Education ministry opens applications for IIT Mandi director's post

The education minister has opened applications for the post of director at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi). Interested candidates can fill the registration form and send it to the education ministry by October 31, 2026.

Currently, Laxmidhar Behera is the director of IIT Mandi and his tenure will be over in December 2026. According to the official notification, eligible candidates should have at least 5 years of administrative experience and leadership qualities to head an Institute of National Importance (INI).

The notification for the director post was published before the controversy. As per the eligibility, candidate should be a PhD with first class or equivalent at the preceding degree, preferably in a branch of engineering.

While, in exceptional cases, candidates with Science, Mathematics or Management degrees may be considered.

Applicants should have an outstanding academic record throughout and a minimum of 10 years teaching experience as a professor in a reputed engineering or technology institute or university and should have guided PhD students .

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IIT Mandi Director Appointment: Eligibility, pay

They should preferably be less than 60 years of age on the last date of receipt of the applications. The post carries a fixed pay of Rs 2,25,000 (Revised) per month, with allowances as per rules.

The director at IIT Mandi will be appointed after obtaining the approval of the competent authority based on the recommendations made by the search-cum-selection committee.

The appointment will be made on contractual basis for a period of five years or till the attainment of 70 years of age, whichever is earlier, the institute said.

Interested individuals may apply giving their detailed resume in the prescribed format clearly bringing out research, teaching, industry-academia collaborations and administrative achievements, along with a two page justification in support of their candidature, a two page vision statement for the institution and contact details of at least two distinguished individuals well acquainted with their work.

Persons employed in government departments, autonomous organizations and public sector undertakings, should send their applications through proper channels.