Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, the Vice-Chancellor of Patna University joined Patna University on 03.07.2024. Before joining as the Vice-Chancellor of Patna University, he served as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Patna University from 28.09.2020 to 27.09.2023. Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh is Professor of Plant Physiology, Department of Botany, Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (Formerly Rajendra Agricultural University), Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. He was born on 16th December, 1956. He joined R.A.U. as Assistant Professor – cum - Jr. Scientist (Seed Technology) in 1987 and later transferred to P.G. Department of Botany & Plant Physiology in 1997.

Before joining Patna University as Pro Vice – Chancellor, he was head of the Department of Botany, Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, R.P.C.A.U., Pusa. He continued his academic pursuits by acquiring Ph.D. degree from R.A.U. in Plant Physiology and promoted as Professor in 2006.

In addition to large number of research publications in different national & international journals /popular articles /review article /book /training manual /laboratory manual, he has supervised many Ph.D. & M.Sc. (Ag.) theses along with B.Tech. (Biotechnology) projects.

He also handled different I.C.A.R. and University funded research projects. One of his major scientific contributions is identification and deciphering of tolerance mechanism in Chickpea genotypes against zinc & iron stress in calciorthent soil and is of national interest with regard to enhancement of chickpea production and productivity.

His area of research specializations are seed physiology and abiotic stress physiology. He has been conferred with three lifetime achievement awards by different reputed National/International societies in the field of Agricultural Education & Research and also acting as Editorial Board Member in the Journal of Plant Sciences. He is also life member of scientific societies, viz. Indian Society of Seed Technology, Indian Society of Plant Physiology and Society for Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Apart from teaching & research at U.G., P.G. & Ph.D. levels, he acted as member of senate and Board of Studies, CBS & H and member of Academic Council of R.A.U./ R.P.C.A.U. In addition to these, he also discharged important responsibilities as Recruitment Officer, R.A.U. and Officer – in – charge, External Examination & Evaluation Cell, R.P.C.A.U. He was also Chairman/member of different committees at the faculty level and University level.