Teaching at an IIT: Requirements and Eligibility

Many aspire to teach at the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), but what are the actual requirements to do so? While having an undergraduate degree from an IIT may be advantageous, it is not a strict prerequisite. In this article, we explore the key requirements for becoming a professor at an IIT.

Do I Need a Degree from an IIT to Teach in an IIT?

Only a Bachelor of Technology () degree is not sufficient to be eligible for becoming a professor at these institutes. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is typically required for an individual to apply for a teaching faculty position.

In reality, while an undergraduate degree from any AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) approved institute can be sufficient, a PhD is often necessary. The competition for obtaining a professorship at an IIT is increasing, and many positions may require an additional post-doctorate (Post-doc) degree with a significant research profile.

Required Academic Qualifications

For a high-level teaching position at an IIT, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

The candidate must hold a PhD with a First Class or equivalent academic performance at the preceding degree level. The candidate should have a strong academic record throughout their education. Highly reputable journals must include the candidate's published research papers. The candidate must have conducted research under a competent supervisor from an excellent university abroad. Very good knowledge and expertise in their field are mandatory.

A significant number of recent IIT professors come from prestigious backgrounds. Most of them have at least one degree from an IIT and have completed either a PhD or a Post-doc from a renowned university abroad, supervised by a reputable mentor.

Recruitment Practices at IITs

Let's refer to the recruitment advertisements to understand the eligibility criteria in detail. The recruitment advertisement for IIT-Bombay clearly states:

"Ph.D. with First class or equivalent in terms of Grades etc. at the preceding degree and a good academic record throughout."

Similarly, another advertisement from IIT Rajasthan mentions the same qualifications:

Real-World Examples

It is not uncommon to find IIT professors without an IIT degree. As an example, one of the writer's batch mates from MNIT Jaipur managed to secure an Assistant Professor position at IIT Bombay. You can review his LinkedIn profile for insight into his path to success.

Conclusion

While an undergraduate or graduate degree from an IIT may provide a significant advantage, it is not a strict requirement for becoming a professor at an IIT. The key is to excel academically, conduct impactful research, and gain relevant experience. As the competition intensifies, it is crucial to meet these high standards to secure a position in one of these prestigious institutions.