While the research faculty remains engaged in pursuing the Institute’s academic mission, the overall working of the organization is monitored by a supervisory body which also lays down the broad framework for the Institute’s endeavours. Originally known as the Board of Governors, this body was redesignated in 1980 as the Council of Islamic Research Institute.

The Council, headed by the President of the International Islamic University and drawn from a select group of men noted for their knowledge and varied experience, is responsible to the Board of Governors of the University. The Council is entrusted with formulating policies and programmes of research and evaluating the performance of the Institute. The administrative and financial policies are also supervised by the Council.