IIT Ropar and Indian Army Forge Academic Partnership with New MTech Programme in Defence Technology
In a significant development for defence education in India, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Indian Army to launch a Master of Technology (MTech) programme in Defence Technology. This initiative is specifically designed for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S), aiming to bridge the gap between academic excellence and operational military requirements.
Memorandum of Agreement Signed in Ceremonial Event
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) in a ceremony held in New Delhi on January 31, 2026. The MoA was signed by Maj Gen Vikram Varma, AVSM, VSM, Commandant of ACC&S, and Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar. The event witnessed the participation of distinguished leaders from both institutions, underscoring the importance of this collaboration.
Key personalities present at the ceremony included:
- Lt Gen S S Mahal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Professor of Practice at IIT Ropar
- Shri Virbhadra Singh Rawat, Professor of Practice at IIT Ropar
- Prof. Sarang Gumfekar, Associate Dean (PG and Research) at IIT Ropar
- Brig Kaushal Panwar, Commander SOTT
- Col Tarun Badola, Senior Instructor, HQ SOTTT
- Esteemed faculty and staff from both ACC&S and MIC&S
Programme Structure and Objectives
Jointly developed by ACC&S and IIT Ropar, the MTech programme is meticulously crafted to align academic training with the dynamic needs of modern warfare. The curriculum emphasizes:
- Applied Learning: Practical, hands-on approaches to defence technology challenges.
- Research-Driven Innovation: Fostering cutting-edge research in defence sectors.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Equipping officers with the ability to tackle technology-intensive roles within the armed forces.
Upon successful completion, officers will be awarded an MTech (Defence Technology) degree from IIT Ropar, enhancing their professional credentials and operational capabilities.
Strategic Focus Areas and Vision for the Future
The collaboration encompasses several critical focus areas aimed at bolstering India's defence capabilities:
- Joint Research & Development Initiatives
- Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) Technologies
- Advanced Armament Solutions
- New Materials and Technologies for Armoured Platforms
In his remarks, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership. He stated, "This collaboration marks a paradigm shift in how India approaches defence technology education. By bringing together the intellectual rigour of IIT Ropar with the operational excellence of the Indian Army, we are creating a unique model that will produce defence technology leaders capable of driving India's self-reliance in critical defence sectors. This is our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047."
This initiative represents a forward-looking step in strengthening India's defence innovation ecosystem, promoting self-reliance, and preparing military personnel to meet future technological challenges effectively.
