Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur (IIEST Shibpur) Overview

Overview

The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur (IIEST Shibpur) is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions. Established on 24th November 1856 as a Civil Engineering College in the premises of the Writers’ Building, Calcutta, it has undergone several name changes before attaining its present status. Over the course of 163 years, the institute has evolved from serving the needs of the Public Works Department of Kolkata to becoming an Institute of National Importance. Today, IIEST Shibpur empowers the nation and its students by nurturing innovation, research, and leadership in science and technology.

Academic Performance

IIEST Shibpur ranks among the top engineering institutions in the country, securing the 21st position in the NIRF 2020 rankings. In 2014, it became the first institution in India to be conferred with the title of an “Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology.” Historically, it is the third engineering college in India by year of establishment and the second oldest by year of graduation. The institute comprises 16 departments and 8 schools, with over 250 faculty members and a student capacity of more than 4000. Its academic offerings span a wide range of disciplines, from Humanities and Social Sciences to Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, giving students diverse opportunities to pursue excellence.

Student Achievements

Students of IIEST Shibpur have consistently brought laurels to the institute.

Notable achievements include:

Debashish Sur (MET ’18 batch) – Selected for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship.

Divyansh Jha & Anurag Jha (Department of Mining Engineering) – Winners of the Overall Trophy at the Mineral Development Awareness and Quiz Programme sponsored by Tata Steel.

Saikat Dey (Department of Electrical Engineering) – Awarded by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)

Research and Development

The institute has built a strong tradition of maintaining uncompromising quality standards in research. Over the past three years, more than 25 government and non-government funding agencies, including AICTE, UGC, CSIR, DST, DRDO, ISRO and UNICEF, have supported around 100 research projects. IIEST actively collaborates with national and international institutions and industries to enhance its learning programs and align them with current scientific and industrial advancements. An active Industry-Institute Partnership Cell ensures effective liaison with industries through initiatives such as corporate workshops, faculty development programs, and student skill enhancement activities.

Notable Alumni

IIEST Shibpur has a rich legacy of producing outstanding alumni who have excelled in diverse fields across the globe.

Some distinguished personalities include:

Nirbhik Sengupta – Vice President, Operations, GMR Construction, Singapore

Soumitro Banerjee – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award
winner, Electrical Engineer

Gautam Biswas – Director, IIT Guwahati

Promode R. Bandyopadhyay – American-Indian Inventor

Soumyen Bandyopadhyay – Architect, Liverpool University

Pradip Chatterjee – Flautist, singer, and founding member of Mohiner Ghoraguli

Padma Shri Chaitanyamoy Ganguly – Nuclear Scientist

Padma Bhushan Buddhadev Das Gupta – Classical Sarod Player

Fazlur Rahman Khan – Renowned as the “Einstein of Structural Engineering”

Binoy Majumdar – Poet, Sahitya Akademi Award
winner

Biren Mookerjee – CMD, Martin Burn & Co. Ltd.

Rajen Mookerjee – Co-founder, Martin Burn & Co., and Founder, Indian Iron & Steel Co. Ltd.

A. Rashid – First Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)

Tathagata Roy – Former GM-cum-Chief Engineer, Metro Railway & Governor of Tripura

Narayan Sanyal – Novelist, author of Shatyakam

Padma Shri Badal Sarkar – Dramatist and Theatre Director

Conclusion

From its inception in the 19th century to its recognition as an Institute of National Importance IIEST Shibpur has made a remarkable journey. With its strong academic foundation, consistent student achievements, pioneering research contributions, and a long list of illustrious alumni, the institute continues to shape the future of engineering, science, and technology in India and beyond.