IIT Council Discusses PhD Reforms, AI Integration, Research Commercialisation and Student Well-Being at 56th Meeting in IIT Delhi

The 56th meeting of the IIT Council, the apex coordination body of 23 Indian Institutes of Technology, was held at IIT Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a two-year gap. The council held extensive discussions on reforming PhD programmes to enhance research quality, global relevance, innovation outcomes, and the ability of IITs to attract top international talent. A key focus was on the commercialisation of research within higher education institutions and promoting translational research aligned with national priorities and critical technologies to support India’s innovation ecosystem and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The council emphasised the need to integrate artificial intelligence into curricula and adapt pedagogy in real time, forming a task force to develop an action plan for both higher and school education. Members discussed strategies to improve global rankings, strengthen industry–academia–policy linkages, and leverage IIT alumni networks for mentorship, research collaboration, and industry partnerships. The meeting also highlighted the importance of student mental well-being, recommending compassionate faculty engagement, healthier campus environments, and regular health check-ups. Additional discussions covered recruitment policies under the Central Educational Institutions Act, expanding the IIT R&D Fair into a global platform, promoting regional languages in education for inclusivity, and enhancing support for international students and foreign faculty to reinforce IITs’ position as leading global research hubs.

The council also explored innovative models to foster entrepreneurship and cultivate job creators rather than job seekers among students. It underscored the role of IITs in addressing real-world challenges through interdisciplinary projects, startups, and technology-driven solutions that have societal impact. Discussions included promoting collaboration between multiple IITs to share best practices, research infrastructure, and mentorship programs, ensuring that every campus becomes a vibrant ecosystem for learning, innovation, and holistic student development.