As its Pro-VC, Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh has established Chandigarh University as a top ranked private institution in India. Under his leadership, CU excels in research, with numerous SCI publications and patents. He also pioneered forensic entomology in the country.

Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh serves as the esteemed Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Chandigarh University (CU), located in Mohali, Punjab. He proudly highlights the university’s exceptional contribution to the field of education, positioning it as a leader among private institutions in India.

Dr. Singh underlines that Chandigarh University has earned the prestigious title of being the No. 1 private university in the country, a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation. Additionally, CU Mohali holds an impressive NIRF Ranking of 20, as recognized by the Department of Higher Education, Government of India. This ranking reflects the university’s dedication to providing world-class education, fostering industry collaborations, and ensuring holistic student development.

With state-of-the-art infrastructure, globally recognized faculty, and an emphasis on skill-based learning, Chandigarh University continues to shape the future of higher education in India. Its strong industry-academia partnerships, cutting-edge research initiatives, and focus on entrepreneurship and innovation make it a preferred choice for students seeking quality education and global exposure.

Chandigarh University’s remarkable achievements reaffirm its position as a trailblazer in higher education, driving academic excellence and innovation at both national and international levels.

India’s Top Ranked Private University Chandigarh University (CU) stands out as a premier institution of higher education, offering an extensive range of 160+ academic programs across diverse disciplines. These include Management, Computer Applications, Engineering, Basic Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Education, catering to the evolving demands of various industries.

One of CU’s key strengths is its exceptional placement record, making it the top choice for students seeking career-oriented education. The university has established a dedicated Corporate Research Center, working in close collaboration with its Corporate Advisory Board, which is a unique initiative. This board comprises industry leaders and experts who actively guide students, ensuring they are equipped with real-world skills and industry insights.

Further strengthening its career development ecosystem, Chandigarh University boasts a strong Alumni Association. Its alumni, many of whom hold prestigious positions in top companies, frequently return to mentor and inspire current students, sharing valuable experiences and career guidance.

By integrating quality education, industry exposure, and career support, Chandigarh University continues to shape future-ready professionals, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in higher education and placements.

Pro-VC Dr. Singh emphasizes that the vision of Chandigarh University (CU) is to provide quality education to the youth, as the success of any university is measured by how effectively it guides, motivates, and empowers students to excel in their careers and personal growth.

Chandigarh University has carved a niche for itself as a leading research-driven institution. The university has made remarkable strides in scientific research, with over 400+ SCI (Science Citation Index) publications in the past year alone—an unprecedented achievement that underscores its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

CU Mohali also fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to file patents and translate their ideas into real-world applications. A significant number of patents filed by students have been granted and successfully commercialized, further solidifying CU’s position as a center for cutting-edge research and technological advancement.

With a strong focus on quality education, research, and industry collaboration, Chandigarh University continues to shape future leaders, innovators, and changemakers, making it a preferred destination for students seeking academic excellence and career success.

Chandigarh University (CU) has long been recognized for its academic excellence, and now it has also emerged as a powerhouse in sports. In 2024, CU made history by becoming the first private university to win the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy, a coveted honor awarded to institutions excelling in sports and athletics.

This remarkable achievement solidifies CU’s position as the No. 1 university in India for sports promotion, reflecting its commitment to nurturing talent, providing world-class sports facilities, and supporting student-athletes in achieving their full potential.

With a strong emphasis on holistic development, Chandigarh University continues to inspire students not only in academics but also in competitive sports, setting new benchmarks in higher education and athletics.

Apart from his role as a Pro-VC, through his groundbreaking work, academic contributions, and mentorship, Prof. Singh has revolutionized Forensic Entomology in India, ensuring its growth and recognition as a crucial tool in forensic science. His achievements continue to inspire researchers and students to explore this evolving domain.

Reflecting on his early years, Prof. Devinder Singh shares that he comes from humble beginnings. Born in a small village in Bathinda, Punjab, he was deeply influenced by his father, who was a dedicated school teacher. His father instilled in him the importance of education, constantly motivating him to pursue academic excellence and aim high.

Prof. Singh began his schooling in a village school, where he was introduced to English only in the sixth grade. Despite the challenges of limited resources, his determination and hard work led him to a government college, where he further honed his academic skills. His quest for knowledge took him to Punjabi University, Patiala, where he pursued both his postgraduate degree and PhD.

His association with Punjabi University extended far beyond his student years. He joined the institution as a faculty member and dedicated 34 years of service, significantly contributing to its growth. Over the years, he held several key administrative positions, including:

• Registrar

• Director of Planning

• Dean of Faculty

• Head of the Department

His leadership and vision played a crucial role in shaping academic policies, research development, and institutional planning at Punjabi University.

Now serving as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Prof. Devinder Singh’s story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of education. His story continues to inspire students to dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence.

