The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially bid farewell to its Chairman, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, who retired upon reaching the age of 65. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the UGC lauded Kumar’s “visionary leadership and student-first approach,” acknowledging the sweeping reforms and institutional changes he introduced during his tenure.

Appointed in February 2022, Kumar’s term as UGC Chairman was marked by a strong focus on student-centric policies and systemic transformation in India’s higher education landscape. One of his key initiatives was the implementation of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, aimed at streamlining university admissions nationwide.

He also championed the integration of digital learning platforms such as SWAYAM and Open and Distance Learning (ODL), aligning the UGC’s efforts with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and fostering broader access to quality education.

Born in Mamidala village in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, Kumar holds an MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada. Prior to leading the UGC, he served as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from 2016 to 2022. At IIT Delhi, he held prestigious roles including the NXP Chair Professorship and coordinated VLSI Design programs.

An accomplished academic, Prof. Kumar has contributed extensively to research in nanoelectronics, device modeling, and semiconductor design, with over 250 publications, several patents, and multiple accolades, including the 2013 Award for Excellence in Teaching from IIT Delhi.

In its tribute, the UGC emphasized his ability to connect with stakeholders across academia and beyond, praising his commitment to progressive reforms. As the Commission prepares for a leadership transition, the higher education sector looks back at Kumar’s tenure as a period of significant evolution and awaits the next chapter for the UGC.