GetMyUni's Verdict on VKSU

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“The infrastructure, academic curriculum, and career prospects offered at VKSU are considered mediocre at best. The university is reported to require substantial enhancement and upkeep for real improvement.”

A public university in Ara, Bihar, Veer Kunwar Singh University has offered courses across various disciplines. However, the students have complained about the administrative process, and the quality of the programs differs from one department to another. While some courses are highly regarded for the curriculum and faculty members, the other programs are less recommended. 

Based on the students’ reviews on various online platforms, the university is not a good option due to the limited resources and poorly maintained facilities, which affect the quality of education. The placement records are disappointing as few students are offered good placement opportunities, and the salary packages are relatively low.

The lack of facilities and resources also limits the scope of student activities on the campus. As the education standard is inconsistent throughout the courses, students are advised to connect to previous years’ university students and enquire about the career prospects available for the program they intend to pursue.

Table of Contents

• Below Average Courses
• Variability in Proficiency of Professors
• Poorly Maintained Infrastructure
• Subpar Housing Facilities
• Generally Good Campus Life
• Mediocre Placement Opportunities
• Overall Impression of VKSU

Below Average Courses

Since its inception in 1968, the university has offered a wide range of courses across various disciplines, namely Engineering, Science, Arts, Commerce, Law and Education. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programs, but the overall quality of the programs varies from one discipline to another. The lack of the required resources and facilities significantly affects the scope of research programs.

As mentioned earlier, the quality of courses has been questioned by several students and educational experts, which has led to the questioning of the university's accreditation status. According to the online reviews of the students, the university is not fully compliant with the standards set by the University Grants Commission.

Students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% to appear for the end-semester examinations. If the students fail to do so, it will affect their overall marks and result in having to retake the course.

Comparatively Low Fee Structure

The course fee structure at the university is relatively low compared to the other universities in Bihar. The annual course fees for undergraduate courses typically range from INR 5000 to INR 10,000; for postgraduate studies, it is from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000. In any case, the course fees differ based on the course and specialisation. 

For B.Tech programs, the course fees fall between INR 18,000 and INR 22,000, whereas for BA, B.Sc, and B.Ed programs, the prices range from INR 5000 to INR 6000, INR 6000 to INR 7000 and INR 10,000 to INR 12,000, respectively. In addition to the affordability of the tuition fees, the university provides financial aid programs through scholarships to those students who require financial assistance. Students can avail of the scholarship programs based on their merit and categories.

Variability in Proficiency of Professors

The standard of the faculty members at VKSU is mixed, with some departments having excellent professors dedicated to their students and their research. In contrast, other departments have professors who are less effective teachers and researchers. Aspirants are advised to research the professors in their respective courses while considering attending the university. They must connect with the current students at the university to better understand the quality of teaching they can expect.

Many students have positive experiences with the professors at the university. According to those students, the professors are dedicated to teaching and willing to help students understand complex concepts and nurture their passion for the subjects. Most professors are qualified and have adequate knowledge to make it easy for the students to learn complex subjects.

On the other hand, some professors are not highly regarded by the students. There have been instances where the students were subject to several issues due to the professors’ lack of communication, unfair grading practices and inability to connect with the students. Students have mentioned that they have felt the professors are not accessible enough and are not always available to help students outside of class. 

Poorly Maintained Infrastructure

Although the university generally has a good infrastructure spread over 250 acres of land, several facilities and amenities require improvement. The academic infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories and library, are well-equipped but lack maintenance. It's the same case for the other facilities at the university. 

The classrooms at the university are generally well-maintained and equipped with basic necessities, such as chairs, desks and whiteboards. However, some of the classrooms are overcrowded, and there is a lack of ventilation, which makes it uncomfortable for students.

Regarding the laboratories, all departments have required laboratories, with some of them having updated equipment and technology, but the other laboratories have outdated equipment and require immediate renovation. The lack of facilities at the labs hinders the practical learning experience of the students.

The university’s library is among the state's most extensive and well-stocked. The library houses a collection of over 1 million books and other reference materials, with a digital repository with access to a wide range of online resources. However, the library is not as spacious and can get crowded during peak hours. 

The university's sports complex is well-equipped with various facilities, including a football field, cricket ground, basketball court, volleyball court and athletic tracks. The sports facilities are relatively more maintained as these are used for inter-college tournaments and other sporting events.

