Which IIT has the Oldest Department of Computer Science?

Oldest Department of Computer Science:- Have you ever questioned which college or institut might have the oldest department of Computer Science? Or have you wondered which was the first institute in India to establish the department of computer science?

It is a question that sparks the curiosity of the majority of the students because the Computer Science branch is the most competitive branch of the engineering field, and the seat availability of the Computer Science branch is treated like gold dust. But the story of how computer science education began in India is far more fascinating than most people realise.

Long before coding became cool and before AI and ML became the trending buzzwords, there was an IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) which had established the first Department of Computer Science in India. This was more than just a department of computer science; it was a decision that impacted India’s whole technological history.

So, can you guess which IIT has the oldest department of Computer Science from the following options?

a. IIT Kharagpur

b. IIT Madras

c. IIT Bombay

d. IIT Kanpur

If you guessed Option D as your answer, then you are correct!

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has the Oldest Department of Computer Science.

Which  IIT has the Oldest Department of Computer Science?

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has the Oldest Department of Computer Science. 

IIT Kanpur was the very first institute in India to offer computer science courses. The first ‘computer-related’ courses began in August 1963 on AN IBM 1620 system installed in the nation’s first ‘computer classroom.’  Gradually, the institute started to attract some of the finest young Indians in computer science to join its faculty. In 1971, IIT Kanpur launched an autonomous academic program that led to PhD and M.S. degrees in computer science, B.Tech and M.Tech degrees in computer science. The undergraduate program began later, with the first class graduating in 1983. The Department of Computer Science was formally created in 1984.

How IIT Kanpur Revolutionised Computer Science Education in India?

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur transformed Computer Science education in India by being the first to launch a computer science course in the country in 1963, starting with the installation of India’s first high-speed digital computer, the IBM 1620. 

This pioneering action was followed by the introduction of the first formal CS course in 1965, as well as the establishment of an autonomous Computer Science department. Given below are some of the points explaining how the Department of Computer Science revolutionised computer science education in India:-

Why does IIT Kanpur have the Oldest Department of Computer Science?

The beginning of computer science education in the Indian Institute of Technology environment can be traced back to IIT Kanpur, which is widely considered the leader in developing India’s first systematic computing curriculum. What differentiates the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur from the other IITs is not just the time of founding, but also the environment in which the CSE program was developed. The early access to imported computers, as well as its involvement in developing India’s first generation of computer scientists, are the primary reasons for its status as the home of IIT-level computer science education.

Given below is the list of some of  the IITs and the establishment date of the computer science department:-

Even after so many years, IIT Kanpur is the top choice for CSE aspirants. This institute has also encouraged early research publications and coding competitions. IIT Kanpur’s early adoption of computer science education demonstrated a visionary mindset, building a foundation that shaped India’s IT industry.

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