GetMyUni's Verdict on Ahmedabad University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“With global-level infrastructure and faculties, Ahmedabad University offers an international learning experience with its unique approach to imparting education. Yet, the placement opportunities are quite limited for its graduates.”

Ahmedabad University follows the foreign education structure, where students have the option to choose their Major and Minor subjects of study, and includes the credit system. Students have the freedom to choose the time at which they want to attend the subjects. It is considered to be one of the top universities in Gujarat, with a plethora of programs to offer. 

In spite of being fairly new, the university has managed to provide quality education along with a healthy mix of extracurricular activities. It mainly focuses on practical knowledge by conducting project-based learning.

With a supportive faculty and staff, the students are motivated to achieve their academic goals, along with a cooperative peer learning environment. The university offers courses in a plethora of fields, like Engineering, Management, Arts, Humanities, Sciences and Languages.

The university ensures students have space for personal growth, along with their academic development. The students conduct several extracurricular activities and events throughout the year, hence giving them the opportunity to network and polish their leadership skills.

Table of Contents

• Versatile List of Programs
• World Class Professors & Education System
• Magnificent Infrastructure
• Vibrant Campus Culture
• Lack of Placement Opportunities
• Exorbitant Course Fees
• Overall Impression of Ahmedabad University

Versatile List of Programs

The university offers students who intend to pursue their education here a wide range of programs at different levels to choose from. The university has undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. An interesting fact about the university is that they encourage students to participate in interdisciplinary learning, which helps them understand different aspects of the fields apart from their majors.

The unique and prominent centers and schools under which these programs are available are as follows.

• Ahmedabad Design Lab
• Centre for Heritage Management
• Centre for Learning Futures
• Centre for Inter-Asian Research
• Global Centre for Environment & Energy
• International Centre for Space & Cosmology
• VentureStudio.

Apart from the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, the university also offers a Continuing and executive Education course where aspirants have the liberty to choose the programs they intend to pursue. This program is mainly for those who need to fast-track their career and implement the new technology in their respective fields.

The students can pursue singular and integrated programs at the undergraduate level after completing their school education. These programs are available in a variety of majors, along with a list of minors to choose from. The university offers several Master’s degree programs to deepen and polish the knowledge of its students and enhance their practical application of theoretical concepts.

The university also provides research programs and ensures the all-round development of its scholars. It also collaborates with international institutes, which enables the students to engage with students from different backgrounds across the world. The research facilities provided by the university is commendable and students gets hand on experience to complete their research work.

World Class Professors & Education System

Each of the schools and centers under the university has a set of experienced faculty members who engage the students with in-depth knowledge of topics and create a warm atmosphere for all. The interdisciplinary classes are conducted by professors from different domains, making it interesting for the students without creating too much pressure on them. 

Almost all professors, especially those in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, are helpful and create a bond with the students, making it easier for them to approach the respective teacher for clarification of doubts. If interested, they can pursue research work with the professors as well. The friendly approach of the faculty members ensures that the students have a secure academic experience without any competition or negligence.

Pedagogy at AU

Opening their books at the time of examination is not an option for the students who are part of the university. They conduct surprise quizzes and tests, for which the students must be well-prepared. The professors also conduct case analyses, case studies, and presentations throughout the semester. The university also holds industrial visits, workshops, and seminars to ensure the students know the practical application of the theoretical concepts.

Magnificent Infrastructure

Ahmedabad University is spread across 2.5 lakh sq. ft of land, located right in the heart of the city. An attractive structure on the campus is the decades-old step-well, which brings a heritage value to the campus. The infrastructure is designed in such a way that it is modern along with traditional elements. The university classrooms are well equipped with updated audio-visual systems to enhance the learning experience and make the classes more interactive. 

The university has a Central Library, which doubles as a Knowledge Center where the students have access to the latest information services. The library includes a massive collection of books, research papers, and periodicals, as well as national and international journal subscriptions. Students can access the digital library through e-books NIST-INFLIBNET for the online content as well.

The university infrastructure is complete with several indoor and outdoor sports facilities, which are upgraded to national standards. The sports facilities on the campus include different courts for Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, etc. In terms of the indoor sports facilities, Carroms and Chess boards, and Table Tennis area are also available.

Housing & Canteen Facilities

Students have housing facilities included on the campus. The hostels are available for both girls and boys. The hostel rooms are well-furnished with space for a large number of students. The campus infrastructure also has a clean canteen that serves good food. Overall the hostel is a safe and secure for the students to live in with tight security.

Vibrant Campus Culture

Alongside providing quality education, the university also has a vibrant campus culture with regular extracurricular activities and events. According to the students, events are conducted every Wednesday by different clubs on the campus. Regular classes are not conducted after the lunch break on these days, which makes it convenient for the students to attend the programs. 

The university conducts cultural and sports events to create a platform for its students to nurture their talents and skills in different fields apart from academics. The School of Engineering conducts an annual tech fest named Ingenium, where students have the opportunity to showcase their technical skills and creations.

In terms of diversity, the university offers equal opportunities to all students, irrespective of their gender or background. As admission to the university is through common entrance tests, students from different parts of the country are part of the community.

As for the dress code, there is no specific uniform for the students in the schools and centers under the university. Casual clothes are acceptable. However, the students are expected to maintain an overall code of conduct as dictated by the management. The university also does not impose any unnecessary and strict rules and regulations on the students. However, they are expected to maintain a respectfu decorum.

Lack of Placement Opportunities

Due to the newness of the university, it is still finding its place in obtaining high-paying recruiters for its students. The graduates with top scores have a good chance of getting placed by high-paying companies, but it is rare.

 Although high-paying companies participate in the placement drive, only a few recruit students. The university claims to have 100% placements, but the reality is that most students get jobs in small companies with lower salary packages. This has been highlighted in many of the organic reviews received online. The university also lacks in having a strong career team who have good knowledge about the placement process.

Exorbitant Course Fees

Due to the international-level facilities and faculties provided, the annual course fees for different programs are extremely high when compared to the university's contemporaries. The program-wise yearly tuition fee for various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs offered by the university starts from INR 1,75,000, up to INR 4,00,000.

The annual fee will also include additional course material and activity charges. The students have to pay the first-semester fee, inclusive of extra charges, upfront at the time of admission.

Overall Impression of Ahmedabad University

In conclusion, the education provided at Ahmedabad University is of international standards, right from the programs that are offered to the campus infrastructure. It is a mix of global and traditional elements that enhance the overall academic ecosystem of the university. 

If it is to be asked if this is the best university, the answer is no. But, for those who intend to have an elite college life with the liberty to choose a unique combination of programs, this is the place to go. The pros and cons of Ahmedabad University based on the feedback of past and present students are below.

*Source: ahmedabad_university Instagram