Rishikesha T. Krishnan appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, effective August 1, 2026

Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan, one of India’s most distinguished academic leaders, has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University for an initial three-year term with effect from August 1, 2026. He will succeed Professor Somak Raychaudhury, whose tenure has been marked by significant academic growth, institutional strengthening, and global recognition for the University.

Professor Krishnan’s appointment follows a rigorous search and selection process conducted by a committee constituted by the Governing Body of Ashoka University.

A renowned scholar, policy expert, and institution-builder, Professor Krishnan brings decades of experience in academic leadership, research, and higher education administration. His multidisciplinary educational journey spans Physics at IIT Kanpur, Engineering-Economic Systems at Stanford University, and Management and Public Policy at IIM Ahmedabad. His research has focused on innovation in India at organisational, industrial, and national levels, and his work has been published in leading international journals across management, economics, development, and science policy.

Professor Krishnan has led two of India’s premier management institutions, serving as Director of IIM Indore from 2014 to 2018 and Director of IIM Bangalore from 2020 to 2025. During his tenure at IIM Bangalore, he established the School of Multidisciplinary Studies and led the development of undergraduate programmes in Economics and Data Science. He has also served on several national bodies and boards, including the Higher Education Financing Agency and the Board of Management of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. His contributions to public policy include service on committees of the Department of Science and Technology and membership of the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee that proposed a data protection framework for India. In 2025, he received IIT Kanpur’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the institution’s highest alumni recognition, for his exceptional contributions to management education and thought leadership.

Introducing the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor of Ashoka University, said, ‘Professor Krishnan’s distinguished record as a scholar and institution-builder makes him ideally suited to lead Ashoka at this important moment in its journey. We are delighted to welcome him to the Ashoka family and look forward to the vision and energy he will bring to this role. At the same time, we extend our gratitude to Professor Somak Raychaudhury for his remarkable contributions to Ashoka University. His leadership has left an enduring imprint on the institution.’

Speaking on the appointment, Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Trustee of Ashoka University, said, ‘Rishi is among India’s most respected academic leaders, with a proven track record of building institutions, nurturing innovation, and advancing excellence in higher education. We are confident that his vision, experience, and leadership will further strengthen Ashoka University’s position as a globally respected university committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and societal impact.’

Vice-Chancellor Designate Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan said, ‘Since its inception, Ashoka University has set high standards as a new generation, research-driven institution. It is a great privilege to lead the University as its Vice-Chancellor at this critical yet exciting juncture in its evolution. I look forward to working closely with the faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors and all stakeholders to contribute to the university’s continued growth and aspirations.’

Professor Somak Raychaudhury will complete his term as Vice-Chancellor on 31 July 2026. During his tenure, Ashoka University expanded its academic footprint through the establishment of seven new schools, including the Havells School of Management & Leadership, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Vachani School of Advanced Computing, and RK Damani School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences. The University also strengthened its commitment to accessibility and inclusion through expanded merit-and-need-based financial aid and strategic collaborations with leading institutions in India and abroad.

An internationally acclaimed astrophysicist and academic leader, Professor Raychaudhury will continue to be associated with Ashoka University as a scientist and professor. The University looks forward to his continued contributions to advancing excellence in teaching, research, and scientific discovery.