Vice-Chancellor, Osmania University. &
Senior Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
University College of Engineering, Osmania University.

The Vice-Chancellor is the academic and executive head of the University. The Vice-Chancellor provides both academic and administrative leadership. The Vice-Chancellor is appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the Government. A Search Committee, consisting of nominees of the State Government, University and University Grants Commission prepares a panel of names, for the purpose. Based on this panel, the Government makes its selection. The Vice-Chancellor is appointed for a three year term and is eligible for reappointment for one more term.

The Vice-Chancellor is the Chairperson of the Executive Council and Academic Senate. As such the Vice-Chancellor plays a pivotal role in formulating policies and taking major decisions - both academic and administrative. Although the Vice-Chancellor is empowered to take decisions by himself, yet the Vice-Chancellor very seldom exercises this option. The Vice-Chancellor is the appointing authority of all the officers of the University, including the heads of Departments, Chairperson of Boards of Studies, Principals, etc. The Vice-Chancellor exercises control over the University's finances and keeps a watch on the performance of different academic and administrative wings. The reputation and image of the University broadly depends on the dynamism, vision and leadership provided by the Vice-Chancellor

Osmania University has been re-accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (an autonomous institution of the University Grants Commission) as an ‘A+’ grade university. Additionally, Osmania University has been selected for funding under the RUSA 2.0 programme of the Ministry of Education, Government of India under Component 4 (Quality and Excellence in select State Universities (New) and Component 13 (Faculty Improvement).

I am happy to share with you that Osmania University is making rapid progress in academics, research, and infrastructure development, which is helping it gain a universal identity. For the past decade, we have retained our place among the top ten ‘Best Universities’ in the country. This is based on a plethora of surveys conducted by reputed agencies, which led to the undisputable inference that Osmania University deserves one of the highest gradings.

According to the latest rankings, Osmania University has been ranked 53rd overall and 30th among universities in India by NIRF 2025. Osmania University was ranked in the band of 1201-1400 by QS World universities ranking in 2025. As per the QS southern Asia Universities ranking Osmania university attained 131 rank in 2025.

I congratulate all the teachers, research scholars, students, and staff on all the treasured achievements for the committed service and dedication they have shown to enhance the image of the University. Further, I extend due credit for the concerted efforts of all the stakeholders who contributed to steer the available resources in order to achieve these milestones.

Sr. Prof. Kumar Molugaram, an eminent academician and distinguished researcher in Civil Engineering, brings with him nearly three decades of excellence in teaching, research, and academic leadership. An alumnus of Osmania University, he pursued his Master’s degree at JNT University and earned his Doctorate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. Since October 19, 2024, he has been serving as the 26th Vice-Chancellor of the historic 107 years Osmania University, where he is deeply committed to advancing his alma mater through academic distinction, research innovation, digital transformation, and global collaboration.

Throughout his career, Senior Prof. Kumar has made significant academic and research contributions. He has authored more than one hundred research papers in reputed national and international journals and conferences, and has supervised over ninety M.E. dissertations along with several Ph.D. theses. He was instrumental in establishing the M.E. Transportation Engineering program at the University College of Engineering, Osmania University, a landmark academic initiative. His research work has been widely supported by major funding agencies including UGC and DST- SERB Government of India.

His dedication to teaching and research has earned him numerous accolades. He received the State Meritorious Teacher Award from the Government of Telangana in 2018, the Engineer of the Year Award from the Institution of Engineers (India), Government of Telangana in 2018. He has also been recognized nationally and internationally for best research papers in 2010 and 2014.

Senior Prof. Kumar has held several key leadership and administrative roles that reflect his vision and ability to drive institutional growth. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 2022 to 2024, and as Principal of the University College of Engineering from 2018 to 2021, where he spearheaded digital automation and secured NBA reaccreditation for UG and PG programs. As Controller of Examinations, he introduced transformative digital reforms during the University’s Centenary Celebrations. He has also served as a member of the Executive Council of Osmania University, Convener of TS-PGECET (2019 and 2020), Director of Infrastructure, Director of the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies, Vice-Principal of the University College of Engineering, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, and Chairperson of the Board of Studies of Civil Engineering.

A globally recognized scholar, Sr. Prof. Kumar has represented Osmania University across twenty cities in fifteen countries, where he has delivered keynote addresses, chaired sessions, and presented research at prestigious academic platforms. His leadership exposure has been further enriched by advanced training and capacity-building programs at ISB, IIMs, Central University of Hyderabad, and Monash University under the MHRD’s LEAP Programme.

He is also deeply engaged in professional and technical service. He is a Fellow and Life Member of leading professional bodies including Fellow of Institution of Engineers, Indian Roads Congress, Institute of Urban Transport, Transportation Research Group, Indian Institute of Bridge Engineers, and World Conference Transport Research. He has served on several important State and Central Government committees in higher education and infrastructure development. Since 2006, he has played a pivotal role as State Technical Agency for PMGSY roads in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, ensuring sustainability in rural road infrastructure.

Prof. Kumar’s vision for Osmania University is rooted in academic excellence, research-driven innovation, technological reforms, and global collaboration. With his proven track record as a scholar, administrator, and reformer, he is poised to take Osmania University into its next era of growth, relevance, and global impact.