Interview of Anna University VC candidates March 31

Chennai: The Anna University vice-chancellor search committee headed by Justice V.S. Sirpurkar to interview six candidates shortlisted for the V-C post on March 31, sources said.

Following the interview, the search committee will submit the list of three candidates to the Governor.

“Of the six candidates called for the interview, four of them are from the Anna University and two of them are from outside the university. The candidates' vision for the university is likely to play a key role in selecting the new Vice-Chancellor,” sources said.  

“The track record in generating funds was seen as key performance indicator,” sources revealed.

Anna University VC search panel also has retired IAS officer N. Sundaradevan as state government's nominee and IIT Madras professor R. Gnanamoorthy as the syndicate nominee.

The committee has received totally 170 applications for the VC post. After three rounds, 140 candidates were eliminated.

The panel has ranked the remaining 30 candidates on basis of research publications, books and academic qualifications.

Surprisingly, the name of a former Vice Chancellor who had a questionable tenure at Anna University also was found among the top candidates.

After cancelling the rank list, the committee has re-ranked the candidates based on new parameters such as administrative capabilities and achievements.

“The government was also asked to verify the background of shortlisted candidates to prevent any controversies after the appointment as in the appointment of Madurai Kamaraj University vice-chancellor. After thoroughly verifying their background, these candidates were shortlisted for the interview,” sources added.  

The committee has received totally 170 applications from top institutions in the country including Anna University, IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore. To increase the chance of attracting the best talent, the panel has reportedly sent two reminders to top institutions.