His research career has been nothing short of being remarkable. In 1992, he traveled to the USA as a postdoctoral fellow to specialize in Forensic Entomology—a field that was virtually unknown in India at the time. His pioneering efforts led to the establishment and growth of this science in India, laying the foundation for its advancement in crime detection.

With his expertise, he played a key role in setting up dedicated laboratories, where Forensic Entomology is now flourishing as an important discipline. His groundbreaking research has not only contributed to scientific advancements but has also helped in real-world forensic investigations.

Many of Dr. Singh’s students have followed in his footsteps, pursuing careers in leading universities and research institutions, further expanding the scope of Forensic Entomology in India. His work has demonstrated how insects can play a crucial role in crime detection, significantly impacting forensic science and law enforcement.

Through his visionary leadership and academic contributions, Prof. Devinder Singh has cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in forensic research, inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Talking about his role models, Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh attributes his success and academic progress  to the guidance of his father, whom he considers his greatest inspiration. Being an educator himself, his father instilled in him the value of knowledge and lifelong learning. From an early age, he introduced Prof. Singh to various fields of education, shaping his foundation before he pursued higher studies in school, college, and university.

During his time at Punjabi University, Patiala, he was profoundly influenced by Prof. (Dr.) Trilok Singh, a highly respected academician. It was under Dr. Trilok Singh’s mentorship that he developed a keen interest in research. Encouraged by his professor, Prof. Devinder Singh embarked on his PhD, marking the beginning of his remarkable academic and research career.

Despite being selected as a Probationary Officer in a bank, he chose to follow his true passion—education. His unwavering commitment to academia and research led him to pursue knowledge, mentor students, and contribute significantly to higher education.

His career is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring countless students to follow their passion and make meaningful contributions to society.

Forensic Entomology Expert Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh draws immense motivation from Winston Churchill’s iconic quote:

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

He firmly believes that life is a tale of ups and downs, where both success and failure play crucial roles. However, what truly matters is the determination to keep moving forward towards one's goals.

Reflecting on his hardships, Prof. Singh considers himself fortunate to have faced relatively fewer hardships. Soon after completing his education, he secured his first appointment as an Assistant Professor within six months—a position he passionately held for 34 years at Punjabi University, Patiala. His dedication and academic contributions eventually led him to Chandigarh University, where he now serves as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

He acknowledges that life has been kind to him, and he attributes his smooth journey to hard work, perseverance, and divine blessings. His story serves as an inspiration for students and academicians alike, reinforcing the idea that staying committed to one’s passion leads to long-term success and fulfillment.

One of the defining moments in Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh’s career was his research tenure at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he had the privilege of working under the legendary Bernard Greenberg, known as the father of Forensic Entomology. This experience became a turning point in his life, igniting his passion for a new field of research that was virtually unexplored in India.

Upon returning to India, he took the initiative to develop Forensic Entomology as a specialized discipline. Recognizing his pioneering efforts, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) awarded him a research project to generate crucial forensic data—a foundation that would later benefit law enforcement and criminal investigations.

His relentless dedication to this field led to several prestigious research projects funded by top agencies, including:

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

• Government of Punjab

• Punjab State Council for Science & Technology

Forensic Entomology Pioneer Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh firmly believes that the key to success lies in honesty, sincerity, and integrity. He advises students that:

“If you are honest in your work, nobody can stop you.”

While challenges may arise, he emphasizes that dedication and perseverance will always lead to success. He encourages students to imbibe these core values, as they form the foundation of a successful and fulfilling life.

Beyond personal growth, Prof. Singh holds a strong belief in national commitment. He is particularly inspired by the Japanese youth, whose unwavering dedication to their country has made Japan a global leader in innovation and progress.

🇮🇳 His message to the youth of India is:

• Put the nation first in everything you do.

• Be sincere and committed to the country’s progress.

• Understand that a developed nation benefits every citizen.

He strongly urges young individuals to prioritize national development, as their dedication and sincerity will ultimately shape India’s future on the global stage.

PVC CU Dr. Devinder Singh emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to one’s roots, culture, and language, no matter how far one may go in their educational or professional career. He shares his own experience as a lifelong science student, yet remains  deeply involved in the promotion of the Punjabi language.

Regarding education in India, Prof. Singh strongly supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places a significant focus on the use of Indian native languages in higher education. He is pleased to see the government’s effort to revive and incorporate the Indian knowledge system—a treasure trove of ancient wisdom from texts and books that have often been overlooked.

“The National Education Policy stresses the integration of our indigenous knowledge systems into higher education, ensuring that Indian languages and ancient texts are included in the academic curriculum,” he states.

Prof. Singh firmly believes that this shift towards native languages and ancient knowledge will strengthen India’s education system and enrich the minds of students, helping them build a strong connection to their roots while embracing a global perspective.