IIT Mandi Director recruitment 2026: The Ministry of Education has invited applications for the post of Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi — the academic and administrative head of the institute. The selected candidate will be appointed for a term of five years, or until attaining the age of 70, whichever comes first, on a contractual basis.
The post currently held by Prof Laxmidhar Behera will fall vacant in December 2026, when his term concludes.
Eligibility Criteria
According to the notification, candidates must hold a Ph.D. with a first-class or equivalent degree at the preceding level, preferably in Engineering. In exceptional cases, candidates with degrees in Science, Mathematics, or Management may also be considered.
Applicants are additionally required to have:
- An outstanding academic record
- At least 10 years of teaching experience as a Professor at a reputed engineering or technology institute or university
- Experience in guiding PhD students
- A minimum of five years of administrative experience
- Demonstrated leadership qualities
- Preferably, an age of below 60 years as on the last date of application
Salary and Selection Process
The post carries a fixed monthly pay of Rs 2.25 lakh, along with allowances as per applicable rules. The final appointment will be made after approval by the competent authority, based on the recommendation of a Search-cum-Selection Committee. This committee will consider both applications received against the advertisement as well as nominations from eminent persons.
Documents Candidates Need to Submit
Applicants must prepare and submit the following:
- A detailed resume covering research, teaching, industry-academia collaborations, and administrative achievements
- A two-page justification explaining their candidature
- A two-page vision statement for IIT Mandi
- Contact details of at least two distinguished persons familiar with the applicant’s work
Candidates currently working in government departments, autonomous organisations, or public sector undertakings must apply through proper channel, while also sending an advance copy to the Ministry of Education. A certificate confirming no pending or contemplated vigilance case against the applicant must also be attached.
Where to Send the Application
Completed applications must reach the Under Secretary (TS.1), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi, on or before October 31, 2026. One copy must also be sent electronically to the email address specified in the official notification.
Context: Recruitment Comes Amid Campus Controversy
This recruitment process comes at a time when IIT Mandi has faced scrutiny over a Bhagavad Gita-themed poster displayed during a Janmashtami event on September 4. The poster, which described the role of Shudras as to “serve higher classes,” prompted concerns over caste discrimination, and the institute has since ordered a formal inquiry into the matter.
Director Laxmidhar Behera has said the poster was part of a student-led event and was not endorsed by the institute. In an email to the IIT Mandi community, he said he was “shocked” by the display and stated that the institute strongly condemns caste-based discrimination, adding that the inquiry was instituted to safeguard the campus’s social harmony.
It is worth noting that the notification for the new Director predates this controversy. Behera has served as Director of IIT Mandi since January 2022.
Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Director, IIT Mandi |
| Term | 5 years or till age 70, whichever is earlier |
| Minimum qualification | Ph.D. + first-class degree, preferably in Engineering |
| Experience required | 10 years as Professor + 5 years administrative |
| Monthly salary | Rs 2.25 lakh + allowances |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Current Director | Laxmidhar Behera (term ends December 2026) |
FAQs
Question: What is the last date to apply for the IIT Mandi Director post?
Answer: Applications must reach the Ministry of Education by October 31, 2026, through the prescribed address, along with an electronic copy.
Question: What documents are required along with the application?
Answer: Candidates need to submit a detailed resume, a two-page justification for their candidature, a two-page vision statement for IIT Mandi, and contact details of two references.
Question: What is the current controversy involving IIT Mandi?
Answer: The institute is investigating a Bhagavad Gita-themed poster displayed during a Janmashtami event that described Shudras’ role as serving “higher classes,” raising caste discrimination concerns.
