Berhampur University has been functioning without a regular Vice-Chancellor for nearly three months, with Prof. Asima Sahu, Vice-Chancellor of Khallikote University, currently holding additional charge of the institution.
The arrangement came into effect after Prof. Geetanjali Das, the then Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University, retired in June 2026. Since her retirement, Prof. Sahu has been overseeing the university’s administrative and academic affairs in addition to her responsibilities at Khallikote University.
Interestingly, the process to appoint a regular Vice-Chancellor had started well before Prof. Das’s retirement. The State Higher Education Department issued an advertisement in April 2026, inviting applications for the post.
According to reports, 74 candidates applied for the position. Following the initial scrutiny and screening process, 26 candidates were shortlisted for the next stage.
The selection process subsequently moved forward with interviews. After completion of the interview process, a panel comprising three eligible candidates was reportedly submitted to the Chancellor for the final selection.
However, the appointment of a regular Vice-Chancellor is still pending. The Chancellor is yet to select and appoint one of the shortlisted candidates to the post.
The prolonged vacancy has raised concerns among students, teachers and other stakeholders, particularly because the Vice-Chancellor plays a crucial role in taking major administrative and academic decisions.
Berhampur University is one of the key higher education institutions in southern Odisha and caters to the academic needs of a large number of students. With the university continuing under an additional-charge arrangement, questions are being raised over the delay in appointing a regular Vice-Chancellor.
Stakeholders are now awaiting a decision from the Chancellor and hoping that the appointment process will be completed soon to ensure stable and regular administration of the university.