Delhi University, established in 1922, stands as one of the premier educational institutions in India. Nestled in the heart of the capital city, Delhi, the university has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the nation. Its founding principles, guided by Vice Chancellors of DU, have always aimed at providing accessible and quality higher education and have made it a hub of intellectual, cultural, and social development.
Comprising a multitude of colleges and faculties, Delhi University offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The university has consistently been recognized for its emphasis on academic excellence, research contributions, and holistic development of students. Its reputation extends globally, attracting students and faculty from various corners of the world.
Central to the functioning of Delhi University is its administrative structure, led by the Vice Chancellors of DU. The Vice-Chancellor, appointed for a specified term, holds a key position in steering the university towards academic innovation, development, and growth. Over the years, the various Vice Chancellors have left indelible marks on the institution through their visionary leadership, academic reforms, and administrative contributions.
Who is a Vice-Chancellor?
The Vice-Chancellor assumes the role of the principal executive and academic officer of the University, also serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Board and the Academic Council. In the absence of the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor presides over the University convocation and confers degrees on eligible individuals.
Following are some of the important duties of a Vice-Chancellor of a University, as highlighted by Section 26 of India Code for Central and State Universities:
- It is the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to exercise general control over the University’s affairs, ensuring the maintenance of discipline within the institution.
- The Vice-Chancellor convenes meetings of the Board, Academic Council, Research Council, and Extension Education Council.
- A critical duty of the Vice-Chancellor involves ensuring the faithful observance of the provisions outlined in this Act, as well as adhering to the Statutes and Regulations.
- Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor is accountable for presenting the annual financial estimates and the annual accounts to the Board of Management.
- In situations demanding immediate action, the Vice-Chancellor may take necessary measures during emergencies. Subsequently, the Vice-Chancellor reports such actions to the relevant authority. In cases of disagreement, the matter is referred to the Chancellor, whose decision is final.
- If the Vice-Chancellor finds that a decision of the Board is not in the best interest of the University, it is within their purview to refer the matter to the Chancellor for a final decision.
- In instances where actions taken by the Vice-Chancellor adversely affect a person in the service of the University, the affected individual has the right to appeal to the Board within thirty days from the date of being served notice of the action.
- Subject to the provisions outlined in the preceding subsections, the Vice-Chancellor ensures the implementation of decisions made by the University Council and Board regarding appointments, promotions, suspension, and dismissal of officers, teachers, and other employees of the University.
- The Vice-Chancellor shoulders the responsibility for the effective administration of the University’s affairs, fostering close coordination and integration of teaching, research, and extension education.
- The Vice-Chancellor exercises additional powers and fulfils duties as conferred or imposed upon them under the provisions of this Act and the Statutes.
List of Vice Chancellors of DU
| Vice Chancellors of DU | Years Served | Major Contribution of DU Vice Chancellors |
| Yogesh Singh | 2021 – Present | Implementation of New Education Policy |
| Yogesh Tyagi | 2016-2020 | Implemented measures to enhance the quality and competitiveness of research |
| Dinesh Singh | 2010-2015 | Introduced reforms to the undergraduate curriculum |
| Deepak Pantal | 2005-2010 | Emphasised the use of technology in education |
| Deepak Nayyar | 2000-2005 | Focused on promoting interdisciplinary research |
| V.R. Mehta | 1995-2000 | Implemented initiatives to enhance the quality of education and research |
| Upendra Baxi | 1990-94 | Advocated for academic autonomy and freedom |
| Moonis Raza | 1985-90 | Fostered international collaborations and partnerships |
| Gurbakhsh Singh | 1980-85 | Emphasised diversity and inclusivity in the academic environment |
| R.C. Mehrotra | 1974-79 | Focused on infrastructure development and campus expansion |
| Sarup Singh | 1971-74 | Strengthened focus on humanities and arts education |
| K.N. Raj | 1969-70 | Advocated for social justice and equity in education |
| B. N. Ganguly | 1967-69 | Implemented policies for enhanced student welfare |
| C. D. Deshmukh | 1962-67 | Focused on financial reforms and resource mobilisation |
| N.K. Sidhant | 1960-61 | Contributed to the development of science and technology |
| V.K.R.V. Rao | 1957-60 | Developed social sciences, and established the Delhi School of Economics |
| G. S. Mahajan | 1953-57 | Expanded and strengthened science and technology departments |
| S.N. Sen | 1950-53 | Reorganised university after partition |
| Maurice Gwyer | 1938-50 | Developed legal education, expanded Law Faculty |
| Ram Kishor | 1934-38 | Promoted inclusion of indigenous knowledge in the curriculum |
| Abdur Rehman | 1930-34 | Advocated for and promoted interdisciplinary studies |
| Moti Sagar | 1926-30 | Emphasised and promoted research activities |
| Hari Singh Gaur | 1922-26 | Pioneered the establishment of separate faculties |
Who is the Current Vice Chancellor of DU or Delhi University?
Yogesh Singh is an Indian academic who is the current and 23rd Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi.
In his previous roles, he held the position of Vice Chancellor at Delhi Technological University (DTU). Before joining DTU in 2015, he served as director at Netaji Subhash University of Technology from 2014 to 2017.
Furthermore, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda from 2011 to 2014. From 2001 to 2006, Professor Singh functioned as the Dean of Information Technology at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.
