GetMyUni's Verdict on Palamuru University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

"With a satisfactory academic atmosphere and decent infrastructure, Palamuru University is considered to be one of the best universities in the state. However, it offers inconsistent academic and career opportunities in different disciplines."

Palamuru University is one of the prominent state universities in Telangana that offers various programs across different disciplines. Even though it was established in the late 2000s, students have mentioned on online forums that the infrastructure and facilities provided by the university are not up to the mark as its poorly maintained with no upgradation. Additionally, students have also mentioned that the quality of teaching and learning varies from one department to another.

Apart from its poorly maintained infrastructure, the quality of professors is also varied for each discipline and even within the same department. Generally, students who pursue Arts programs are more satisfied with their curriculum and overall academics than the Science students. In any case, the university is still a work in progress in terms of its facilities and academic curriculum. Besides its main campus, the university also has several colleges and PG centres affiliated to it. 

It is a decent university that has managed to maintain a good reputation within the state. However, there are a few areas where it needs improvement. Similar to the facilities and faculty members, the placement opportunities available for the various courses are also uneven, with only some students getting good job prospects. Additionally, there are no noteworthy extracurricular activities or events that can help students have a wholesome campus experience. 

Table of Contents

• Spectrum of Remarkable Programs
• Mixed Bag of Faculty Members
• Traditional Infrastructure
• Affordable Hostels
• Engaging Campus Experience
• Satisfactory Placement Records
• Overall Impression of Palamuru University

Spectrum of Remarkable Programs

Though the number of programs is less, the university is praised for its diverse range of courses across different disciplines, such as Science, Arts, Social Sciences, Commerce, Business Management, Education and Pharmacy. Various programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, among which some have acquired more recognition than others. 

The course curriculum for each program is constantly updated by the university to include relevant information based on the industry trends in each field. The updated curriculum and syllabus for the programs ensure students graduate with the appropriate knowledge and skills to excel in their respective fields. 

Although the university offers various courses at the undergraduate level, it is more renowned for its postgraduate programs across different disciplines. Some of the noteworthy courses provided by the university are listed below.

• B.Pharmacy
• M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Analysis
• M.Sc Zoology
• MA English
• MA Telugu
• Master of Business Administration (MBA
• Master of Education (M.Ed).

Apart from the traditional courses, the university offers a 5-year integrated Chemistry program, which is a combination of the B.Sc and M.Sc degrees. In other words, students who complete 3 years of this particular program will obtain the equivalent of a B.Sc Chemistry degree. 

Students also have the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary courses through the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), through which they can choose electives and customise their courses. This helps them make their classes more personalised and be engaged with subjects that are otherwise not part of their course curriculum. 

However, the university has limited research opportunities as they have limited access to research facilities and resources. This may be an issue for those who intend to pursue research projects along with their traditional courses. In addition to that, there is limited industry exposure, which hinders students from receiving valuable hands-on experience and practical applications. The lack of industry exposure also results in the absence of guest lecturers, workshops, internships and other programs. 

Course Fee Structure

The tuition fees for the programs vary depending on the course type, specialisation and the course duration. However, it is relativel lower than the private universities, which makes it more affordable for students who belong to financially disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The tuition fee for the only undergraduate program that is offered by the university, B.Pharm, is INR 10,000 for 4 years and INR 1,10,000 for M.Pharm. The course fees for M.Sc programs range from INR 5000 to INR 20,735; it is INR 3500 for MA programs and INR 16,000 for MSW. The course fees for MBA, M.Com and M.Ed courses are INR 26,700, INR 4500 and INR 28,000, respectively. 

The annual tuition fee for the 5-year integrated Chemistry program is different for the undergraduate and postgraduate equivalent years. It is INR 14,000 for the first three years and INR 20,735 for the final two years. In addition to the tuition fees, students also have to pay a special fee of INR 350 per year. 

In order to make quality education more affordable and accessible to all students, the university offers numerous scholarships based on merit and financial need. Besides the scholarships, the university also provides the necessary support to avail of external financial assistance. 

Attendance Policy

The university has strict rules regarding the attendance of students. According to the university’s policy, students are mandated to maintain a minimum of 80% attendance in all theory and practical classes across all subjects, without which they will be restricted from appearing in the final examinations.

