Ashoka University appoints astrophysicist and one of the leading observational astronomers,  Somak Raychaudhury as Vice Chancellor. 

Raychaudhury is currently the Director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). He has made seminal discoveries using observations at radio, optical and X-ray frequencies. He has also previous held the position of Head of Department of Physics and Dean of Sciences at Presidency University, Kolkata. 

Raychaudhury holds a PhD in Astrophysics from Churchill College, University of Cambridge. His undergraduate degree was also in Physics from Trinity College at University of Oxford and Presidency College.

Sharing his thoughts on the appintment on the university's plaform, Raychaudhury states, “Ashoka is already India’s premier interdisciplinary teaching and research institution, and I am delighted to join it at this exciting juncture. I look forward to working with the faculty, students, administrators, founders, and partners to take Ashoka to the next level in its evolution into India’s best university.”

He will be taking over from Malabika Sarkar. Sarka will continue to be associated with the university as Principal Academic Advisor.