IIT Ropar Partners with Army Air Defence College for MTech in Defence Technology

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has entered into a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Army Air Defence College (AADC) in Gopalpur. This strategic partnership is designed to offer MTech degrees in Defence Technology specifically tailored for Indian Army officers, marking a significant step in bridging the gap between academic research and military application.

The agreement was officially signed by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, and Lt. Gen. Amit Rao, Commandant of the Army Air Defence College. This initiative serves as an extension of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic and research cooperation that was originally established in December 2022 between IIT Ropar and the Army Training Command, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence.

Academic Integration and Research Collaboration

Under the terms of this new agreement, Army officers currently enrolled in the Long Air Defence Course will be eligible to receive formal academic accreditation through the MTech programme at IIT Ropar. The collaboration is structured to ensure that military personnel receive high-level technical training that aligns with the evolving needs of the defence sector.

To support the academic journey of these officers, IIT Ropar will appoint faculty members to serve as mentors. These mentors will provide guidance on dissertations and research projects, ensuring that the work meets the rigorous standards of the institute. Furthermore, the officers will be granted access to the laboratories and technical infrastructure at IIT Ropar, subject to necessary approvals, to facilitate their research activities.

The programme will also feature a blend of learning modalities, with IIT Ropar faculty delivering lectures and seminars through both online and offline platforms. Beyond the MTech degree, both institutions have committed to fostering a collaborative environment to advance technological knowledge in areas of mutual interest. This partnership is expected to strengthen the ongoing academic and research ties between the institute and the Indian Army, a relationship that has been actively supported by the IIT Ropar Defence Research and Innovation Foundation since the initial 2022 agreement.