Syiemlieh, David R.

David Reid Syiemlieh (born 22 January 1953) is a Padma Shri recipient and he is an Indian academician and the former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission of India. He studied in Dr. Graham's Homes at, 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 a 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. He was conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award in January 2025 for his contribution to Education and Literature.