Mixed Bag of Faculty Members

The majority of the professors at the university are highly qualified with relevant education and experience in their respective fields. Most of them have been in the profession of teaching for several years, making them well-equipped to impart quality education. They are known to have participated in various research projects. They are actively involved in the industry, which enables them to provide a solid foundation in their respective areas of specialisation. 

Most professors are dedicated to providing students with ample opportunities and resources to help them succeed in their careers. These professors are easily approachable and are accessible beyond the classroom for discussions related to their courses and more. However, the teaching methods employed by the professors vary considerably throughout the departments.

While some professors devise newer styles of teaching with interactive sessions, others are stuck with the tractional lecture styles where they simply explain the topics right from the books. The interactive teaching methods with the use of audio-visual aids are reported to be more effective, with students understanding even complex concepts more quickly.

As mentioned earlier, students have limited access to research resources and facilities. Yet, many professors are committed to supporting students with their passion projects by providing adequate resources and guidance. However, the number of professors who are available for discussions beyond the textbooks is less. As per the online reviews, students find it difficult to approach certain professors outside of the classroom. 

Overall, while there are skilled professors who are approachable and highly knowledgeable in their respective disciplines, some professors are said to be not up to the mark. The research interests of students may not align with the latter category of professors, which may hinder the academic and professional development of the students.

Nonetheless, the quality of professors varies from one department to another. Therefore, aspirants are advised to connect with past and present students who are pursuing their desired course to learn more about the professors before they finalise their admission.

Traditional Infrastructure

The university’s infrastructure is a blend of traditional architecture with modern facilities. Although there are adequate facilities and amenities to provide a well-rounded learning atmosphere, students have reported that there are limited equipment and facilities in specific departments, which restrict them from conducting cutting-edge research.

However, the university campus is generally well-maintained, with ample space for students to move around. Also, the university is located on the outskirts of the city, which limits access to urban life. 

The classrooms at the university are of traditional layout with old-school desks and benches, green board, etc. The classrooms are spacious with proper ventilation and lighting, and also audio-visual learning facilities to ensure students have a more engaging and interactive learning environment. 

There are laboratories for all the relevant subjects. Still, according to the students’ reviews on online platforms, there are issues regarding the maintenance and upgradation of the equipment, which makes it difficult for the students to perform different experiments, limiting them from obtaining hands-on learning experience. In any case, the university has taken immediate action in the past to rectify such problems and is striving to include more facilities to ensure students have access to the latest technology and equipment for research.

The central library at the university is well-stocked with an extensive collection of books, research papers, theses, journals, and other reference materials. There are sufficient seating areas to provide students with a peaceful atmosphere to read and study. Along with the print resources, the university library also has several electronic resources, such as e-books, e-journals and online databases, which can be accessed using the computer systems available within the library hall.

Besides the central library, the university also has multiple departmental libraries where students can access subject-related materials easily. The library is open till night, which makes it convenient for students who live within the campus to spend enough time for exam preparation. 

Even though there are limited facilities for recreational activities, the university has a well-maintained sports complex that consists of various indoor and outdoor sports facilities, such as courts and fields for basketball, cricket, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, tennis, chess, etc. It also has a well-equipped gymnasium to enable students to maintain their physical health during their time at the university. 

There are multiple canteens spread across the university’s campus, where different types of food and beverages are available at affordable prices. However, students have expressed their concerns regarding the quality of food and the general hygiene in some canteens. However, according to recent reports, the canteens are well-kept and clean and are among the primary hangout spots within the campus.

Students are generally satisfied with the university’s infrastructure, though certain areas require improvement and renovation. Along with the facilities mentioned above, the university’s infrastructure also consists of a spacious auditorium, seminar halls, a health centre and various other facilities to cater to the academic and extracurricular needs of the students. Additionally, students have mentioned that there are significant differences between the older and newer buildings on the university campus.

Affordable Hostels

The university provides different housing options for students, which include newly built and renovated hostels. There are separate hostels for boys and girls, and they can choose the type of hostel based on their preferences and budget. However, the living conditions vary significantly, with the newer hostels having more modern facilities and well-maintained rooms. 

Based on students’ reviews on online forums, there have been complaints about electrical issues, broken furniture and improper sanitation in the past. Still, the university is said to have taken prompt actions to rectify such issues. Also, some hostels are said to face overcrowding, thus leading to a lack of private spaces and limited facilities.

