Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, July 2026 — BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence and one of India’s leading higher education institutions known for its excellence in education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship has announced the appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Vishwas H. Devaiah as the Dean of BITS Law School. BITS Law School is a new-age law school under the aegis of BITS Pilani, located in Mumbai. As a founding faculty member, Prof. Devaiah has played a pivotal role in laying the School’s strong academic and institutional foundation. Since assuming the role of Acting Dean on January 16, 2026, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership, clear academic vision, and a steady commitment to building a future-focused institution.
As Dean, Prof. Devaiah will continue to lead BITS Law School, strengthen its academic and institutional foundations, and further build its reputation as a leading centre for legal education and research.
Commenting on the appointment, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “At BITS Pilani, we are committed to building institutions that combine academic excellence with innovation and societal relevance. BITS Law School reflects this vision and has made remarkable progress in a short period. Prof. Devaiah has been closely associated with the School’s journey since its inception, and his appointment as Dean ensures continuity in its academic vision and institutional priorities. I wish him every success as the School continues its journey of excellence.”
Speaking on his appointment, Prof. (Dr.) Vishwas H. Devaiah, Dean, BITS Law School, said, “It is an honour to serve as Dean of BITS Law School. Having been part of the School since its inception, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional community of faculty, students, and colleagues in building a strong academic foundation. I look forward to continuing this journey together, with a sustained focus on academic excellence, impactful research, and preparing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the legal profession and society.”
Prof. Devaiah holds a PhD from the University of Liverpool, an LL.M. from the University of Warwick, and a Bachelor of Laws (B.A.L., LL.B.) degree from University Law College, Bangalore. He brings extensive experience in legal education, research, and institution building. He has worked as a research consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO, South Asia) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and has received several international research grants and scholarships in recognition of his work. Prof. Devaiah has published widely and has served as a reviewer for several leading journals. His areas of interest include music and copyright, artificial intelligence, law and ethics, standard essential patents and competition law, and the intersection of health law, bioethics, and emerging medical technologies.
Established in 1964, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) is an Institution of Eminence, globally recognised for excellence in higher education, research, and innovation. Over the decades, BITS Pilani has evolved into a multi-campus university, known for its academic rigour, cutting-edge research, and strong industry and international collaborations. BITS Pilani continues to strengthen its academic standing across national and global benchmarks. In the NIRF Rankings 2025, the Institute secured Rank 2 in Pharmacy, rank 7 in the University category and Rank 11 in Engineering underscoring its leadership across key disciplines. All national ranking agencies of repute rank BITS as No. 1 among the private institutions for engineering. Globally, BITS Pilani is featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is ranked among the world’s top 250 in Engineering reflecting its growing international footprint. Accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC and supported by 100+ international collaborations, BITS Pilani continues to drive innovation-led education and impactful research.
BITS Law School, Mumbai, is a new-age law school under the aegis of BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence. BITSLAW has been established with a vision towards becoming an inspirational benchmark for new-age, multidisciplinary legal education & research in India. The school offers legal knowledge, practical training, and holistic education to build legal professionals who will be passionate about creating a more fair, just, and inclusive society. It aims to instill among its students an appreciation of Constitutional Principles and the Rule of Law. BITS Law School is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and offers two five-year integrated full-time residential programmes – BA LLB (Hons) and BBA LLB (Hons).
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