The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) is the fourth sibling of IIT family was established in 1960 under the technical assistance of Kanpur-Indo American Programme - KIAP. The initiative was well supported with 9 leading American institutes. Under the Indo American programme, the faculty members from American institutes helped in setting up of academic programmes and development of laboratories for instruction as well as research.

The institute began its operation in 1959 from HBTI Kanpur campus with 100 students. Now the institute is situated in Kalyanpur few kilometers far from Kanpur Central and has its own sprawling residential campus in 420 hectares. The institutes' residents comprises of 1450 undergraduate students, 850 post graduate students, 300 faculty members and 1500 supporting staff. With the path breaking innovations in both its curriculum and research the IIT Kanpur is gaining a legendary reputation.

Halls of residence, faculty and staff houses and community buildings surround the central academic area to provide flexibility in movement and communication. The residential campus is planned and landscaped with a hope for environmental freedom. The Architectural design of IIT Kanpur is prepared by Mr.Achyut Kanvinde. The IIT Kanpur campus reflects cultural diversity of India.

Since its inception, the IIT Kanpur is striving for excellence in research and education. In meeting this challenge, the Institute has always been making special efforts to recruit talented faculty and admit brilliant students from all over the country by a careful selection process. The institute offers best facilities to its students and faculty members.