IIT Kharagpur New Director 2025: Professor Suman Chakraborty appointed as new director. Know his qualifications, research contributions, vision, and why this matters for students and competitive exams.
Professor Suman Chakraborty Appointed Director of IIT Kharagpur
Prestigious Appointment — A New Helm for India’s Premier Engineering Institute
On June 19, 2025, Professor Suman Chakraborty was appointed as the Director of IIT Kharagpur — India’s first and one of its foremost engineering institutions This marks a significant leadership change, as he succeeds Professor Virendra Kumar Tewari, whose five‑year term ended on December 31, 2024, and interim director Amit Patra, who managed the institute since January 1, 2025
Distinguished Academic Trajectory
Professor Chakraborty, an alum of Jadavpur University (B.Tech 1996) and IISc Bangalore (M.E. 2000; Ph.D. 2002), joined IIT Kharagpur in 2002 and became a full professor by 2008 Over his two-decade tenure, he played key academic and administrative roles, including Dean of Research & Development, Head of the School of Medical Science & Technology, and leading research hubs focused on affordable healthcare innovation
Globally Acclaimed Researcher
He is known for pioneering work in micro- and nanoscale fluid mechanics, applied to low-cost diagnostic tools for diseases like anemia, tuberculosis, and COVID‑19. His scientific excellence has earned him the UNESCO TWAS Award in Engineering & Computer Sciences (2026), the Infosys Prize (2022), the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and the National Teacher Award (2023)
Vision & Priorities
Chakraborty plans to focus on:
- Strengthening student welfare mechanisms, particularly in response to recent student fatalities on campus
- Enhancing infrastructure, especially hostel facilities—Ph.D. admissions were paused last year due to a shortage
- Boosting IIT Kharagpur’s academic reputation by promoting research excellence and attracting top-tier talent
Tenure and Institutional Transition
He officially took charge on June 23, 2025, for a term of five years or until age 70, whichever is earlier As Director, he now leads an institute known for its multi-disciplinary programs, research infrastructure, and national eminence—the first IIT, founded in 1951, with over 22,000 residents and ~15,600 students
Why This News Is Important
Elevating Institutional Leadership
A new Director at IIT Kharagpur—a key Institute of Eminence—directly influences India’s higher education landscape and research direction. Chakraborty’s appointment brings focused leadership at a time when the institute looks to regain momentum in academic excellence and infrastructural growth.
Focus on Student Wellbeing
Under his stewardship, IIT Kharagpur aims to reduce recent cases of student deaths by introducing a robust welfare framework. This is essential for maintaining a safe and supportive educational environment, a priority for government and granting bodies overseeing student-centric institutions.
Strengthening Research & Societal Impact
Chakraborty’s track record in affordable diagnostics aligns with national goals—like holistic and inclusive healthcare, “Make in India”, and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. His leadership could reinforce research-to-realization pathways for socially relevant innovations, a vital area for aspirants in civil services, defence, banking, and public educational roles.
Historical Context
IIT Kharagpur’s Legacy
Established in 1951, IIT Kharagpur was India’s trailblazing engineering institution. Over time, it evolved into a full-spectrum university, introducing programs in law, humanities, management, and more. In 2019, it earned the status of Institute of Eminence
Leadership Timeline
- Partha Pratim Chakraborty served as director (2013–2019), navigating administrative challenges
- Virendra Kumar Tewari took over from Dec 31, 2019, to Dec 31, 2024
- Amit Patra acted as interim director from Jan 1 to Jun 2025
Context of Appointment
The appointment is timely, following growing concerns about campus safety—including multiple student fatalities within six months—and infrastructure limitations like halted Ph.D. admissions due to accommodation shortages
Key Takeaways from Professor Suman Chakraborty’s Appointment
| # | 📌 Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Date & Tenure: Appointed June 19, 2025; took charge June 23; five-year term or until age 70 |
| 2 | Academic Background: B.Tech (Jadavpur, 1996), M.E./Ph.D. (IISc, 2000/2002) |
| 3 | Research Awards: UNESCO TWAS (2026), Infosys Prize (2022), Bhatnagar Prize, National Teacher Award (2023) |
| 4 | Welfare & Infrastructure Focus: Plans to tackle student wellbeing crises and hostel shortages |
| 5 | Institutional Importance: Leads the first IIT established (1951), with top-tier research status and diverse student body |
✅ FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the new Director of IIT Kharagpur?
Professor Suman Chakraborty has been appointed as the new Director of IIT Kharagpur. He officially took charge on June 23, 2025.
2. What are Professor Suman Chakraborty’s academic qualifications?
He holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Jadavpur University (1996) and completed his M.E. and Ph.D. from IISc Bangalore in 2000 and 2002 respectively.
3. What are some of the major awards received by Professor Suman Chakraborty?
He has received the UNESCO TWAS Award (2026), Infosys Prize (2022), Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and National Teacher Award (2023).
4. Why is his appointment significant for students and the education sector?
His focus on student welfare, research excellence, and infrastructure development directly impacts the future of higher education and innovation in India.
5. What is the role of an IIT Director?
The Director is the chief academic and administrative officer of an IIT, responsible for governance, policy implementation, research development, and overall institutional progress.
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