IIT Bombay has taken a significant step in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing a valuable option for its students. To address the diverse needs and aspirations of its student body, the institute has implemented an early leave provision for those facing challenges in completing the full four-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) curriculum.

Under this new initiative, students who meet 60 per cent of the total credit requirements will now be eligible to obtain a BSc (engineering) degree in just three years. This alternative degree will also allow them to participate in placement activities. The decision aims to support students who may be encountering difficulties in their studies or wish to explore alternative paths while still providing them with a recognized qualification.

According to a report in Times of India, 15 students have already taken advantage of this early exit option, which aligns with the NEP's recommendation of offering various entry and exit points in educational programs. While admission to IITs is determined through JEE (Advanced), lateral entry is currently not possible. However, under the NEP guidelines, students who choose to leave after the first, second, or third year can receive a certificate, diploma, or degree based on their completed credits.

Avinash Mahajan, the dean of IIT Bombay, stated that ideally, the institute would like students to complete the full course, but they recognize the need to accommodate different circumstances. The move also emphasizes IIT Bombay's effort to increase flexibility and promote diverse learning experiences by boosting the intake for numerous minor courses and offering a wide choice of minor programs as electives, allowing students to explore subjects outside their specialization.

Moreover, in accordance with the NEP, IIT Bombay has established new courses, including the School of Management and the School for Entrepreneurship. The institute is also forging alliances with international universities to facilitate global exposure for its students.

Overall, these changes reflect IIT Bombay's commitment to providing a wide range of courses across disciplines while empowering students to pursue their academic and professional goals effectively.