Chennai: Anna University has introduced a 10-digit faculty identification number (FIN) to combat the issue of fake faculty, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. The university has directed all engineering faculty members to register their personal and academic credentials, along with a geotagged photograph taken within the campus, to obtain the new ID before April 30.
The university has also instructed respective principals to verify the details of their faculty members. According to a circular issued by the university's registrar, it has been mandated to verify and authenticate faculty details using biometric (fingerprint) data of each faculty member, duly verified through UIDAI.
This move comes after anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam exposed that more than 350 faculty members were shown working in multiple colleges simultaneously during the 2023-24 academic year. Subsequently, an inquiry by the university revealed that over 1,000 faculty members were listed as working in multiple institutions.
In related developments, the suspension of former vice-chancellor R Velraj by the university's syndicate was set aside by then Governor R N Ravi, and the case is currently pending in court. The Madras High Court also quashed a DVAC case against previous affiliation director V R Giridev.
Meanwhile, colleges have expressed concerns about delays in the affiliation process for the 2026-27 academic year. It remains unclear whether the university will conduct physical inspections of engineering colleges this year. However, the university has sought details from colleges for granting extension of affiliation.
The circular stated that principals must furnish details including AICTE's extension of affiliation, student intake, UG and PG programmes offered, laboratory facilities, availability of classrooms, library, building plans, and land details in the affiliation application. Previously, the university used to send inspection committees to physically verify the information submitted by colleges.
