IIT Mandi Director Recruitment 2026: Education Ministry Invites Applications as Behera’s Term Ends

The Ministry of Education has started the process of appointing the next Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, inviting applications and nominations for the position ahead of the completion of the current Director's tenure in December 2026.

The selected candidate will be appointed on a contractual basis for five years or until attaining the age of 70, whichever comes earlier. The appointment will be made after approval from the competent authority based on recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.

The selection committee will consider applications submitted in response to the official advertisement as well as nominations made by eminent individuals.

The recruitment process comes at a time when IIT Mandi has faced scrutiny over a Janmashtami poster that drew criticism for its description of Shudras as serving “higher classes”. The institute subsequently ordered an inquiry into the matter.

The current Director said the institute did not endorse the content of the poster and condemned caste-based discrimination. The issue has been referred to an inquiry committee for examination.

However, the notification inviting applications for the Director's post was issued before the controversy surrounding the Janmashtami poster emerged.

Applicants for the position are required to hold a PhD with first class or an equivalent qualification at the preceding degree level, preferably in Engineering. Candidates from fields such as Science, Mathematics and Management may also be considered in exceptional circumstances.

The Ministry of Education has also specified that candidates should have an outstanding academic record and at least 10 years of teaching experience as a Professor at a reputed Engineering or Technology institution or university.

Applicants are expected to have experience in guiding PhD students and should demonstrate strong academic and administrative credentials.

The selected Director will receive a monthly salary of Rs 2.25 lakh, revised, along with applicable allowances under government rules. The appointment will be for five years or until the candidate reaches the age of 70.

Candidates must submit a detailed resume in the prescribed format outlining their academic, research, teaching, industry-academia collaboration and administrative experience.

Applicants are also required to provide a two-page justification supporting their candidature and a two-page vision statement outlining their plans for IIT Mandi. Contact details of at least two distinguished individuals familiar with the candidate's work must also be included.

Applications along with the required documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Education through Registered Post or Speed Post. A copy of the application is also required to be sent through email in the prescribed manner.

The deadline for submitting applications for the post of IIT Mandi Director is October 31, 2026.

The next appointment will determine who leads IIT Mandi for the upcoming five-year term and oversees the institute's academic, research and administrative priorities.