GetMyUni's Verdict on FLAME University

Pratiki Patra

“FLAME University might have established itself as an epitome of liberal education in the country, but its exorbitant fees remains a matter of question.”

Taking the current education ecosystem in the country, one would evidently observe that for a university to establish itself as a liberal one is rare. Seemingly, FLAME University at Pune has achieved that very feat. Not only that, they have also stood true to it. 

One would instantly assume that emphasising liberal education would mean a decreasing focus on the core education. However, FLAME University has proven this wrong. Not only has it excelled at it, but it has also been holistically able to nurture the students in various other components as well. Although, one cannot simply look past its expensive course fees.

Table of Contents

• Array of Programs to Choose
• Research Facilitation
• Unparalleled Infrastructure
• Apartment Style Accomodation Facilities
• Expensive Program Fees
• Commendable Placement
• Jovial Campus Life
• How Diverse and Inclusive is FLAME University?
• Is FLAME University Worth it?

Array of Programs to Choose

FLAME University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs. The university has been said to be providing an unmatched education quality. This has been possible because FLAME University’s approach is rooted in 360-degree perspective. 

With a liberal approach, FLAME University ensures that the knowledge delivered to students is not a one-way delivery of absorbing knowledge. But it also provokes the minds to question and seek answers. The programs are designed to broaden their perspectives and instil the habit of critical thinking to solve complex problems.

Skilled and Experienced Faculties

The faculties at FLAME University are highly skilled and qualified. They have a unique perspective in them, which permeates in their teaching pedagogy. The university also invites faculties from international universities to teach. This ensures a healthy balance and influx of different ideas. 

The faculty members are approachable and very helpful. Suppose one goes down the road to compare the faculties of FLAME University and other universities. In that case, one will arrive to the conclusion that the faculties at FLAME are not only restricted to textbooks but also offer a more holistic approach towards experiential learning coupled with enhanced classroom technologies. Their teaching methodology intrigues students to explore their interests and subjects themselves.

The faculties also significantly help the students overcome the hurdles of their personal lives through thorough mentoring. It is built upon the concept of guru-shishya philosophy. For students with special needs, they are given special care and guidance to help their academic journey at FLAME University.

Summer School

FLAME Univeristy has developed the FLAME Summer School. The concept of summer school is to encourage students to interact and create a multidisciplinary approach to gaining knowledge. The summer school allows the students to interact with their international peers from across the globe. It is a mix of live sessions and interactive modules with self-paced learning.

One thing that the university is strict about is its attendance policy. Students need to maintain an 85% attendance. Failing to maintain attendance invites penalties.

Research Facilitation

FLAME University facilitates research through various centres of excellence. These centres are responsible for promoting research, building industry links, providing training to students and many more. The following centres for research look after their respective fields:

• Centre for Knowledge Alternatives
• FLAME Centre for South and Southeast Asia Studies
• FLAME Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Climate Change
• FLAME Centre for Legislative Education and Research
• FLAME Centre for Mathematical Modelling
• FLAME Centre for Economics & Public Policy
• FLAME Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• FLAME Centre for Case Development
• The India Centre
• Centre for Digital Learning

Each of these centres has its own prospects that delve further into the subject to advance specific causes. One aspect that the university can improve on is the research funding. The doctoral students pursuing a Ph.D. are provided monthly grants by the university. However, this is the only funding for the students. There is a lack of government or private organisation funding. Though FLAME University has produced a good amount of research, it should keep its doors open to more grants from governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Unparalleled Infrastructure

Nestled amongst nature, FLAME University has developed an unrivalled infrastructure. It has built the campus equitably with international standards. Many of the classrooms are designed in an amphitheatre style, fostering peer-to-peer interactions. The campus also houses conference halls and a well-stocked library. The library holds more than 45,000 books of different genres.

