Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University

Although the chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, preceding the vice-chancellor, is "head of the university" under the BHU Act, it is only a titular position.^[9] The vice-chancellor is the principal executive and principal academic officer of the university. She or he is the ex-officio chairperson of the Executive Council, the Academic Council, and the Finance Committee of the university.^[10]


Applications for the appointment of vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University are invited openly by the Ministry of Education, which shortlists candidates interviewed by its search committee.^[11] The shortlisted candidates are recommended to the president of India. Upon their satisfaction, the president appoints the vice-chancellor.^[4][12] Per the BHU Act, vice-chancellors of the university have a three-year tenure in the office. They are, however, eligible for a second term of appointment upon expiration of the first term.^[13] The maximum age for holding the office is 65 years.^[14] When a vice-chancellor leaves office by the means of retirement, resignation, death, or ill-health, the rector assumes the office as officiating vice-chancellor to avoid interregnum.^[15][6]


During the British Indian and Indian Dominion administration, the appointments were made by the Governor General.^[16]


There have been 28 vice-chancellors since the establishment of the university.^[17][15]


On 7 January 2022, Sudhir K. Jain took office as the current and 28th vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University.^[18][19]