The Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, has announced the onboarding of Dinkar Gupta, former Director General of the National Investigation Agency and a former Director General of Police in Punjab, as a Professor of Practice in the Institute. In a statement, IIT Ropar noted that Gupta brings extensive expertise in several critical areas, including national security, defence policy, counterterrorism, and intelligence.
His extensive experience is set to catalyse a new level of energy and enthusiasm at the institute, where he will help students get exposure to the practical aspects of their academic training, it said.
Welcoming Mr. Dinkar Gupta, former DG NIA, as Professor of Practice at IIT Ropar’s Defence Research Innovation Foundation and School of AI & Data Engineering. His distinguished career and leadership will inspire and guide young minds in India’s growth journey. pic.twitter.com/S8q02nanQi
— IIT ROPAR (@iitrpr) December 10, 2025
“He will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia, government and strategic affairs, thereby empowering the young minds with the skill-based knowledge needed to partner India’s growth and development journey,” it said.
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His extensive experience is set to inspire a new level of energy and enthusiasm at the institute, where he will provide students with exposure to the practical aspects of their academic training.
“He will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia, government and strategic affairs, thereby empowering the young minds with the skill-based knowledge needed to partner India’s growth and development journey,” it said.
In addition to mentoring students and researchers at the intersection of technology, policy, and national security, he will collaborate closely with faculty on research projects concerning internal security and cybersecurity.
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Dinkar Gupta’s public service journey
Gupta has had a distinguished career spanning 37 years in the Indian Police Service from 1987 to 2024. He also served as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is India’s premier counter-terrorism agency.
Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions at both national and state levels, focusing on national security, intelligence, law enforcement, policing, and counter-terrorism. His exceptional service has been recognised with multiple awards for conspicuous gallantry by the President of India.
Since retiring from the NIA in March 2024, Gupta has continued to contribute to public policy, strategic advising, and governance through senior roles in both the public and private sectors. Currently, he works as a senior advisor in strategy, innovation, and public services at Tata Consultancy Services, and he serves as an advisor on security matters. Additionally, he is guiding corporate policy as an independent director for several leading companies.
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