Speaking to IIT-P students in an orientation programme Aug 6, Barua said IIT-G may fare low in the all-India ranking, but it was more experienced in setting up new institutes.

`I am confident that gradually we will be able to bring it at par with others. This institute has to become independent. By September, we will have staff belonging to IIT-Patna and a regular director will also be appointed in the next two months. Till such time, IIT-Guwahati will continue to support it in all possible ways,' Barua said.

India currently has seven IITs, with another eight proposed to be set up over the next few years. Of these, six will begin functioning during the current academic session.

Besides Bihar, IITs will be be set up in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

IIT-P dean Samrendra Dandpat said as promised, the formal functioning of the institute started on time.

All 98 students from different parts of the country, studying in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering streams, have been attending classes from Aug 7.

Earlier this year, the state's Science and Technology Department identified a polytechnic in Patna as the temporary campus for the IIT. The polytechnic has two hostels and a new building, which can accommodate around 200 students.

The formal inauguration of IIT-P was deferred reportedly due to the illness of Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.