- 350-plus new BTech students begin a four-week Foundation Programme designed to go beyond classrooms, textbooks and examination scores
- Values, ethics, creativity, teamwork, social awareness and sports form the five pillars of the immersive programme
- Guest of Honour Salil Agrawal urges students to follow their interests, embrace mistakes and build their own identity
- Director Prof Rajat Moona delivers a powerful pep talk, reminding students that 60–70% of education happens outside classrooms
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JULY 22
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) welcomed its new BTech students with the commencement of its flagship Foundation Programme on July 21, 2026. The programme is spread over four weeks till August 15, 2026 and offers an immersive introduction to life at IITGN, preparing students for their academic journey and nurturing personal growth, leadership and a spirit of exploration.
The Foundation Programme reflects IITGN’s holistic approach to education, with an aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only technically competent but also socially aware, ethically rooted, physically active and creatively inspired.
“You are among the brightest students in the country, but your journey begins now. Follow your own interests, take responsibility for your decisions, and do not be afraid of making mistakes because that is how real learning happens. Academic excellence is important, but it is equally important to think differently and develop your own identity. Use your time at IIT Gandhinagar to explore and become the person you truly aspire to be,” said Salil Agrawal, Author, Mentor, Coach of IIMAGES and President of Suvitama, present as a guest of honour during the inaugural ceremony.
Prof Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, during the inauguration of the Foundation Programme welcomed over 350 newly admitted students and encouraged them to make the most of the Institute’s vibrant learning environment. He encouraged students to look around the world, talk to people and experience things, and be practical about engineering. He stressed that education is much more than mastering textbooks.
“At IIT Gandhinagar, we believe that about 60 to 70 per cent of education takes place outside classrooms. Trust your own intuition and passion, make the most of the opportunities that the Institute has to offer, and keep your eyes and mind open for knowledge.,” he remarked.
Structured around five core pillars, Values and Ethics, Creativity, Teamwork, Social Awareness, and Physical Activities and Sports—the programme offers a refreshing break from the rigorous academic preparation students undergo for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). During these four weeks, students will participate in a wide array of engaging activities, including music, dance, sports, art, community outreach, and hands-on creative workshops.
Through these experiences, IITGN aims to cultivate curiosity, empathy, leadership, and a spirit of inquiry among its students. The programme also includes motivational talks by thought leaders, industry experts and innovators, offering students opportunities to interact with and learn from eminent personalities from different fields.
With the commencement of the Foundation Programme for the newly admitted BTech students, IIT Gandhinagar has now welcomed the entire incoming batch for the academic year 2026-27. Earlier, on July 17, 2026, the Institute had launched Aarohan 2026, its 15-day orientation programme for over 500 newly admitted postgraduate and PhD students. Both the Foundation Programme and Aarohan 2026 are a testament to IITGN’s commitment to lay a strong foundation for the students at all levels by familiarising them with the academic culture, interdisciplinary approach to learning, research ecosystem, resources available on campus and opportunities for innovation, leadership, wellbeing and personal growth.
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