The search-cum-selection committee set up by the HRD Ministry to select a new chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to make a departure from the set norms. It has, according to sources, called for an interaction with the 20 shortlisted candidates before sending a three-name list to the ministry for final selection.

As many as 82 candidates had applied for the UGC chairman’s job. Conventionally, search committees shortlist a panel of three names from the list of candidates who apply/are nominated for the job largely based on their curriculum vitae and some other set parameters, and send them to the ministry.

The present search committee has as its members Prof Goverdhan Mehta, National Research Professor in University of Hyderabad; Prof K Srinath Reddy, president Public Health Foundation of India; and Prof N R Madhav Menon, former head National Law School University, Bangalore.

The sources told The Indian Express that while two members did not feel a need for direct interaction with the shortlisted candidates, one member insisted on it.