GetMyUni's Verdict on Central University of Kashmir

Pratiki Patra

“Central University of Kashmir might have aced in providing a good education, but its poor placement rate has concerned its students.”

Central University of Kashmir is one of the most recognised universities in Kashmir. Set against the backdrop of lush greenery, CUK has been at the forefront of offering good education. This is followed by experienced and well-informed faculty members. Compared to other universities, the Central University of Kashmir is relatively new. However, even within such a short time, it has emerged as one of the universities that the students from the region rely primarily on.

Although students have praised the university in various arenas, it has a long road ahead in improving its examination process, campus life, and, to some extent, placement scenario. The management has been listening to such hurdles in the student’s academic life and has been making efforts to improve the students’ experience. 

The critical area of focus for the CUK remains academics. While it is appreciable, the administration needs to budge from its central standpoint and should also equally focus on other essential aspects such as extra-curricular activities, skills development, etc.

Table of Contents

• Commendable Academics
• Experienced Faculties
• Ordinary Infrastructure
• Comfortable Hostel Facilities
• Poor Placement Records
• Happening Campus life
• Is Central University of Kashmir Worth it?

Commendable Academics

Central University of Kashmir has ensured since the beginning that it does not compromise the quality of education. Since its inception, CUK has been consistent on this ground. It is undoubtedly evident from the cores of positive organic student reviews on various online platforms. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs.

These are provided in multiple fields, including, but not limited to, Technology, Management, Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Language, and many more. But if compared to other government universities elsewhere in the country, the Central University of Kashmir indeed needs to catch up in offering a wide range of courses. 

The curriculum is designed according to the University Grants Commission's guidelines. The course's syllabus includes relevant and most recent topics, so the pupils get updated information. It is regularly reviewed to incorporate newer course materials or exclude outdated ones. In addition to this, the semester examinations for most parts are held timely.

However, the management delayed the publication of the result. This has been a matter of indignation for the students. The students have often raised complaints and urged them to take action to prevent such delays. Yet, more improvement has yet to be seen from the authorities' side.

Admission to the Central University of Kashmir is based on the marks secured on the national entrance exams such as CUET, NRF/JRF, etc. Hence, there is significant competition in securing seats in the university.

Inexpensive Course Fees

CUK is a government-funded university. Naturally, its course fees are far less expensive than any other private university of its calibre. This becomes a vital consideration for many students belonging to financially challenged backgrounds. Moreover, the university grants various scholarships based on merit and socioeconomic status.

This further lessens the course fees for the students eligible for the scholarship. The course fee for pursuing an MA is INR 6000, while for an M.Sc is INR 23,300 for the entire course. On the other hand, the course fees for MBA and MTTM are INR 33,000 for the whole duration of the course. 

Experienced Faculties

The faculty members at CUK are good-natured and experienced in their profession. They are supportive towards their students and help them whenever needed. They are very friendly and warm and resolve the student's queries efficiently. Moreover, every faculty is highly qualified, making them an expert in their field.

The faculty members have been known to make the lectures interesting and capture the students' attention. Of all the commendable aspects of the Central University of Kashmir, the professors' politeness and knowledge stand out the most.

Ordinary Infrastructure

The Central University of Kashmir should be more prominent in its infrastructural endeavours. The current infrastructural facilities are average at best. More focus should be given to infrastructure in comparison to academics. The classrooms are spacious and comfortably accommodate all the students. It contains projectors, WiFi, etc., to make the classes more engrossing and interactive.

The internet connection is strong inside the college premises. Each technical department has its own laboratory with well-maintained equipment. Although, more sophisticated equipment could have been installed in the laboratories.

Moreover, various other kinds of laboratories, such as language labs, etc., could have also been built. The central library at CUK hosts a wide range of resources, including books, newspapers, periodicals, magazines, journals, research papers, etc. For such a limited number of courses, the library is very well-stocked.

There is a canteen present inside the campus, which offers various foods at reasonable prices. The campus also houses multiple sports facilities for the students to engage in physical activities. In addition to this, the campus also has dedicated medical and transportation facilities. The campus also has a sound security system, making it a safe place for students and staff.

Comfortable Hostel Facilities

Central University of Kashmir provides hostel facilities for both boys and girls. However, the hostel rooms available to students could be more extensive in number. The rooms come furnished with basic amenities such as a cot, table, chair, wardrobe, etc. The hostel has a robust security system and is safe. Students can also opt to stay outside at various paying guest or hostel facilities at reasonable rates.

Poor Placement Records

Each year, CUK hosts the placements. However, each year, much to the previous years, there cannot be any significant improvement in the placement rate. Many students are not placed. Moreover, only a few companies visit the campus for recruitment purposes. The salary package offered to the students is meagre. The average compensation is INR 2 LPA, while the highest is INR 3 LPA.

Such low salary packages further demotivate the students. In addition, only a little placement training, such as interview training, group discussion, etc., is conducted. Hence, the placement also needs to be improved. The placement cell conducting the recruitment process must solve such a crisis urgently. Placement forms a significant goal in the student’s academics. Hence, such placement results in disappointment.

Happening Campus life

The campus life at Central University of Kashmir is quite cheerful. Various cultural events, tech fests, and sports events are held throughout the year for the students to get engaged. Students are actively encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. Students from multiple backgrounds can be observed amongst the student crowd, making it culturally very engaging.

Rules, Regulations, and Dress Code

There is no uniform or dress code restricted to the students. However, students are expected to dress modestly to maintain the decorum of the university. No strict rules and regulations are imposed on the students, barring the 75% attendance criteria. The attendance criteria must be met, or it might attract penalties or other disciplinary action.

Is Central University of Kashmir Worth it?

The Central University of Kashmir sets an ideal ground for students whose primary focus is receiving a good education coupled with experienced and supportive faculties. However, if the students are looking forward to more of an all-round approach, then there might be better choices than CUK, especially if placements form a significant aspect. 

As mentioned earlier, the education and faculties are CUK's CUK's best features, followed by a cheerful campus life. Since the course fees are highly affordable, with various scholarships available, CUK makes a good choice for those from an economically compromised background.

Here's a look into the pros and cons of the Central University of Kashmir:

*Source: Central University of Kashmir Facebook