Blending Tradition and Tech: IIT-Kgp Launches India’s First Master’s in Indian Knowledge System

Updated: December 28, 2025 10:10

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IIT Kharagpur will launch India’s first master’s program in Indian Knowledge System in June 2026. Covering mathematics, science, linguistics, wellness, and leadership, the course blends Indic wisdom with modern perspectives. With an initial intake of 15 students, it aims to globalize India’s intellectual heritage through structured academic research.

In a landmark move, IIT Kharagpur has announced the rollout of a Master’s program (MS) in Indian Knowledge System (IKS), the first of its kind in India. Scheduled to begin in June 2026, the program is part of the institute’s Platinum Jubilee Year celebrations, underscoring its commitment to academic innovation and cultural heritage.

Key Highlights

Historic First: This is the first master’s course in Indian Knowledge System in India, making IIT-Kgp a pioneer in integrating traditional wisdom with modern academia.
Curriculum Design: The program will cover India’s mathematical and scientific legacies, linguistic theories, holistic wellness practices, and leadership values, blending Indic traditions with contemporary scientific and technological perspectives.
Intake Capacity: The inaugural batch will admit 15 students, ensuring focused mentorship and research opportunities.
Centre of Excellence: The course builds on the Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS) established at IIT-Kgp, which promotes interdisciplinary research and outreach in IKS.
Vision: The initiative aims to reintroduce India’s traditional knowledge systems as deeply scientific, systematic, and future-oriented, while making them relevant to modern challenges.

Context and Impact

The program reflects a growing recognition of India’s intellectual heritage in shaping global knowledge. By formalizing IKS into a structured academic program, IIT-Kgp seeks to bridge ancient wisdom with modern innovation, offering students a unique perspective that combines philosophy, science, and technology.

Experts believe this initiative could reshape research in linguistics, mathematics, ecology, and holistic health, while also fostering leadership rooted in Indic values. The program is expected to attract scholars interested in cross-disciplinary exploration, from AI ethics inspired by ancient texts to sustainable practices derived from traditional ecological knowledge.

For IIT-Kgp, this move strengthens its reputation as a trailblazer in higher education, while for India, it marks a significant step in globalizing indigenous knowledge systems.

Sources: Times of India, IIT Kharagpur – Centre of Excellence for IKS, IKS CoE Official Portal

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