GetMyUni's Verdict on Doon University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Regarded as one of the top government universities in the state, Doon University is primarily known for its Language courses among the other array of programs. Yet, its placement prospects, inconsistent professor quality, and poorly maintained infrastructure restrict it from being the best university.”

Located on the banks of Rispana River, Doon University is one of the highly regarded government universities in the state that offers numerous courses. The university is popular among students for its exceptional academics, which are provided at nominal fees compared to private universities.

It offers various courses across different disciplines, and most of these courses hold an excellent reputation. However, the placement opportunities available for students from different faculties are inconsistent, as some courses have more career prospects than others.

The university has an impressive infrastructure that includes all the necessary facilities and amenities to provide a conducive learning environment to its students across different disciplines. According to the students, the course curriculum for the various courses is well-designed and structured to provide relevant knowledge in the respective fields. 

Additionally, the university has well-experienced faculty members who have hands-on experience in the industry and are capable of imparting quality education to the students that help them excel in their respective fields. Yet, the quality of professors is said to be inconsistent across the departments, as some professors are young and inexperienced, along with those who are seniors with immense experience.

Table of Contents

• Highly Regarded Courses & Academics
• Inconsistency Qualified Professors
• Satisfactory Infrastructure Yet Room for Improvement
• Comfortable Hostels with Various Options
• Simple & Vibrant Campus Experience
• Decent & Increasing Placement Rates
• Overall Impression of Doon University

Highly Regarded Courses & Academics

Though the university offers myriad courses, it is limited when compared to more prominent universities. However, the courses available at the university are highly regarded for their well-structured curriculum, explicitly curated to cater to each individual industry. The university offers a plethora of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels across the following disciplines.

• Languages
• Physical Sciences
• Technology
• Biological Sciences
• Management
• Design
• Social Sciences
• Environment & Natural Resources
• Media & Communication Studies.

Among the top courses offered by the university are Language programs, which all students unanimously consider the best the state has to offer. Some of the top courses at the university are as follows.

• BA (Hons) English/ Spanish/ German/ French/ Japanese/ Chinese
• B.Tech Computer Science & Engineering
• B.Sc Computer Science
• B.Com (Hons)
• BBA
• BA Psychology/ Economics
• MBA 
• MA Media & Communication Studies
• M.Sc Environmental Science
• M.Tech Computer Science & Engineering

The different faculties at the university are handled by separate schools. Therefore, there is a standardised committee with experts in each discipline who prepare the course curriculum based on the recent developments in the respective fields. This ensures that students who graduate from the university have the requisite skills and relevant knowledge to excel in the field, which plays a significant role during the placement process. 

Apart from the bachelor's and master's programs, the schools under the university also provide sufficient resources and facilities for students to pursue their higher studies in the field of their choice. It also provides integrated MA courses where students have the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge while obtaining both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

The PhD programs offered by the university are highly recommended to those students who aspire to pursue a career in research and academia. As mentioned earlier, students predominantly join for the PhD courses in Languages, but the programs are limited to research in the English and Spanish languages.

Along with the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs, the university also offers a wide range of certificate programs through its School of Languages. These programs are ideal for those who intend to gain advanced knowledge in a particular language while working as professionals or pursuing other courses.

The certificate programs are available in all the languages in the previously mentioned courses. Additionally, the university also offers certificate programs in the following languages.

• Garhwali Language
• Kumauni Language
• Jaunsari Language
• Sanskrit.

The university conducts various academic events, primarily through its School of Languages. These programs not only help in the overall development of its students but also in contributing to society. Even the honourable president of the country has appreciated the university for its programs that have created a great impact on underrepresented communities.

Affordable Education

When it comes to the course fee structure at the university, it is lower than that of most universities in the country. As it is a government university, it focuses on making excellent academics affordable to students from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial status. However, there are variations in the fee structure depending on the course type, level, and specialisations chosen by the students.

