Government plans leadership training program for future IIT directors

The union government is drawing up a formal framework to groom high-performing faculty members at the Indian Institutes of Technology for senior leadership positions, including future director-level roles, officials said.

The plan proposes a two-year leadership training program aimed at creating a pipeline of academically accomplished and administratively capable leaders for the IIT system.

IIT Bombay has been assigned the role of anchor institution to design and implement the program, while all IITs will be asked to nominate faculty members with strong academic and research credentials.

Officials said the government is considering support from the Indian Institutes of Management to strengthen the leadership and management components of the training.

Around 300 to 350 faculty members across IITs are expected to be trained in phases, with each cohort undergoing mentoring over two years. The program structure is likely to include three one-week modules every year.

A draft outlining the program framework and broad eligibility criteria has already been prepared.

Selection will prioritize faculty members who demonstrate academic excellence, a student-focused approach to teaching and mentorship, and strategic and collaborative leadership capabilities.

The objective is to identify individuals who can combine strong scholarly credentials with the ability to handle complex institutional responsibilities.

The curriculum is expected to cover behavioral competencies such as leadership, communication, and decision-making, along with functional skills related to governance and institutional management.

Selected domain-specific competencies required for running large academic institutions will also be included.

Officials said the initiative reflects growing recognition of the need to develop leadership from within the IIT system.

IIT directors serve as the chief academic and executive authority, overseeing administration, academics, and discipline, while shaping institutional vision, research priorities, and student outcomes.

Currently, directors are appointed through a multi-stage process that includes public advertisement, evaluation by a Search-cum-Selection Committee, and final approval by the President of India, who serves as the Visitor to the institutes. Appointments are typically for five years or until the age of 70, whichever comes earlier.

If implemented, the program could mark a shift toward structured leadership grooming within the IIT ecosystem, ensuring that future directors are not only distinguished academics but also trained institutional leaders.