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Director, JNARDDC

Dr. Rohit Kumar Gupta

Director, JNARDDC, NAGPUR

Dr. Rohit Kumar Gupta, Director, JNARDDC, is a distinguished Metallurgist with over 26 years of rich experience in materials development, processing, characterization, failure analysis, additive manufacturing, technology development and institutional administration. He holds a B.E. in Metallurgical Engineering from GEC/NIT Raipur, an M.Tech. in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, and a Ph.D. in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from IIT Roorkee.

Dr. Gupta has held senior positions at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), ISRO, where he contributed extensively to the indigenous development and qualification of aerospace materials and technologies. His areas of expertise include aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys, copper alloys, stainless steels, cryogenic steels, investment castings and advanced material processing. He has played a significant role in the development and realization of materials for major ISRO programmes and missions, including PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, SSLV, Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan, Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan.

He has conducted and guided several studies on industrial issues and metallurgical failure analysis and has contributed to more than 300 technical publications and presentations, including international research papers, conference papers, book chapters and patents. He has also co-supervised Ph.D. and M.Tech. scholars in collaboration with leading academic institutions such as IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Trichy, IIT Dhanbad, CUSAT and IIST.

Dr. Gupta has received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including the Metallurgist of the Year Award (2019) from the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, Distinguished Alumnus Award (2021) from NIT Raipur, multiple ISRO Team Awards, the ISRO Young Scientist Award (2007) and the Young Metallurgist of the Year Award (2009).

He joined Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Ministry of Mines, Government of India, as Director on 23 September 2026. At JNARDDC, he is responsible for providing leadership in research and development in aluminium and its alloys, critical minerals, metal recycling, and testing and certification of metals and minerals, with a focus on advancing indigenous technologies and strengthening the Centre's contribution to the mineral and metals sector.

In addition to the above he holds the following positions :-

Member of Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Mining Projects / Non-Coal Mining Sector — Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
Member of National Mineral Index (NMI) Committee — Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
Member of Committee for Revision of Rates of Royalty for Minerals — Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
Member of Study Group on Developing Local Ecosystem of Mining Equipment Manufacturing — Ministry of Mines, Government of India.
Member of Standing Committee on Coal — Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
Member of Copper Sub-Group — Planning Commission, Government of India.
Chairman, Project Evaluation and Review Committee (PERC) — Ministry of Mines.
Member, Project Sanctioning Committee (PSC) — Ministry of Mines.
Chairman, Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), S&T PRISM Scheme for promoting Startups and MSMEs — Ministry of Mines.
Project Management Agency (PMA) for implementation of the ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling.
Project Management Agency (PMA) for the Ministry of Mines Scheme titled “Pilot Projects for Recovery of Critical Minerals from Overburdens / Tailings / Fly Ash / Red Mud etc.”
Chairman, Standing Review Committee for Liquid Propulsion Systems – Material and Casting.
Chairman, Expert Committee to review surface treatment procedures for engine sub-systems.
Chairman, Task Team for characterization of Kazbek Seat and Viewports for Gaganyaan.
Member, Expert Committee for finalization of brazing parameters for various brazed joints in semi-cryo engine sub-systems.
Member, Expert Committee for reviewing the additive manufacturing process for PS4 Engine.
Member, Committee for assessment of projects taken up through YUKTI-Sanchita.
Member, Joint Policy Committee (JPC) of Space Technology Cell (STC) at IIT Madras.
Member, Selection Committee for JRF/SRF — NIIST, Trivandrum.
Member, Academic Committee — NIT Raipur, for 2 years.
Member, Doctoral Research Committee — IIT Bombay, IIST Trivandrum, IIT Kharagpur, NIT Trichy, CUSAT Cochin and IIT Dhanbad.

Message from the Director

Dear Colleagues,

I have assumed charge as Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC) with effect from 23rd September 2026.

JNARDDC has earned a distinguished reputation as a Centre of Excellence for the aluminium and non-ferrous metals sector through its work in bauxite beneficiation, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, downstream product development, analytical testing, pilot-scale technology development, engineering design, consultancy, calibration, and skill development. The Centre has made significant contributions towards indigenous technology development, process innovation, and sustainable growth of the sector.

In addition to its R&D mandate, JNARDDC has played a key role as the Project Management Agency (PMA) for major Government of India initiatives, including the ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme for promotion of low-grade aluminium products, the S&T PRISM Scheme and programmes supporting startups, technology commercialization, and MSME development, thereby fostering innovation and strengthening the industrial ecosystem.

Going forward, our focus will be on industry-driven research, sustainable technologies, critical minerals, advanced materials, digital transformation, and stronger collaboration with industry, academia, startups, and government agencies. With your continued support and dedication, I am confident that JNARDDC will further enhance its contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
I look forward to working together to take JNARDDC to greater heights of scientific excellence and national service.

Jai Hind !

With best wishes

                                
                                    Dr. Rohit Kumar Gupta
                                
                                    Director, JNARDDC, NAGPUR