Prime Minister and Chancellor Balendra Shah appointed Prof. Rajan Suwal as Mid-West University's new Vice-Chancellor on Asar 19, 2083 (July 3, 2026), from a three-candidate shortlist recommended through the government's open competitive process. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel administered his oath of office and secrecy the same day at the Ministry.
| New Vice-Chancellor | Prof. Rajan Suwal |
| Appointed | Asar 19, 2083 (July 3, 2026) |
| Selection process | Open competition; 20 applicants |
| Prior Leadership Role | Dean of Graduate School of Engineering, Mid-West University |
| Outgoing VC | Prof. Dr. Dhruba Kumar Gautam (removed by ordinance, May 2, 2026) |
On Asar 22, 2083 (July 6, 2026), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Er. Rajan Suwal formally assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University during a welcome and office assumption ceremony held at the University's Central Office Meeting Hall.
Addressing the ceremony after taking office, Vice-Chancellor Suwal reaffirmed his commitment to leading the University in a collaborative, positive, and result-oriented manner. Drawing on his long professional experience in the Karnali region and his previous tenure at Mid-West University, he expressed his determination to transform the University into a quality, research-oriented, and outstanding institution of higher education.
The office assumption ceremony was attended by university officials, deans, executive directors, the Head of the Examination Management Office, heads and coordinators of academic departments, faculty members, staff, students, and other distinguished participants.
Who is Prof. Rajan Suwal?
Prof. Suwal joined Mid-West University from Tribhuvan University, where he was an associate professor in the Civil Engineering Department at Pulchowk Campus. Engineer Suwal has done MSc, Ph.D and Post Doctorate in Structural Engineering. Prof. Rajan Suwal also served as the Dean of Graduate School of Engineering, Mid-West University.
Twenty candidates applied for the Mid-West University VC post. As with the other universities in this round, a Selection and Recommendation Committee chaired by Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel oversaw shortlisting, public feedback, interviews, and the final three-name recommendation to Chancellor and PM Balendra Shah.
Mid-West University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Dhruba Kumar Gautam, was removed from office under the same May 2, 2026 ordinance affecting politically appointed university leaders nationwide. The Mid-West University Registrar was removed in the same action.
