Som Nath Sachdeva
Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University
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Som Nath Sachdeva is an Indian academic administrator and professor (civil engineer). He has been serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Haryana, since November 2020.[1][2][3][4] His term was extended for another three years.[5][6]
Som Nath Sachdeva
| |
|---|---|
| Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University | |
| Assumed office 10 November 2020 | |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra (B.Sc. Civil Engg.); Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh (M.E. Highways); Kurukshetra University (Ph.D.) |
| Profession | Professor (Civil engineering) |
| Website | https://kuk.ac.in/vice_chancellor-2/ |
Early life and education
Sachdeva studied B.Sc. civil engineering at the Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra (now National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra). He earned a Master of Engineering in Highways from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, in 1987, and later obtained a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Kurukshetra University.[7]
Academic career
Sachdeva began his teaching career at Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, before joining the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra (formerly Regional Engineering College). Over more than three decades, he worked in the Department of Civil Engineering, where he also served as Head of Department, and supervised postgraduate and doctoral students.[7][8]
He has authored publications in transportation engineering, pavement design, and road safety. His research interests include transportation engineering, pavement design, and road safety[9]
According to his academic profiles, Sachdeva has authored more than 100 publications and supervised a significant number of M.Tech. and Ph.D. scholars.[10]
Administrative roles
At NIT Kurukshetra, Sachdeva held positions including chief warden, grievance cell director, and professor in charge of examinations. He was also associated with the National Cadet Corps.[7]
He has been a member of committees of the Indian Roads Congress, the National Board of Accreditation, and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.[7]
Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University
In November 2020, Sachdeva was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University.[1][4] His term was extended for three years in September 2023.[5][6]
During his tenure, the university received an A++ grade from NAAC in 2024, the first state university in Haryana to achieve this grade.[11] The Tribune reported that the university filed more than 65 patents, expanded online programmes, set up incubation centres, and launched new degree programmes aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.[12][13][14]
He has also held additional charge as Vice-Chancellor of Ch. Ranbir Singh University, Jind,[15] and Shri Krishna Ayush University, Kurukshetra.[16][17]
In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, Kurukshetra University was ranked 35th among Indian universities, improving from 41st in 2024.[18][19][20]
Recognition
- Best paper gold medal from the Journal of the Indian Roads Congress.[7]
- Outstanding Vice-Chancellor of India Award (2025), conferred by the Indian Education Network.[21]
- Champion of Education Award (2024), presented in New Delhi for contributions to entrepreneurship and skill development.[22]
- Environment Champion Award (Wildlife Warriors category), received by Kurukshetra University in 2025.[23]
Personal life
Sachdeva is married to Dr. Mamta Sachdeva, an educationist and social worker. The couple has two sons.[7]