BITS Pilani: 43 Senior Academic Leaders Complete LEAD Academics Programme

The event, held on September 17, 2026, also marked the formal launch of the Centre for Leadership in Education and Academic Development (LEAD) at BITS Pilani. The Centre has been established as a platform focused on leadership development and capacity-building in the higher education sector.

LEAD Academics Programme Completes Second Cohort

The six-month LEAD Academics Programme is designed to help university and higher education leaders develop the knowledge, frameworks and leadership skills required to address contemporary institutional challenges.

During the programme, the 43 participants engaged in a range of academic and leadership-development activities, including:

• Case studies

• Book discussions

• Reflective exercises

• Flipped classroom sessions

• Leadership discussions

• Institutional governance-related learning

• Academic development activities

• Decision-making exercises

• Peer learning and experience sharing

The programme brought together senior academic professionals from diverse higher education institutions, allowing participants to examine leadership challenges from different institutional perspectives.

BITS Pilani Launches LEAD Centre

The occasion also saw the formal launch of the Centre for Leadership in Education and Academic Development (LEAD).

The Centre is intended to provide a permanent platform for developing leadership capabilities in higher education and supporting academic leaders as they respond to changing institutional requirements.

The initiative comes as higher education institutions are addressing evolving challenges in areas including:

• Academic governance

• Research

• Entrepreneurship

• Institutional development

• Student support

• Global engagement

• Organisational decision-making

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao on Academic Leadership

Speaking on the launch of the LEAD Centre, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said that the institution aims to create opportunities for academic leaders to engage with emerging challenges in higher education, reflect on institutional practices and develop approaches that can contribute to stronger institutions.

His remarks highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for academic leaders to learn from emerging developments and examine institutional practices.

Experienced Mentors Guided LEAD Participants

The LEAD Academics Programme included interactions with experienced mentors from the higher education sector.

The mentors included:

• Former Vice-Chancellors

• Heads of national institutions

• Senior policymakers

• Experienced academic leaders

These mentors shared their experiences of managing higher education institutions and dealing with organisational and leadership challenges.

The interactions enabled participants to reflect on their own leadership approaches and consider different perspectives on institutional management and decision-making.

Focus on Leadership, Governance and Academic Development

The programme's curriculum focused on several areas relevant to the leadership of higher education institutions.

Participants explored issues related to:

• Leadership

• Institutional governance

• Academic development

• Organisational management

• Strategic decision-making

• Institutional practices

• Emerging challenges in higher education

The combination of structured academic sessions and practical experiences was intended to connect leadership concepts with the realities of managing higher education institutions.

Peer Learning Among Academic Leaders

A key feature of the second cohort was continued interaction among participants beyond formal classroom sessions.

The cohort included academic leaders working in different institutional contexts. This diversity created opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and learn from different approaches to institutional leadership.

The programme also encouraged continued engagement among participants after formal sessions, supporting an ongoing peer-learning network.

R. Subrahmanyam Highlights Leadership Transformation

Speaking about the importance of leadership development in higher education, Mr. R. Subrahmanyam, IAS (Retd.), Professor of Practice at BITS Pilani and former Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India, emphasised the role of personal transformation in effective leadership.

His remarks focused on empathy and personal development as important aspects of leadership.

Vision of the LEAD Centre

Prof. P. Sankar Ganesh, Founding Head of the LEAD Centre and Professor at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, said that the Centre aims to bring academic leaders together for sustained learning and peer exchange.

The Centre's broader objective is to strengthen leadership capabilities and support institutions in responding to an increasingly complex and changing higher education environment.

Applications Open for Third Cohort

Applications for the third cohort of the LEAD Academics Programme are now open.

Interested candidates can apply for the programme through the designated BITS Pilani LEAD Academics platform.

Application Deadline

September 30, 2026

Candidates interested in joining the third cohort should complete the application process before the deadline and review the eligibility and programme information before applying.

Key Facts: LEAD Academics Programme

• Institution: BITS Pilani

• Campus hosting the event: K K Birla Goa Campus

• Programme: LEAD Academics Programme

• Cohort completed: Second cohort

• Programme duration: Six months

• Participants: 43 senior academic leaders

• Participants' institutions: Government and private higher education institutions across India

• LEAD Centre: Centre for Leadership in Education and Academic Development

• Third cohort: Applications open

• Application deadline: September 30, 2026

FAQs

1. What is the LEAD Academics Programme?

The LEAD Academics Programme is a six-month leadership development programme designed for academic leaders in the higher education sector.

2. How many academic leaders completed the second cohort?

A total of 43 senior academic leaders completed the second cohort of the programme.

3. Which institution organises the LEAD Academics Programme?

The programme is organised by BITS Pilani.

4. Where was the valedictory ceremony held?

The valedictory ceremony of the second cohort was held at the K K Birla Goa Campus of BITS Pilani.

5. What is the LEAD Centre?

The Centre for Leadership in Education and Academic Development (LEAD) is a platform launched by BITS Pilani to strengthen leadership development and capacity-building in higher education.

6. What activities are included in the LEAD Academics Programme?

The programme includes case studies, book discussions, reflective exercises and flipped classroom sessions, along with interactions with experienced academic leaders and mentors.

7. Who mentors participants in the LEAD Academics Programme?

The programme brings experienced mentors including former Vice-Chancellors, heads of national institutions and senior policymakers to share their knowledge and institutional experiences.

8. What areas does the LEAD Academics Programme focus on?

The programme focuses on leadership, institutional governance, academic development, decision-making and challenges facing higher education institutions.

9. Are applications open for the third cohort of the LEAD Academics Programme?

Yes. Applications for the third cohort are currently open.

10. What is the last date to apply for the third LEAD Academics cohort?

The last date to apply is September 30, 2026.

11. Who can benefit from the LEAD Academics Programme?

The programme is aimed at academic leaders and professionals in the higher education sector who are seeking structured learning and leadership development.

12. What is the objective of the LEAD Centre?

The Centre aims to strengthen leadership capabilities through sustained learning, peer exchange and engagement with emerging challenges in higher education.