GetMyUni's Verdict on Amity University Kolkata

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Recognised among the top private universities in the state, Amity University Kolkata has a strong brand reputation and a plethora of courses to offer. Yet, the inconsistency across the departments and lack of academic facilities make students wonder if it's a good choice after all.”

With a beautiful campus and state-of-the-art features, Amity University, Kolkata, is said to be not an ideal institution for those who intend to pursue their education among a group of studious people. Instead, the university is a great place to enjoy a wholesome campus life without bothering about gaining valuable knowledge and obtaining successful career opportunities.

As the university does not require a minimum mark for admission, the student body here is supposed to be a mix of students focused on their career growth and those who wish to pursue co-curricular activities. Alongside providing average-quality education, the facilities and overall academic infrastructure at the university are limited compared to the other Amity Universities in the country.

Besides there being a lack of facilities and career opportunities, as it is a private university, the course fee structure is exorbitant and not affordable to students from different economic backgrounds. 

Table of Contents

• Inconsistent Quality of Courses
• A Few Good Quality Professors
• Compact Infrastructure With Room for Improvement
• Extremely Expensive Housing Facilities
• Dynamic & Holistic Campus Experience
• Impressive Placement Records
• Overall Impression of Amity University Kolkata

Inconsistent Quality of Courses

Needless to say, being one of the largest chains of private universities in the country, Amity University Kolkata offers a plethora of regular and professional courses across various disciplines. The university has over 300 programs across more than 70 branches at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Along with that, there are several doctoral programs in various specialisations.

The wide selection of programs available at the university provides students with the option to pursue their education in the desired course. However, the quality of education is not uniform, as it varies from department to department. The same is the case in placement opportunities. The overall quality of courses and education offered at AUK is less than that provided by the main campus.

Nevertheless, some courses are recommended by the past and present students of the university. Following are the best courses offered by the university as per student reviews online. 

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering
• B.Tech in Biotechnology
• BBA LLB (Hons)
• B.Sc (Hons) in Dietetics & Applied Nutrition
• B.Sc (Hons) in Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/Statistics.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• M.Sc in Biotechnology
• M.Sc in Applied Chemistry/Mathematics/Physics.

Although the Science and Engineering programs are highly regarded, the standard of these courses is subpar in comparison to the other institutes in the country. Apart from the courses mentioned above, the university also offers doctoral programs in different specialisations across all its departments. However, the quality of research programs at the university is questionable as there are not many resources or facilities available to perform cutting-edge research. 

Exorbitant Course Fee Structure

As mentioned earlier, the course fees for the programs offered are on the expensive side as it is a private university. The tuition fees vary depending on the program and year of study. However, the average annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around INR 2 lakhs, with the average annual fees for postgraduate programs being around INR 4 lakhs. 

To elaborate, the approximate annual tuition fees for famous programs, such as B.Tech, BBA, B.Sc, BA, MBA, M.Tech and M.Sc courses are INR 1.88 lakhs, INR 2.1 lakhs, INR 86,000, INR 63,800, INR 4.22 lakhs, INR 1.95 lakhs and INR 1.75 lakhs, respectively.

In addition to the tuition fees, other expenses that students have to consider are books, stationery, transportation, and personal expenses. Also, students who are planning to stay in the university hostel will have to pay additional fees for accommodation and food.

Nonetheless, the university offers numerous scholarships and financial aid schemes to help students with the cost of their education. The scholarships are provided to students based on their merit and categories.

Strict Attendance Policy

According to the attendance policy at the university, the students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% in each subject to be eligible to appear in the end-semester examinations. Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance requirement will be subjected to disciplinary actions, such as debarment from the exams.

A Few Good Quality Professors

While the university boasts a faculty of highly qualified and experienced professors who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to supporting students to succeed, the quality of the professors varies from one branch to another. Most professors in different faculties, especially in the Commerce, Law, Engineering and Management departments, are perceived as good in terms of the amount of knowledge they hold and their cooperation with the students. 

The professors at the university possess adequate knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, and they are up-to-date with the latest developments in their disciplines, ensuring that students receive current and relevant information. Although the overall quality of teaching is high, there is a lack of consistency in the teaching methods and expectations across different courses and professors. 

