Tamil Nadu is facing a major crisis in higher education. Twelve of its universities have no Vice-Chancellors (VCs). These include the University of Madras, Anna University, Bharathiar, Madurai Kamaraj, and others. Some have been without VCs for over two years. The Governor, acting as Chancellor, and the State government disagree on the VC appointment process, causing a deadlock. At Bharathidasan University, the VC seat has been vacant for 10 months, slowing daily work and delaying important decisions like NAAC renewal and the annual convocation. David Livingstone, Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers’ Association president, said, "When a regular V-C is on the campus, the files and matters of the university will go on without delay, rather than being sent to higher officials for sanction." Madurai Kamaraj University’s reputation is suffering from its year-long VC vacancy. Periyar University has multiple vacant key positions since 2018, and Bharathiar University continues to send important files for government approval without a full-time VC. Tamil Nadu government colleges face a big shortage of staff, with about 9,000 vacancies and nearly 96 colleges having no principals. New colleges opened in 15 districts often lack proper infrastructure and staff. In October 2025, recruitment for 2,708 assistant professors faced technical issues. Guest lecturers who have worked for years are stuck in limbo, earning low salaries without benefits. A former VC suggested universities should introduce interdisciplinary courses to boost enrolment rather than keeping small single-faculty departments. Dependence on guest faculty is rising, especially in government colleges. Teachers in aided colleges wait years for salary revisions under the Career Advancement Scheme. No direct recruitment has taken place in the last decade; the State relies on redeployment and ad-hoc staff. Teachers also bear extra administrative work for government schemes, affecting classroom time. Despite Tamil Nadu topping the 2024 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) with 18 top-ranked institutions, ground realities show a system weakening due to leadership gaps and staff shortages. Experts warn the National Education Policy 2020 and new Central bills may increase Central government control and hurt the State’s strong social justice-based education system. The current issues could disrupt the future of thousands of students in Tamil Nadu. The State’s education system is at a critical crossroads.