Chennai, Oct. 23: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, will be the first IIT to offer a “dual degree” in engineering design — a BTech and an MTech with specialisation in automotive engineering.

IIT Madras signed an agreement with automobile component suppliers Ashok Leyland and Germany-based Bosch this evening to jointly set up a Centre of Excellence in Engineering Design, which will offer the dual programme to students from the coming academic year.

The new department will also offer MS and doctoral programmes, IIT-M director M.S. Ananth said after inking the pact. Ashok Leyland and Bosch are contributing Rs 4 crore each to help set up the centre.