Search committees set up to recommend names of vice-chancellors, it seems, would miss the December 19 deadline, as only two universities have been scrutinised out of 11.

According to Raj Bhavan sources, the chancellor’s office has sought more time to finalise these appointments for the delay in scrutinising a large number of applications received for these posts and shortlisting suitable candidates.

Brajesh Mehrotra, principal secretary, governor secretariat, said: “The search committees have scrutinised the applications of Nalanda Open University and Veer Kuer Singh University. Other varsity applications, too, would be checked soon.”

He added that deserving applicants for both the universities have been shortlisted by the respective search committees and interview call letters would soon be issued.

Sources said the search committees have also started checking applications for posts of vice-chancellors (VCs) and pro-VCs for Patna University, Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University and BN Mandal University. The shortlisting process would start in a couple of days.

The shortlisted candidates would have to give a presentation followed by interview. The search committees, after completing the process, would suggest names of three candidates each for VCs and pro-VCs to the chancellor.

Based on consultation between Raj Bhavan and the state government, appointments would be made.

On October 22, 2012, the search committees for 11 universities were constituted to appoint VCs and pro-VCs in as many institutes. The search committees comprise eminent academics. However, no one from the state has been made the chairperson of any of the panels. Sources said the search committee members were also working from state guesthouse and even from New Delhi to shortlist names of candidates.

The applications are being shortlisted by search committees on the basis of the candidates’ minimum experience of 10 years as professor, seniority in university service, publications in national and international journals, capacity to organise national and international conferences and also the quality and quantity of books written by them.

According to sources, many applications have come in from outside the state as the Bihar government had advertised for the posts nationally hoping to appoint suitable candidates.

The applicants also comprise teachers from affiliated colleges and constituent colleges of the state. Many professors, who have more than 10 years of teaching experience, have applied for the posts.

According to Raj Bhavan sources, more than 2,500 applications have arrived and since there was no age limit, many retired teachers, VCs and pro-VCs have applied.

Magadh University, the largest university in Bihar, having more than 45 constituent colleges, has received the maximum number of applications.