SOU Head of School Recruitment 2026: Official Notification Overview
Sreenarayanaguru Open University (SOU), Kollam, established as Kerala's premier state open university, has released an official recruitment notification (Advt. No. Ad.A3/1/244/2025/SOU dated 22/10/2026) inviting applications for the senior academic leadership post of Head of School in the School of Communication and Information Science.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
This appointment is conducted strictly on a deputation basis from eligible faculty members serving in Government Colleges, Aided Colleges, Universities, and recognized Government Institutions. Qualified senior academicians seeking state-level leadership roles can also explore all latest Kerala Government Jobs to review emerging opportunities across state academic directorates.
The recruitment process involves a mandatory two-step workflow: candidates must register and submit their online application through the official university portal at sgou.ac.in by 11 November 2026 (5:00 PM), followed by the submission of the signed hard copy and supporting credentials to the Registrar by 18 November 2026 (5:00 PM). Those tracking teaching openings across the university may also inspect the Sreenarayanaguru Open University Assistant Professor Recruitment 2026 recruitment details for academic faculty openings.
Post Details and Deputation Framework
The University invites applications for 1 vacant post of Head of School within the School of Communication and Information Science. The recruitment operates under the statutory framework of the Sreenarayanaguru Open University Act 2021, relevant University Statutes, and prevailing UGC Regulations.
In accordance with university statutes, candidates currently serving as Professors will be given primary consideration. Teachers not below the rank of Associate Professor in Government Colleges, Aided Colleges, Universities, or Government Higher Education Institutions are eligible to apply, but Associate Professors will be considered only in the absence of suitable applicants holding the rank of Professor.
Eligibility Criteria: Qualifications, Teaching Experience & Age Limit
Candidates aspiring for this academic executive role must fulfill comprehensive eligibility criteria encompassing specialized postgraduate education, doctoral credentials, and a verified teaching trajectory. Candidates can also check more Post Graduate jobs in Kerala for parallel higher education positions.
1. Educational Qualifications
- General Computing / Information Stream: Master's degree in Computer and Information Science, including Library Science Programmes, with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed).
- Technical / Engineering Stream: First Class M.E. / M.Tech. along with B.E. / B.Tech. / M.Sc (CS) / M.Sc (IT) in the relevant engineering or technological branch.
- Mandatory Doctoral Degree: A completed Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Science & Engineering, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Library Science, Information & Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Data Science, or allied computing/digital-technologies disciplines.
- Research Output: Proven track record of high-impact research evidenced by high-quality publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals and top-tier conference proceedings.
2. Professional Experience
- Minimum Service: A minimum of 12 years of regular teaching experience in aided colleges, government colleges, state/central universities, or recognized higher education institutions.
- Rank Requirement: Applicants must currently hold substantive teaching positions not below the rank of Associate Professor.
3. Age Limit & Cutoff Date
- Prescribed Age Limit: The applicant's age should ordinarily not exceed 52 years as on 1 January 2026.
- Age Relaxation: Candidates already in confirmed University Service are eligible for age relaxation up to 56 years. Additional relaxations apply strictly in accordance with parent department deputation rules and Kerala State Government norms.
Pay Scale and Deputation Benefits
The appointment to the post of Head of School is governed strictly by state deputation rules. The selected candidate will draw salary, grade pay / academic level remuneration, and associated allowances as per UGC Regulations and the existing pay scale drawn in their respective parent institution.
Deputation allowances, leave encashment benefits, provident fund protections, and pension contributions will be regulated in full compliance with the terms established between Sreenarayanaguru Open University and the candidate's parent employer.
Selection Methodology
The selection framework follows a structured, transparent, multi-stage assessment designed in compliance with UGC benchmarks and University Statutes:
- Stage 1: Document Scrutiny & Eligibility Screening: Verification of administrative eligibility, minimum 12-year teaching service records, doctoral authenticity, and API/research metrics.
- Stage 2: Personal Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to appear before a duly constituted statutory Selection Committee at the University headquarters in Kollam.
- Stage 3: Appointment on Deputation: Final selection is subject to clearance from the parent department, administrative vetting, and approval by the university syndicate.
Application Fee Structure
The non-refundable processing fee must be submitted entirely through the online payment gateway integrated with the university recruitment portal:
- General, OBC, and EWS Categories: Rs. 1500/-
- SC, ST, and Differently Abled (DA) Categories: Rs. 750/-
- Accepted Payment Modes: Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, and UPI. Cash payments, physical demand drafts, or postal orders will not be entertained.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure (Online & Hard Copy)
Candidates must ensure that both online registration and postal document submission are executed before the respective cutoff hours. Follow the detailed steps below:
Step 1: Online Registration and Form Submission
- Visit the official website of Sreenarayanaguru Open University: sgou.ac.in.
- Navigate to the "Careers / Recruitment" portal and locate the notification for Head of School (School of Communication and Information Science).
- Fill out the application form with accurate personal details, academic milestones, research achievements, and service credentials.
- Upload scanned copies of required certificates, recent passport-sized photograph, and authorized signature according to the technical dimensions specified on the portal.
- Remit the appropriate application fee via the secure payment interface and download the transaction acknowledgement slip.
- Submit the form and print out at least two copies of the completed application summary.
Step 2: Hard Copy Dispatch via Post
Submitting the online form alone does not complete the application process. Candidates must physically forward the printed application alongside supporting enclosures.
- Affix your signature in the designated spaces on the printed application form.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of all educational credentials, Ph.D. award notifications, proof of date of birth, experience certificates, research publication reprints, and category certificates.
- Enclose an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) and service statement countersigned by the competent appointing authority of your parent department/institution.
- Superscribe the envelope clearly with: "Application for the Post of Head of School (School of Communication and Information Science) on Deputation - Advt No. Ad.A3/1/244/2025/SOU".
- Send the complete dossier by Registered Post or Speed Post to:
Mailing Address for Document Submission:
The Registrar,
Sreenarayanaguru Open University,
Kureepuzha, Kollam - 691601, Kerala.
Deadline: Must reach the Registrar's office on or before 18 November 2026 by 5:00 PM.
Essential Documents Checklist
Ensure that self-attested copies of each document listed below are systematically organized and attached to the hard copy dossier:
- Photo Identity Proof: Valid Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or PAN Card.
- Age Proof: Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) / Class 10 Certificate showing date of birth.
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Credentials: Degree certificates and consolidated marksheets.
- Doctoral Records: Ph.D. Degree Certificate, course work completion documents, and thesis notification.
- Service & Experience Certificate: Endorsed service records establishing a minimum of 12 years of regular teaching.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Formal clearance certificate from the current employer permitting deputation.
- Research Dossier: Reprints of peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, conference proceedings, and verified API score documentation.
- Category / Caste Certificate: Valid certificate issued by the competent revenue authority for SC/ST/DA candidates seeking fee concessions.
- Fee Payment Proof: System-generated e-receipt showing successful fee transaction.
Crucial Candidate Warnings & Submission Rules
- Strict Hard Copy Cutoff: Online applications lacking corresponding hard copy dossiers received at Kollam by 18 November 2026 (5:00 PM) will be rejected outright. Postal transit delays will not be condoned.
- Identity Uniformity: Applicant name, parentage, and date of birth must match exactly with matriculation certificates. Discrepancies can lead to summary cancellation during scrutiny.
- Service Rank Compliance: Applications from faculty below the substantive rank of Associate Professor will not be considered.
- No Multiple Submissions: Multiple online registrations from the same candidate may result in the invalidation of all applications.
