Researcher. Engineer. Institution Builder.
With over 38 years of distinguished service in engineering education, research, and institutional leadership, Col. Dr S.N. Sridhara brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and proven administrative vision to Adichunchanagiri University.
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B.E. Mechanical Engineering
Bangalore University
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M.E. Aerospace Engineering
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
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Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
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Specialisation
Computational Fluid Dynamics, Solar Energy Systems, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Biofuel Technologies, Sustainable Engineering
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38+ Years in Engineering Education
Professor, Dean, Founder Principal, Vice Chancellor across premier institutions
A Career Built on Academic Excellence
From foundational research at India's foremost science institute to leading universities across the country, Col. Dr S.N. Sridhara's career is a masterclass in progressive institutional leadership grounded in engineering scholarship.
M.E. & Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
Completed both his Master's and Doctoral degrees at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru — India's highest-ranked research institution — specialising in Computational Fluid Dynamics and laying the groundwork for a prolific research career.
Professor — BMS College of Engineering
Served as Professor at one of Bengaluru's most established engineering colleges, building a strong foundation in teaching, mentoring, and applied research while contributing to curriculum development and departmental growth.
Dean / Director — M.S. Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies
Took on a leadership role as Dean and Director at M.S. Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies, overseeing academic strategy, research programmes, and international partnerships. Instrumental in raising the institution's research output and academic profile.
Founder Principal — KS School of Engineering & Management
Founded and led KS School of Engineering & Management as its inaugural Principal — designing the institution's academic framework, recruiting faculty, establishing research culture, and guiding it through its formative years from the ground up.
Director — Amity University Gurugram
Appointed Director of Amity University Gurugram, leading one of India's largest private university networks. Oversaw multi-disciplinary academic governance, research funding, industry partnerships, and campus expansion at scale.
Vice Chancellor — Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science
Led Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS) as Vice Chancellor, advancing the institution's accreditation standing, research output, and outcome-based education adoption — building on the OBE framework he championed throughout his career.
Vice Chancellor — Adichunchanagiri University
Currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Adichunchanagiri University, Col. Dr S.N. Sridhara brings his decades of experience to bear on ACU's mission — driving academic reform, research excellence, accreditation outcomes, and industry-ready graduate programmes across the University's multi-faculty ecosystem.
Research & Innovation
A prolific researcher with a body of work spanning Computational Fluid Dynamics, renewable energy, and sustainable transport — backed by 230+ publications and 7 patents that bridge theoretical inquiry and real-world application.
230+
Research
Publications
7
Patents Granted
(5 Indian, 2 Australian)
38+
Years in Engineering
Education
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Computational Fluid Dynamics
Advanced CFD modelling and simulation for aerospace and mechanical systems, with applications in turbulence analysis, heat transfer optimisation, and flow behaviour prediction.
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Solar Energy Systems
Research into solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, focusing on efficiency improvements, material science innovations, and scalable deployment for India's energy transition.
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Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Pioneering work in HEV powertrains, battery management systems, and energy recovery mechanisms — contributing to India's sustainable mobility roadmap.
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Biofuel Technologies
Investigation of biodiesel production, feedstock optimisation, and combustion characteristics — advancing viable alternatives to fossil fuels for transportation and power generation.
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Sustainable Engineering
Integrating sustainability principles across engineering curricula and research — from green manufacturing to lifecycle assessment, preparing graduates for a carbon-conscious future.
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Outcome-Based Education
A national leader in OBE implementation — partnering with Coventry University, UK to develop assessment frameworks, rubrics, and programme outcomes that align Indian engineering education with global accreditation standards.
Leadership Vision
"Academic excellence is not an abstract ideal — it is a measurable commitment to preparing every student for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world through rigorous, outcome-driven education."
Col. Dr S.N. Sridhara · Vice Chancellor, Adichunchanagiri University
Col. Dr S.N. Sridhara's leadership at ACU centres on embedding Outcome-Based Education across every programme and faculty. In partnership with Coventry University, UK, he has driven a university-wide transformation in how programmes are designed, taught, and assessed — ensuring that every course outcome maps directly to graduate attributes and industry expectations.
His approach is built on the conviction that Indian universities must meet global benchmarks not through rhetoric but through systematic reform: redesigning curricula around measurable learning outcomes, training faculty in OBE pedagogy, establishing robust internal quality assurance, and fostering a research culture that solves real problems. Under his guidance, ACU is positioned to become a model for outcome-driven higher education in India.
Recognition & Awards
National and international recognition for sustained contributions to engineering education, research excellence, and institutional leadership — from the Government of India to global scientific bodies.
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Honorary Colonel — Government of India (NCC)
Conferred the honorary rank of Colonel by the Government of India through the National Cadet Corps, in recognition of his distinguished service to education, nation-building, and youth development across his career.
2023 · Government of India
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Best Principal Award — ISTE & Government of Karnataka
Recognised by the Indian Society for Technical Education and the Government of Karnataka for exemplary leadership as an institutional head, academic innovation, and contributions to technical education policy.
ISTE & Govt. of Karnataka
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Lifetime Achievement — Institution of Engineers (India)
Awarded the Lifetime Achievement honour by the Institution of Engineers (India) — the country's oldest and most prestigious professional body for engineers — for decades of sustained impact in engineering education, research, and governance.
Institution of Engineers (India)
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Lifetime Achievement — International Space Forum (Serbia)
Recognised on the global stage by the International Space Forum in Serbia for significant contributions to aerospace engineering research, space technology awareness, and international academic collaboration.
International Space Forum · Serbia
Connect with the Vice Chancellor
Col. Dr S.N. Sridhara's office is committed to accessible, responsive academic leadership. Reach out for matters relating to academic policy, research collaboration, or institutional partnerships.
Contact Information
Office of the Vice Chancellor
Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara, Karnataka
A Note from the VC
I believe that a university's true measure lies in the competence, confidence, and character of its graduates. At Adichunchanagiri University, we are building an academic environment where rigorous research, outcome-driven education, and strong industry partnerships converge to produce graduates who are ready — not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of meaningful contribution.
Whether you are a prospective student, a research collaborator, or an industry partner, I invite you to engage with us as we work towards making ACU a benchmark for quality higher education in India.
