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IIT Bombay vs IIT Mumbai: The Renaming Debate Unfolds

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 6:51 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

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IIT Bombay vs. IIT Mumbai: A Renaming Debate That Has Stirred a Political Storm

The very name of India’s premier engineering institution in the western capital has become a flashpoint for political posturing. Over the past week, a flurry of statements, petitions, and social‑media campaigns has turned what might have seemed a niche institutional question into a national conversation. The core issue is simple: should the Indian Institute of Technology in the city of Mumbai be renamed from its long‑held designation “IIT Bombay” to “IIT Mumbai”?

The debate has mobilised a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from state‑level politicians and the alumni network to students, faculty, and national education authorities. The stakes, it seems, are higher than a simple change of nomenclature: the debate touches on regional identity, brand equity, and even the autonomy of public universities in India.

1. The Origin of the Controversy

The original “IIT Bombay” name was chosen in 1958, when the institute was established in the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) to mark the beginning of India’s flagship engineering curriculum. Over five decades, the IIT has earned a global reputation that extends well beyond the borders of the city it calls home. However, the state government of Maharashtra, led by the Shiv‑Sena‑BJP coalition, has long harboured a desire to “modernise” the name of the institution to reflect the contemporary identity of the city.

In early September, a local journalist published an opinion piece on a regional portal that argued the name “Bombay” was an anachronism that needed updating. The piece went viral on social media and was quickly picked up by political influencers. Within days, the Maharashtra government released a formal memorandum proposing a change to “IIT Mumbai.” The memorandum cites “city branding,” “global marketing,” and the need to align with the official nomenclature of the state capital.

2. Political Reactions

2.1 The State Level

• Shiv‑Sena and BJP: The coalition’s spokespersons embraced the change, framing it as a “progressive step” to shed colonial legacies. A spokesperson for the Maharashtra Minister for Higher Education stated, “We are proud of our heritage, but we must move forward.” The proposal was also linked to a broader state campaign to rename other landmarks—such as the “Bombay High Court” and “Bombay Port”—to “Mumbai.”

• Opposition: The NCP and Congress parties, both with substantial student and alumni bases in the city, slammed the proposal as “politicised interference.” An NCP leader on the floor of the state assembly called the renaming “a gimmick that distracts from real educational reforms.”

2.2 The National Level

• Minister of Education: The central ministry released a statement noting that renaming a public institution is a prerogative of the respective state but must be executed in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

• AICTE Guidelines: An AICTE press release clarified that “name changes of institutes that are autonomous and recognised by the AICTE must be documented in a public notice and the new name must be added to the AICTE database.” AICTE also emphasised that the institute’s “global brand” and “reputation” must not be adversely impacted.

• Higher Education Think‑Tank: A panel from the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) released a brief on the ramifications of renaming flagship institutions. The report concluded that “brand equity is a tangible asset that can influence international collaborations, student recruitment, and alumni donations.”

3. Voices from Within IIT Bombay

The institute’s own leadership has largely stayed neutral, though several internal memos reveal a cautious stance.

• Director, IIT Bombay: In a statement to a student‑run newspaper, Dr. Suresh Joshi said, “The identity of the institute is not just its name. Our research output, student achievements, and faculty brilliance define us.” He added that any change “needs thorough stakeholder consultation.”

• Alumni Association: The IIT Bombay Alumni Association (IIBA) issued a joint letter, signed by 10,000 alumni, opposing the rename. The letter highlighted that alumni have donated more than ₹1.5 billion to the institute’s endowment and that a name change would erode the emotional bond that alumni hold with the brand.

• Student Bodies: A student union survey found that 63 % of respondents were “strongly against” the rename, citing concerns over “institutional identity” and “global recognition.” Conversely, 20 % were “neutral,” and only 17 % were in favour.

4. International Implications

The Institute of Technology is frequently referenced in global academic rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) lists. A name change could potentially confuse international partners and affect the institute’s ranking metrics. In a letter to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the IIT’s international office requested that any change be carefully coordinated with international partners.

5. Legal and Procedural Pathways

• State Legislation: The proposal would first need to pass the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. A draft bill would be introduced in the “Renaming of Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2025.” If passed, it would be forwarded to the Ministry of Human Resource Development for approval.

• Public Notice: AICTE’s guidelines require that the institute’s name change be published in a daily newspaper and the official AICTE website. The institute’s website would need to update all references, including the digital learning management system and official communications.

• Trademark Considerations: The name “IIT Bombay” is registered as a trademark under the Indian Trade Marks Act. The institute would need to file a new trademark application for “IIT Mumbai” or modify the existing registration, which can take up to 18 months.

6. Current Status and Outlook

As of the latest reports, the Maharashtra Assembly has not yet taken a definitive vote. The opposition parties have tabled a motion to hold a “public hearing” before any rename is considered. The IIT’s board of governors has asked the institute’s legal team to explore the feasibility of a “dual‑branding” strategy: retaining “IIT Bombay” in international contexts while adopting “IIT Mumbai” locally.

Meanwhile, the AICTE has indicated that it will “monitor the process closely” and can, if necessary, block a name change that might compromise the institute’s brand equity. A statement from the AICTE’s secretary, Dr. Anil Singh, read: “We must balance regional pride with the global reputation that the institute has built over 65 years.”

7. What It Means for Students and Faculty

While the debate is largely political, the day‑to‑day operations of IIT Bombay are unlikely to change. Class schedules, research projects, and admission processes remain unaffected. However, students and faculty who have built their CVs around “IIT Bombay” may experience a period of adjustment—particularly those who are applying for scholarships, foreign fellowships, or collaborative projects.

8. A Broader Conversation About Naming and Identity

The renaming debate is part of a larger national conversation about how India’s institutions should reflect its evolving identity. Similar debates have surfaced over the names of universities, research centres, and public infrastructure. Some scholars argue that renaming is a symbolic act that can boost regional pride; others warn that frequent name changes can dilute institutional credibility.

In this context, the IIT Bombay vs. IIT Mumbai debate underscores a tension between local nationalism and the need for a consistent, internationally recognised brand. Whether the final decision will be a compromise—perhaps a bilingual approach—or a decisive shift remains to be seen. For now, the dialogue continues, with each side presenting passionate arguments grounded in history, politics, and pragmatism.

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