Indira Gandhi National Open University Appoints First Female Vice Chancellor

September 01, 2025 

Professor Uma Kanjilal made history by being appointed as Indira Gandhi National Open University’s (IGNOU) first female vice chancellor. This is the first time a woman is serving in this capacity since the university was established in 1985. Kanjilal is known for her proficiency in various digital domains, including digital libraries and e-learning. She possesses over three decades of experience in open and distance learning and has served as a professor of Library and Information Science for more than 20 years. During her time at IGNOU, she has served in various important capacities, including as the School of Social Sciences’ director. She also serves as the national coordinator for two programmes—SWAYAM Prabha and SWAYAM that were initiated by the Ministry of Education to broaden the reach of digital education.