Dr. Ajay Rana – Director General (Independent Campus) & Former Vice Chancellor

Global Board Member & Policy Advisor || Education & Innovation Strategist || Institutional Builder || Mentor & Change Maker || Director General || Former Vice Chancellor ||

With over 25 years of leadership in higher education, I have shaped institutions, policies, and talent that drive India’s knowledge economy.

Currently serving as Director General at Amity University Greater Noida Campus (Independent Charge), I lead an autonomous, innovation-driven institution on par with the most respected national and global centres of academic excellence.

I have served as Vice Chancellor of SUM (Deemed-to-be University), Senior Vice President of RBEF (Umbrella body for Amity), Advisor to the Amity Higher Education Group, and founder of multiple landmark initiatives that transformed the Amity ecosystem—Amity School of Engineering, Amity Alumni Association , M.Tech & Ph.D programmes, Amity Summer School, Amity Technical Placement Centre, Amity Digital Library, and Amity Youth Festival.

My leadership has enabled

• NAAC ‘A’ accreditation and top national patent rankings (#3 among R&D organisations; #10 among Indian universities)
• Successful inspections and accreditations from UGC, AICTE, NAAC, NIRF, QS, QAA (UK), WASC, IET, NCTE, PCI, RCI, BCI, and multiple state universities
• Policy contributions at the national level as Executive Member, NEP Implementation Committee, Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Board leadership with Rajasthan Venture Capital Fund, SS Technologies, and NGOs including Gramin Avam Paryavaran Vikas Sansthan.

Globally, I have studied and collaborated with top universities to bring world-class academic excellence, innovation frameworks, and entrepreneurship ecosystems to India.

Specialties: Academic governance, policy strategy, institutional accreditation, innovation & incubation, research strategy, entrepreneurship, ESG, and digital transformation.

Recognized for visionary leadership, values-driven governance, and social commitment, I actively mentor universities, EdTech founders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to create scalable, impactful education and innovation models.

If you are Building, Transforming, or Reimagining Education, Research, or Innovation, Let’s Connect at ajayphdmba@gmail.com

I know Dr. Rana for years now, a highly committed and hardworking person, wishing him the best.

Subir MalikFounder Member/Organiser/Manager

Dr Rana is and extremely sought-after leader, and highly visionary i was delighted to have the opportunity to interact with him, he is extremely generous and very humble and always encourage young talent and stand by them to support their vision. My cordial regards to Dr Rana and wish him good health and success

Shani RajpalFounder / Managing Director

I had the pleasure of meeting Ajay recently. In addition to being a distinguished academician and an administrator of international repute, Ajay is also an extremely personable and humble individual, who is deeply committed to impacting the lives of young people around the world. His genuine warmth and affable personality stand out. I wish him the very best in his personal and professional life

Abhishek AnandPartner

Dr. Ajay Rana Sir is not only known for his classy work style but people who have got an opportunity to know him as a person would endorse my statement that "he is a man of principles" regardless of any situation his determination and decision never gets altered. He is a person who respects people of all formats and status. for him, values are more important than stature. His work ethics and integrity is like Geeta for many and can be used to take the pledge. if you want results from your employees than in simple words do not ask them to do best, only ask them to imitate Dr. Ajay Rana

Anjani BhatnagarDeputy Director

Dr Ajay Rana is known to me for the last 20 years. A thorough professional & a great human being in spite of being at higher level & position. He continues to learn and makes change happen for benefit of people at large

Arun MalikExecutive Director

Doctor Ajay Rana is one of the most dynamic and inspirational leaders in the world of campus placements, leading an excellent team at Amity University. I have been meeting Doctor Rana for the last 13 years and always find him enlightening, inspiring, enthusiastic and updated on the latest trends in the industry. He is a great human being, a thorough professional and a very positive personality. It's always a pleasure to meet and learn from him. I wish Dr. Rana, all the very best in all his future endeavors.

Ramit TyagiAVP (India Hiring Leader)

I can describe Ajay as cool, simple, intelligent and diligent. He has many qualities that help him in good networking with his peers and seniors. He is a good teacher, researcher, administrator, and leader. My best wishes for his future endeavors.

Deepak GargLeader

I have had the fortune of interacting and working together with Dr. Rana on multiple occasions. An ever smiling personality, It is always a pleasure to brainstorm with him for new ideas and exchange of ideas. Dr Rana has been very proactive and forthcoming with support and help whenever required. His ability to network and connect with students to senior veterans makes him a go-to person for all issues. My deepest appreciation to Dr. Rana's commitment and dedication towards Amity. Truly a Gem to work with.

Ojasvi BabbarCEO

In my 20 years long Career in Education sector I have never seen a Gem person like Dr. Rana, A thorough Professional, a great Human being, best Administrator, Finest Academician and what not.I really feel lucky to work along a great leader like Dr. Rana. Its been a great pleasure in working with Dr Rana on a range of projects. Dr Rana has a unique and amazing ability to build the diverse and effective teams, create a strong sense of purpose, coach and inspire to achieve beyond set targets. He is very thorough, well-read, visionary and resourceful individual with highest integrity standards

Ravi JangraDeputy Director

A thorough professional striving for excellence in all fields. An accomplished teacher and a compulsive human network person. A must to meet and a pleasure to be in company with. I have had the privilege to work with Dr. Rana while recruiting for B.Tech students from Amity and wish him all success in his endeavors always.

Sanjay Susant PatroDirector of Examinations