Who Is Sangita Srivastava? Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor Gets Historic Second Term
Who is Sangita Srivastava? Prof Sangita Srivastava has made history by becoming the first Vice-Chancellor of Allahabad University to be reappointed for a second five-year term. Approved by President Droupadi Murmu, the tenure takes effect from Sept 16, 2026. The former Home Science head was the first woman and faculty member to lead AU as a Central University.
In a first in the history of Allahabad University, Prof Sangita Srivastava has been reappointed as its vice-chancellor for a second term, giving her another five years at the helm of the varsity. The appointment, approved by President Droupadi Murmu in her capacity as Visitor of the university, takes effect from September 16, 2026, and will be for five years or until Prof Srivastava attains the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
The Union education ministry conveyed the decision to the university registrar through an official letter dated September 22 and signed by Under Secretary Rajesh Kumar, stating that the President had been pleased to appoint Prof Srivastava as VC for a second term. Her terms and conditions of service will continue to be governed by the university’s Act, Statutes and Ordinances. List of 32 Fake Universities Across India Identified by UGC.
Who Is Prof Sangita Srivastava?
Prof Srivastava took charge as the regular VC of Allahabad University on Nov 30, 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the post and the first faculty member of the university to head it after AU became a Central University in 2005.
A long-serving academic at the institution, she previously headed the Department of Home Science and later served as the Vice-Chancellor of Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University in Prayagraj before being selected to lead Allahabad University in 2020. Her reappointment marks the first time in the university’s 139-year history that a vice-chancellor has received a full second term.
Extension Preceded Reappointment Decision
Her first five-year term was scheduled to end on Nov 29, 2025. However, 10 days before the scheduled end of her term, the Union education ministry extended her tenure as the process of appointing a successor was still incomplete.
She continued in office under the extension until the fresh five-year appointment took formal effect from September 16, 2026. The completion of her initial full five-year term in 2025 had itself matched a milestone set by Prof Rajen Harshe (2005–2010), following which the varsity experienced a succession of shorter or officiating tenures until her arrival.
Coincidences and Foundation Day Confirmation
The development coincided with two notable personal and institutional milestones. The Union education ministry’s appointment letter was issued on September 22, the day Prof Srivastava turned 62, having been born on September 22, 1964.
The official communication reached the university administration on Sept 23, marking the university's foundation day, established on September 23, 1887. Having taken charge of her second term at age 62, Prof Srivastava will complete the full five-year tenure before reaching the statutory age limit of 70.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 06:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).