Abhay Karandikar’s career has taken him through some of India’s most important institutions in science, technology and higher education. He began as an engineering student at IIT Kanpur, spent nearly three decades as a professor at IIT Bombay, became Director of IIT Kanpur, served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and is now a Member of NITI Aayog.Along the way, his work has focused on telecommunications, wireless networks, affordable broadband and emerging technologies. His research group has also contributed to international technology standards covering areas such as 5G, 5G-Advanced and the development of technologies for future 6G networks.
Who is Abhay Karandikar?
Karandikar is currently serving as a Member of NITI Aayog, where his work covers science and technology, innovation, emerging technologies, inclusive growth and evidence-based policymaking.Before joining NITI Aayog in May 2026, he served as Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, from October 2023 to May 2026.During his tenure, he was involved in initiatives including the National Quantum Mission, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund for private-sector research and deep-tech startups.
His education: IIT Kanpur to a career in communications
Karandikar studied at IIT Kanpur from 1986 to 1994, completing his MTech and PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on communications networks.His early professional experience included a stint at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), where he worked on supercomputing.In 1997, he joined IIT Bombay as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering. He has remained associated with the institute since then, although he took leave from his faculty position for his government and leadership assignments.
Nearly three decades at IIT Bombay
Karandikar spent almost 30 years at IIT Bombay, where his responsibilities went beyond teaching and research.He served as Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Head of the Computer Centre, Dean of Faculty Affairs and Professor-in-Charge of the IIT Bombay Research Park.His research has focused on communication networks and wireless communications, including technologies relevant to affordable broadband and next-generation mobile networks.His research group has worked on AI-driven programmable protocols for 6G and contributed to global standardisation efforts involving 5G and 5G-Advanced.
From IIT Bombay professor to IIT Kanpur director
In April 2018, Karandikar became Director of IIT Kanpur, a position he held until September 2023.During his tenure, IIT Kanpur expanded its academic infrastructure and research activities. New academic departments and research centres were established in areas including sustainable energy, cognitive sciences, space and planetary sciences and design.The institute also expanded its startup ecosystem. According to Karandikar’s profile, IIT Kanpur’s innovation programme crossed 100 startups in its portfolio, with a combined valuation of around Rs 3,000 crore during his tenure.He also initiated the process for establishing the institute’s research park and worked towards the creation of a medical school focused on medical technology and future healthcare.
His role in India’s telecom standards
Karandikar has also played a role in developing India’s contribution to global telecom standards.He was a founding member and former chairman of the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI). He also served as a part-time member of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) between 2018 and 2021.His research has contributed to standards including IEEE 1930.1, described in his profile as the first IEEE standard emerging from Indian efforts led by his team, and IEEE 2061, which focuses on affordable broadband networks.His work has also covered satellite communications, energy-efficient networks, wireless relays and the convergence of broadcast and broadband technologies.
Awards and recognition
Karandikar is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).He received the IEEE SA Standards Medallion in 2016 for his contributions to standards development. His profile also lists an honorary doctorate from King George’s Medical University.His career now moves into another phase at NITI Aayog, where his academic background, experience in technology policy and years of work in telecommunications and research administration come together in a policy-making role.