Navigating the Academic Jungle: Challenges and Anecdotes in IIT Professors

Introduction

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are renowned for their rigorous academic standards and top-notch education. However, like any educational institution, they are not without their share of challenges and anecdotes. This article explores some of the less stellar experiences and professors reported by students and alumni, while also providing a balanced perspective on the hiring process and criteria for teachers at IITs.

Akhilesh Mimani: The Vibration Nightmare

At IIT Kanpur, the department of Mechanical Engineering is unfortunately not immune to the presence of less than stellar professors. Akhilesh Mimani, a professor in mechanical engineering, has garnered significant criticism for his teaching methods and subject matter expertise. According to students, the selection committee at IIT Kanpur should take a much more stringent approach to evaluating candidates before appointment. Mimani's lectures on vibration were described as a continuous torture, with a lack of knowledge and a socially inappropriate temperament equating him to a "retard." The quality of such professors can make even mentally disabled lecturers appear superior in terms of competence and demeanor.

Personal Worst Professors of All Time

There are a few professors who stand out among the rest, elicit strong negative reactions, and are remembered for their significant impact (or lack thereof) on student experiences. Two professors in particular stand out: Rabibrata Mukherjee from the Chemical Engineering department at IIT Kharagpur and Ashis Maity Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. Both are cited as having a profound negative impact on the learning experience. It is important to note that these are personal opinions and may not represent the consensus of the entire student body or the institution.

Challenges in Hiring Quality Professors

It is worth noting that for the most part, IITs are known to maintain a high standard for recruiting teachers. The selection process is rigorous, and teachers are evaluated based on their research capabilities, teaching experience, and overall knowledge in their fields of expertise. However, it is not impossible for poor-quality individuals to slip through the cracks. In this context, it is important to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure that the learning experience at IITs remains of the highest quality. However, it is important to recognize that some professors are remembered more for their unconventional or less effective teaching methods, rather than being outright incompetent.

Case Studies in Incompetence

Several professors have been known to deliver poor quality education or engage in regressive teaching practices. For example, Prof. M. P. Gupta from the Department of Management Studies at IIT Delhi is reported to frequently skip classes and allow for widespread cheating during exams. His emphasis on the use of outdated XML databases as a future-proof technology is also a point of contention. On the more extreme end of the spectrum, P Sreenivas Kumar from the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department at IIT Madras is dishonored for his stale PowerPoint presentations and his headship of the department, which has raised questions about the selection process for such positions. nC Sivaram Murti, the ex-HOD of the same department, is criticized for his disregard for student welfare, despite having a respectable research publication count.

Conclusion

To ensure a positive educational experience, it is crucial for students to be informed and proactive, especially with regard to course offerings and instructors. If a student finds the instructor for a course they are enrolled in to be subpar, they should not hesitate to drop the course. Furthermore, it is recommended to use platforms like Quora for additional insights and to avoid taking unnecessary risks with academic degrees. It is the collective responsibility of students and the institution to foster a learning environment that is both rigorous and supportive.