In 2006, Rao assumed the office of Director, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus. He is regarded as playing a pivotal role in the construction and the establishment of the campus in Hyderabad. The Phase-I of the construction of the campus was finished in 2014 with the inauguration of the Auditorium. The entirely residential campus houses 3000 students and 160 faculty members in 13 departments.
