IIT Mandi Makes Reincarnation And Out-of-the-body Experience Compulsory Subjects

At IIT Mandi, a unique course titled ‘Indian Knowledge Systems’ is making headlines for making reincarnation and out-of-body experiences compulsory subjects for BTech students.

This decision has sparked considerable debate on the academic validity and scientific basis of such subjects. According to a report by Careers360, the Indian Knowledge Systems course aims to introduce students to various philosophical and cultural concepts rooted in Indian traditions.

Among them, reincarnation and out-of-body experiences are highlighted as important topics.

The ‘Introduction to Consciousness and Wellbeing’ course, offered by the newly established Indian Knowledge Systems department, is compulsory for all BTech students.

The syllabus covers various topics including “theories of consciousness”, “the effects of IKS art and dance on the mind”, “supreme consciousness” and “the anatomy and functioning of the physical body” with insights from Western medicine and Ayurveda, the “gut-mind connection” and meditation.

A member of the IIT-Mandi community, who wished to remain anonymous, criticised the course, saying, “All IKS courses are full of pseudo-scientific topics,” the report said.

The inclusion of these topics has drawn criticism. Critics argue that teaching reincarnation and similar topics as part of an engineering curriculum could undermine the scientific rigour expected at an institution like IIT.

They term these topics as pseudo-scientific and question their relevance in a Btech course that typically focuses on engineering principles and empirical studies.

In an email response from IIT Mandi to Careers360, it says, “Introduction to Awareness and Holistic Wellness, approved by the Senate of IIT Mandi, is a compulsory course for undergraduate students. This course focuses on the universal value systems that lead to the holistic development of students. The course includes modules such as yoga, guided meditation, physical exercises and community service. The course represents a pioneering approach to integrating holistic wellness practices. This program has been developed under the mandate of the Ministry of Education and with the approval of the Senate.”