Typically, the tuition fees per semester for undergraduate programs, such as BA, B.Tech, BBA and B.Sc, range between INR 2.5 lakhs and INR 5 lakhs. The semestrial tuition fees for postgraduate courses like M.Tech, MBA and M.Sc programs range between INR 3 lakhs and INR 6 lakhs depending on the course type and specialisation.

To ensure students from all walks of life have a chance at obtaining quality education, the university also provides different scholarships based on merit, category and other factors.

Attendance Policy

The university has strict rules and regulations regarding student attendance. Generally, it mandates students to have a minimum attendance of 75% in all theory and practical classes for all subjects. If a student fails to meet the attendance requirement in any of the subjects, they will not be allowed to appear for the end-semester examination. 

As there are multiple schools under the university, the attendance requirements vary. In other words, the students who belong to the School of Business at the university have a different attendance policy where PGDM students must maintain a minimum attendance of 80% in every subject to be eligible to appear for the end semester/trimester examinations.

Inconsistency Qualified Professors

The majority of the professors at Doon University are highly qualified with immense knowledge and experience in their fields. Most of them hold doctorate degrees from reputed universities and are dedicated to imparting quality education to their students through exciting and innovative teaching methods.

The educational qualifications of the professors reflect on their teaching as they possess a strong foundation in theoretical and practical concepts. 

Some professors are genuinely dedicated to assisting and guiding students to succeed in their academic and professional ventures. They encourage students to be interactive in class and are ready to clarify all their doubts, even outside of the classroom.

Those professors who have gained practical experience in their industries provide students with real-world examples and case studies, which enable them to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving conditions in the industry. 

Moreover, many professors are still involved in research and have published several articles and papers through the years. They also provide students with the proper atmosphere to participate in projects and gain research experience. These actions from the professors' side are highly beneficial as students who wish to pursue a career in research and academia have the right encouragement and assistance from experts who help them go through innovative methods. The professors are approachable and open to discussions regarding everything related to their subjects, which creates a safe environment for students to explore and express their interests. 

Meanwhile, there are highly regarded professors; some students have mentioned that the professors in their respective disciplines cannot provide engaging lectures, proper clarity in complex concepts, or approachability.

Some professors are more focused on theoretical concepts rather than providing practical experience, which hinders them from gaining relevant knowledge, resulting in them being less equipped to be successful in their respective fields. Such professors also burden students with heavy workloads, such as assignments, where they are forced to work on complex topics by themselves. While this helps them be more self-reliant, some students fall behind without proper guidance. 

Overall, the university has experienced and dedicated professors, and also those who are still using outdated teaching methods, resulting in less exciting and innovative learning experiences. Another issue that is mentioned by students on online forums is that several professors are appointed to the university on a contract basis. This makes it difficult for the students as by the time they get adjusted to a specific teaching style, the professors change, and they have to start from scratch with the new ones.

Aspirants are advised to connect with the past and present students of the university to learn more about the kind of professors in the respective fields so that they can be well-prepared for the teaching methods employed by their professors.

Satisfactory Infrastructure Yet Room for Improvement

Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the university has a beautiful campus with a decent infrastructure that comprises all the essential facilities to ensure students have a good learning environment. However, particular areas require upgradation and improvement to match the evolving requirements of the industry and students. Some of these improvements are mainly required for the older parts of the infrastructure, as the new buildings are well-maintained and have updated facilities. 

Most of the classrooms at the university are well-equipped with audio-visual aids, such as projectors, whiteboards, etc., and provide a conducive learning environment. The classrooms are spacious and have adequate seating arrangements to accommodate large groups of students. The classrooms also have an elevated platform, which makes it easier for students to have a direct view of the professors and their presentations. 

To ensure students have relevant practical experience along with theoretical knowledge, the university has laboratories for all the relevant subjects and departments. Most of these laboratories are well-maintained and consist of sufficient facilities and instruments to provide hands-on learning experience to its students.

Practical training plays a vital role in the student's curriculum, and therefore, the university is dedicated to providing modern facilities for the same. Students also appreciate the research facilities that are available at the university.

