More JEE Toppers Are Now Choosing IIT Jammu Over Other Newer IITs: Director Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur

IIT Jammu’s B.Tech Expansion, JEE Trends, and Global Vision: 5-Year Roadmap Shared by Director Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur

In an exclusive conversation with Shiksha.com, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, reveals how the institute is rapidly evolving into a sought-after destination for top JEE Advanced qualifiers and aspiring B.Tech students. From NEP-aligned curriculum reforms to global university tie-ups and an expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem, IIT Jammu’s transformation is rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary growth.

Prof. Gaur, who has been at the helm since the institute’s inception in 2017, shares insights on IIT Jammu’s placement success, emerging-tech programs, research breakthroughs, and how it is shaping the next generation of engineers and leaders.

Q. What is your overarching vision for IIT Jammu over the next five years?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: The vision for the next five years is to develop IIT Jammu into a centre of academic excellence where students experience intellectually transformative education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a deep sense of social responsibility. The institute aims to emerge as a global innovation hub rooted in Indian ethos, with strong industry linkages, high-impact research, and an inclusive learning environment.

Q. How is IIT Jammu aligning its academic curriculum with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu adopted a revised curriculum in 2022 aligned with NEP 2020. This includes multiple exit options, flexible credit-based learning, and a strong emphasis on skill development and interdisciplinary education. Courses such as Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Emerging Technologies have been introduced to foster innovation. The academic structure also supports flexible degree tenures and encourages experiential learning through hands-on projects and internships.

Q. What are the unique academic strengths or niche areas IIT Jammu is focusing on?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu focuses on interdisciplinary and emerging domains through its newly established Department of Interdisciplinary Programs (IDP). Programs such as B.Tech in Engineering Physics, Mathematics & Computing, and various M.Tech and Ph.D. programs in AI, VLSI, and Sustainable Technologies distinguish its academic offerings. The Institute’s emphasis on combining engineering, sciences, and entrepreneurship promotes innovation-led problem-solving with real-world relevance.

Q. Can you share some breakthrough research or innovative projects coming out of IIT Jammu recently?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu is making significant strides in multiple emerging technology domains. Notable research areas include quantum technology, drone-based delivery systems, smart concrete and sustainable construction materials, and environmental monitoring solutions. The institute is also advancing innovations in biomedical devices, plasma and thermal engineering, novel chemical technologies, and smart electric vehicles. These projects are supported by dedicated research centers and labs, reflecting IIT Jammu’s commitment to solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge science and engineering.

Q. How is the institute encouraging interdisciplinary research and industry-academia collaboration?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: The institute has established a dedicated Department of Interdisciplinary Programs, which mandates that all research programs of this department, including Ph.D., be jointly supervised by two faculty members with complementary expertise. This unique structure fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and ensures that research addresses complex problems from multiple perspectives.

New faculty members joining the institute are awarded generous seed grants. Enhanced seed grants are available for interdisciplinary grants, fostering collaboration across departments.

Faculty are encouraged to spend summer months in industry, called an Industry Attachment Program, to experience industry first-hand. Many of these initiatives have resulted in joint publications and strong industry linkages.

Matching grants are awarded by the institute when faculty secure research grants funded by industry.

Faculty are extensively involved in research and consultancy projects with industry.

An annual summer program, Inventix, promotes student entrepreneurship and is evaluated by representatives from industry.

IIT Jammu has hosted an Industry-Academia Conclave to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaborative initiatives among faculty, students, and industry leaders.

Startup Ecosystem. Cooling Innovation Lab (CIL) with support from International Finance Corporation (IFC) & World Bank (WB).

Q. What support systems are in place to promote faculty-led and student-led startups at IIT Jammu?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu promotes innovation through a two-tier support structure:

Level 1 – I2EDC (Innovation and Incubation Entrepreneurship Development Cell): This in-house pre-incubation platform supports students and faculty in ideating and validating startup concepts.

Level 2 – Incubation Centers:

I3C (IIT Jammu Innovation and Incubation Centre) – Institution-owned incubator

AIC-IIT Jammu Foundation – Supported by Atal Innovation Mission

ACIC IIT Jammu Foundation – Focused on inclusive and grassroots innovations

Applications are open year-round for pre-incubation and on a cohort basis for incubation. The ecosystem provides mentorship, prototyping support, investor connect, and workspace facilities.

Q. How has the institute's placement performance evolved in recent years, and which sectors are showing strong interest?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu has seen a consistent rise in placement figures, with the 2024–25 cycle expected to cross 88% placements, indicating growing recruiter confidence. Students receive opportunities across diverse domains and companies including Microsoft, Samsung, MathWorks, Arista Networks, Pegasystems, NVIDIA, and more.

Core sectors hiring actively include:

IT & Software Development

AI & Data Science

Semiconductor and VLSI Design

Core Engineering & Manufacturing

Infrastructure and Construction

Analytics & Consulting

The placement office also supports international internships and higher education aspirants, promoting a balanced ecosystem of career options.

Q. What steps is IIT Jammu taking to boost the employability of its graduates, especially in emerging tech areas?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu has proactively updated its curriculum to include training in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Electric Vehicles, VLSI, IoT, and Sustainable Technologies. Alongside, the Design & Innovation Centre, hands-on lab projects, skill development bootcamps, and industry-sponsored hackathons equip students with future-ready competencies. Soft skills, communication, and placement preparedness programs are integrated into the curriculum to ensure holistic development.

Q. Are there any new global collaborations or student exchange programs being developed?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: Yes. As of 2024–25, IIT Jammu has signed over 40+ MoUs with prestigious international universities and research institutions. These include:

RWTH Aachen (Germany)

University of Strathclyde (UK)

University of Florence (Italy)

Virginia Tech (USA)

Universität Siegen (Germany)

Through these collaborations, students gain opportunities for semester exchange, joint research, internships, and dual-degree programs. The institute is also an active participant in DAAD’s KOSPIE Fellowship and other global programs.

Q. How diverse is the student body in terms of geography, gender, and background? Any initiatives to enhance inclusivity?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: IIT Jammu attracts students from across all Indian states and Union Territories, reflecting a rich diversity of backgrounds. The gender ratio has improved steadily, and dedicated efforts—such as gender sensitization workshops, financial support for underrepresented groups, and inclusive student clubs—encourage a safe, welcoming campus culture.

In July 2025, IIT Jammu is set to admit its highest number of UG students to date, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage increase, including a strong representation from rural and first-generation learners.

Q. Has IIT Jammu observed any trends in JEE Advanced cut-offs or student preferences over the past few years?

Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur: Yes. IIT Jammu has seen stable JEE Advanced cut-offs over recent years. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electrical Engineering (EE), and Mechanical Engineering (ME) remain the top choices. However, newly introduced programs like Engineering Physics and Mathematics & Computing have also gained strong traction.

There is a marginal drop in preference for traditional branches like Chemical and Civil Engineering, which aligns with national trends across IITs due to the rise in data and AI-oriented programs. Thanks to improved infrastructure, strong placements, and seamless connectivity, more students are now choosing IIT Jammu over other newer IITs.