GetMyUni's Verdict on ANU

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“With a legacy of good academic reputation, ANU has been regarded as one of the top universities in the state. However, the lack of uniform placement opportunities cause a concern among students in different fields.”

Established in 1976, Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), located in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has been recognized for its academic excellence and contributions to various fields of education. The university has consistently maintained high standards, earning an ‘A’ from NAAC. While the university provides placement assistance, its location limits the opportunities for students of some courses compared to universities in larger metropolitan areas.

The university is generally regarded as a reputable higher-education institution, particularly in the state. Students have praised the university's academic rigor, faculty expertise, and diverse courses. However, there is scope for improvement regarding placement opportunities, administrative efficiency, and industry collaborations.

Overall, the university assures quality of education and provides a supportive learning environment for students pursuing higher education in various fields. While there are areas for improvement, the university’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a viable choice for students seeking academic excellence and diverse educational experiences.

Table of Contents

• Diverse Array of Programs
• Experienced & Qualified Professors
• Well Equipped Infrastructure
• Range of Hostel Facilities
• Vibrant & Diverse Campus Life
• Decent Yet Improvable Placement Records
• Overall Impression of ANU

Diverse Array of Programs

ANU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses across various disciplines, catering to students’ diverse interests and career aspirations. Students are particularly impressed with the university’s breadth of course offerings and its commitment to interdisciplinary education. The prominent courses offered by the university are mainly in the Science and Engineering fields.

According to the students’ reviews, the university has a strong research culture, with faculty actively engaged in research projects and publications. The university also encourages student participation in research activities, allowing them to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Attendance Policy

Students must have a minimum attendance of 75% in each subject, without which they will not be allowed to appear for the final examination.

Affordable Fee Structure

The fee structure varies for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs based on the course duration and specialization. Compared to the other universities, the annual course fees at ANU are affordable, except for some courses. The average tuition fees for courses like B.Tech, B.Sc, M.Tech, and MBA are INR 3,72,920, INR 25,185, INR 1,11,870, and INR 1,02,226, respectively.

Experienced & Qualified Professors

The university is said to have a team of experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in their respective fields. The faculty members are generally praised for their dedication to teaching, their willingness to go the extra mile to help students succeed, and their research accomplishments. However, there are some areas where the professors need improvement, such as accessibility, feedback, and grading fairness. 

According to the students’ reviews on online platforms, the faculty at ANU are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. They are engaging and compelling and care about their students’ learning. These professors are highly respected in their fields, as they are active researchers and have published extensively in top journals.

Nevertheless, some students have reported that some faculty members are not as approachable, and some professors' feedback is slow and infrequent. Students have also expressed concerns about the fairness of grading in some courses. The quality of faculty can vary from department to department and from professor to professor. Aspiring students are advised to research specific faculty members before taking a course with them.

Well Equipped Infrastructure

The university has a well-equipped infrastructure to support teaching, learning, and research activities, such as modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, and other facilities to meet the needs of students and faculty members.

The classrooms at ANU are spacious, well-lit, and equipped with modern technology, such as projectors, computers, and whiteboards, which provides a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students. The laboratories consist of contemporary equipment and instruments to enhance the practical learning experience for the students in their respective fields of study.

Multiple libraries at ANU have extensive collections of books, journals, and other resources to support academic research and study. The libraries also have electronic resources and access to online databases. The library has ample seating areas so students can read and study in groups.

The university has a large sports complex with a variety of fields and courts for different sports, like football, basketball, cricket, etc. The university also has a gymnasium that provides the necessary facilities for the students to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The canteen/food court at the university is well-stocked and provides various dining options, with adequate seating for students to hang out. The other facilities in the university infrastructure include a health center, bank and ATMs, and a large auditorium for events and programs.

Range of Hostel Facilities

The university provides three types of housing facilities: catered and self-catered. These hostels offer comfortable and affordable accommodation as well as various amenities and facilities to support student's academic and personal needs. The hostel types available at the university can also be classified into three categories, namely university-owned hostels, university-approved private hostels, and private hostels.

The catered and self-catered hostels are differentiated based on the availability of meals. The catered hostels provide meals for students, typically thrice a day. This option is convenient for students who intend to focus on their studies and not worry about preparing meals.

The self-catered hostels do not provide meals, but the students can access shared kitchens to prepare food. The self-catered hostels are more affordable, and students have control over their diet.

ANU hostels offer a range of amenities, such as shared and private rooms, bathroom facilities, shared kitchens, standard rooms, laundry facilities, study rooms, sports and gym facilities, and internet access. 

The cost of hostel accommodation varies depending on the type of hostel accommodation, room type, and meal plan. Based on the occupancy, the annual fees for self-catered hostel rooms range from INR 10,000 to INR 14,000. For catered hostels, the room rents fall between INR 17,500 and INR 21,500.

Vibrant & Diverse Campus Life

Based on students’ reviews, the campus life at ANU is vibrant, diverse, and full of possibilities for students to engage in various activities beyond academics. The university fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for students to explore their interests, develop skills, and make lifelong friendships.

ANU encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities to enhance their personal and professional development. Numerous student clubs and organizations cater to various interests, from cultural and literary pursuits to sports and social activism. These activities provide students with leadership, teamwork, and communication skills development opportunities.

Various cultural events are organized at the university throughout the year, celebrating its student body's rich heritage and diversity. The events hosted by the institute include traditional festivals, dance recitals, music performances, and art exhibitions. Students have the platform to showcase their talents, learn about different cultures, and nurture a sense of community,

The university also organizes regular sports tournaments and competitions, providing students with opportunities to engage in physical activity, build camaraderie, and develop a healthy lifestyle. 

The student support services available at the university assist students in their academic, personal, and social development. Overall, the campus life at the university offers a holistic learning environment beyond academics. 

Diversity on Campus

The university emphasizes making students from diverse backgrounds and communities feel welcome and accepted on campus. The university recognizes the importance of diversity in enriching the learning experience and preparing students for a globalized world. The university has an almost balanced gender ratio, and all students are provided equal opportunities irrespective of their backgrounds.

Dress Code

The university does not have a defined uniform for the students or a strict dress code. Students are free to wear casual and comfortable clothing as long as it is appropriate for the occasion. Students are expected to dress neat and avoid revealing or offensive clothing. Wearing shorts, miniskirts, leggings, and articles like hats and sunglasses are frowned upon. In addition, students are not allowed to wear slippers or flip-flops to classes.

Decent Yet Improvable Placement Records

The university has a decent placement record, with an average 60-70% placement rate for its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The placement rate varies depending on the course, with Engineering and Computer Science programs generally having higher placement rates than other disciplines.

According to the previous years' placement records, the highest salary packages offered fall between INR 40 and 50 LPA. As mentioned earlier, most placement opportunities are available for more than specific disciplines, making it difficult for other students to get successful career prospects. The university attracts a range of recruiters from various industries, including IT, software, manufacturing, finance, and pharmaceuticals.

Overall Impression of ANU

ANU is a well-established university with a solid academic reputation. The university has managed to maintain high academic standards across the various disciplines it offers. The university has a decent infrastructure with necessary facilities and a dedicated faculty that provides a supportive learning environment.

Besides certain disadvantages, the university is a good option for students who intend to seek higher studies in Andhra Pradesh, especially those who wish to pursue Computer Science and Engineering programs.

Almost all the students who have graduated from the university have only good things to say about it. However, like all universities, ANU also has a few drawbacks, which are negligible compared to the other institutions. The pros and cons of the university are tabulated below for better understanding.

*Source: nagarjunauniversity.ac.in