I don't think the IITs have ever been famous for their research programs. They are well known as a magnet for the smartest engineers in India. Those smart engin

I don't think the IITs have ever been famous for their research programs. They are well known as a magnet for the smartest engineers in India. Those smart engineers then come to the best US universities and contribute to the reseach, start companies etc. The IITs are a very effective filter and not world class research institutions.