| Aspect | IIT Kanpur | Other IITs (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Flexibility | Offers double majors, minors, dual/interdisciplinary degrees, MOOC credits | Less flexible in comparison |
| Breadth of Study | Mandatory courses in Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Management (SCHEME) | Usually core-focused with limited electives |
| Academic Rigor | Known for its challenging workload and tough grading system | Varies; generally lighter in some IITs |
| Innovation & Research | Academic credits for startups, Olympiad entries, and industry collaborations | Limited or informal credit-based recognition |
| Exit Option | Allows exit with a degree midway through the program | Rare or unavailable |
| Student Culture | Strong culture of independent thinking, student-driven initiatives, and close faculty interaction | Often larger, less tight-knit environments |
In short, IIT Kanpur stands out through one of the most flexible and academically demanding programs in the IITs. The course not only transcends engineering but also incorporates mandatory exposure to the humanities and management. Students enjoy autonomy to discover, gain credits through entrepreneurial ventures or research, and even graduate early with an honoured degree. The campus environment is intellectually charged, with active faculty-student interaction and focus on innovation. So, if you want an IIT that combines academic depth with flexibility, exposure to the real world, and a small campus culture, IIT Kanpur stands out as distinctly different.