Dr. Devesh Nigam, Registrar at the University of Hyderabad, embodies transformative leadership with a “never give up” mindset. With over 25 years in Group “A” Government Service, he excels at turning challenges into opportunities. His strengths in planning, problem-solving, and decision-making are driven by accountability, fairness, and strong moral values. Known for his wisdom and loyalty, he fosters a positive workplace through humor and empathy. A graduate of the UGC-British Council’s Leadership Programme, Dr. Nigam’s simplicity and perseverance have significantly impacted the university’s growth and governance.

You’ve held various key positions at the University of Hyderabad. How has this journey shaped your perspective on higher education administration?

With 25 years as a Group “A” officer in government service, I have worked extensively in finance, academics, and administration. My experience in higher education administration has deepened my understanding of its role in shaping policies, fostering learning environments, and driving institutional growth. My doctoral research at IIT Hyderabad focused on the “Impact of Human Resource Policies and Human Resource Indicators on Quality of Services in Public Higher Education Institutions in India”. Experience in examination governance sharpened my organizational skills, while expertise in finance provided strategic insights into budgeting and resource management. As Registrar, I oversee operations, ensuring efficiency, collaboration, and alignment with stakeholder expectations, especially given the University of Hyderabad’s status as an Institution of Eminence. T his role has refined my leadership and process management skills, allowing me to contribute to the university’s administrative success.

In an era of rapid technological advancements, how do you envision integrating technology to enhance administrative processes at University of Hyderabad?

As Controller of Examinations at the University of Hyderabad, I have focused on enhancing administrative efficiency through innovation and digital transformation. Key initiatives include launching an online application system for entrance exams in 2013, integrating payment gateways with HDFC, ICICI, and SBI in 2018, and transitioning Academic Council agendas to soft copy distribution. Development of a dedicated website and uploading all information relevant for the students has improved the efficiency leading to the trust and confidence of the stake holders. These efforts streamline processes, improve sustainability, and enhance access. Recognizing the challenges of inefficient data management, outdated manual processes, and slow communication, I aim to integrate all administrative functions into a unified digital platform. This phased approach will ensure seamless adaptation, with comprehensive training for staff. Technologies like AI and mobile apps will enhance productivity, automate processes, and enable real-time access to services, improving the experience for students and staff alike. T hrough continued technological integration, we aim to modernize administration, foster data-driven decision making, and prepare the university for future growth and excellence.

Student well-being is crucial. How do you plan to create an inclusive environment that supports students’ academic and personal growth?

At the University of Hyderabad, we prioritize student well-being to foster both academic and personal growth. Our holistic approach includes robust diversity and inclusion policies that promote respect and acceptance. Comprehensive support services cater to psychological, physical, and social needs. Academic resources are made accessible to all, including students with disabilities, and tutoring and peer mentoring programs are in development. We offer counseling services, mental wellness programs, and physical health services, including affordable group insurance. Promoting physical activity through sports and f itness programs is also a key focus. To foster social inclusion, we support student organizations and host events celebrating diverse cultures. Targeted support is provided for underrepresented groups, international students, and economically poor students. We gather regular feedback to continuously improve our services and ensure an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and excel in their careers.

Finally, could you share your guiding principles as an educational leader? What drives your commitment to administrative excellence?

As an educational leader, I am driven by dedication to excellence, confronting challenges head-on while meeting deadlines and transforming complex data into actionable insights. My guiding principles of integrity, resilience, commitment and kindness stem from my greatest inspiration, my father, whose work ethic and positivity shaped my character. My mother, with her mantra of perseverance and belief in karma, taught me to embrace challenges with grace. T heir wisdom, along with the support of my wife, chil dren, and mentors, inspires me daily. My family’s love and encouragement help me stay grounded, while my profes sional relationships foster continuous growth. I am deeply grateful for the lessons from my parents and the support from all who have contributed to my journey, helping me create a positive impact in University governance. T heir wisdom and has significantly contributed to my ability to fulfill tasks effectively and efficiently. I express my profound gratitude to all those friends, mentors and colleagues for their unyielding assistance and encourage ment. Without their invaluable support, the successful completion of tasks would not have been attainable.

Universities are complex ecosystems. How do you foster collaboration among different departments to achieve common goals?

Balancing the implementation of institutional policies with accommodating individual needs requires strategic planning with a thoughtful and flexible approach. Gain ing deep insights into understanding institutional policies and regulations, both academic and non-academic, helps us find areas where flexibility may be possible without compromising the institution’s integrity. Ensuring that staff and faculty members are well-trained on institu tional policies and on accommodating diverse student needs also helps create a more inclusive, participatory, and reciprocal academic environment. However, flexibility and transparency through open communication are essential in bringing effective equilibrium between implement ing institutional policies and accommodating individual student needs.