VICE CHANCELLOR
Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari Vice Chancellor
Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari is currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Pragjyotishpur University, Guwahati since 3rd August, 2026. Prior to this, he served as the Vice Chancelor of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda for ~ six years from 22nd August, 2020 to 31st July, 2026.
Prof. Tiwari obtained PG degree in Applied Geology from Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar M.P., where he also served as the Vice-Chancellor for five and a half years, from 15th March, 2015 – 20th August, 2020. He obtained PhD degree in Palaeontology from Gauhati University. He also served as a Member of the University Grants Commission for a tenure of three years and the Executive Council of NAAC, Bangalore. Prof. Tiwari held the additional charge of Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, from 26th July 2024 to 14th August 2025. He contributed immensely as the Chairman of Governing Council of Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Panvel, Mumbai for a period of three years.
Prof. Tiwari served in Mizoram University for ~31 years from where he superannuated as a Senior Professor in Geology. While in Mizoram University, he served as the Head, Department of Geology for two terms, Dean of Schools of Studies for 13 years and Finance Officer (additional charge) for nearly four years besides serving as members of the Academic Council, Executive Council and the University Court.
Prof. Tiwari specializes in palaeontology, GPS Geodesy and seismology. He has supervised 20 doctoral thesis and completed ten major research projects funded by Ministry of Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences. He has published over 110 research papers in national & international journals of repute (60 being in Scopus listed Journals) and edited two books. His h-index is 27, i10 index is 65 and citation is ~2320 as on date. He has been in the editorial board of four national & international journals, and reviewer of five research journals.
Prof Tiwari pioneered palaeobiological and biostratigraphic researches in the northeastern India. His research contribution is regarded as the fundamental contribution to the stratigraphy of Northeastern region, serving now as a basis for local as well as regional correlations. Prof. Tiwari established three state-of-the-art laboratories in Mizoram University for seismic, GPS geodetic and palaeomagnetic investigations designed to study regional geodynamics.
Prof Tiwari has been conferred with L Rama Rao Birth Centenary Award for significant contribution in Indian Stratigraphy & Palaeontology in 2012 by Geological Society of India, Bangalore; Dr. S. M. Naqvi Gold Medal Award for significant contributions in Indian Geology in 2014 by Geological Society of India, Bangalore; Rashtriya Shiksha Ratna Samman 2024 by Punjab Kala Sahitya Academy; and Prof. W.D. West Oration Award 2025, by Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, MP.
Prof Tiwari has been Member, Program Advisory Committee, NCERT; Member, National Level Standing Committee for INSPIRE Internship Program of Dept. of Science & Technology; Member, Mizoram State Higher Education Council; Member, Governing Body and Research Advisory Council of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun; Member, GB and RAC of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow; Member, Exploration Research Advisory Committee of Atomic Mineral Division, North Eastern Region, Shillong.
He was the Chief Guest in the 48th Convocation of Tribhuvan University, Nepal, held on 9th December, 2022 wherein he delivered Convocation Address. He also delivered convocation address in the first Convocation of Maharaja Suhel Dev State University, Azamgarh on 23.9.2024 as the Chief Guest.
Prof. Tiwari has been member in the several committees of UGC, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science & Technology, DoPT, Govt. of India constituted for various academic and administrative purposes.
Message From Vice Chancellor
"Pragjyotishpur University was born in 2022 with a vision to create global knowledge leaders for the holistic development of humanity. It is a student-centric and teacher-driven University established with public support. Our commitment to upholding the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in both word and deed has garnered immense expectations from across the nation. It is our collective responsibility to exceed these expectations, and this is achievable only through our unified efforts. It is both an honour and a source of immense pleasure that destiny has bestowed upon me the privilege of leading Pragjyotishpur University as its founding Vice-Chancellor. I embrace this role with profound dedication. Our university is not just an institution but also a family and a thriving ecosystem of knowledge, creativity, and diversity. It is a place where dreams are nurtured, where innovation flourishes, and where the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. In this context, I am elated to announce that our undergraduate programmes, initiated in this academic session (2023-24), fully align with the principles of the NEP 2020, with a special emphasis on nurturing our cultural heritage and ‘Bhāratīyatā.’ Already, we have implemented some of the finest practices in both research and teaching. With unwavering confidence, I predict that the days ahead will be defined by an abundance of opportunities, formidable challenges, and remarkable achievements. Together, as a united academic community, we will rise to the occasion, for Pragjyotishpur University stands as a beacon of knowledge, a fountain of inspiration, and a catalyst for positive change. I extend my warm regards to each and every one of you and eagerly anticipate the exciting and transformative journey that lies ahead. "