UDAIPUR: Bringing recognition to Udaipur’s engineering talent, Devraj Singh Chouhan has joined a drone technology project at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay as a Project Research Assistant (PRA) in 2026. Working under the institute’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, he will contribute to Drone Design and Development – System Integration, marking a new chapter in his professional journey in aerospace and defence technology.
For Udaipur, Chouhan’s achievement highlights the journey of a local talent moving from engineering education into a specialised field with applications in national defence. His academic foundation, industry experience and new research assignment reflect the opportunities available to engineers who pursue advanced technical expertise.
Chouhan completed his mechanical engineering degree at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, in 2020. He subsequently worked with Raphe mPhibr Pvt. Ltd. in 2024, a company engaged in manufacturing drones for defence forces. During this period, he gained professional exposure to work associated with the Indian Army, Adani Defence and Aerospace, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
This industry experience forms an important part of his professional background as he takes on responsibilities involving drone design, development and system integration at IIT Bombay. The role will provide an opportunity to deepen his engagement with aerospace research and advanced drone systems.
With India focusing on strengthening indigenous defence technology, skilled professionals in drone engineering and system integration have an important role to play in developing technical capabilities. Chouhan’s new assignment places him in an environment where research and engineering expertise come together in this evolving field.
His connection with Udaipur is also reflected in his family’s academic background. He is the grandson of the late Thakur Sahib Dalpat Singh Chouhan. His father, Thakur Lieutenant Professor (Dr.) Devendra Singh Chouhan, serves as Deputy Dean (Student Welfare) and Professor at Sir Padampat Singhania University (SPSU), Udaipur. His mother works as a vice-principal at a Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Government Senior Secondary School.
Chouhan’s appointment at IIT Bombay is a proud milestone for his family and a noteworthy achievement for Udaipur. From his engineering education to practical experience in the defence industry and now a research role at one of India’s leading technical institutions, his journey offers encouragement to young people from the region aspiring to build careers in aerospace engineering and defence technology.