Professor Furqan Qamar – Renowned Academic Leader and Former Vice-Chancellor

Professor Furqan Qamar is a distinguished academic and administrator, known for his significant contributions to higher education in India. He has served as the Vice-Chancellor of both the University of Rajasthan and the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, becoming the first to hold the latter position. His leadership in higher education has also extended to his role as the Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the largest and one of the oldest networks of universities in India.

With a rich academic background and leadership experience, Professor Qamar has been instrumental in shaping policies related to public education and university governance. He has served as the Advisor (Education) to the Planning Commission of India, contributing to the formulation of educational policies and strategic planning for India’s higher education sector. His career also includes significant roles as an academic leader and administrator at various prestigious institutions, including Jamia Millia Islamia.

A Professor of Management, Professor Qamar holds a Ph.D. from the University of Lucknow, with his dissertation focused on Financial Management in Residential Universities of Uttar Pradesh (1989). He completed his M.Com in 1981 and B.Com in 1979, both from the University of Lucknow, securing the first position in each.

Professor Qamar’s academic interests lie in public policy, planning, administration, and financing of higher education, and he has published over 35 research papers and numerous articles in reputed national journals and newspapers. He has also contributed to several committees and working groups at national and international levels, further demonstrating his commitment to improving educational standards globally.

Throughout his career, Professor Qamar has held several important administrative posts, including Coordinator of the Jamia Medical College Project and Director of the Centre for Management Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia. His contributions to educational administration were recognized with prestigious awards such as the D.Lit. (honoris causa) from Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, the Rajrishi Purushottam Das Tandon Shiksha Samman, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Punjab Commerce and Management Association.

In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Professor Qamar has played an essential part in promoting educational reforms and advancing management education in India. His legacy continues to inspire future leaders in higher education.