Chandigarh: The process to appoint the next vice-chancellor of Panjab University has entered the scrutiny stage with over 100 applications received by the deadline that ended Tuesday, university officials said.The development comes amid the impending conclusion of incumbent vice-chancellor Renu Vig’s tenure later this month. Her original term was to end in March, but she was granted a four-month extension till June to ensure administrative continuity while the selection process for her successor was initiated.A search-cum-selection committee has already been constituted as per norms to identify and recommend a panel of suitable candidates for the post.University officials said the number of applications had crossed 100, although the exact figure was still being verified. “Some candidates have submitted more than one application and duplication is being checked. The final number will be clear after scrutiny,” a senior official said.Among the applicants is Yojna Rawat, who recently completed her tenure as dean (university instruction). Her name figures among candidates with prior administrative experience within the university system.Sources said internal candidates form a significant portion of the applicant pool, with around 15 to 20 applications received from within Panjab University. These include senior professors and faculty members who have earlier held administrative positions such as chairpersons and deans.The search committee is expected to begin the shortlisting process after preliminary scrutiny and verification of applications. The shortlist will be prepared based on academic credentials, research output, administrative experience and the candidates’ vision for the university.The shortlisted names will then be forwarded to the appointing authority for the selection of the next vice-chancellor.
