The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) was set up with an ambitious mission: to transform the way India’s urbanisation story unfolds. India is experiencing one of the largest and fastest urban transitions in the world, and the quality of this change will define its social, economic, and environmental future. IIHS is both a national institution with deep local engagement and a global knowledge hub that shapes conversations on urbanisation across the world.
What makes IIHS unique is its interdisciplinary approach. Instead of working in isolated silos, IIHS brings together diverse areas of practice and knowledge – academics, research, policy engagement, capacity development, practice-based work, and digital learning – under a single roof. This blend allows the Institute not only to teach and study cities, but also to shape policy, strengthen capacity in government and civil society, and deliver on-ground projects that become exemplars for others to follow.
At the heart of IIHS’s work is a focus on people and settlements – on making India’s cities, towns, and villages more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. Its teaching programmes are designed to nurture the next generation of urban practitioners, while its applied research contributes evidence to some of the most pressing issues of our times: affordable housing, climate resilience, sanitation, land use, governance, and livelihoods. Training and capacity development form another critical area, equipping professionals, urban officials, and grassroots organisations with the skills they need to tackle emerging urban challenges.
IIHS also invests in digital and blended learning, creating platforms to reach far beyond classrooms or workshops. These learning resources connect practitioners across India and the world, democratising access to high-quality knowledge on human settlements. Alongside, IIHS takes pride in connecting with communities through on-ground practice: building projects, advising governments, and piloting innovations that combine technical expertise with lived realities.
With campuses, partnerships, and projects spread across multiple geographies, IIHS is positioning itself as a world-class hub on urban issues from the Global South. Its contribution to global policy dialogues (such as climate change, sustainable development goals, and urban resilience) ensures that Indian experiences inform and benefit from global thinking.
As India continues its urban transformation, IIHS stands as an institution committed to building better settlements for all – spaces that are more equitable, liveable, sustainable, and capable of supporting future generations to thrive.
