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Prof. Uma Kanjilal Appointed as IGNOU’s First Woman Vice‑Chancellor in Historic First.

Appointment | Dated: 26 Jul 2025

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) made history on 25 July 2025 with the appointment of Professor Uma Kanjilal as its first-ever woman Vice‑Chancellor. Her elevation to this prestigious position marks a milestone in the university’s nearly four-decade legacy and reflects recognition of her deep-rooted experience in open and digital education.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Professor Kanjilal brings over 36 years of dedicated service within the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system. She joined IGNOU administration in 1989, later advancing through roles such as Pro Vice‑Chancellor (Mar 2021–Jul 2024) and Acting VC from 25 July 2024, before receiving this full-time appointment.
  • - Recognized nationally for her contributions to digital education, she has led numerous academic and administrative bodies at IGNOU, including the Centre for Online Education, the Inter‑University Consortium for Technology‑Enabled Flexible Education, and the Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning. She also holds the status of Professor of Library and Information Science since 2003.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) At the national level, she serves as the National Coordinator for the Ministry of Education’s flagship initiatives, SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA, and has steered major projects such as the National Virtual Library of India and NMEICT Phase‑III at IGNOU.
  • (ii) Her international contributions include consultancy for UNRWA, the Commonwealth of Learning, and a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Illinois. She has also received accolades such as the Manthan Award for e‑Education, an Australia–India Council Grant, and a DANIDA Fellowship.
  • (iii) Her appointment as IGNOU’s Vice‑Chancellor is expected to drive further modernization of one of the world's largest universities, strengthening digital infrastructure, expanding access to flexible education, and reinforcing IGNOU’s mission to deliver high-quality learning across India.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Who was recently appointed as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)?

Correct Answer: Prof. Uma Kanjilal

🚀 Quick Recap: