IIT Mandi seeks new director amid varna row, Behera's term ends in December

The Ministry of Education has begun the process of appointing the next Director of IIT Mandi, inviting applications and nominations ahead of Laxmidhar Behera's tenure ending in December 2026. The search comes amid scrutiny over a Janmashtami poster, though the notification predates the row.IIT Mandi seeks new director amid varna row, Behera’s term ends in DecemberThe Ministry of Education has invited applications for the post of Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, with the selected candidate set to serve for five years or until attaining the age of 70, whichever is earlier.The post is currently held by Laxmidhar Behera, whose tenure is scheduled to end in December 2026. The ministry has said the appointment will be made on a contractual basis after approval from the competent authority, based on recommendations of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.The committee will consider both applications received in response to the advertisement and nominations from eminent persons.ELIGIBILITY CRITERIAApplicants should have a PhD with first class or equivalent at the preceding degree, preferably in Engineering. Candidates with degrees in Science, Mathematics or Management may also be considered in exceptional cases. The ministry has specified that applicants should 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. Candidates should also have experience guiding PhD students.The selected candidate will receive a monthly salary of Rs 2,25,000, revised, along with allowances as applicable under the rules. The Director will be appointed for a period of five years or until the age of 70, whichever comes earlier.IIT MANDI POSTER CONTROVERSY The recruitment process comes at a time when IIT Mandi is facing scrutiny over a Janmashtami poster that described Shudras as serving “higher classes”. The poster drew criticism and led the institute to order an inquiry into the matter.Behera had expressed shock over the content, clarifying that IIT Mandi did not endorse the poster. He also condemned caste-based discrimination and said the matter would be examined by the inquiry committee.The notification for the Director's post, however, was issued before the poster controversy emerged.HOW TO APPLYApplicants must submit a detailed resume in the prescribed format, highlighting their research, teaching, industry-academia collaborations and administrative achievements. They must also provide a two-page justification supporting their candidature, a two-page vision statement for IIT Mandi and contact details of at least two distinguished individuals familiar with their work.The application, along with the required enclosures, must be sent by Registered Post or Speed Post to 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-110 001.Applications must reach the ministry by October 31, 2026.Candidates working in government departments, autonomous organisations and public sector undertakings must apply through the proper channel, with an advance copy sent to the ministry at the above address.The envelope should carry the words “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DIRECTOR, IIT MANDI” in bold. Applicants must also email one copy of the application, preferably in MS Word format, to councilo[iits@gmail.com.WHAT LIES AHEADWith Behera's tenure set to end in December 2026, the ministry's recruitment process will determine who takes charge of IIT Mandi for its next five-year term. The new Director will be responsible for steering the institute's academic, research and administrative priorities at a time when IITs continue to expand their institutional and research mandates.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 09:35 IST