Most professors employ diverse and engaging teaching methods to cater to different learning styles by utilising interactive lectures, group discussions, case studies and practical sessions to make the learning process more dynamic and effective. These professors maintain an open-door policy and are readily available to address students' queries and concerns. They are patient, understanding and supportive, creating a conducive learning environment. 

Many professors at the university have extensive industry experience, which they bring to the classroom, and this real-world experience provides students with valuable insights into the practical application of their studies.

Yet, some students have mentioned that some professors keep their relationship with the students within the four walls of the classrooms and could further encourage active student participation in class discussions and activities to enhance engagement and understanding. They also seem to be uninterested in providing regular and detailed feedback on assignments and exams that can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses. 

Compact Infrastructure With Room for Improvement

To begin with, the university's Kolkata campus has a smaller infrastructure compared to its other campuses in the country. The university, in general, has a well-developed and modern infrastructure that provides students with a wholesome environment for learning, research and extracurricular activities.

The campus is spread across 10 acres of land and is adorned with lush greenery, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere. However, the availability of facilities is also variable across the departments. The academic infrastructure, which consists of spacious, air-conditioned classrooms equipped with projectors, whiteboards, and comfortable seating arrangements, is highly appreciated.

Although most of the laboratories are well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the availability of equipment and facilities to perform high-end research projects and practical experiments is limited for some departments. Besides, some laboratories are smaller in size, which makes it difficult for larger groups of students to conduct experiments at once. 

Anyhow, the university has dedicated workshops for practical training in various fields, such as Electronics, Fabrication and Computer Science. It also has advanced research centres for areas such as Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and Environmental Science. The research facilities are, however, limited for some departments. 

Most students of the university agree that the university has an inordinately brilliant library, which has a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources. The library has a modern infrastructure, with sufficient seating areas that are utilised by students to read or study in peace. In terms of the availability of resources, there is still room for improvement.

The university has a well-rounded sports complex with facilities for various sports, including football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton and tennis. The students also have a dedicated space for sports clubs, societies and recreational activities. The food served at the university is average at best, and a significant drawback is that non-vegetarian food is not available in the canteen, limiting the food options.

In general, the university campus is well-maintained and kept clean, ensuring a pleasant and hygienic environment for students. The campus is also accessible to students with disabilities with ramps, elevators and designated parking spaces. Additionally, the university is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Extremely Expensive Housing Facilities

According to reviews of students on online platforms, the hostels at the university are expensive and do not deliver the facilities and services that justify the exorbitant fees. In addition to that, the hostels have strict rules and regulations that sometimes affect the students' comfortable living. Also, the curfew timings are different for boys and girls, which is unfair to the latter. 

Nevertheless, the hostels are newly built and well-designed, providing modern facilities and amenities, such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. The hostels also provide a comfortable and secure living environment. They are clean and well-maintained, with regular housekeeping services. 

However, the hostel wardens are strict, and there are restrictions in terms of interaction with the hostelers. Some hostels are also located far away from the main campus, which also causes inconvenience for the students. 

Although timely meals are served in hygienic dining halls, the food options are lesser, like that in the canteen. Students are not served non-vegetarian options in the hostels. Students are also not allowed to have food from outside the hostel. If caught, severe fines are levied on the students. On the other hand, the hostels have a secure environment with 24/7 security guards and CCTV cameras.

As mentioned earlier, the hostel fees are higher than those of most of the other universities. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the room type, year of study and occupancy. The average annual fees for single, double and triple occupancy rooms are INR 1,20,000, INR 90,000 and INR 70,000.

In addition to the hostel fees, the students are required to pay separately for the meals served at the hostel. An annual fee of INR 24,000 is charged to the students. Apart from that, the students also must pay a one-time security fee of INR 10,000 at the time of admission.

Dynamic & Holistic Campus Experience

Regardless of its variations in academic excellence, the university offers a vibrant and enriching campus experience with a diverse range of extracurricular activities and events to cater to the interests and talents of its students. These activities provide students with a platform to engage in their passions, develop new skills and make lifelong connections.

