Indian Army and IIT Ropar join hands to boost defense technology innovation

IIT Ropar has formalized a partnership with the Indian Army to launch an MTech program in defense Technology exclusively for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre & School (ACC&S), marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between an IIT and the armed forces.

The initiative combines research, applied innovation, and military operational expertise to strengthen India’s defense capabilities, according to the institute.

“This collaboration marks a paradigm shift in how India approaches defense technology education. By bringing together the intellectual rigor of IIT Ropar with the operational excellence of the Indian Army, we are creating a unique model that will produce defense technology leaders capable of driving India’s self-reliance in critical defense sectors. This is our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047,” said Prof Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar.

The MTech (defense Technology) curriculum, developed jointly by ACC&S and IIT Ropar, emphasizes applied learning, hands-on research, and innovation-driven problem solving.

Officers completing the program will receive an MTech degree from IIT Ropar, equipping them to lead technological modernization across armored formations and contribute to indigenization efforts in defense manufacturing.

Beyond academics, the Memorandum of Agreement establishes a framework for joint research and development in areas such as next-generation armored fighting vehicle technologies, advanced armament solutions, and new materials for armored platforms.

The MoA was signed by Maj Gen Vikram Varma, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, ACC&S, and Prof Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar.

The inaugural session included Lt Gen S S Mahal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Professor of Practice, IIT Ropar; Shri Virbhadra Singh Rawat, Professor of Practice; Prof Sarang Gumfekar, Associate Dean (PG and Research); Brig Kaushal Panwar, Commander SOTT; Col Tarun Badola, Senior Instructor, HQ SOTTT; and faculty from ACC&S and MIC&S.

IIT Ropar stated that this collaboration is intended as a model for similar partnerships nationwide, addressing national security challenges while fostering innovation ecosystems.

Research outcomes are expected to benefit the armed forces and have civilian applications in autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and materials engineering, supporting technology transfer from lab to field.