About IIT (ISM) Dhanbad

The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad is located in the prime coking coal belt of India, which is 260 km away from Kolkata city. The IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has all the facilities of a world-class academic Institute and is fully residential. Earlier known as the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, the Institute was formally opened on 9th December 1926 by Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India, to address the need for trained manpower related to mining activities in the country with disciplines of Mining and Applied Geology. The Indian School of Mines was conferred the status of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) on September 06, 2016, by the Goverment of India, and renamed as Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad. Since its establishment, the Institute has undergone considerable expansion and emerged as a reputed centrally funded technical institution in the country. IIT (ISM) Dhanbad offers 4 Years B. Tech. courses, 5 Years Integrated M.Tech. courses, Master of Science/Arts and Technology, Master of Business Administration, and awards Ph.D. Degree. IIT(ISM) Dhanbad has been contributing significantly to the growth and development of mining, mineral, petroleum, and groundwater exploration in India. The year 2026 will commemorate the 100 years of existence of the Institute and its service to the nation.

About the Department

The Department of Mining Engineering was established in 1926 with the founding of the Institute in that year by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin. Over the past 97 years, it has developed and grown to become the largest Department of its kind in the country with excellent facilities for teaching and research, and engaging in widespread activities in both coal and metalliferous mining as well as construction sectors. Its stellar reputation attracts students from all over India and abroad. The Department has been designated as a QIP Centre for advanced studies by faculty members from other Mining Engineering institutions of the country to pursue higher studies (M.Tech. and Ph.D.). Moreover, it has achieved the status of a Centre of Advanced Studies by the University Grants Commission in recognition of its high standards in teaching, research, and service to the mining industry.

The Department is offering a 4 yrs. B. Tech. program in Mining Engineering, three 2 yrs. M.Tech programs in Mining Engineering, Tunneling and Underground Space Technology, and Geomatics, and Ph.D. Program. The students passing out from this Department have traditionally occupied top positions in the government, academia, and research organizations as well as in the mining industry, both in India and internationally. Prominent positions such as Director-General of Mines Safety, Controller-General of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Chairman and Managing Director of major mining companies, and top executives in many other public and private sector companies are frequently occupied by alumni of the Department. Additionally, over 300 former students of IIT (ISM) hold esteemed positions in the USA and other countries. Acknowledging the standards of teaching and research imparted and the contributions made to the mining industry, the Department has been ranked at 25th and 41st position in QS ranking in the years 2023 and 2024, respectively, among the global universities offering Mining and Mineral education.