Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics (IRPE)

The Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics was established in 1949 as a post-graduate teaching and research department of the University of Calcutta. Late Professor S.K.Mitra, D.Sc, F.R.S., was the Head of the Institute and continued until his retirement in 1955.

In retrospect, it was in the year 1925 that the University of Calcutta introduced "wireless" as an elective subject for special study in its post-graduate course in Pure Physics and started at the same time a wireless laboratory for teaching and research in the fields of electron tubes and radio wave propagation in the upper atmosphere. Ever increasing applications of radio waves, especially on the eve of and during the World War II, and the rapid development of electronics as an important science by itself created a new situation. Inclusion of these developments was found impossible if the teaching and research activities in these subjects were to be confined within the necessarily limited scope allowed to them as a part of another post-graduate course. A large-scale expansion and re-organization became imperative. To meet this situation the university, in 1946, formulated a plan for the creation of a separate post-graduate department for Radio Physics and Electronics by pooling the then existing resources of the Wireless section of the Pure Physics department and the Communication Engineering section of the Applied Physics department. A visiting committee of the All India Council for Technical Education (A.I.C.T.E) approved this plan in 1947. Grants sanctioned by the Government of India on the recommendation of this committee enabled the creation of the Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics in the year 1949 —an independent post-graduate teaching and research department of the University of Calcutta.

The foundation stone of the Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics was laid on April 21, 1949, by the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. B.C.Roy. The concluding remark of his address on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the Institute was the following:

"Let me hope that in laying the foundation stone of the Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics today, I have planted a seed which will grow into a mighty tree, spreading its branches much beyond the borders of your present expectation. The Institute will become not only an all-India center of study and research but will also attract earnest seekers after truth from beyond the boundaries of India".

A look at the Institute today should convince anybody that the expectations of Dr. Roy are well on the way to fulfillment true to the spirit of each and every word of the speech.

In the beginning, the Institute started its first session of 2-year M.Sc. course in Radio Physics and Electronics from July 1949. As the main building of the Institute (completed and occupied by end of 1951) was under construction at that time, classes were held in different places of the Science College campus—in the seminar rooms of Pure Physics and Applied Physics departments. Practical work was conducted in the Pure Physics and Applied Physics Laboratories and drawing classes were held in the Applied Chemistry building. The infant department had thus to struggle hard during the first two years of its existence. The first examination was held in November, 1951, exactly as scheduled.

Hardly had the department come into existence when plans for the expansion of the 2-year M.Sc. course to a 3-year course leading to the M.Sc. (Tech.) degree engaged the mind of its founder members. This was necessitated by two factors. First, the latest developments in Radio Physics and Electronics could no longer be given adequate coverage within the curriculum of a two- year course. Secondly, a 3-year course would be in conformity with the general pattern of technological education recommended by AICTE. The approval for the 3-year M.Sc. (Tech.) course in Radio Physics and Electronics came from University Grants Commission ( U.G.C. ) on recommendation of AICTE, in April 1957.

Soon after, came a major boost that further brightened the path of progress for the growing Institute. Early in 1962, UGC recommended the establishment of Centers of Advanced Study (CAS) in selected university departments known for their tradition and promise. The object the commission had in view was to encourage the pursuit of excellence and to accelerate the realization of international standards in the field of post-graduate education and research. In recognition of the tradition built here, this Institute was nominated as one of the five Centers of Advanced Study in 1962-63.

Vision and Mission

Vision

Advancement of Learning in Electronics and Communication Engineering and related disciplines by fostering a culture of academic excellence driven by innovation, research, and lifelong learning, aimed at addressing contemporary and future societal needs through high-impact, value-added education and technological advancement.

Mission

• Provide Academic Excellence and Global Competence: Deliver a strong foundation in Electronics and Communication Engineering through a rigorous, experimental learning, and interdisciplinary curriculum, preparing graduates for successful careers in industry, academia, and entrepreneurship at the global level.
• Foster Innovation through Infrastructure and Research: Develop and sustain advanced infrastructure and a research-driven environment that promotes innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and knowledge generation in core and emerging areas of Electronics and Communication Engineering.
• Advance Sustainable and Inclusive Technologies: Pursue cutting-edge research in novel materials, electronic devices, circuits, systems, and communications—encompassing both hardware and software—to create sustainable, inclusive, and affordable technologies that address societal needs.
• Instill Ethics, Leadership, and Lifelong Learning: Cultivate professional ethics, leadership, and a spirit of lifelong learning, empowering graduates to become responsible, self-reliant, and globally competent engineers committed to equity, integrity, service to society, and community development.