The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), a premier centre for research in applied and basic rock mechanics was registered under the Societies Registration Act.  in July, 1998 with headquarters in Kolar, Karnataka. It has been carrying out quality research work and extending its R&D support to the mining, hydroelectric and civil construction projects including tunneling. NIRM integrates theory and practice to provide specialised services of rock mechanics/rock engineering.

The Institute has the ISO-9001: 2008 accreditation for its R&D services in the following broad disciplines: Engineering Geology, Engineering Geophysics, Geotechnical Engineering, Fracture Mechanics & Materials Testing, Engineering Seismology, Numerical Modelling, Rock Blasting & Excavation Engineering, Mine Design & Ground Control, Microseismics & Automation, Engineering, and Dimensional Stone  Technology