The students are the most satisfied with the university's central library, which houses a vast collection of books, manuals, theses, research papers, journals and other reference materials. It also has an extensive collection of digital resources, such as e-books and databases, that can be accessed by students to improve their research. It is said to have a peaceful ambience with ample seating area where students can read and study during their free time. Some students have mentioned that it is one of the largest libraries in the state and caters to their different academic needs.

The university gives equal importance to co-curricular activities along with academics. Hence, it has dedicated facilities for various sports, ranging from courts and fields for basketball, volleyball, football, and cricket to a well-equipped gymnasium which is accessible to students during working hours. It encourages students to maintain a healthy lifestyle while acquiring their degrees.

The university also has a canteen that is conveniently located within walking distance from the academic buildings. Though there is a lack of variety, the canteen serves affordable food and beverages. Also, there have been occasional concerns from the students regarding the hygiene standards in the canteen, especially in terms of cleanliness of the food preparation areas and utensils used. However, the university has taken immediate action to rectify such issues. 

In addition to the facilities mentioned above, the university's infrastructure also consists of various other features, such as medical services and banking facilities. Overall, the university has a satisfactory infrastructure with some areas that require improvement to match the standards of other universities.

Comfortable Hostels with Various Options

As it is primarily a residential university, it recommends students stay in the hostels available on campus to make it more convenient for them to participate in group discussions and other activities. It provides separate hostels for boys and girls, and both these hostels have strict rules and regulations that must be followed by the students. Students have the option to choose single accommodation that has modern facilities and amenities for comfortable living. 

The hostel rooms are well-furnished with beds, tables, chairs and cupboards for each individual student. The newer buildings also have attached bathrooms. These hostels provide basic amenities like laundry facilities, air-conditioning, and other recreational facilities. Like in the case of the academic infrastructure, there seems to be inconsistency in the maintenance of older hostels where there are hygiene concerns and a lack of proper cleaning. However, the newer hostels are modern and well-kept. 

As these hostel buildings are located within the university campus, it is easier for students to access the academic facilities and reach their classes on time. It is particularly convenient for those students who are interested in participating in various extracurricular activities after classes. In any case, some departments are located farther away from the hostels, which may be inconvenient for students pursuing these courses. Hence, they have to be more careful with time management.

The safety and security of students are assured by the security guards available 24/7 on campus and CCTV surveillance. Additionally, each hostel has a separate warden, and staff members are readily available to provide support and address any issues students face. The hostels also have strict rules and regulations regarding curfew, visitors and other aspects, which ensure the safety of students. However, these rules may limit students' freedom and restrict them from indulging in various activities.

Although timely meals are provided through the mess in every hostel, there have been issues regarding the quality of food and limited options. In addition to that, the hygiene and cleanliness in the hostel's dining area have also been compromised at times.

Altogether, the hostels at the university provide all the essential facilities and amenities to provide a suitable living environment for the students. Though there are some areas of concern, students are satisfied with the housing facilities and recommend living there, as the experience gained from living in the hostel prepares them to adjust well to society.

Moreover, the community and connections made at the hostel play a significant role in creating ever-lasting memories of a good college life.

Students who are planning to stay at the on-campus hostels must apply for the same at the time of admission, as the hostel allocation is done on a first-come-first-serve basis. They must also pay the hostel fees at the time of admission to confirm their admission. The hostel fees differ for the new and old ones. 

As mentioned above, the newer hostels have more amenities and facilities, and hence, the fees are slightly higher than that of the old hostels. The hostel fees per semester for new hostels range from INR 50,000 to INR 70,000 and between INR 30,000 and INR 45,000 for old hostels. The hostel fees vary depending on the hostel and room type.

Though it is not encouraged, students have the option to stay at PGs and private hostels with permission from the university. There are numerous PGs located within close proximity of the university at different price ranges based on the students' requirements. Typically, the PG rents near the university range between INR 3000 and INR 17,000.

Simple & Vibrant Campus Experience

Alongside providing a decent academic atmosphere, the university also offers an excellent campus experience through its various clubs, festivals and events. Students have numerous opportunities to pursue their interests and hobbies through the different clubs and societies that are part of the university.

