The prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are planning to launch a specialised two-year leadership programme designed to groom select faculty members for future directorship positions. This initiative aims to systematically prepare the next generation of academic leaders who will steer these premier institutions.
Programme Structure and Government Scrutiny
According to officials, the proposed programme will be spearheaded by IIT Bombay, which has been designated to lead the effort and set up an implementation team. The government is currently examining the proposal, and there are discussions about involving the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in either designing or supporting the curriculum. The plan envisions training each cohort over a span of two years, with the programme structured around three modules per year, each lasting approximately one week.
Rigorous Selection Criteria for High-Performers
The selection process for this elite training will be highly competitive. IITs will be asked to nominate only high-performing faculty members with demonstrably strong academic and research credentials. A draft programme structure and broad selection criteria have already been prepared. The criteria emphasise a combination of stellar academic and research records, a deep commitment to student development through a student-centric approach, and a strategic, collaborative mindset.
The training curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering behavioural competencies, functional competencies, and selected domain competencies. The goal is to equip potential leaders with the multifaceted skills required to run an IIT, where the director serves as the principal academic and executive officer, responsible for administration, instruction, and discipline.
Addressing Leadership Transition in Premier Institutes
This initiative comes against the backdrop of the rigorous, multi-stage process currently used to appoint IIT directors. The existing process involves a public advertisement, evaluation by a Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), and final approval by the Visitor (the President of India), based on recommendations from the IIT Council and the Ministry of Education. Appointments are contractual, typically for five years or until the director attains the age of 70.
The new leadership programme seeks to create a robust pipeline of well-prepared internal candidates for these critical roles. By targeting 300-350 of the most promising faculty members across the IIT system, the programme aims to ensure a smooth succession of leadership grounded in a deep understanding of the IIT ecosystem's values and challenges.
