Hiring good leaders in higher education is not just about appointing someone with the right qualifications. It’s about choosing individuals who can shape the future of our universities, build inclusive academic environments, and take bold but balanced decisions. With India’s growing focus on improving global rankings and bringing reforms through NEP 2020, the role of leadership in universities and colleges has become more important than ever.
I’m writing about this topic because higher education in India is at a turning point. We’re trying to become a global education hub, and we’re pushing for better research, innovation, and teaching quality. But none of that will be possible without strong, ethical, and forward-thinking leaders. A vice-chancellor or a dean is not just an administrator—they are mentors, policy influencers, and role models. Yet, many appointments today are often driven by political or personal interests rather than merit. That’s not just unfair—it directly affects students, teachers, and the entire academic system. We need to ask: who are we trusting with our universities, and are they really the best fit?
What Makes a Good Higher Education Leader
When we talk about good leadership in education, we usually think of experience or a long CV. But a good leader is someone who can:
- Understand both academics and administration
- Build trust and motivate faculty and students
- Handle policy and politics without bias
- Encourage research, innovation, and collaboration
- Ensure academic freedom and institutional integrity
A vice-chancellor, for example, should not just be a bureaucrat ticking boxes. They should inspire the campus to grow, adapt, and question. Someone who genuinely believes in education—not just in power or positions.
Why It’s a Problem Today
Across many Indian states, the process of hiring university heads is often opaque. Panels are formed, but final decisions are influenced by state governments or political connections. This can result in:
- Appointing unqualified or poorly suited candidates
- Delayed reforms or implementation of new policies
- Bias in faculty hiring and promotions
- Loss of credibility among students and staff
We’ve seen cases where some university heads were caught in controversies, failed to deliver on academic goals, or created a toxic work culture. When that happens, it’s not just the reputation of the university that suffers—it directly impacts students and their future prospects.
What Needs to Change
For India to really transform its higher education, the process of selecting academic leaders needs serious reform. Here are a few things that can help:
- Use independent and transparent search committees with clear criteria
- Involve diverse stakeholders like alumni, teachers, and students in feedback
- Prioritise leadership qualities, ethical track record, and vision
- Set fixed terms with regular performance reviews
- Avoid political interference in appointments
Countries with top-ranked universities often have rigorous selection systems where competence, not connections, matters most. India should also move in that direction.
Why Students Should Care
At the end of the day, it’s students who are most affected by poor leadership. A bad leader can stall academic progress, cut down opportunities, and make campus life dull or difficult. On the other hand, a good leader can transform a small regional university into a place of national importance.
So, it’s not just a question for education officials—it’s something every parent, student, and teacher should think about.
