UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar Retires 

Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar has officially stepped down as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) upon reaching the retirement age of 65. His leadership, which commenced in February 2022, ushered in a series of landmark reforms that have significantly reshaped India’s higher education landscape.

Key Reforms and Initiatives

During his time at the helm of the UGC, Professor Kumar introduced several student-centric reforms:

Common University Entrance Test (CUET): Implemented to standardise admissions across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, promoting fairness and accessibility.

Digital Learning Platforms: Advocated for the adoption of platforms like SWAYAM and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) to expand access to quality education, especially in remote areas.

A Storied Academic Journey

Hailing from Mamidala village in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, Professor Kumar’s academic credentials are both impressive and inspiring. He earned his Mastear’s and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Furthering his research pursuits, he undertook post-doctoral studies at the University of Waterloo in Canada, delving deep into the realm of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Before his pivotal role at the UGC, Professor Kumar served as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from 2016 to 2022. His tenure at IIT Delhi was marked by significant contributions, including holding the NXP Chair Professorship and coordinating the VLSI Design programme.

UGC’s Heartfelt Acknowledgment

The UGC has expressed profound gratitude for Professor Kumar’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. In an official statement, they lauded his tenure as being characterised by “unprecedented student-centric reforms and far-reaching institutional changes across higher education in the country.” His innate ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and his steadfast commitment to academia have left an indelible mark on the institution.

As Professor Kumar steps down, the higher education community reflects on the transformative changes he championed and anticipates the future trajectory of the UGC under new leadership. His reforms have laid a robust foundation, steering Indian education towards greater inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence.