IIT Mandi to get new Director as Ministry of Education opens recruitment process

The Ministry of Education has begun the selection process for the next Director of IIT Mandi, seeking a senior academic with extensive experience in teaching, research, administration and institutional leadership.

The move comes months before the tenure of incumbent Director Laxmidhar Behera ends in December 2026. The new Director will be appointed on a contractual basis for five years or until reaching 70 years of age, whichever comes first.

According to the Ministry's notification, IIT Mandi is an autonomous institution fully funded by the Government of India through the Ministry of Education.

The appointment will be made with the approval of the Competent Authority based on recommendations from a Search-cum-Selection Committee.

The committee will assess applications received against the advertisement along with nominations submitted by eminent individuals.

Eligibility criteria for IIT Mandi Director

The Ministry has specified academic and professional requirements for applicants seeking the position.

Candidates should hold a PhD and a first-class or equivalent qualification in their preceding degree, preferably in Engineering. Applicants from Science, Mathematics or Management may also be considered in exceptional cases.

The candidate must have an outstanding academic record and at least 10 years of teaching experience as a Professor at a reputed Engineering or Technology institute or university. Experience in supervising PhD scholars is also required.

In addition to teaching and research credentials, applicants must have at least five years of administrative experience and a proven record of leadership.

The Ministry has also stated that candidates should preferably be below 60 years of age on the closing date for applications.

IIT Mandi Director salary

The selected candidate will receive a monthly salary of ₹2.25 lakh, along with allowances applicable under government rules.

The Director will be responsible for the institution's overall academic and administrative leadership. The role will also involve guiding research and innovation, strengthening industry-academia partnerships and overseeing the institute's long-term development.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the opportunities and challenges confronting higher technical education.

Applicants must submit their applications in the prescribed format along with the required supporting documents.

The application should include details of their achievements in teaching, research, industry-academia collaboration and administration.

Candidates must also provide a two-page justification explaining their suitability for the position and a separate two-page vision statement outlining their plans for IIT Mandi.

Applicants are additionally required to provide contact details of at least two distinguished individuals familiar with their professional work.

How to apply for IIT Mandi Director post

Candidates must send their completed applications and supporting documents by Registered Post or Speed Post to the Ministry of Education at the following address:

The Under Secretary (TS.1)
Department of Higher Education
Ministry of Education
H-01, Work Hall No. 21108, First Floor
Kartavya Bhawan - 2
New Delhi - 110001

Applications must reach the Ministry by Oct 31, 2026.

Candidates working with government departments, autonomous organizations or public sector undertakings must route their applications through the proper channel. They can also forward an advance copy directly to the Ministry.

The envelope must prominently carry the words “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DIRECTOR, IIT MANDI”.

An electronic copy of the application, preferably in MS Word format, must also be sent to the email address specified in the Ministry's notification.

The recruitment notification begins the search for Behera's successor ahead of the completion of his tenure.

The selection process will focus on finding an academic leader with strong credentials in higher education, research and administration who can guide IIT Mandi's next phase of institutional development.