The university boasts a strong tradition of sporting excellence, with its teams regularly participating in regional and national competitions. Students can join the university's sports teams, participate in their inter-departmental tournaments or simply enjoy the recreational sports activities with their peers. 

The university cherishes its cultural diversity and promotes a dynamic cultural scene on campus. There are numerous cultural societies at the university, which include music groups, dance troupes, literary societies and drama clubs. These clubs and societies organise various events throughout the year where students can showcase their talents and skills and experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.

The university also encourages students to engage in social work and create a positive impact on society. Several NGOs on-campus conduct multiple social initiatives, such as community service projects, environmental awareness campaigns and fundraisers for underprivileged communities.

Students can join these organisations, contribute to their causes and gain valuable experience in social work. Not only do these activities help the community, but they also help in the professional and personal growth of the students.

Beyond sports, cultural activities and social work, the university also has a wide range of groups and clubs that encourage students to pursue their interests and hobbies. These include art clubs, photography clubs, tech clubs, debating and quiz societies. Students can learn new skills by joining these clubs as well as connect with like-minded individuals from different disciplines. 

The university organises various annual events and festivals that celebrate diversity, creativity and talents. The annual cultural extravaganza provides students the opportunity to perform various art forms, and the spirited sports competition brings students from different departments together. Additionally, the annual tech fest provides a platform for innovation and technological advancements. 

Evidently, the university offers a multitude of extracurricular activities and opportunities to its students that encourage them to be involved in activities other than academics and have a wholesome campus experience.

Diversity on Campus

The university has a broadly diverse student body. It is committed to being inclusive and respectable of all individuals and fostering a stimulating and supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. It has a relatively balanced gender ratio with an almost equal number of male and female students. Also, the students and faculties at the university are reasonably open-minded and accepting of students from minority backgrounds.

The university attracts students from various corners of the country, representing a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions. The cultural diversity on campus creates opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, learning and appreciation of different perspectives. 

The university also welcomes a significant number of international students, adding a global dimension to the campus community. Students can interact with peers from different countries, broaden their worldview and develop intercultural communication skills.

However, the university lacks the diversity of students from socioeconomic backgrounds due to its high education costs.

Dress Code

The university has a relaxed dress code, emphasising comfort and professionalism. It also means that students do not have a defined uniform that they must wear for lectures and other academic activities. While there are no strict dress codes, students are expected to dress appropriately. 

For everyday classes, students can wear smart casual attire, and they are expected to wear formal attire for presentations, exams and other formal events. However, some departments have specific dress codes for certain classes and lab sessions. 

Impressive Placement Records

Due to its high brand value among the private universities in the country, the placement drives held at the university are graced by reputed companies and organisations across the country. However, the chances of getting good placement opportunities are subject to be different for each branch and are highly dependent on the student's calibre and skills showcased in the interviews. 

The university conducts a centralised placement drive, i.e., the companies that visit the other campuses of the university also visit the Kolkata campus. Therefore, the university has a well-connected placement network, providing more opportunities to the students.

According to the previous years' records, the university has consistently maintained a 90% placement rate for eligible students across various disciplines. The university attracts a diverse range of recruiters, including multinational corporations, leading Indian companies and startups.

Additionally, the university provides comprehensive placement preparation, such as resume-building workshops, mock interviews and industry-specific seminars. The average placement package for the previous year was INR 6-8 LPA, with the highest package reaching INR 32.51 LPA. 

Overall Impression of Amity University Kolkata

It can be concluded that Amity University Kolkata is a well-established and reputed private university that offers a comprehensive and holistic educational experience. Its emphasis on academic excellence, modern infrastructure, strong placement record, diverse student population and enriching campus life makes it an enticing option for students seeking a quality education and a fulfilling university experience. 

However, there are certain drawbacks in terms of the size of the infrastructure, the uniformity in the quality of education acros departments, and strict rules and regulations. Students are advised to connect with past and present students to know more about the quality of the academic curriculum, professors and placement opportunities for their desired courses before joining the university. 

Below are some of the pros and cons associated with Amity University Kolkata to get a general idea.

*Source: amity_kolkata Instagram & amity.edu/kolkata