He will serve as the vice-chancellor for a period of five years from the date he takes charge until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, a university release said today.
Prof Jain was conferred D Phil from the Sussex University, Brighton UK in 1982.
Prof Jain served as a scientist, class I (1983-1985) in the Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi before joining JNU's School of Environmental Sciences as an associate professor in 1985.
Prof Jain has been actively involved in research activities for the past 36 years.