SGOU Head of School Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

Sreenarayanaguru Open University, Kollam has invited qualified candidates for appointment to the post of Head of School in the School of Communication and Information Science on deputation basis under Notification No. Ad.A3/1/244/2025/SOU dated 22/10/2026, with reference to Notification No. RECN/104/2026 dated 12/10/2026. Eligible candidates may submit online applications through the official website https://sgou.ac.in/ on or before 5 PM on 11/11/2026, and send the hard copy along with required documents to the Registrar on or before 5 PM on 18/11/2026.

SOU Head of School at a Glance

About SOU Head of School

The School of Communication and Information Science at Sreenarayanaguru Open University drives the University's mission at the frontier domains of computing, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and library science. The Head of School is entrusted with formulating cutting-edge programmes, building a vibrant research and innovation culture, and forging strong links with industry. The University seeks an accomplished scholar-technologist and leader of proven distinction, integrity, and vision to lead the School.

Who Can Apply

Candidates must meet the following essential academic qualifications, experience, and age criteria prescribed in the notification:

Essential Qualifications (Academic)

• A Master's degree in Computer and information science including Library science Programmes with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade) OR, for the technical/engineering stream, a First Class M.E. / M.Tech. and B.E. / B.Tech./M.Sc(CS)/M.Sc(IT), in the relevant branch, as applicable, from an Indian University or an equivalent accredited institution.
• An eminent scholar holding a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Science & Engineering, IT, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Library Science, Information & Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning, Data Science or an allied computing / digital-technologies disciplines, with a strong record of high-quality publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals (SCI/Scopus/ UGC-CARE) and / or top-tier conferences.
• The appointment is made on a deputation basis from teachers not below the rank of Associate Professor in Govt. Colleges/Aided Colleges/ Universities/ Government Institutions under the applicable UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications and Sreenarayanaguru Open University Act 2021 & Statutes. Associate professors will only be considered in the absence of professors.

Essential Experience

• Demonstrated academic leadership and administrative experience — for example, heading a School, Department, Centre of Excellence or equivalent unit; coordinating academic programmes; or serving on statutory academic bodies.
• A strong and current research record, evidenced by publications in reputed SCI / Scopus / UGC-CARE journals and leading conferences, a healthy citation profile and desirably, patents and sponsored research projects.
• Experience of guiding doctoral and research scholar and of securing and managing sponsored, industry or collaborative research and development projects.
• Twelve years of Teaching experience in aided/govt colleges/university or other recognised higher education institutions.

Age Limit

The age shall ordinarily not exceed 52 years as on 01/01/2026 with relaxation up to 56 years in the case of those in University Service. Those who have a minimum of four years of service remaining in their parent department are also eligible to apply for the post.

Pay and Terms

The appointment is on deputation basis. The Pay and Allowance shall be regulated as per the Pay and Allowances drawn in their Parent Department, subject to the applicable rules governing deputation.

SOU Head of School Job Description

The Head of School shall provide overall academic and administrative leadership to the School, including:

• Providing strategic direction for the School's CS, IT, CSE, ICT, Multimedia, AI / ML, Data Science, Analytics and digital-technology programmes, aligned to research frontiers and industry needs.
• Designing, delivering and continually updating UG, PG and doctoral programmes with modern, industry-relevant curricula and strong laboratory and project components.
• Leading research centres and driving funded research, high-quality publications, patents, and technology transfer in computing, AI and digital media.
• Establishing and overseeing technical infrastructure — computing laboratories, data centres, HPC / cloud facilities and AI / multimedia studios — to a professional standard.
• Forging and managing partnerships with IT, AI and technology industry, including internships, placements, sponsored projects and start-up / incubation initiatives.
• Mentoring faculty and research scholars and nurturing a vibrant, inclusive research and innovation culture.
• Overseeing admissions, assessment, accreditation (NBA / NAAC / NIRF) and student welfare within the School.
• Mobilising, allocating and accounting for resources, research grants and industry / CSR funding with transparency.
• Representing the School in the University's statutory bodies and in external academic, industry and policy forums, in accordance with the University's Act and Statutes.
• Discharging other duties and responsibilities as prescribed by the Statutes of the University.

How to Apply for SOU Head of School

1. Visit the official website of Sreenarayanaguru Open University at https://sgou.ac.in/ to submit online applications.
2. Remit the registration fee online through the submission portal. General Category candidates must remit Rs. 1500/-, and SC/ST DA candidates must remit Rs. 750/- (Account No. 3614010035599, IFSC- UBIN0536148, Branch - Union Bank, Kollam -1).
3. Submit the online application and obtain a copy of the fee receipt.
4. Send the hard copy of the duly submitted online application along with true copies of all certificates and documents (self-attested) in proof of age, qualification, experience, research, community, reservation, and other claims, including a No Objection Certificate from the employer.
5. Ensure the hard copy reaches the office of the Registrar, Sreenarayanaguru Open University, Kureepuzha, Kollam. 691601 on or before 5 PM on 18/11/2026.

Selection Process

The selection committee shall be constituted as per the applicable UGC Regulations and University Statutes. Mere fulfilment of minimum qualifications does not entitle a candidate to be called for interview or to be selected.

Important Instructions

• Applicant should be a citizen of India.
• All qualifications and experience must be from institutions recognised by the UGC and relevant statutory bodies. Equivalency certificates are required for degrees obtained from institutions other than State/Central Universities/National Institutes in Kerala.
• Prescribed percentages of marks shall be calculated as the aggregate of all years/semesters, and grade-to-percentage conversion must be certified by the awarding institution.
• Those who have applied in response to the earlier notification (RECN/104/2026 dated 12/10/2026) need to submit a fresh application in response to this addendum notification.
• In-service candidates must obtain a No Objection Certificate from the employer, a copy of which must be enclosed with the hard copy of the application.
• Canvassing in any form or bringing external influence will render a candidate liable to disqualification.
• Defective or late applications will be summarily rejected.

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