Education Ministry opens recruitment for IIT Mandi director position

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi is accepting applications for the post of Director at the institute. The person once appointed will serve as IIT Mandi’s academic and administrative head. The appointment will be confirmed on a contractual basis for five years or until the selected candidate turns 70, whichever is earlier.

Laxmidhar Behera is currently serving as the director of IIT Mandi and his tenure will end in December 2026. The new director appointment circular was shared in an official notification by the government of India, minsitry of education. This notification was published well before the controversy over an inappropriate poster started

Candidates applying for the position should have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with first class or equivalent at the degree level preceding, in an engineering stream. However, candidates with degrees in Science, Mathematics or Management might also be considered, if required.

Those applying must have an outstanding academic record and at least 10 years of teaching experience as a professor at a well-known engineering or technology institute or university. They should also have experience in offering guidance to PhD students.

Interested applicants should be below 60 years of age on the last date of application. The official notification reads, “He/She is expected to have a minimum of 5 years administrative experience and leadership qualities to head an Institute of National importance.”

IIT Mandi director: Salary, application details

IIT Mandi is an autonomous institution that is funded by the minsitry of education, government of India. The director appointed will receive a fixed monthly salary of Rs 2.25 lakh. The selected director will also get allowances as applicable under the rules.

Applicants will have to submit a detailed resume that must include details on their research, teaching, industry-academia collaborations and administrative achievements. They should also provide a two-page justification for their candidature and a two-page vision statement for the institute. Moreover, contact details of at least two references who are familiar with their work.

The last date to submit the applications along with the required supporting documents is October 31, 2026. “Persons employed in Government Departments, Autonomous Organizations and Public Sector Undertakings should send their applications through proper channel with an Advance Copy to the above address.” read the official notice.