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When Prof. Yogesh Singh assumed charge as the 23rd Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi on 8th October 2021, it was more than a formal appointment. It was the beginning of a renaissance for a century-old institution that has long stood as the academic heart of India. With his scholarly brilliance, administrative acumen, and moral clarity, Prof. Singh has given DU not just new direction but new dynamism.
Prof. Singh’s life story is a blend of scholarship and leadership. He became a full Professor of Computer Engineering at the age of 35 at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Over the years, he has built an extraordinary academic record: more than 250 publications, an h-index of 35, over 4,400 citations, and 23 doctoral scholars supervised. His acclaimed book Software Testing (Cambridge University Press, 2011) is still a reference point for students and researchers worldwide.
Exposure to global academic practices, especially through the Yale-India Leadership Programme, has given him a perspective that balances international best practices with India’s civilisational ethos. This balance has become the hallmark of his leadership at Delhi University.
Proven Leadership Across India’s Premier Institutions
Before Delhi University, Prof. Singh had already transformed three of India’s premier institutions. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Technological University, and Director of Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology. In each role, he displayed an ability to uplift institutions through reforms in governance, academic innovation, and student welfare.
Whether it was a large multidisciplinary university with forty thousand students or a technology-driven campus, Prof. Singh delivered results with integrity and vision. This versatility gave him the unique ability to guide Delhi University, an institution that represents the aspirations of millions across India.
Delhi University’s NIRF Ascent
One of the clearest markers of Prof. Singh’s success is Delhi University’s meteoric rise in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). In 2023, DU held the 11th position among universities. In 2024, it climbed to 6th place, and in 2025, it broke into the top five, securing the 5th rank in the University category.
In the Overall category, DU has consistently held the 15th position in 2024 and 2025, up from 22nd just two years ago. This improvement has been powered by stellar scores in Graduation Outcomes (above 96) and Outreach & Inclusivity, both of which demonstrate DU’s dual commitment to excellence and equity. These rankings are not just numbers on a chart; they are proof that Delhi University, under Prof. Singh, is reclaiming its rightful place among the best.
For students, these rankings translate into better opportunities, stronger global recognition, and a university degree that opens doors worldwide. For faculty, they reflect a supportive ecosystem for research and innovation. And for India, they symbolise an institution rising to meet its destiny as a global academic powerhouse.
A Vision Aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047
Prof. Singh’s leadership is not confined to immediate academic reforms. He has consistently articulated a vision where Delhi University becomes a key driver of India’s march towards 2047, the centenary of Independence. Aligning DU’s strategy with the National Education Policy 2020, he has pushed for interdisciplinary learning, skill-based courses, and research-driven innovation.
His belief is simple yet profound: leadership is not about oneself, but about investing in the growth of others. This philosophy is reflected in his open-door administration, where students and faculty alike feel connected, empowered, and inspired.
Transforming Students and Strengthening Research
Delhi University today is no longer just a place where degrees are earned, it is a hub of transformation. Under Prof. Singh, students have gained access to expanded learning opportunities, cutting-edge digital tools, and a culture of holistic growth.
An Administrator with Courage and Calm
Prof. Singh stands out for his ability to combine courage with composure. Where others may hesitate, he takes decisive steps, always with the institution’s interests at heart. His transparent governance and student-centric approach have ensured that Delhi University remains not just functional but flourishing.
Beyond statistics and policies lies Prof. Singh’s most enduring contribution, his ability to inspire. Thousands of students, faculty members, and colleagues who have interacted with him testify to his accessibility, empathy, and vision. To them, he is not just an administrator but a mentor, guide, and role model.
Conclusion
In less than four years, Prof. Yogesh Singh has transformed Delhi University into a beacon of higher education, aligning it with India’s future while respecting its illustrious past. From rising NIRF rankings to academic reforms, from strengthening research to empowering students, his tenure is marked by purpose and progress.
Delhi University today stands tall not only as a top-ranked university but as a symbol of India’s academic renaissance. In Prof. Singh, DU has found a leader who is at once a scholar, a visionary, and a nation-builder. The renaissance of Delhi University is, in truth, Prof. Yogesh Singh’s enduring legacy, one that will inspire generations to come.
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Prof Yogesh Singh’s unwavering vision and steadfast dedication has taken to the University of Delhi at the coveted pinnacle of A++ grade. It’s the steady pulse of his intellect, the tireless rhythm of his efforts and a quiet divinity of his gait that makes the University stand in limelight. Today as laurels crown and pay tribute to the hand that guided, the mind that envisaged and the heart that never ceased to serve.