Prof. Raja Shekhar Bellamkonda is a distinguished academician, researcher, and academic administrator with over three decades of experience in higher education. He is currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Prof. Shekhar began his academic journey with a B.Tech. in Civil Engineering from Acharya Nagarjuna University. Driven by a deep commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary scholarship, he pursued four Master’s degrees in Management (Osmania University), Psychology (Sri Venkateswara University), Education (IGNOU), and Data Science & Engineering (BITS Pilani). Prof. Shekhar holds three Ph.D. degrees in Management (Kakatiya University), Psychology (Sri Venkateswara University), and Education (Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University), demonstrating exceptional academic accomplishment that reflects intellectual depth and scholarly dedication. In addition, Prof. Shekhar holds two Post-Graduate Diplomas in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations (Kakatiya University) and Computer Science (University of Hyderabad). Prof. Shekhar participated in the Leadership for Academicians Program (LEAP) of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Prof. Shekhar participated in a week-long training program titled “Becoming a Top 100 University” at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Prior to assuming his current role at Yogi Vemana University, Prof. Shekhar served the University of Hyderabad in several key leadership positions, including Senior Professor in the School of Management Studies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean, Chief Warden, and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). His tenure at the University of Hyderabad was marked by significant contributions to academic governance, institutional development, and quality assurance.

Prof. Shekhar’s areas of expertise include Service Quality, Business Analytics, Organisational Behaviour, Quantitative Methods, and Research Methodology. Prof. Shekhar has designed and delivered numerous Faculty Development Programmes , research methodology workshops, and academic training initiatives across India, contributing extensively to capacity building in higher education. He has also played a vital role in national academic initiatives, notably coordinating SWAYAM–ARPIT MOOCs on Research Methodology for Social Science Teachers and Data Analysis for Social Sciences, thereby enhancing digital learning and teacher training at a national level.

As Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shekhar envisions transforming Yogi Vemana University into a centre of excellence by promoting Outcome-Based Education (OBE), research productivity, student employability, and industry engagement. His leadership emphasizes strengthening institutional rankings such as NAAC and NIRF, fostering innovation ecosystems, and enhancing academic governance. Prof. Shekhar is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers India, a prestigious recognition of his professional excellence and contributions to engineering, management, research, and interdisciplinary academic development.

A passionate Career Counsellor and mentor, Prof. Shekhar has guided thousands of students through career awareness programs, National Eligibility Test coaching, and higher education pathways. His sustained efforts have significantly empowered students to make informed academic and professional choices. He has successfully guided 23 research scholars and has published over 70 research papers in reputed journals. His contributions to higher education have been widely recognized, including the Academicians Excellence Award from the Hyderabad Management Association.