A few of the facilities available at the FLAME University are mentioned below:

• Lecture Theatres
• Performing Arts Centre
• Visual Arts Centre
• Recording Studio
• Amphitheatre
• Editing room

Enormous Sports Facilities

FLAME University has a prime focus on developing sportsmanship among its students. Sports activities are mandatory for all students. It organises routine sports activities as well.

The university has a good amount of recreational spaces. These are created to imbibe a serene and interactive environment. When it comes to security, FLAME University is very strict with it. It ensures all-round protection for the entire campus. The campus is also very safe and secure. 

The campus has a huge dining facility as well as several cafes. However, one thing the college is strict about is that no non-vegetarian foods are allowed inside the campus. 

Apartment Style Accomodation Facilities

Student accommodation is available for the students on a first-come, first-serve basis. The rooms are designed in an apartment-style and have housekeeping facilities as well. The following room types are available:

• Twin Sharing Rooms with Common Bathrooms
• Twin Sharing Rooms with Attached Bathrooms
• Twin Sharing Air Conditioned Rooms

The approximate charge for the student accommodation is INR 1.65 Lakh per year. In the hindsight, the hostel charges are expensive. However, the facilities provided are worth it. The rooms are well furnished and provide all necessary amenities. It is also very safe and secure for the students. Since the university is located on the outskirts of the city, it is difficult to find a paying guest option at a reasonable price. 

Expensive Program Fees

If there is one thing that pushes the students into utter despair, is its course fees. The course fees can range anywhere between INR 8,40,000 - 18,30,000. To say it is expensive is true. Such exorbitant fees question the worth of the education and facilities provided by the university.

Indeed, FLAME University provides one of the best liberal education as a private university in the country. However, such fees come with a drawback. The majority of the students in the country cannot afford such an expense. Thereby, only a few students coming from affluent backgrounds can study at FLAME University. 

Commendable Placement 

FLAME University ensures that the students are prepped for the placement well in advance. Hence, from the begining they are mentored and advised thoroughly to develop their skills from the nascent stage. 

The university has devised special modules that help build personality and overcome hurdles. The training modules are focussed on the following topics:

• Self Awareness
• Vision Building
• First Impressions
• Professional Skills
• Business Skills
• Work Environment
• Conflict Resolution
• Different Leadership Skills
• Communication Skills
• Emotional Quotient
• Soft Skills
• Self Empowerment
• Home Run

The university also helps the students get an internship and trains them as well. The highest package offered to a student was INR 20.5 LPA, and the average salary package offered is 9.15 LPA. 

Though the salary offered is pretty good. However, if it is compared to the student's investment in the overall education, then it does not sit well. The return on investment should be higher than what it is currently now.

Jovial Campus Life

It is assuring that the time spent at FLAME University as a student is quite cheerful, busy, and full of activities and fun. Students are constantly engaged in various activities organised by different clubs or universities. Sports activities play a major role in the student’s life since it is mandatory.

Students can participate in over 20 clubs of their interest. There are no dress code or uniforms for the students. There is zero tolerance by the university administrators regarding drugs or other prohibited substance use. Strict actions are taken immediately upon such behaviour.

There are no stringent rules and regulations regarding the conduct. However, the college is strict about students respectfully conducting themselves. Overall, apart from regular academics, students can keep themselves engaged with expansive events held in the university.

How Diverse and Inclusive is FLAME University?

Even though FLAME University admits international students and also facilitates student exchange programs, the key question remains. With such expensive fees, it naturally excludes a major chunk of students coming from socially and economically weaker sections of society.

Moreover, the university does not have any policy set to balance the male-to-female ratio of students or staff. The scholarship provided on the basis of merit after admission does not help either.

Is FLAME University Worth it?

For students who do not have any primary concerns about monetary issues, FLAME Univeristy provides an ideal ground to spend the prime years of their student life. It offers a holistic liberal approach, as promised. Students are prepared well in all spheres of their lives with a good degree of exposure.

Without delay, here are the pros and cons of FLAME University:

*Source: flameuniversity Instagram