Jaipur, Jan. 8: Rajasthan University vice-chancellor J.P. Singhal quit today, days after the high court observed that he did not even have "the qualifications to become a professor".

Singhal's appointment by the Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government in July 2015 had drawn fire from the Congress and several teacher bodies, which had alleged that he was picked only because of his links with the RSS.

Singhal, 69, does not have a PhD nor 10 years of experience as a professor, two basic requirements set by the University Grants Commission to be a vice-chancellor.

The court had made scathing remarks while hearing a petition on January 3 challenging Singhal's appointment, saying he had no right "to remain a VC for even 24 hours". The government had earlier rejected the Opposition's allegations against Singhal, insisting his "credentials were above board" and the search committee that finalised his name had "researched all dimensions".

Today, Singhal submitted his resignation to governor Kalyan Singh soon after the university's foundation-day programme. His term would have ended in March this year.

The case has been listed for hearing again tomorrow. There was a possibility earlier that the high court could have passed an order.

Singhal was earlier general secretary of the Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh, an educational body. He was also the government's representative in the syndicate, the highest decision-making body of the university.

Singhal is perceived to be close to Kalicharan Saraf, who was higher education minister at time of the appointment but now holds another portfolio.

Asked today about row, Saraf claimed Dev Swarup, a previous vice-chancellor of the varsity appointed in 2013 when the Congress ruled the state, was also not a PhD.