As India’s education ecosystem navigated a year defined by artificial intelligence, global collaboration and policy recalibration, leadership appointments played a critical role in steering the sector’s direction. From AI-driven learning to global academic influence and regulatory continuity, 2025 saw key figures step into roles that are set to shape the future of education in India and beyond.
Raghav Gupta took the helm of OpenAI’s education strategy in India & APAC
One of the most consequential appointments of 2025 was Raghav Gupta’s elevation as Head of Education, India & Asia Pacific at OpenAI. A former Asia Pacific Managing Director at Coursera, Gupta’s appointment signalled OpenAI’s serious intent to deepen its engagement with India’s education ecosystem.
Under his leadership, OpenAI aims to accelerate AI-powered learning initiatives, strengthen collaborations with institutions such as IIT Madras and AICTE, and roll out India-specific programmes focused on teacher training and classroom integration of AI. The move underscored AI’s transition from experimentation to mainstream adoption in education. Read more: The Economic Times
Prof Ajay Kapoor was appointed Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University
In higher education leadership, Prof Ajay Kapoor’s appointment as Vice Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University marked a strategic step towards strengthening research and global engagement. Bringing extensive international academic and research experience, Prof Kapoor is expected to drive interdisciplinary research, innovation-led learning and international collaborations.
His appointment reflected a broader trend in 2025, where universities increasingly prioritised global relevance, research depth and industry-aligned education. Read more: ETEducation.com
Professor Upasana Mahanta joined Cambridge International’s Strategic Council
2025 also witnessed a moment of global recognition for Indian academia, with Professor Upasana Mahanta becoming the first Indian academician appointed to the Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC) at Cambridge International.
The appointment highlighted India’s growing influence in global education discourse and policy alignment. Professor Mahanta’s inclusion in the council reinforced the role of Indian thought leadership in shaping international education standards, curriculum frameworks and future-ready learning models. Read more: ETEducation.com
Vineet Joshi was re-appointed acting Chairman of the University Grants Commission
Ensuring regulatory continuity amid reform was Vineet Joshi’s re-appointment as Acting Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), alongside his role as Secretary, Department of Higher Education.
Joshi’s leadership remained central to steering India’s higher education ecosystem through NEP 2020 implementation, regulatory alignment and institutional reforms, making his continuation a stabilising force during a period of transformation and policy execution.
Amitabh Kant took charge as Chairperson (Chancellor) of NIIT University
Bringing policy, governance and future-facing vision together, Shri Amitabh Kant—G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog—was appointed Chairperson (Chancellor) of NIIT University, effective March 10, 2025.
His appointment aligned closely with NIIT University’s vision of being a “University of the Future”, focused on innovation, technology-led education and emerging knowledge domains. Kant’s leadership is expected to strengthen NU’s role at the intersection of education, policy, industry and national development priorities. Read more here: ETEducation.com
Navin Chandra Lohni joined Uttarakhand Open University as Vice-Chancellor
Senior academician Navin Chandra Lohni was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Open University, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership in open and distance learning institutions. ETEducation.com
Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation & Technology appoints Dr Saji Gopinathan as vice-chancellorAlongside Dr Thomas, Dr Saji Gopinathan was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation & Technology, filling a critical leadership void and supporting the state’s push toward technology-led education frameworks. ETEducation.com
Dr Ciza Thomas was confirmed as Vice-Chancellor, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University
After a prolonged governance stalemate in Kerala, Dr Ciza Thomas was confirmed as Vice-Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, a key appointment aimed at ending institutional uncertainty and accelerating academic progress. ETEducation.com
Rajendra Babu Dubey joined Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University as vice-chancellor
Rajendra Babu Dubey was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University in Bikaner, marking a strategic leadership change for the institution. His tenure is set to run for three years or until he attains the age of 70. ETEducation.com
Alok Kumar Rai took charge as Director of IIM-Calcutta on July 30
Alok Kumar Rai took charge as the full-time director of IIM-Calcutta on July 30. He formally took over from Saibal Chattopadhyay, who was in the post since January 16, a statement said. Read more: ETEducation.com
Looking Ahead
These appointments reflect how 2025 became a year where education leadership moved decisively towards AI integration, global collaboration, policy continuity and future-ready institutional governance. As the sector enters 2026, the impact of these leadership shifts is likely to be felt across classrooms, campuses and policy corridors alike.
