PRAYAGRAJ: In a first in the history of Allahabad University, Prof Sangita Srivastava has been reappointed as its vice-chancellor for a second term, giving her another five years at the helm of the varsity. The appointment, approved by President Droupadi Murmu in her capacity as Visitor of the university, takes effect from Sept 16, 2026 and will be for five years or until Prof Srivastava attains the age of 70, whichever is earlier.The Union education ministry conveyed the decision to the university registrar through an official letter (dated Sept 22 and signed by Under Sec Rajesh Kumar), stating that the President had been pleased to appoint Prof Srivastava as VC for a second term. Her terms and conditions of service will continue to be governed by the university’s Act, Statutes and Ordinances.
Appointment letter
Prof Srivastava took charge as the regular VC of Allahabad University on Nov 30, 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the post and the first faculty member of the university to head it after AU became a Central University in 2005.Her first five-year term was scheduled to end on Nov 29, 2025. However, 10 days before the scheduled end of her term, Union education ministry extended her tenure as the process of appointing a successor was still incomplete. She continued in office until the fresh appointment took effect.Her completion of the full five-year term in 2025 was itself significant. Prof Rajen Harshe, who served from Oct 14, 2005 to Oct 13, 2010, was the first regular VC of the university after it received Central University status to complete a full five-year term. The university’s official list of former vice-chancellors records Harshe’s five-year tenure, followed by a series of shorter or officiating tenures before Prof Srivastava took charge in 2020.There were also two notable coincidences surrounding the appointment. The Union education ministry’s letter was issued on Sept 22, the day Prof Srivastava turned 62, having been born on Sept 22, 1964. The appointment letter reached Allahabad University on Sept 23, which is also the varsity’s foundation day — the university was established on Sept 23, 1887. At 62, her fresh five-year term also means that, if completed in full, Prof Srivastava will be 67 when her second term ends.With her second appointment, Prof Srivastava now becomes the first VC in AU’s history to return for another full term. The development also means that, for the first time since AU became a Central University, a regular vice-chancellor will serve two consecutive terms.“The news of the reappointment is a happy Foundation Day gift. I remain committed to serving the institution and to the society at large. I will continue to work to make the University a centre of excellence in all fields of knowledge. The University has become A+ graded by NAAC and this I see as just the beginning. We have to make efforts to forge ahead so that the students of the university fulfill their potential and stand out through their rounded personalities and professional excellence”, said Prof Srivastava while talking to TOI.During her first tenure, Srivastava oversaw a number of administrative and academic initiatives, including large-scale recruitment and promotions. According to an earlier report, the university appointed 377 faculty members and 616 non-teaching staff during her tenure, while promotions were granted to nearly 1,000 employees.Her second term will formally begin on Sept 16, 2026, with the appointment order making clear that it will continue for five years or until she turns 70, whichever comes earlier. In the case of Prof Srivastava, she will complete her full five years as she is now 62 years of age.
