Post Overview
IIT Kanpur has advertised the post of Director, DIA-CoE under the Dean of Research and Development. The post is the administrative and executive head of the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and is a full-time role.
The selected candidate will be responsible for the smooth functioning of DIA-CoE IITK and will be required to submit a declaration for joining the post within 30 days of issue of the appointment letter.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Director, DIA-CoE |
| Institute | IIT Kanpur |
| Advertisement No. | P.Rect./R&D/2026/060 |
| Nature of role | Full-time |
| Reporting framework | Dean of Research and Development |
About DIA-CoE IIT Kanpur
The DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Kanpur has been set up for directed research through collaboration between DRDO and IIT Kanpur. The centre is intended to connect academic researchers, faculty, start-ups, industries and other institutes for advanced technology research.
The official advertisement lists the core technology domains of the centre.
- Flexible electronics and substrates
- Sensing
- Stealth and surface protection using nanomaterials and metamaterials
- Accelerated material design and development
- High energy systems
- Bio-engineering and CBRNE applications
- Software defined radio and military communication technologies
Essential Qualification
The minimum academic and experience requirement is clearly defined in the official advertisement.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Doctoral or Master's Degree in Engineering or Technology, or Doctoral or Master's Degree in Science from a recognized university |
| Professional experience | 25 years of professional experience in technology or scientific domains or in defence technical domains |
The notice also clarifies that the relevant experience is not limited only to the technology areas listed in the centre profile, although those areas remain highly relevant.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
IIT Kanpur has listed a broad set of desirable capabilities for the role, reflecting the senior leadership nature of the post.
- Wide-ranging experience in collaborative projects, setting up large research facilities, strategic research planning and technology transfer
- Exposure to multi-mode projects across laboratories, organizations and academia with awareness of global developments in relevant areas
- Experience in defence-domain research, coordination, technology development and deployment towards useful outcomes
- Alternatively, a strong record of publications, patents, laboratory or course development, or other recognized professional activities leading to defence or related technology development in the country
- Exposure to academic and industry-oriented research and coordination for realization of technology or systems
- Industry exposure, especially in translating technology into practical real-world applications
- Candidates from the Armed Forces with suitable experience in technical domains may also apply
Age Limit
The official advertisement sets a clear upper age condition for the post.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Upper age limit | Below 62 years |
| Reference point | As on the closing date of receipt of applications |
Candidates should ensure that their age proof is attached with the application because the advertisement explicitly asks for supporting documents for age.
Remuneration and Incentives
The salary structure depends on the employment background of the selected candidate.
| Category | Remuneration |
|---|---|
| Retired Central or State Government employee under Old Pension Scheme | Last drawn salary minus basic pension, in line with Department of Expenditure rules |
| Retired Central or State Government employee under New Pension Scheme | Last basic pay minus 30 percent of last basic pay, in line with Department of Expenditure rules |
| Non-Government employee without government pension benefits | Rs. 1,75,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 based on experience |
The advertisement also says that accommodation, medical benefits or other incentives may be provided by IIT Kanpur as per eligibility, institute norms and availability of accommodation.
Tenure and Service Conditions
The Director, DIA-CoE post is a full-time position with a defined initial tenure and extension clause.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial appointment period | 3 years |
| Renewal pattern | Renewed every year subject to performance |
| Possible extension | Additional 2 years by the competent authority subject to performance review |
| Discontinuation | Either side may discontinue with 3 months notice without assigning reason |
This means the maximum possible tenure can extend up to five years, subject to performance and institutional approval.
How to Apply Online
The application has to be sent online through email, and IIT Kanpur has specified the exact format and submission instructions.
- Prepare the CV in PDF format using the prescribed template.
- Add a brief statement explaining why you are well suited to the position.
- Attach supporting documents for age and essential qualifications.
- Combine the CV, statement and all attachments into a single PDF file.
- Name the PDF file in the format first name.last name.pdf.
- Use the email subject line Application for Director, DIA-CoE, IIT Kanpur.
- Send the email to estt_dord@iitk.ac.in on or before 05 May 2026.
The advertisement also says that persons working in full-time positions with government organizations may submit a no-objection certificate from the parent organization.
Documents and References Required
The official advertisement and attached template make it clear that the application should be detailed and well documented.
- CV in the prescribed IIT Kanpur template
- Supporting document for date of birth
- Supporting documents for educational qualifications
- Brief statement on suitability for the role
- No-objection certificate from the parent organization, if applicable
- Contact details of at least two references who may be contacted during the selection process
The CV template also seeks detailed information on educational qualifications, professional experience, patents, publications, key administrative positions and awards or recognitions.
Selection Process and Last Date
The scientific and research staff page of IIT Kanpur shows this Director DIA-CoE IITK opening with posting date 06 April 2026 and last date 05 May 2026. The detailed advertisement confirms the same last date for receiving applications and CVs.
The advertisement also notes that travel allowance will be reimbursed for attending the interview as per applicable rules. IIT Kanpur has not published a written test schedule or separate public shortlist with the advertisement itself.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Posting date | 06 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 05 May 2026 |
| Interview-related TA | Reimbursable as per applicable rules |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the post announced in IIT Kanpur Director Recruitment 2026?
The post announced is Director, DIA-CoE at IIT Kanpur.
What is the last date to apply for IIT Kanpur Director Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receiving the application and CV is 05 May 2026.
What is the age limit for the Director, DIA-CoE post?
The applicant should be below 62 years of age as on the closing date of receipt of applications.
What is the essential qualification for IIT Kanpur Director, DIA-CoE Recruitment 2026?
The essential qualification is a Doctoral or Master's Degree in Engineering, Technology or Science from a recognized university with 25 years of professional experience in technology, scientific or defence technical domains.
How should candidates apply for the IIT Kanpur Director post?
Candidates must email a single PDF containing the CV in the prescribed format, a brief suitability statement, and supporting documents to estt_dord@iitk.ac.in.
What is the tenure of the Director, DIA-CoE appointment?
The initial appointment is for 3 years, renewed every year subject to performance, and it can be extended by another 2 years subject to performance review.
What is the salary for the IIT Kanpur Director, DIA-CoE post?
For non-government employees without government pension benefits, the remuneration is Rs. 1,75,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 based on experience. For retired government employees, the pay is determined as per applicable Department of Expenditure rules.