Ashoka University appoints Rishikesha T Krishnan as new vice-chancellor

Ashoka University has appointed Rishikesha T Krishnan as its new vice-chancellor for an initial term of three years, effective August 1, 2026. He will take over from Somak Raychaudhury, who led the university during a period of academic growth and expansion.

Ashoka University announced the appointment on Monday, June 15, following a search and selection process conducted by a committee formed by the university's governing body.

Krishnan is a scholar of management and public policy, known for his work on innovation and higher education. He served as director of the IIM Indore from 2014 to 2018 and IIM Bangalore from 2020 to 2025. During his time at IIM Bangalore, he started the School of Multidisciplinary Studies and helped launch undergraduate programmes in economics and data science.

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VC to take charge on August 1

Welcoming the appointment, Ashoka University Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee said that Krishnan's strong academic background and leadership experience make him well-suited to lead the university at this important stage. He added that the university is happy to welcome him and looks forward to the ideas and energy he will bring to the role.

Mukherjee also thanked outgoing vice-chancellor Somak Raychaudhury for his contributions, saying that his leadership had made a lasting impact on the university.

Krishnan has an integrated MSc in Physics from IIT Kanpur, a degree in Engineering-Economic Systems from Stanford University, and a PhD in Management and Public Policy from IIM Ahmedabad. His research has mainly focused on innovation in organisations, industries, and countries, and he has published work in management, economics, development, and science policy.

He has also been a member of several national committees, including those set up by the Department of Science and Technology and the Justice B N Srikrishna Committee, which helped develop a data protection framework for India. In 2025, IIT Kanpur honoured him with its Distinguished Alumni Award, the institute's highest award for former students.

Pramath Raj Sinha, founder and trustee of Ashoka University, said that Rishi is one of India's most respected academic leaders and has a strong record of building institutions, promoting innovation, and improving higher education. He added that the university believes his leadership will help strengthen Ashoka University's reputation as a globally recognised institution.

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'Honoured to lead the university': Krishnan

Accepting the appointment, Krishnan said that Ashoka University has set high standards as a modern, research-focused institution since it was established. He added that he feels honoured to lead the university as vice-chancellor at this important and exciting stage of its growth.

He said he looks forward to working with the university's faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors, and other stakeholders to help support its future growth and goals.

During Raychaudhury's tenure, Ashoka University started seven schools, including the Havells School of Management and Leadership, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Vachani School of Advanced Computing, and RK Damani School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences.

The university also introduced 500 merit-and-need-based scholarships and expanded partnerships with institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and the India Meteorological Department. Raychaudhury will continue to be associated with the university as a scientist and professor.