David R. Syiemlieh

David Reid Syiemlieh (born 22 January 1953) is an Indian academician and the present chairman of the Union Public Service Commission of India. He studied in Dr Graham's Homes, Kalimpong (1958–1970) and graduated with history honours from St.Edmund's College, Shillong. This was followed with a master's degree in History (1976), MPhil(1980) and PhD (1985) from the North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. He taught undergraduates in St. Edmund's College (1977–1979) before joining the Department of History, NEHU, in 1979. He rose in the profession to become Professor in the Department of History. He held numerous positions in the University, including Dean of Students' Welfare; Head Department of History; Controller of Examinations; Registrar and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Syiemlieh, is a former Vice Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.

Author of several books and articles on the history of North East India, he is credited with discovering the date of death and other details of the last days of Tirot Sing, the Khasi chief of Nongkhlaw who resisted British colonial expansion and locating the grave in Calcutta of Thomas Jones, the Welsh missionary who first arrived in the Khasi Hills. David R Syiemlieh was Honorary Director of the Indian Council for Social Science Research, North Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong ;Member of the Indian Council of Historical Research,New Delhi and Member, Indian Council for Social Science Research, New Delhi.The President of India appointed Prof. David R. Syiemlieh as Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University . He took charge on 5 October 2011.

He is recipient of the Charles Wallace Grant for research in the UK; India France Cultural Exchange for research in Paris, and the Senior Fulbright Fellowship for research in the US. He was affiliated to Notre Dame University. Prof.Syiemlieh was President of the North East India History Association (2010–2011).As Sectional President- Modern India Section of the Indian History Congress, he delivered his address at the 73rd session held in Mumbai, 2012. Prof. David R. Syiemlieh was appointed by the President of India as Member, Union Public Service Commission, New Delhi.

He is married to Maxine Sohkhlet. They have two sons, Colin and Reuben.