Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) has warmly welcomed its Y25 batch of students through an extensive and interactive Orientation Program designed to help them seamlessly transition into campus life. This year, the institute has admitted around 1,225 undergraduate (UG) and 1,550 postgraduate (PG) students, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The UG students reported to campus on 21st July, while the PG students joined on 24th July. The Y25 Orientation Program commenced with a formal welcome session, featuring addresses from Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, along with Prof. Ashoke De (Dean of Academic Affairs), Prof. Pratik Sen (Dean of Students’ Affairs), Prof. Nisanth Nair (Dean of Digital Infrastructure and Automation), and Prof. Santanu Misra (Head of the Institute Counselling Service). The leadership team outlined the institute’s vision, expectations, and guiding principles for the academic journey ahead.

For PG students, additional sessions were held on the PG Manual, led by Prof. Abheejeet Mohapatra, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Prof. Sudhansu Sekhar Singh, Chairperson of the Senate Postgraduate Committee. Departmental postgraduate committees also conducted interactive sessions to familiarize the new students with their respective disciplines.

A special orientation session for the parents of UG students was organized, continuing IIT Kanpur’s tradition of involving families in this critical transition. Over 3,000 parents attended the session both virtually and in-person. They were introduced to the institute’s academic structure, student support mechanisms, and wellness initiatives. Noted psychiatrist Dr. Alok Bajpai addressed the parents, while Prof. Manindra Agrawal answered an array of questions on campus safety, healthcare facilities, hostel arrangements, and the institute’s anti-ragging policies. He also highlighted upcoming developments, including new hostel projects and plans for a medical school.

The 10-day orientation program included a rich mix of academic and recreational activities, helping students explore every facet of life at IIT Kanpur. They were introduced to Student Gymkhana, clubs and societies, the Gender Cell, Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), internship and international exchange opportunities, Technopark, wellness initiatives, and cybersecurity protocols. Fun activities such as treasure hunts, cultural performances, Zumba sessions, DJ nights, science exhibitions, lab visits, and campus tours (including a visit to the institute’s airstrip) created an engaging start to their campus journey.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “The Y25 batch brings exceptional talent and energy to IIT Kanpur. Our orientation program is designed not only to prepare students for academic rigor but also to help them embrace the collaborative, multidisciplinary culture of the institute while ensuring access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities. We welcome the Y25 batch and look forward to their contributions.”

The mentor-mentee system is a key support structure that was highlighted at the orientation, ensuring a ragging-free and welcoming environment, backed by the Anti-Ragging Committee and hostel-level units. Parents appreciated this system’s role in easing the students’ transition.

The program was organized by the Institute Counselling Service (ICS), comprising 9 full-time counsellors, 3 consultant psychiatrists, and 600+ student volunteers, ensuring continuous student support.

With this orientation, IIT Kanpur reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment that supports every student’s growth and success.