In a move aimed at encouraging sporting talent alongside academic excellence, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are set to increase their intake under the sports quota while also rolling out expanded scholarship schemes for meritorious student-athletes.
Sources from the Ministry of Education have confirmed that starting from the upcoming academic year, IITs will reserve additional seats for candidates excelling in national- and state-level sports competitions. This expansion comes amid growing recognition of the need to nurture holistic development among students, balancing technical rigor with physical, cultural, and extracurricular excellence.
Officials highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate sports into the country’s premier higher education institutions. “Sports instill qualities of discipline, leadership, and teamwork, which are essential for future innovators and leaders. IITs have always been centers of excellence—we now want to make them centers of all-round development,” a senior ministry official stated.
Alongside the intake increase, the scholarship schemes for athletes are also being broadened. Previously limited to a small pool of medal-winning candidates, the new scholarships will cover a wider spectrum of achievements, ranging from state-level representation to consistent performance in inter-university championships. The scholarships are expected to ease the financial burden for talented students who might otherwise be unable to pursue education at these high-cost institutions.
Student bodies and alumni associations have welcomed the move, noting that it will not only diversify campus activities but also create a healthier culture within IITs, historically known for intense academic competition.
Education analysts believe this step could also inspire schools and coaching institutions to encourage young athletes to pursue both sports and academics without fear of compromising one for the other.
With India’s growing ambitions on both global academic rankings and international sports platforms, the dual focus could prove to be a significant policy shift.