The canteen at the university is a popular spot among the students, which offers various snacks, meals and beverages suitable for all. The food at the canteen is affordable, and multiple cuisines are also available for vegetarians and vegans. The canteen is clean and well maintained, but it gets very crowded during lunchtime, which leads to long queues. Students have also complained about the food quality, saying it is not always fresh. The slow and inefficient service adds to the crowd.

Subpar Housing Facilities

The university offers housing facilities to both male and female students within the campus. Like the university infrastructure, the hostels are also criticised for the lack of amenities and poor maintenance of the facilities. Otherwise, the hostels are generally clean, and the security of the students is assured.

While the common areas and rooms are kept clean and well-maintained by the cleaning staff, the hostels need repair as the walls are cracked, the furniture is old and worn, and the plumbing is often out of order. The hostels also lack essential facilities, such as air conditioning, laundry, and recreational facilities. 

The hostels are overcrowded, with students often sharing rooms with multiple people. This affects the privacy and personal space of the students to study or sleep. In addition, the food served in the hostel mess is often of poor quality even though it is served in clean and hygienic dining halls. The hostels are well-secured with round-the-clock security guards and CCTV camera surveillance. The safety and security of the students are assured.

The hostel fees vary depending on the room type and students’ categories but are relatively affordable, especially for out-of-state students. The hostel fees for general students for single and double rooms with and without air conditioning range between INR 7500 and INR 15,000. 

For SC/ST/OBC students, here is a relaxation of a minimum of INR 2,500 in the hostel fees. In other words, the hostel fees for students belonging to the minority categories range between INR 5,625 and INR 11,250.

Additionally, there are PG options available around the university campus for boys and girls for nominal rents. The monthly rents of these PGs typically range from INR 3000 to INR 5000. The rent varies based on the room size and amenities available, as well as the location of the PG.

Generally Good Campus Life

The university has several possibilities for extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural and literary activities. Several student organisations conduct several events, such as social service initiatives and community outreach programs, that allow students to develop new skills, explore their interests and connect with like-minded individuals.

The university has a vibrant social life, with a variety of events and activities happening throughout the year. The university hosts a number of festivals, parties and other programs where students have the platform to showcase their talents and leadership skills. They also have the opportunity to relax, socialise and create lasting memories amidst the chaotic academic curriculum.

In other words, the campus life at VKSU is a mixed bag of academics and plentiful extracurricular activities. However, the lack of updated facilities and limited infrastructure affect the possibilities of several activities on campus, affecting the overall campus experience.

Diversity on Campus

Most of the students at the university are from the northern part of the country. Nonetheless, the university does have a diverse student body with students from other parts of the country. It also has a significant number of international students.

In terms of the gender ratio, 52% of the students are female and 48% male. Students from all walks of life and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds are part of the population. The university provides equal opportunities to all students regardless of their caste, category, gender, etc.

Dress Code

The university does not have a particular uniform, but the students are expected to maintain a formal and professional dress code. The students must abide by the dress code for classes and other academic events. There are strict rules regarding the students' clothes based on the occasion, such as formal dress, business casual and casual.

Mediocre Placement Opportunities

According to the past year’s records, the university offers below-average placement opportunities to the students. However, the average placement rate has gradually increased over the years. It has a dedicated placement cell that works closely with companies to secure internships and job placements for its students, with the help of which top recruiters have visited the university of its placement drives.

Based on recent years’ records, around 60% of students have been hired by the participating companies. Yet, the salary packages offered are relatively low compared to the placement offers received by students from other universities. The average salary package for university graduates is around INR 3-4 LPA, which varies according to the student’s academic record, skills and the companies. 

Overall Impression of VKSU

It can be concluded that VKSU is an average university but provides a better education than the other universities in the state. Even though the university has the necessary infrastructure and resources, specific areas require proper maintenance and improvement. The lack of updated technology or resources affects the university's overall performance. The professors who lack interest in offering good education also make it difficult for the students.

Regarding the research possibilities, the resources and the uninterested professors hinder the overall process. The quality of education varies from one department to another. Hence, aspiring students are advised to connect with experts and graduate students before they proceed with the admission process.

The pros and cons of the university are as follows.