Prof. (Dr.) Devendra Kumar Rai, the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology, Guna, assumed the charge of Vice-Chancellor on 16th August 2023. Prof. Rai is a recognized academician, an uncompromising leader, and, most importantly, a well-loved educationist who has positively impacted the lives of numerous students, their families, and his peers.
Prof. Rai is an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Science with Honours in Physics, a Master's degree in Science specializing in Solid-State Physics, and a Ph.D. in Physics from Banaras Hindu University.
Starting his career as an Assistant Professor in 2001, Prof. Rai rose to the position of full Professor in 2009 in the Department of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering (PMSE) at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida. As a teacher, he has an impressive track record, having developed and taught numerous theoretical and laboratory courses. He also played a key role in establishing Physics and Materials Science and Engineering laboratories for UG, PG, and Ph.D. programs in engineering and sciences.
Prof. Rai has held several senior administrative positions at JIIT Noida, including Director; Dean of Academics & Research; Head, Department of PMSE; and Associate Dean of Students' Welfare. He also served as Vice-Chancellor (Officiating) at Jaypee University, Anupshahr.
His commitment to academic excellence is evident in his leadership in ranking and accreditation processes across various government agencies. He has served as the Nodal Officer for NIRF rankings at JIIT Noida since its inception in 2016, Nodal Officer for AISHE (2015–2023), Coordinator for UGC and AICTE visits (2019), Convener and Nodal Officer for NAAC committees (2015 & 2022), Nodal Officer for the Study in India Program of MHRD, President of the Institution’s Innovation Council (2020–2022), Director of RDC (2021–2022), Chairman of the LRC Advisory Committee (2010–2023), and Chairman of the Unfair Means Committee (2018–2023). Additionally, he played a crucial role in implementing stringent and transparent online teaching and examination processes to ensure quality education during the pandemic.
Prof. Rai’s research interests lie in ion-conducting solids and electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and batteries. He has also worked on the development of non-linear crystals at the Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taiwan. Over the years, he has guided numerous Ph.D., M.Tech, and B.Tech students and has published extensively in reputed national and international journals. He has actively participated in a large number of national and international conferences in India and abroad.