A significant factor that attracts students to on-campus housing is its affordability. The hostel fees at the university are relatively low compared to the private universities in the country. Also, the hostels are located within close proximity of the academic facilities making it convenient for the students to access the libraries and other facilities post working hours. Yet, students have mentioned that the lack of recreational facilities within the hostels limits them from spending leisure time more effectively.

In terms of the dining facilities, some hostels have attached mess facilities where timely meals are served thrice a day. Although there are concerns regarding the cleanliness and limited dietary options, students are generally satisfied with the food quality and the dining areas. 

In any case, the safety and security of students are assured by the security guards present 24/7 and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.

The hostel fees at the university vary based on the hostel and room type, mess facilities, and the category of students. There are few concessions for students who belong to SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories. Typically, the hostel fee is around INR 5600 per semester. It may be more or less based on the availability of certain facilities. 

Apart from the on-campus housing facilities, there are various PGs and private hostels available within the university’s premises. These PGs and hostels are available at nominal rents, and students can choose the rooms based on their preferences and budget.

Engaging Campus Experience

Apart from providing a diverse range of academic programs, the university also offers a vibrant and enriching campus environment through its multiple clubs and extracurricular activities. Students can be part of various clubs and societies to pursue their interests and hobbies alongside acquiring a degree. Though the events organised by the university are not as popular as the ones in the top universities in the country, students are assured of having the opportunity for holistic development. 

The clubs and societies cater to a wide range of activities, ranging from literature and arts to sports and cultural activities. Students are allowed to explore their passions and polish their skills by participating in the competitions and events organised by these clubs. As most of these events are conducted by students, they have the space to improve their interpersonal and organisational skills, which helps them excel in the professional world. 

The university regularly conducts various cultural events and sports competitions, where students have the platform to showcase their talents and skills. It also hosts celebrations of different festivals, which fosters a sense of community among the students and helps them broaden their horizons. 

It also invites industry leaders and experts for guest lectures, workshops and seminars to provide students with insights into their career possibilities and educate them regarding the ever-evolving industry advancements. Though lesser in number, such events enable students to gain practical knowledge outside the classroom. The university encourages students to be a part of the National Services Scheme, which not only prepares them to be mindful of navigating different challenges but also inspires them to be more active within society. 

However, as the university is located away from the city, students have limited access to urban life, which may be a problem for students who wish to explore the metropolitan area. Overall, students are fulfilled with their campus life, which may not be enough for some students. 

Diversity on Campus

In terms of regional diversity, the student population mainly consists of students from the state, which limits students to gain exposure to different cultures and perspectives. As the course fee structure is affordable, students from all walks of life are part of the university community. Also, the financial assistance and scholarships offered by the university enable students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to obtain a proper education.

Though there are variations across different disciplines, the student body reflects a decent representation of students from all genders. The university has a dedicated Gender Cell through which it strives to create awareness and be more welcoming of students from underrepresented minorities. 

The university also has a dedicated SC/ST Cell, which works towards creating a safe environment for students belonging to these categories and bridging the gap between the various communities. Students have also mentioned that the active participation of these cells decreases their chances of facing discrimination in any form. 

Dress Code

While there is no defined uniform in the university, students are expected to follow a specific dress code by wearing appropriate attire well-suited to the academic atmosphere. Students must maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance and refrain from wearing revealing or offensive clothing. 

Satisfactory Placement Records

The university has displayed a decent placement record throughout the years, with several reputed companies and organisations participating in the placement drives held on campus. Though the overall placement rate across different programs can be improved, students from specific branches have acquired successful job opportunities in various sectors. 

Based on the previous years’ records, the median salary package offered to undergraduate students was INR 3.75 LPA and INR 3.20 LPA for postgraduate students. The university’s placement cell is committed to facilitating students with placements in various departments by inviting prestigious companies for placement drives.

Overall Impression of Palamuru University

It can be concluded that Palamuru University is a decent option for students who were unable to obtain admission to the top-ranked universities in the country and for those who wish to stay close to their residence. It provides a satisfactory academic environment with opportunities for educational and career advancement. However, students are advised to connect with past and present students to learn more about the university and the specific programs they intend to pursue. 

Some of the pros and cons of Palamuru University are mentioned below for better understanding.

*Source: palamuruuniversity.ac.in & palamur_university Instagram