Jia Sarai is a small village in the south of New Delhi. It is one of the three villages, along with Ber Sarai and Katwaria Sarai, bordering the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi campus.[1]
Jia Sarai is a village of mixed population. It is situated in South Delhi on the outer ring road, popularly called Gamal Abdul Nassar Marg. It is land locked by IIT Delhi. On one side is RK Puram Sector 3, facing it is forest area of Deer Park. Rose garden is close by, a favorite walking area for all. Mr Raghbir Sharma was the first person who graduated from Jia Sarai, in 1943 from Lahore University (undivided India). Another famous personality who belonged to this village was Bhai Trilochan Singh Panesar (1938-2010), who worked throughout his life for up-liftment of the downtrodden. In 1957 the land of villagers was acquired by Department of Engineering for setting up IIT Delhi. Most of the population residing here is educated and employed. With passage of time, South Delhi developed into a very elegant part of Delhi. Places like Jia Sarai have started to serve as cheap hostel accommodation. Nowadays, Jia Sarai is inhabited by students who find this place reasonably affordable. In 1990s, this place was known for IAS institutes. But after 2005, a number of other coaching institutes for JRF NET and engineering entrance examinations have come up.