On 09/02/2026, the Ministry of Education answered Unstarred Question No. 1581 regarding DoPT guidelines for reservation in promotion in IITs. The minister (Dr. Sukanta Majumdar) stated that IITs are autonomous bodies governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961. Reservation in IITs for the non-teaching cadre is implemented in line with the Government of India's reservation policy as per the norms prescribed by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to promote social justice and equitable representation. Recruitment continues to be conducted through transparent and merit-based procedures ensuring opportunities are accessible to candidates from underrepresented communities.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT): The DoPT's guidelines are referenced regarding reservation in promotion within IITs.
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): The main subject of the policy concerning reservation in promotion.
Ministry of Education: The ministry under which the policy falls, as it pertains to IITs.
Institutes of Technology Act, 1961: Act governing the IITs.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1581
ANSWERED ON-09/02/2026
DoPT Guidelines for Reservation in Promotion in IITs
†1581. Dr. Faggan Singh Kulaste:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines are applicable
for providing reservation in promotion to engineers and technical cadre employees in IITs, if
so, the details thereof;
(b) whether instances have been recorded in IITs where reservation in promotion has
been limited or deferred on the ground of 'skilled cadre' or 'specialized skills' requirements, if
so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether the Government is considering to implement a new mechanism for regular
monitoring of compliance with reservation policies in promotions in IITs and if so, the details
thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (c): The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are autonomous bodies governed by the
Institutes of Technology Act, 1961 as amended from time to time, and the statutes framed
thereunder. Reservation in IITs for the non-teaching cadre is implemented in line with the
Government of India’s reservation policy to promote social justice and equitable
representation. Posts are reserved as per the norms prescribed by Department of Personnel
and Training (DoPT). These measures aim to ensure that opportunities in these institutions
are accessible to candidates from underrepresented communities, while recruitment continues
to be conducted through transparent and merit-based procedures.
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