Prime Minister and Chancellor Balendra Shah appointed Prof. Rishi Ram Kattel as Vice-Chancellor of the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) on Asar 19, 2083 (July 3, 2026), from a three-candidate shortlist recommended through the government's open competitive process. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel the same day.
| New Vice-Chancellor | Prof. Rishi Ram Kattel |
| Appointed | Asar 19, 2083 (July 3, 2026) |
| Selection process | Open competition; 15 applicants |
| Outgoing VC | Prof. Sharada Thapaliya (removed by ordinance, May 2, 2026) |
On July 5, 2026 (Ashar 21, 2083), Prof. Rishiram Kattel formally assumed office as the Vice-Chancellor of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU).
Addressing the office assumption ceremony, he reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen the University and further enhance its role as Nepal's leading institution for agricultural and forestry education, research, and innovation.
He said he would dedicate himself to improving academic quality, promoting research and innovation, expanding international collaboration, and ensuring that the University's knowledge and research contribute meaningfully to society and the agricultural sector.
Prof. Kattel is the youngest Vice-Chancellor in the history of Agriculture and Forestry University and the youngest among the seven vice-chancellors appointed through the Government of Nepal's open competitive selection process. He is widely recognized for his contributions to teaching, research, academic leadership, and university management.
Background: who is Rishi Ram Kattel?
Prof. Kattel is one of the few appointees in this round to be promoted to Vice-Chancellor from within the same university he will now lead. He is a professor at the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) and holds his own PhD in Agricultural Economics and Management from AFU itself, giving him direct, long-standing familiarity with the university's academic programmes, research priorities, and administrative structure.
Selection process
Fifteen candidates applied for AFU's VC post. The Selection and Recommendation Committee chaired by Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel carried out the shortlisting and interview process before recommending three finalists to Chancellor Balendra Shah.
AFU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sharada Thapaliya, was removed from office under the government's May 2, 2026 ordinance targeting politically appointed office-holders. Twenty-two office-holders appointed under the Agriculture and Forestry University Act, 2067 including the VC and Registrar — lost their positions in the same nationwide action that affected Purbanchal, Far-Western University, Mid-West University, Pokhara, and Rajarshi Janak universities.
