Vice-Chancellor jobs in Karnataka: Graft makes mincemeat of merit

New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Bengaluru: Sociologist G K Karanth retired in 2014 after a distinguished career spanning four decades in academia. Throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to teaching and research, building a reputation as a prominent figure in the field of sociology. However, despite his qualifications and experience, Karanth found himself repeatedly overlooked for the position of vice-chancellor (V-C)—the highest academic position a university don can occupy in Karnataka. He came close to achieving this prestigious role on two separate occasions, with his name being considered for the vice-chancellorship at both Bangalore University and the University of Mysore.

Unfortunately, Karanth's aspirations were thwarted, and he eventually became disillusioned with the opaque process surrounding the appointment of vice-chancellors. "The system does not allow teachers to aspire," he lamented, highlighting a broader issue within the academic landscape in Karnataka where merit often takes a back seat to other considerations.

The appointment of vice-chancellors at public universities in Karnataka has long been a subject of controversy. Critics argue that the process is riddled with favoritism, political influence, and corruption, which undermines the meritocratic principles that should ideally govern such appointments. This sentiment has been echoed by various stakeholders within academic circles, who are increasingly vocal about the need for reform.

Currently, there is a growing buzz among academics regarding the appointment processes at several key institutions, including Bangalore University, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences in Shivamogga, and the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad. The discourse surrounding these appointments has intensified, with former vice-chancellor K Siddappa emphasizing that "merit should be the top priority." He argues that prioritizing merit in the appointment of vice-chancellors is the only reform the government should pursue to ensure that capable individuals lead the universities.

Another former vice-chancellor, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared similar concerns, stating that the appointments are often mired in controversy due to the corruption associated with the role at various levels. This pervasive corruption discourages many eligible academicians from even applying for the position, as they fear that the process is rigged or influenced by external factors. "As a former V-C myself, I feel ashamed to hear about corruption at universities," he expressed, reflecting a sentiment of frustration and disappointment that resonates with many in the academic community.

The legal framework governing the appointment of vice-chancellors in Karnataka is outlined in the Karnataka State Universities (KSU) Act. According to this act, the Governor of the state, who also serves as the Chancellor of the universities, is responsible for appointing vice-chancellors. The process begins with the formation of a four-member search committee by the state government, which is tasked with compiling a panel of three names of "eminent academicians" for the V-C position. The law states, "The state government shall forward the panel to the Chancellor, who shall, keeping merit in mind, equity and social justice, and with the concurrence of the government, appoint one person from the panel as vice-chancellor."

However, attempts by various higher education ministers to amend the KSU Act and grant the state government a greater role in the appointment of vice-chancellors have repeatedly failed. These amendments have not received clearance from the Governor, whose powers as Chancellor remain intact, thereby maintaining the status quo. For instance, during the tenure of senior BJP lawmaker C T Ravi as the higher education minister, there was a consideration of appointing senior bureaucrats as vice-chancellors, a move that was met with significant opposition from the academic community.

In fact, the state has previously seen Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers serve as vice-chancellors, with Bangalore University having two IAS officers—T R Jayaraman and Ramachandran—occupy the role. However, the BJP government ultimately shelved the idea following backlash from academia, which argued that such appointments undermined the integrity and academic standards expected from university leadership.

In 2017, another significant attempt to reform the appointment process came from senior Congress lawmaker Basavaraj Rayareddi, who, as the higher education minister, sought to overhaul the existing framework for appointing vice-chancellors. His efforts led to confrontations with Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Chief Minister of Karnataka, as the Congress government navigated the complexities of the political landscape surrounding higher education.

Karnataka's universities have a rich history of leadership from esteemed scholars and intellectuals, including figures such as K V Puttappa (Kuvempu), H Narasimhaiah, V K Gokak, D Javaregowda, T K Tukol, and D M Nanjundappa. These individuals have left an indelible mark on the academic fabric of the state, and their legacies highlight the importance of appointing qualified and respected scholars to lead universities. "Governments must invite scholars to become V-Cs, instead of making them apply for the position," remarked a senior academician, underscoring the need for a more proactive approach in identifying and selecting capable leaders for academic institutions.

The implications of the current system extend beyond individual appointments; they affect the overall quality and integrity of higher education in Karnataka. When vice-chancellors are appointed based on connections or political considerations rather than merit, it can lead to a decline in academic standards, hinder research initiatives, and ultimately compromise the educational experience for students. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the appointment process can breed distrust among faculty and students alike, creating an environment where academic excellence is not prioritized.

As discussions around these issues continue to unfold, it is clear that the path forward requires a commitment to reforming the appointment process for vice-chancellors. Stakeholders from across the academic spectrum must come together to advocate for a system that prioritizes merit, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the leaders of Karnataka's universities are not only qualified but also dedicated to fostering an environment of academic excellence.