Illinois Institute of Technology becomes first US university to start campus in Mumbai

NEW DELHI : Chicago-based Illinois Institute of Technology is going to start a campus in India’s Mumbai. The institute has received formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to open a new campus, becoming the first American university to grant degrees.

Starting the academic session in fall 2026, the Mumbai campus will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in high-demand fields such as computer science, engineering and business.

“This historic expansion marks the culmination of more than two years of planning and builds on Illinois Tech’s decades-long presence in India and its legacy of cultivating global leaders in technology and innovation,” the institute said in a statement.

Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi said, “Illinois Tech has always operated at the intersection of innovation, opportunity, and global industry demand.” “This initiative is a bold and forward-looking investment in the future of American competitiveness—one that strengthens our mission, expands access to high-impact education, and connects US and global employers to a broader, globally educated pipeline of industry-ready STEM talent.”

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The Mumbai campus will offer the industry-aligned curriculum, including the university’s signature Elevate programme, which provides all students access to hands-on research, internships, and career-accelerating experiences. Courses will be taught by globally recruited faculty, including professors from Chicago campus.

The Mumbai campus will also support cross-campus study options, giving students in both countries the opportunity to gain global exposure, broaden their networks, and participate in research collaborations that reflect the interconnected nature of today’s economy.