The partnership between the Government of India, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Ford Foundation established IIT Delhi. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, laid the institute's foundation stone. The campus has evolved over the years to span a large area in Hauz Khas, South Delhi.

IIT Delhi provides a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate degrees in engineering, science, design, and management. The Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) program is widely sought after, attracting some of the sharpest minds from throughout the country. Furthermore, IIT Delhi provides integrated dual-degree programs such as B.Tech + M.Tech.

IIT Delhi is at the leading edge of cutting-edge research and innovation, cultivating an atmosphere that fosters curiosity and inquiry. The institution has various research institutes and labs that specialize in a wide range of topics, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, and others. Faculty members and their teams actively participate in joint research initiatives nationally and internationally, making substantial contributions to breakthroughs in their respective disciplines.

IIT Delhi has a long history of generating outstanding alumni who have made major contributions in various fields. Many graduates have achieved business success, leading profitable firms and providing job possibilities. The institute's concentration on research and innovation has resulted in several patents and publications. Furthermore, IIT Delhi has continuously been listed among the best engineering colleges in India and has received international recognition for academic brilliance.