The Ministry of Education has appointed Vineet Joshi, Higher Education Secretary, as the interim Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC), following the retirement of Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar on April 7, 2025.
Joshi, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, will serve in this capacity until a permanent appointment is finalized.
Professor Kumar’s tenure was marked by significant reforms in India’s higher education system, including the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Joshi, a seasoned educationist and bureaucrat, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously led the National Testing Agency and contributed to standardizing competitive exams like NEET, JEE Main, and UGC NET.
Joshi’s academic credentials include a BTech from IIT Kanpur, an MBA (Gold Medallist) in International Business, and a PhD in Quality Management from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). His expertise and leadership are expected to guide the UGC during this transitional phase and ensure the continuity of educational reforms.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in India’s higher education landscape.
