Aim to increase faculty from 360 to 650: IIT-BHU director

VARANASI: The country’s leading university, IIT BHU, plans to increase its faculty strength from 360 to 650 in the next three years.

IIT BHU director Prof Amit Patra on Friday said that interviews and advertisements are on to speed up the process and the target is to complete the recruitment within three months in every cycle.

Prof Patra said the institute also plans to motivate senior scientists and postgraduate students from India and abroad to join by taking initiatives to attract research scientists from other IITs.

Addressing a press conference, Prof. Patra said that IIT BHU has several departments like pharmaceuticals, ceramics, mining, civil engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, which play a significant role in scientific leadership in the country.

IIT BHU was transformed from IT BHU only 12 years ago to keep pace with the evolving technology. Prof. Patra stressed the need for speed and the importance of equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities, supported by the ministry.

He drew attention to the historic buildings that house faculties such as mining and metallurgical engineering, and highlighted the excellent teaching facilities in student laboratories that simulate factory conditions.

He acknowledged the ample resources and facilities at IIT BHU, but noted that there is room for improvement in the rankings. He mentioned significant research capabilities in integrated circuit design, 6G communications and artificial intelligence. “With strong alumni support and corporate collaboration, two major initiatives are being taken up in the areas of e-mobility and biomedical devices,” he said.

“A research park similar to IIT Madras is being planned, which will facilitate monetization of researchers’ patents and support for startups, ₹85 crores have already been secured for construction. Alumni and angel investors are ready to provide significant financial support to encourage startups and reduce failure rates, promoting entrepreneurship over traditional employment,” Patra said.

He also highlighted the integration of aspects of the New Education Policy (NEP) in the curriculum, aimed at extending the duration of internships and job opportunities. Moreover, there are plans to provide recorded lectures in various native languages ​​from various IITs, while focusing on English language proficiency.

The ceremony was attended by Dean of Students, Professor Rajesh Kumar, Coordinator of Training and Placement Cell, Professor Sushant Kumar Srivastava, Chairman, Press and Publicity Committee, Joint Registrar Swati Biswas and Assistant Registrar Member Sudhanshu Shukla.