Starting with the academic year 2025-26, this initiative seeks to recognize exceptionally talented students who have excelled in highly competitive international Olympiads in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Informatics, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

Admission through this route will allow a limited number of seats per department specifically for students who have undergone rigorous preparation and training in relevant Olympiad camps.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this pathway requires candidates to be of the same age as JEE (Advanced) candidates and to have taken their Class XII (or equivalent) exams for the first time in either the year of admission or the year prior, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Candidates must have attended the relevant Olympiad training camp in the subject for which they are applying, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

Those who were previously admitted to IITs via JoSAA or had an IIT admission cancelled are not eligible.

Selection process

The selection process involves two stages. Initially, each department will review applicants based on their Olympiad rankings and shortlist candidates accordingly, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

These candidates will then participate in a written examination, which is mandatory, and an interview, if required.

At the Institute level, a selection committee, led by the Dean of Academic Affairs, will consolidate the recommendations from each department to ensure that the admissions process is streamlined, filling all available seats within each department without overlap.

Initiative

Prof. Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Kanpur, said their Olympiad-based admissions initiative is designed to provide opportunities for the brightest minds who have excelled in international competitions.

We are cultivating a diverse academic environment rich in innovation and critical thinking, said Prof Shalabh of IIT Kanpur.

Our goal is to enhance our academic community with individuals who bring unique perspectives and exceptional analytical skills, he said.

Through this initiative, we aim to support and promote innovation in disciplines that are essential to India’s growth and global competitiveness, he said.

Timeline

The timeline for this new admission route is set to begin with the call for applications in early March 2025, say sources from IIT Kanpur.

The application window will close by the end of March, and departments will conduct their screenings and exams by May in the respective academic years.

Final offers will be extended in June 2025, giving applicants a streamlined timeline that allows adequate preparation and a clear path to admission.

Alternative pathway

Through this alternative pathway, IIT Kanpur is reserving seats in select departments for young innovators with exceptional analytical skills, making it one of the few institutes in India to directly recruit talent from prestigious global Olympiad platforms.

Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades.

Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources.

The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines.

With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

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Designed to monitor the freshness of seafood in real-time by responding to pH changes, the film offers a practical solution for improving food safety and reducing waste.

This film detects the release of volatile amines, compounds typically associated with spoilage, and indicates food quality through visible color changes, say sources from NIT Rourkela.

These natural components make the film biodegradable, safe, and responsive, aligning with sustainability goals and offering a non-invasive way to assess seafood freshness.

Findings

The findings of this research have been published in the journal Food Packaging and Shelf Life in a paper co-authored by Prof. Preetam Sarkar (as the lead corresponding author), along with his research scholars, Mr. Rahul Thakur, Miss Harshi Singhi, Mr. Vedsagar Rajesh Suryavanshi, and Dr. Ravichandran Santhosh.

Other co-authors in this work include Dr. Khalid Gul from NIT Rourkela, Dr. Swarup Roy from Lovely Professional University, Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy from South Dakota State University, Brookings, USA and Dr. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad from IIT Roorkee.

Fishing

India is the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing approximately 8% of global fish production, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

It also holds the distinction of being the top five producer of shrimp globally, with frozen shrimp being the top export commodity.

Given the scale and importance of seafood production, innovations that ensure freshness and reduce spoilage are of immense value, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

In this context, intelligent packaging systems, which preserve food while monitoring its quality, are rapidly gaining global interest.

Unlike conventional packaging that serves merely as a protective barrier, the intelligent packaging film developed by NIT Rourkela team offers visual cues about the product’s condition, making it a promising solution for enhancing food safety and reducing waste.

The beetroot peel extract was prepared separately, and then combined with the starch, gum tragacanth, and a small amount of glycerol to cast the films.

These were dried and tested for their pH-sensitivity and effectiveness in monitoring seafood freshness, said Prof Preetam of NIT Rourkela.

Pigments

Beetroot peels contain betalains, a group of pigments known for their bright colours and pH sensitivity, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

These pigments also offer antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, making them suitable for food-related applications.

Incorporating these natural compounds into the starch-based film creates a biodegradable, safe, and responsive packaging material.

When the seafood begins to spoil and pH levels rise, the film changes colour, providing a clear visual indicator of freshness.

Starch

The choice of Kodo millet starch and gum tragacanth contributes to the film’s biodegradable and eco-friendly profile.

Kodo millet is an underutilised grain with excellent film-forming properties, while gum tragacanth enhances the mechanical strength and flexibility of the material.

The researchers believe that using such agricultural by-products not only supports sustainability but also adds value to food processing waste, such as beetroot peels.

At the laboratory scale, the cost of producing the film was estimated approximately Rs. 900 per kilogram.

When scaled up for industrial production, the cost is projected to range between Rs. 400 and Rs. 600 per kilogram, making it a potentially viable option for commercial use.

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