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Abhay Karandikar
Secretary at Department of Science & Technology
Abhay Karandikar is an accomplished Indian educator, engineer, and administrator currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in the Government of India, a position he assumed on October 1, 2023. He succeeded Dr. Rajesh Gokhale in this role.14
Education and Early Career
Karandikar was born on June 15, 1965, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from Jiwaji University in 1986, followed by a Master’s and PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.35 He began his academic career at IIT Bombay in 1997, where he held various significant positions, including Dean of Faculty Affairs and Head of the Electrical Engineering Department.
Professional Achievements
Before his appointment as Secretary, Karandikar was the Director of IIT Kanpur from April 2018 to September 2023. His tenure at IIT Kanpur was marked by leadership in educational and technological advancements.13 He played a pivotal role in establishing the Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI), serving as its founding member and former Chairman. His contributions to telecommunications include developing the "Frugal 5G" concept aimed at providing affordable broadband access in rural areas and participating in global standardization efforts for telecommunications.245
Karandikar has been recognized for his contributions with several awards, including the IEEE SA's Standards Medallion in 2016 for his impact on technology policy and standardization in India. He has also led initiatives related to 5G spectrum policy and has been involved in various committees that shape telecommunications regulations in India.34
Research and Contributions
His research interests encompass wireless communications, resource allocation in networks, and software-defined networking. He has numerous patents and publications in international journals and conferences, contributing significantly to advancements in the field.235
Karandikar's leadership in technology and education, along with his commitment to enhancing India's telecommunications landscape, positions him as a key figure in the country's scientific and technological development.
