IIT Bombay struggles to fill reserved faculty positions

MUMBAI: IIT Bombay, like several other IITs and IIMs, is grappling with challenges in filling reserved faculty positions despite a mandate to implement the quota system in recruitment.

Experts highlight that in a country where seats are reserved for backward categories across multiple education levels and PhD requirements for teaching have been relaxed, the shortage of faculty-both in the general and reserved categories-raises serious concerns about the state of education and the uncertain future it signals for the nation's academic landscape.

An RTI filed by the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC) reveals that in 2023, IIT Bombay received 779 applications from OBC candidates nationwide but found none suitable for the positions. Similarly, no ST candidate was selected, while only 4 of the 523 SC applicants were hired. The situation showed slight improvement in 2024, with 2 out of 44 SC applicants, 1 out of 22 ST applicants, and 3 out of 106 OBC candidates being selected. Also, 17 general category faculty were appointed in 2023-24.

The student body stated that the situation is similar across IITs and IIMs. The RTI response to their query states that at IIT Delhi, where many more candidates applied, 6 out of 1,047 SC, 4 of 198 ST, and 16 out of 1,648 OBCs were selected in 2023. In 2021, all IITs advertised for hiring reserved category faculty after the govt mandated reservation in teaching posts. In 2023, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had informed Parliament that 4,526 posts across the IITs were unfilled. The IITs have not updated faculty strength numbers on the IIT Council portal beyond 2021.

IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare reaffirmed the institute's dedication to attracting top-tier teaching talent, both from India and abroad, whether for general or reserved categories. "The recruitment of faculty is a lengthy process, but we are constantly scouting for talent," he stated, adding that the last special round for hiring under the govt-mandated reservation took place in 2023. He clarified that while candidates from reserved categories receive certain concessions, such as age relaxations in line with govt norms, the institute maintains a uniform recruitment process for all faculty members, ensuring that quality remains a priority. "Many faculty members from reserved categories often choose to join under the general category, opting not to disclose or use the quota system," he noted. IIT Bombay, which also has 120 female faculty members, among the highest across all IITs, "continues its efforts to attract high-calibre educators while balancing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the academic sphere," he said, adding that IITB is already preparing for the next round for MMR (Mission Mode Recruitment) for candidates from the category.