The Indian Institute of Technology Council has decided to provide opportunity to eligible foreign students to study in the IITs. <br/><br/>Initially, the focus will be on the neighbouring countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia. <br/><br/>Under this initiative, the advanced joint entrance examination will be held in these countries to pick up eligible students for admission. <br/><br/>Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar gave this information in the Rajya Sabha today. He said IIT Bombay is to facilitate the visit of IIT teams to these countries in association with the Indian diplomatic missions. This initiative will be operational from the academic year 2017-18.