GetMyUni's Verdict on Uttarakhand Open University (UOU)

Mohith Kumar

“Uttarakhand Open University provides quality education to all students belonging to socio-economic strata and age. However, the deteriorating placement rate is a significant concern among students.”

Providing quality higher education to tribal women, backward classes, and all the various categories of society, the Uttarakhand Open University (UOU), Dehradun, stands out as one of the best universities in Uttarakhand.

UOU aims to create skilled and knowledgeable human resources to improve the state's growth. However, lower placement rates of undergraduate courses and lack of industrial experience faculty often bother students of UOU. Affordable course fees and commendable distance education are the primary reasons for candidates to opt for the Uttarakhand Open University (UOU).

Table of Contents

• Variety of Affordable Courses
• Approachable Faculties
• Quality Infrastructure
• Decent Hostel Facilities
• Unsatisfactory Placements
• Life at UOU
• Is UOU Worth it?

Variety of Affordable Courses

UOU provides quality and affordable education under 87 courses in various streams. The undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and M.Phil courses are delivered across 14 main streams. Varying from INR 3,550 to INR 22,150, the course fee at UOU is affordable, and students can avail of scholarship facilities to pay the course fee. 

One of the major highlights of the UOU is its phenomenal distance education. The University educates distance students from remote areas of the state. The quality of academics is mixed.

While some courses have a relatively easy course structure, some are difficult to cope with. Furthermore, the concern for students is the lack of industrial-experienced faculties for postgraduate courses.

Approachable Faculties

Faculties are one of the major highlights of the UOU. The UOU faculties are experienced in their respective subjects and are updated according to the latest syllabus and curriculum. Communication is not a barrier for students of UOU as all the faculties are fluent in the native language. 

The UOU faculties are approachable and clear doubts at any point in the time. The interactive teaching with real-life examples ensures quality learning for students. UOU lacks faculties with industrial experiences for postgraduate courses, which, in a way, hinders the teaching standards. 

Quality Infrastructure

The Uttarakhand University is well known for its quality infrastructure, providing all the basic amenities. Established in 2005, UOU has developed its infrastructure as per requirements. One of the highlights of the UOU infrastructure is its well-maintained library, which is stocked with numerous books and journals.

Though the classrooms are well maintained, they have not been digitalized. Electronic boards and teaching through visuals might improve the quality of teaching. Students often feel that the campus life is cheerful and friendly. The 24/7 CCTV surveillance makes students feel safe and good to be at the campus. UOU provides separate hostel facilities for both boys and girls.

Gym, Outdoor and indoor sports facilities, canteen, and refreshment area are some other amenities under UOU infrastructure.

Decent Hostel Facilities

The hostel rooms are well maintained with wi-fi facilities. Hostel premises are under CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety of the inmates. During winter, hostel authorities will provide heaters for each room, which is commendable. The UOU is 24/7 wi-fi enabled and helps students to access the internet whenever in need. 

The mess facility of UOU is hygienic and well-maintained. But, few students think that the mess food quality must be improved. The hostel fee is affordable, and students can reach out to the support staff of the hostel at any point in time for assistance.

Furthermore, students can opt for paying guest (PG) facilities available around the university. PGs are within 500 meters from the campus and rent for PGs is around INR 3,000 to 7,000. Students who stayed in PGs during their academics are of the opinion that PGs are well maintained and food quality is also decent. 

Unsatisfactory Placements

Placements at UOU are concerning. Undergraduate students do not receive any training for placements from the University. Only postgraduate students avail themselves of the chances of placements. As per a few senior students, The maximum package was INR 13L per month, and the minimum package received was INR 6L per year.

Postgraduate students will be taught to participate in interviews, group discussions, and more. A committee has been formed to look after placement activities for postgraduate students.

The University does not provide any internship facilities for undergraduate students. A committee to look after such issues must be formed by the University to tackle undergraduate placements.

Life at UOU

Life at the Uttarakhand Open University, Dehradun, is cheerful. The majority of the students are from Uttarakhand state, and hence, there is not much diversity. However, present and past students of UOU feel that the campus life is memorable and they had the best days of their lives at the University. 

The University conducts very few cultural activities. Considering the extreme winters, UOU conducts most fests, cultural activities, and sports events during the summers. 

As the student group is a mixture of distance learning students and physical class attendees, there is no strict uniform code on the campus. Additionally, there are no strict rules regarding attendance. However, candidates are advised to maintain 75% attendance to be eligible for the annual exams.

Is UOU Worth it?

Decent placement rates for postgraduate courses, affordable course fees, and quality education are some of the attractive aspects for aspiring students at UOU. However, the deteriorating placement rates and unsatisfactory placement training concern aspiring students.

UOU provides the best distance learning opportunities for the students of Uttarakhand. The postgraduation courses offered at the Uttarakhand Open University are known for their quality and decent job opportunities. 

Undergraduate students who want a degree in their name and do not worry much about the final placements can apply for the UOU without any second thought. Check out the pros and cons of the UOU in the table below.

*Source: uou.ac.in