Professor Uma Kanjilal Appointed as IGNOU’s First Woman Vice Chancellor

The Government of India has appointed Professor Uma Kanjilal as the first woman  Vice-Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). She was the acting Vice-Chancellor of the IGNOU from 25 July 2024 after the completion of the tenure of Professor Nagershwar Rao in July 2024.. Kanjilal, with over three decades of experience in education, is known for her leadership in digital distance education and is also the National Coordinator for the SWAYAM initiatives, launched by the Union Ministry of Education..

Appointment of IGNOU Vice Chancellor 

The IGNOU Vice Chancellor is appointed by the Visitor of the University, who is the President of India.

The President appoints a Search Committee for the selection of the new Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.

The candidate has to apply for the advertised post and is interviewed by the Selection Committee. 

The multimember committee has to recommend a name unanimously to the President, and the President then appoints the person as the new Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.

Term of the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU 

The Vice Chancellor is appointed for a term of five years or until they reach the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

About Professor Uma Kanjilal 

Professor Uma Kanjilal started her professional career as a Research Assistant at IIT Kanpur and, after working in other educational institutions, joined IGNOU in 1989.

She was made a Professor of Library and Information Science at the University in November 2003.

She has also served in various administrative posts at IGNOU, including Director of the Inter-University Consortium for Technology-Enabled Flexible Education (2016–2019) and Director of the Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning (2012–2013).

Professor Uma Kanjilal is known for her specialisation in e-learning, digital libraries, ICT education, and multimedia courseware development. 

She is also National Coordinator for the  Union Ministry of Education's SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA.

About IGNOU 

IGNOU was established in 1985 by the Government of India under the IGNOU Act 1985 enacted by the Parliament.

The University was established to provide equitable and inclusive access to higher education in the country through distance learning. 

It is the world's largest Open University in the world.

It is a central university under the Union Ministry of Education

Location- New Delhi