Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s most prestigious central universities, has appointed Professor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi as its 29th Vice-Chancellor. His tenure will last for three years or until he attains the age of 70, whichever comes earlier. The Ministry of Education has formally approved the appointment, which comes following the conclusion of Prof Sudhir Kumar Jain’s term on January 6, 2025. Prof Chaturvedi’s appointment is being widely viewed as a significant development, given his distinguished academic background, leadership record, and prior association with the university.

Prof Chaturvedi is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, from where he obtained his BTech in 1986, MTech in 1988, and PhD in 1995, all in Electrical Engineering. His academic specialisation lies in communication theory and systems, and he has made notable contributions in the areas of waveform shaping, sequence design, and MIMO wireless systems. His work has been recognised at national and international levels. In 2007, he was conferred with the ‘Distinguished Teacher’ award by IIT Kanpur, a recognition of his excellence in teaching and mentorship. A year later, he received the prestigious Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

Adding further to his academic and professional credentials is his long record of leadership at India’s premier engineering institutions. Between 2017 and 2022, he served as the Director of IIT Roorkee. Simultaneously, he was also the Acting Director of IIT Mandi from 2020 to 2022, playing a key role in shaping the growth trajectory of the newly established IIT. In addition, Prof Chaturvedi was associated with the Indian Institute of Advanced Study as Director from January 2017 to 2018, further showcasing his administrative capabilities in multidisciplinary research environments.

Prof Chaturvedi is no stranger to BHU. Between 1994 and 1996, he served on the faculty of Electronics Engineering at the Institute of Technology, BHU (then known as IT-BHU, before its conversion into an IIT). This early stint gave him direct insight into the academic culture and ethos of the university, a connection that adds value to his return now as Vice-Chancellor.

His association with IIT Kanpur has been deep and impactful. He returned to the institute in 1999 and rose through academic and administrative ranks, holding several leadership positions including Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Dean of Research & Development, and Deputy Director. His administrative experience has been marked by a focus on research excellence, innovation, and academic rigour. He has also mentored student teams, notably leading a group that won the Microsoft Award for Innovation at the World Finals of the IEEE Computer Society International Design Contest in 2002.

As Vice-Chancellor of BHU, Prof Chaturvedi steps into a role of immense responsibility and influence. The university, with its vast and diverse student body, sprawling campus, and multidisciplinary academic structure, presents both opportunities and challenges. In his new role, he is expected to oversee a range of academic programmes, research initiatives, and administrative reforms. With his deep-rooted experience in engineering education and his proven track record of leading major institutions, Prof Chaturvedi is likely to bring in a forward-looking vision aligned with global academic standards while respecting the university’s rich heritage.

According to the appointment letter issued by Shreya Bhardwaj, Deputy Secretary, Government of India, the terms and conditions of Prof Chaturvedi’s service will be governed by the existing Act, Statutes, and Ordinances of Banaras Hindu University. His assumption of office is effective immediately.

The appointment of Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi marks a new chapter for BHU. His blend of academic excellence, administrative acumen, and familiarity with the university’s culture positions him well to steer BHU into its next phase of growth and transformation.