Chennai: The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have signed a five‑year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic and research ties.
The agreement, signed at IIT Madras by Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice‑Chancellor of BITS Pilani, and Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, will facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint seminars, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives, according to a IIT Madras release issued on Wednesday.
A key feature of the partnership is a student exchange programme that allows eligible students to spend time at the partner institution for coursework, research, and project work. Participants will be recognised as special exchange students, with the option to enrol in courses for credit or audit, subject to faculty approval and academic prerequisites.
Importantly, the programme includes a tuition‑fee waiver at the host institution, ensuring students can access opportunities without additional financial burden. Academic credits and grades earned during the exchange will be formally recognised by the students’ home institutions, based on reports issued by the host.
The collaboration also covers the sharing of scholarly resources, including publications and academic materials, while encouraging greater interaction between the two academic communities. Joint academic meetings, workshops, and seminars will provide platforms for faculty and students to engage across disciplines.