Ashoka University has announced the appointment of Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan as its next Vice-Chancellor, with effect from August 1, 2026. Professor Krishnan will succeed Professor Somak Raychaudhury, whose tenure saw expansion of academic programmes, new schools, research initiatives and global collaborations at the Delhi-NCR-based university.
Professor Krishnan has been appointed for an initial three-year term following a search and selection process conducted by a committee constituted by the university’s Governing Body.
A prominent academic leader and management scholar, Professor Krishnan has previously served as Director of two premier Indian management institutions — Indian Institute of Management Indore (2014-2018) and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (2020-2025).
During his tenure at IIM Bangalore, he led several institutional initiatives, including the establishment of a School of Multidisciplinary Studies and the development of undergraduate programmes in Economics and Data Science.
Professor Krishnan’s academic background spans Physics, Engineering-Economic Systems and Management and Public Policy. He completed his five-year Integrated M. Sc. in Physics from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, studied Engineering-Economic Systems at Stanford University, and pursued doctoral studies in Management and Public Policy at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
His research focuses on innovation in India across organisational, industrial and national levels. He has authored books including From Jugaad to Systematic Innovation: The Challenge for India and 8 Steps to Innovation: Going from Jugaad to Excellence (co-authored with Vinay Dabholkar).
Ashoka University leadership transition
Announcing the appointment, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, Ashoka University, said Professor Krishnan’s experience in scholarship, institution-building and higher education leadership would help guide the university’s next phase of growth.
Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder and Trustee, Ashoka University, said Krishnan’s track record in building institutions and promoting innovation would further strengthen Ashoka’s position as a research-driven university.
Professor Krishnan said Ashoka University has established itself as a new-generation institution focused on interdisciplinary learning and research, and added that he looks forward to working with faculty, students, alumni and other stakeholders to support its future growth.
Professor Somak Raychaudhury, an internationally recognised astrophysicist, led Ashoka University through a period of academic and institutional expansion.
During his tenure, the university established seven 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.
Ashoka University also introduced 500 merit-and-need-based scholarships and expanded collaborations with institutions including the University of Pennsylvania and the India Meteorological Department.
Professor Raychaudhury will continue his association with Ashoka University as a scientist and professor.
