JNU to confer Professor Emeritus title on Amitabh Mattoo

Amitabh Mattoo, dean of JNU’s School of International Studies, will receive the university’s Professor Emeritus title after his voluntary retirement takes effect on February 28, 2027.

JNU’s Executive Council approved the decision after Mattoo’s name was recommended by Rajesh Rajagopalan, a professor at the school. Mattoo was appointed dean in 2024 and previously chaired the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament.

He has also served as vice-chancellor of the University of Jammu and is the only Padma Shri recipient currently on JNU’s rolls. “One may retire from a university’s service, but never from its embrace,” Mattoo said.

JNU has 16 Professor Emeritus title-holders. Its guidelines say nominees must have served as professors at the university for at least 15 years and made a significant, distinctive contribution to JNU and their academic discipline or society.