The sprawling IIT (ISM) Dhanbad campus spans approximately 444.98 acres, with its primary location in Sardar Patel Nagar of Dhanbad covering around 218 acres and an additional upcoming campus of 226.98 acres in Nirsa, Dhanbad. The institute boasts a diverse student body of around 8101 students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and doctoral candidates.
Home Away from Home
With 11 hostels, each named after precious stones like Diamond, Sapphire, Amber, Ruby, Opal, and Jasper, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad offers comfortable accommodations for its students. Some of these hostels have a rich history dating back 94 years, providing space for both national and international students.
The Heart of Campus Life
Apart from lecture halls, the campus features various spots where students like to congregate and spend their leisure time. These include the Student Activity Center (SAC), Main Canteen, Ram Dhani, Library Basement, Penman Auditorium, Heritage Building, Oval Garden, and the Seismographic observatory.
Academic Excellence
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad boasts a wide range of academic departments, offering courses in engineering, basic sciences, management, and humanities. The institute is renowned for its “Center of Advanced Studies” status granted to the Department of Mining Engineering by the University Grants Commission.
Admissions and Programs
Admissions to BTech and Integrated BTech-MTech programs are granted to students who qualify in the JEE Advanced examination. For MTech courses, students can enter through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or a special institute-conducted examination. MBA admissions are based on the Common Admission Test (CAT). Other programs, including MSc, Integrated MSc-MTech, and PhD, have their respective entrance examinations.
Global Recognition
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad continues to earn recognition on both national and international fronts. In the QS Asia 2023 rankings, it secured a position in the 281-290 range, and in the Times World 2023 rankings, it landed in the 1001-1200 range. On the domestic stage, the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2022 placed it at an impressive 38th overall and 11th in the engineering category.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s journey from its inception to becoming an Indian Institute of Technology is a testament to its commitment to excellence in technical education. With a rich history and a bright future, it continues to shine as a guiding star for aspiring engineers and technocrats.
