New Delhi: To expand the academic horizons, it is decided between the officials of HRD and External Affairs ministries, to hold the IIT examinations abroad.

It is a foray by the IITs in foreign lands, to attract more international students and increase their all round standards.

Though the IIT examinations were conducted even before, for the NRIs in other countries, it is the first time such a thing is happening. The meeting held, zeroed down on the SAARC members, Ethiopia, Singapore and Dubai (UAE). Apparently this is the list of nations were the entrance examinations will be taking place.

The selection process for the foreign nationals will be looked over by the IITs with the aid of the Indian missionaries in those countries.

The fee applicable to them will be more than what is charged to the people of India. The officials also informed that the addition of the seats for the foreigners will not be of any threat to the Indians as the nature of the extension is supernumerary.

MAE also decided to facilitate the foreign students with the research visa for the whole period of the program.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) will be the nodal agency acting on the behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The outreach program will begin from August of this year.

IIT Mumbai has been asked to provide with the crucial material which will include the information for the tests, questions and FAQs. While the institute director, Khakhar has already prepared a report detailing the procedures and is on the way to map out an exhaustive plan for conducting JEE and GATE examinations abroad.

The plan will begin its operation from 2017 onwards. (Inputs from agencies)