Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar: Scholar, Leader and Reformer
Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar is a prominent Indian academic, electrical engineer, research thinker, and education administrator whose work has significantly influenced higher education and technological research in India. Born on 8 April 1960 in the village of Mamidala in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, Kumar’s journey from a small rural setting to national academic leadership exemplifies dedication, intellect and a visionary approach to education and research.
Academic and Research Foundations
Kumar’s academic career began with advanced studies in electrical engineering. He earned both his Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in electrical engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras). To further deepen his expertise, he pursued post-doctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he worked on advanced electronic device technologies.
As a scholar, Kumar’s research focus has been on nano-electronics, nanoscale device modelling and innovative semiconductor design. His prolific research output spans numerous peer-reviewed journals, conference publications and multiple books that contribute to understanding and advancing future-oriented electronic systems.
Leadership in Engineering Education
Kumar joined the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi, where he rose through academic ranks to become a full professor. During his tenure, he also held important research leadership positions, such as heading the Electronics Group and coordinating interdisciplinary programs in VLSI design. His excellence in teaching was recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2013 Award for Excellence in Teaching by IIT Delhi.
Beyond his research and teaching, Kumar has played active editorial roles for international scientific journals, serving on editorial boards and as Editor-in-Chief of key publications, strengthening scholarly communication in electronics and technology.
Steering Major Institutions: JNU and UGC
In January 2016, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), one of India’s leading universities. In this role, he led academic and administrative initiatives aimed at enhancing institutional quality and holistic student development.
In February 2022, Kumar assumed the office of Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), India’s apex body for higher education regulation. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to broaden access, promote multidisciplinary learning, and modernise curriculum and governance frameworks across universities. His leadership was noted for initiatives such as the implementation of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and flexible academic pathways for learners.
Kumar stepped down from the UGC Chairmanship in April 2025, leaving behind a legacy of student-centric policies and structural reforms in the Indian higher education landscape.
Recognition and Impact
In recognition of his distinguished contributions to education and literature, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2026, one of India’s highest civilian awards. This accolade reflects his lifelong commitment to advancing scholarly excellence and reshaping educational frameworks to meet future challenges.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Today, Kumar’s impact continues through his research publications, policy contributions and mentorship of countless students and educators. His work stands as a testament to the role that visionary leadership can play in strengthening the foundations of academic inquiry and in shaping educational reforms that empower future generations.
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