In a significant development for India’s premier engineering institution, Professor Suman Chakraborty has been appointed as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The appointment was officially announced by the Ministry of Education, marking the end of a six-month interim period during which Prof. Amit Patra served as acting director.

An Esteemed Academic and Innovator

Prof. Chakraborty is a globally recognized expert in the field of microfluidics and nanoscale transport phenomena, with pioneering contributions in affordable medical diagnostics. A graduate of Jadavpur University, he completed his postgraduate and doctoral studies at IISc Bangalore, and has been associated with IIT Kharagpur since 2002.

He has held several key administrative roles at the institute, including:

• Dean of Research and Development

• Associate Dean (SRIC)

• Head of the School of Medical Science and Technology

Awards and Achievements

Prof. Chakraborty has been honored with several prestigious awards:

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize

• Infosys Prize in Engineering and Computer Science

• National Award for Teachers

• TWAS Award 2026 in Engineering Sciences

His work has made a tremendous impact on low-cost healthcare solutions, particularly for rural populations.

Focus Areas as Director

In his first remarks after the appointment, Prof. Chakraborty emphasized the importance of:

• Improving student well-being and mental health support

• Fostering a positive and inclusive campus culture

• Strengthening IIT Kharagpur’s global academic footprint

• Promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation

He also stressed the need to “dispel negativity with empathy and collective purpose” amid rising concerns around student stress and academic pressure.

What This Means for IIT Kharagpur

This appointment is expected to bring stable and visionary leadership to IIT Kharagpur, which has been functioning under interim leadership since the retirement of former director Prof. V. K. Tewari in December 2024. Prof. Chakraborty’s appointment is being widely welcomed by faculty, students, and alumni as a step toward reinforcing the institute’s global stature and social impact.

About IIT Kharagpur:
Established in 1951, IIT Kharagpur is the oldest IIT in India and has consistently ranked among the top engineering institutions globally. It is known for its expansive campus, diverse programs, and excellence in research and innovation.