The Bengal Engineering and Science University, West Bengal: A Legacy of Technical Brilliance and Innovation
Introduction: Engineering Heritage that Shaped a Nation
The Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU), West Bengal, known today as the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions. Located on the western bank of the Hooghly River in Howrah, BESU has a storied history that spans over 165 years. From its origins as a civil engineering college under British rule to becoming an Institute of National Importance, BESU has consistently contributed to the advancement of engineering education and research in India. This article offers a detailed insight into BESU’s journey, academic offerings, campus life, and its continued legacy of producing world-class technocrats.
1. Establishment and Historical Evolution
- Established: 1856 (as Calcutta Civil Engineering College)
- Renamed: Bengal Engineering College in 1921
- Upgraded to University: Bengal Engineering and Science University (BESU) in 2004
- Converted into IIEST Shibpur: 2014, through an act of Parliament
- Founder: British colonial government
- Type: Public Technical University
BESU was originally established to train engineers for public works under the British Empire. Over time, it expanded to include multiple engineering disciplines and became a full-fledged university. In 2014, BESU was converted into IIEST Shibpur, giving it the status of an Institute of National Importance—on par with the IITs and NITs.
2. Affiliations and Accreditations
- Affiliated with: Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Recognized by: UGC (University Grants Commission)
- Approved by: AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
- Accredited by: NAAC with A Grade
- Member of: Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
These affiliations affirm BESU’s commitment to high academic standards and research excellence.
3. Academic Programs and Departments
BESU/IIEST offers a wide range of academic programs through various departments and schools.
A. Undergraduate Programs (B.Tech & Dual Degree)
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science & Technology
- Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Architecture and Town Planning
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
B. Postgraduate Programs (M.Tech / M.Arch / M.Sc)
- M.Tech in various specializations
- Master in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)
- M.Arch in Sustainable Architecture
- M.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth Sciences
C. Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)
- Offered in all major departments, including interdisciplinary areas
D. Management and Humanities Programs
- MBA (through School of Management Sciences)
- Humanities and Social Sciences with emphasis on English, Philosophy, and Sociology
4. Schools, Centres, and Departments
BESU/IIEST has several specialized schools and research centres, enhancing its multidisciplinary nature.
Key Schools and Centres:
- School of Advanced Materials, Green Energy and Sensor Systems
- School of Community Science and Technology
- School of Mechatronics and Robotics
- Centre for Healthcare Science and Technology
- Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence
5. Infrastructure and Campus Facilities
The BESU campus, spread over 123 acres in Shibpur (Howrah), boasts a vibrant mix of historic structures and modern engineering laboratories.
Core Campus Facilities:
- Central Library: Over 1.5 lakh volumes, digital access to journals
- Computer Centre: Advanced computing systems and cloud infrastructure
- Hostels: 17 hostels (including separate girls’ hostels)
- Auditorium: Fully equipped Tagore Hall
- Healthcare: On-campus hospital with 24/7 emergency care
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed internet across campus
- Canteens & Food Courts: Multiple dining options for students and faculty
6. Research Excellence and Projects
BESU is a hub for cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and technology.
Research Highlights:
- Over ₹100 crore in funded projects from DRDO, ISRO, DST, CSIR, World Bank, and more
- Collaborations with national labs and international universities
- Strong focus on renewable energy, advanced materials, smart infrastructure, and AI
Recent Research Contributions:
- Smart city planning projects with the Government of West Bengal
- Low-cost biomedical devices for rural healthcare
- Development of green energy solutions for sustainability
7. Career Development and Placement Cell
The Training and Placement Cell (TPC) at BESU is among the most active and respected in the country.
Placement Highlights:
- Top Recruiters: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, TCS, L&T, Deloitte, Infosys, BHEL, Wipro
- Highest Package (Recent Years): ₹45+ LPA
- Average Package (2023): ₹12+ LPA for top branches
- Placement Rate: ~95% for core engineering branches
Career Services Offered:
- Mock Interviews and Aptitude Sessions
- Resume Building Workshops
- Internship Support (3rd Year Students)
- Foreign Placement Opportunities and Internships
8. Notable Alumni of BESU
BESU has produced numerous engineers, technocrats, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs who have shaped India’s development.
Famous Alumni:
- Bikram Dasgupta: Founder of Globsyn Technologies
- Arundhati Bhattacharya: Former Chairperson of State Bank of India
- Tathagata Roy: Former Governor of Tripura
- Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri: Renowned physicist, known for Raychaudhuri equation in general relativity
- Dr. Dinesh Mohan: Pioneer in transportation safety research
9. Rankings, Recognitions, and Reputation
National and Global Rankings:
- NIRF Engineering Ranking 2023: Ranked among Top 35 engineering institutions
- QS Asia Ranking: Consistently featured in the top 500
- Times Higher Education (THE): Notable rankings for innovation and research
Institutional Achievements:
- Institute of National Importance (since 2014)
- Recognized as a Green Campus by the Government of India
- Receives direct funding from the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
10. Cultural and Technical Fests
BESU is home to some of the most exciting student-led events in Eastern India.
Major Events:
- REBECA: One of India’s oldest college fests
- INSTRUO: Technical fest showcasing robotics, AI, and coding competitions
- VISION: Cultural festival featuring drama, debate, music, and dance
- ENVISION: Annual entrepreneurship summit
11. Address and Contact Information
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur
(formerly Bengal Engineering and Science University)
Botanic Garden, Shalimar, Howrah – 711103, West Bengal, India
- Phone: +91-33-2668-4561 / 2668-2916
- Email: director@iiests.ac.in
- Website: https://www.iiests.ac.in
Conclusion: Engineering India’s Future with Legacy and Innovation
The Bengal Engineering and Science University, now IIEST Shibpur, stands as a beacon of technical education, deeply rooted in historical prestige and modern innovation. Its graduates are known across the globe for their academic rigor, innovative spirit, and ethical grounding. Whether in infrastructure, IT, energy, or management, BESU alumni have left indelible marks on industries worldwide.
With a powerful combination of academic strength, research initiatives, industry collaborations, and a heritage of excellence, BESU continues to shape the future of engineering in India and beyond.
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