Archive · 27 Jul 2026
IITs Expand Beyond Engineering with Foreign Language Courses
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), known for engineering and technology, also offer foreign language courses.
These courses include French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Sanskrit.
They are available on campus and online through platforms like NPTEL and SWAYAM.
IIT Kanpur has one of the oldest language programmes, started in the 1970s.
These courses help students learn new languages while studying engineering.
IITs offer foreign language courses including French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Sanskrit.
Courses are available on-campus and online through NPTEL and SWAYAM platforms.
IIT Kanpur's Foreign Language Programme (FLP) is one of the oldest, established in the 1970s.
Programmes are coordinated by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Courses aim to build linguistic skills alongside technical education.
- Who
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- What
- Offering foreign language courses
- When
- Programmes established in the 1970s
- Where
- Various IIT campuses across India
- Why
- To build linguistic skills alongside technical education
Traditional Engineering Focus
Diversification into Language Education
Core Educational Focus
Traditional Engineering Focus
IITs should prioritize engineering and technology to maintain their global reputation.
Diversification into Language Education
Expanding into foreign language courses enhances student versatility and global competitiveness.
- Institutes
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Courses Offered
- French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Sanskrit
- Programme Platforms
- On-campus, NPTEL, SWAYAM
- Notable Programme
- IIT Kanpur's Foreign Language Programme (FLP)
- Programme Establishment
- 1970s
