Our History
History of The Institution of Engineers (India)
The Institution of Engineers (India) has served the country for more than a century. It began in 1920 as a platform for engineers to work and grow together.
Over the years, it has become one of the world’s largest engineering institutions. Its rise comes from key milestones, national work, and strong global partnerships.
Foundation (1920–1935)
1920
IEI was formally registered in Madras under the Indian Companies Act, 1913.
1921
The Institution was inaugurated by Lord Chelmsford at the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta.
1922
Publication of the first journal of the Institution.
1928
The first Associate Membership Examination was conducted.
1932
IEI shifted to its new building at 8, Gokhale Road, Calcutta (now West Bengal State Centre).
1935
IEI received its Royal Charter from King George V, giving it a distinguished constitutional status.
1920
IEI was formally registered in Madras under the Indian Companies Act, 1913.
Growth & Recognition (1936–1960)
1937
First Bye-laws approved by General Body and the Privy Council.
1945
Silver Jubilee celebrations inaugurated by Field Marshal Lord Wavell.
1951
Bulletin converted into a monthly publication.
1955–56
IEI recognized B.Tech degrees from IIT Kharagpur as exemptions from AMIE exams.
1958
Attorney General M.C. Setalvad affirmed that IEI remains a Body Corporate under the Royal Charter even after India’s Constitution came into force.
1966–1968
Statues and new headquarters building inaugurated by Presidents of India (Dr. Radhakrishnan & Dr. Zakir Hossain).
Milestones of National Importance (1970s–1990)
1970
Golden Jubilee inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
1980
Diamond Jubilee inaugurated by Vice President M. Hidayatullah; Mother Teresa awarded Honorary Life Fellowship.
1987
First Indian Engineering Congress inaugurated by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
1992
Launch of “IEI NEWS” tabloid; Qatar Chapter inaugurated.
1994
Platinum Jubilee celebrations inaugurated by President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.
1996–1999
Multiple international collaborations: Israel, Hungary, Poland, UK; FEISCA presidency; Asia Energy Vision conference; Post-Kargil tribute; Structural Engineers MoU.
Global Presence & Strategic Partnerships (2000–2010)
2000
World Congress on Sustainable Development inaugurated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
2001
IEI hosted major events at IIT Kharagpur and supported Gujarat earthquake recovery.
2003
Full Membership of Engineers Mobility Forum (EMF) for India.
2004–2005
National and international conferences on hydro projects, nanomaterials, and safety engineering.
2008
Launch of “IEI Industry Excellence Award”.
2009–2011
ISO 9001:2008 Certification; R&D Cell established; agreement with Springer for co-publishing journals.
Recent Era (2011–2013)
2011
First issue of IEI–Springer Journal Series C released.
2012
President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, inaugurated the 27th Indian Engineering Congress.
2013
28th Indian Engineering Congress inaugurated in Chennai by the President of India.