Yogesh Singh begins second term as Delhi University vice-chancellor

Professor Yogesh Singh began his second consecutive five-year term as vice-chancellor of the University of Delhi on Oct 8, becoming the first person in the university’s 77-year post-Independence history to be reappointed for a full second term.

His continuation in office follows a reappointment approved by the President of India in her capacity as the Visitor of the university. The decision was conveyed to Delhi University by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education through a letter dated July 2, 2026, according to the university’s notification.

Singh’s second term took effect from the afternoon of Oct 8, a day after his first five-year tenure ended on Oct 7. If completed in full, his new term will run until Oct 2031.

First reappointment under amended university rules

Singh’s second term is the first instance of Delhi University using a provision introduced through an amendment to Statute 11-F(4) of the Delhi University Act in October 2023. The change allows an incumbent vice-chancellor to be reappointed for another five-year term.

Before the amendment, an incumbent seeking another term had to apply afresh alongside other candidates. The change made consecutive terms possible through reappointment.

Singh’s academic leadership roles

Singh was appointed Delhi University’s 23rd vice-chancellor in 2021. Before taking charge at DU, he served as vice-chancellor of Delhi Technological University from July 2016 to July 2021. He also served as director of the Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi, from December 2014 to July 2016.

Before Singh, Maurice Gwyer served as Delhi University’s vice-chancellor from 1938 to 1950, making his tenure one of the longest in the university’s history.