Furthermore, the highly reputed School of Languages at the university conducts a multitude of festivals and events for different languages, which give students from other disciplines a chance to explore and experience the diverse traditions and cultures within the campus. 

The university encourages students to participate in various competitions and programs, irrespective of their course background, which helps in their overall development and nurtures their creativity. Additionally, the campus displays a strong sense of togetherness through its close-knit community. 

Students have a spectrum of clubs to be a part of, ranging from academic societies to cultural clubs. These clubs and societies provide students with a platform to showcase their talents and improve their skills while obtaining a degree.

It also helps students to understand different types of personalities, which is beneficial in a professional setting. Also, students can engage with like-minded individuals from different disciplines, which forms a base for long-lasting relationships. 

Another exciting aspect of the university's campus life is its active sports culture. Students who are interested in pursuing various sports are encouraged to participate in competitions and tournaments held for basketball, badminton, football, cricket, etc. This helps them stimulate their critical thinking while maintaining good physical health.

Annual festivals and events are conducted by the university where all the departments come together to celebrate different cultural and other activities, which tightens the community. Apart from these annual events, the university campus is active and vibrant throughout the year as each department conducts different activities related to their respective fields. Along with this, the student body celebrates every festival, irrespective of region, religion, culture, etc.

However, as the university is located on the outskirts of the city, students have limited access to urban life, which may be an issue for those who enjoy the bustling city life. Yet, they can explore the mountains and scenic beauty around the university, which helps them to relax and rejuvenate over the weekends after a hectic week.

Diversity on Campus

Though the student body mainly consists of students from the northern region, some students hail from different states across the country. This mix of regions and cultures brings in a distinct cultural perspective and enriches the campus atmosphere for students. Additionally, the university has a relatively balanced number of students from all genders, which promotes representation and inclusivity. 

As the course fee structure and other expenses are comparatively nominal, students from different socioeconomic backgrounds are also part of the university. The availability of financial assistance through scholarships also plays a significant role in this representation.

Moreover, the various clubs and societies in the university create a general awareness and promote inclusivity and diversity within the university. However, the primary language used in the university is Hindi, which may potentially cause a specific language barrier for non-Hindi-speaking students.

Dress Code

There is no defined uniform or specific dress code for students in the university, with an exception for business studies. Students can wear casual clothes that are appropriate for a university setting. However, there is a strict dress code for students pursuing Business courses, where they must wear the uniform twice a week and maintain the dress code on the other days.

Decent & Increasing Placement Rates

As mentioned earlier, the university is primarily known for its language courses, and therefore, the highest number of placement opportunities are available for students who belong to the related discipline. Even then, the university has had significant growth in its placement rates over the years.

The university has had recruiters from various sectors, such as Hospitality, IT, Manufacturing and IT, participate in the placement drives held on campus.

The university has an active placement cell that works on providing career guidance counselling and training programs to prepare students for placement interviews. These programs include skill development workshops, pre-placement talks from industry experts and mock interviews.

The university also has a strong alumni network that provides resourceful information and utilises professional connections to prospective students for internships and job opportunities.

Based on the previous years' placement records, more than 600 undergraduate and postgraduate students have been selected by reputed companies and organisations across various industries. The median salary package offered to the BA, B.Sc and B.Com students was INR 3.96 LPA, INR 3.60 LPA for B.Tech and B.Des students, and INR 4 LPA for MA, MBA and M.Sc students.

Overall Impression of Doon University

With a stunning location and beautiful scenery, Doon University has managed to capture the attention of students from all over the country, mainly for its Language courses. It offers a plethora of courses for nominal fees, which attracts students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the inconsistency in the academic standards, maintenance of the infrastructure, and placement opportunities make it less attractive to students who aspire to reach heights in their respective fields. 

Aspirants must definitely consult past and present students of the university before they finalise their admission to ensure it provides the necessary facilities and resources to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. 

Some of the pros and cons of the university are enumerated below for better understanding.

*Source: doon_university2005 Instagram & @university_doon X