GetMyUni's Verdict on Vignan University

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Although some areas require improvement, Vignan University is one of the top universities in the state for its strong academic excellence and impressive placement records. It is also working towards making the university better to match the industry standards.”

Located in the rural areas of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Vignan University has its pros and cons. It holds approval from UGC and has been accredited by NAAC with an A+ grade for its academic excellence. Yet, the strict rules and regulations enforced on the students make it difficult for them to have a well-rounded campus experience. Along with this, the expensive course fee structure also makes it inaccessible for students who belong to underprivileged communities.

In terms of academics, the university boasts of highly qualified faculty members who are well-equipped to impart quality education. In other words, the set of professors at the university is considered to be its backbone. As it is a deemed university, it also has the liberty to make changes to the course curriculum and structure to match the industry standards. 

While it has an excellent reputation for its academics and related matters, students have fewer opportunities to pursue extracurricular activities. Although the university organises annual events, it is less vibrant than the other private universities in the country. Nonetheless, students are guaranteed to obtain successful placements offered by reputed companies. It also has a beautiful campus with a well-facilitated infrastructure.

Table of Contents

• Multidisciplinary Academic Programs
• Knowledgeable & Committed Professors
• Decent Infrastructure
• Diverse Housing Facilities
• Fairly Engaging Campus Life
• Strong Placement Records
• Overall Impression on Vignan University

Multidisciplinary Academic Programs

Part of a group of institutions, Vignan University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, such as Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Law, Management, and Science. It provides courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Primarily, the university is renowned for its engineering courses, which are available in traditional and niche branches. These courses are popular because of their well-structured curriculum and syllabus that equip students with the required theoretical and practical knowledge to excel in the professional arena.

Apart from its Engineering programs, the students also recommend the other professional courses offered by the university in the other fields. While there are variations in the quality of academics across different disciplines and departments, the general standard is said to be maintained. Besides, as a deemed university, it has the complete authority to revise its syllabus to match the industry requirements and set dates for examinations at its convenience.

While the university is mainly known for its Engineering programs, some of its top courses are listed below.

• B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering
• B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
• B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture
• B.Pharmacy
• B.Sc (Hons) in Physics/ Chemistry/ Mathematics
• M.Tech in Food Processing Technology
• M.Tech in Machine Design
• M.Tech in Structural Engineering
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specialisations in Finance/ Marketing/ Human Resource Management

The courses mentioned above are known to provide students with basic and advanced knowledge in each field, with specialisations available across different disciplines. Students who are interested in pursuing higher studies are said to have a decent foundation in their respective fields with ample opportunities to build their careers. 

While there are traditional courses, the newly introduced niche programs help students to learn more about the fundamentals of their courses. Additionally, the classes are well-structured to match the industry standards, which assures them of various prospects for advanced learning possibilities.

Along with the traditional courses, the university has also introduced various online courses that enable students who cannot attend regular classes to pursue their studies. The university offers online courses in the aforementioned disciplines through its online platform.

Overall, the university offers decent academic excellence in different fields. It is ultimately the students’ choice to utilise the given opportunities to their benefit. Although there are some inconsistencies across various disciplines, the general quality of education is maintained, making it one of the top private universities in the state.

Course Fee Structure

One of the main reasons why students prefer to pursue their studies at Vignan University is its nominal course fee structure. Although the course fees are not as low as those of the public universities in the country, they are comparatively less expensive than the other private universities. However, it varies depending on the course type, specialisation, course duration and year of study. 

Apart from the affordability of these courses, the university also offers several merit-based scholarships that waive off up to 75% of the tuition fees based on the marks obtained by the students in their qualifying entrance examinations and class 12 examinations. Along with that, there are fee relaxations for different courses based on the students’ categories and family income.

Based on the recently released fee structure, the course fees for B.Tech programs across branches, such as different specialisations in Computer Science and Engineering and Information Technology, are between INR 2,60,000 and INR 3,60,000.

The annual course fees for programs in Agriculture, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Food Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering and B.Pharmacy are between INR 1,80,000 and INR 2,80,000.

The yearly fees for other programs with specialisations in Agriculture Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Automation, and Textile Technology are between INR 1,00,000 and INR 2,00,000. Apart from these yearly course fees, students are also required to pay a non-refundable fee of INR 20,000 at the time of admission. The course fees for online programs are much less than that for the regular programs.

Attendance Policy

The university has strict rules and regulations for the code of conduct with regard to its academics and other campus activities. One of the primary rules that must be followed by its students is the attendance policy. 

All students are mandated to maintain a minimum attendance of 80% across all the theoretical and practical classes in every semester. Failing to maintain the minimum attendance will result in them being deemed ineligible for appearing in the end-semester examinations.

Knowledgeable & Committed Professors

The university boasts a set of highly qualified and experienced professors, most of whom are graduates of the premier institutions in the country. Although some students have expressed their discernment with their discriminative attitude towards the students, almost all are satisfied with their academic interactions with their professors.

The professors hold high qualifications, and some of them are actively involved in research programs. Their academic knowledge, combined with years of teaching experience, enables them to provide quality education to their students. Apart from their proficiency in their respective subjects, the professors are also known for their commitment and dedication to imparting students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their careers.

As mentioned above, the professors are actively involved in various academic research programs, which helps them stay abreast of the latest developments in their field. This updated knowledge enables them to provide students with a more detailed understanding and additional information based on the current activities in the industry.

Additionally, most professors are said to be approachable and supportive of the students, and they have the space to communicate with them for clarification of doubts or to learn advanced concepts that support their innovative ideas. The professors also encourage students to pursue research of their own to polish their knowledge. 

However, like in all universities, there are inconsistencies in the quality of teaching across different departments as well as within the same department. While some professors devise modern teaching methods, the senior professors are said to stick to traditional teaching techniques, which makes it difficult for students to capture all that they teach. 

In general, students have high regard for their professors. They have mentioned that some classes by specific professors are unforgettable. The best professors ensure all students, regardless of their mental capacities, understand all the complex concepts and topics in detail. Such professors also create a good rapport with their students and are willing to go the extra mile to provide the required support and guidance to help students achieve academic success.

Decent Infrastructure

Spread across 43 acres of area, the university has decent infrastructural facilities that cater to the academic, residential and recreational needs of the students. Each department has spacious classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and other necessary facilities to offer a conducive learning environment for students. In addition to the existing facilities, the university is making the necessary changes and improvements in its facilities to ensure advanced learning opportunities.

Though there are a few shortcomings in its recreational facilities, the university boasts a well-facilitated academic infrastructure that provides students with various possibilities for advanced learning.

The university has spacious and well-maintained classrooms that are well-lit and adequately ventilated. The classrooms are equipped with modern teaching facilities, like projectors, smartboards, etc., to offer interactive learning facilities. Apart from traditional classrooms and lecture halls, the university also has seminar halls and conference rooms where academic events are conducted.

Each department has adequate laboratory facilities, which include updated instruments and equipment for advanced practical learning. Apart from the basic facilities, the laboratories also consist of facilities to ensure students can perform cutting-edge research. Although there are a few laboratories that require updating their facilities, the university is involved in making the necessary changes and improvements to solve the problems.

The central library houses a vast collection of books, theses, journals, research papers, and online databases that are available to different disciplines. Apart from the extensive collection of printed and electronic resources, it is spacious enough to accommodate a large group of students. They can access electronic and online resources using the computer systems available within the library.

Overall, the central library at the university offers a good ambience for students to read and study peacefully. Apart from the central library, the university also has smaller department libraries where specific books and resources dedicated to that particular department are available.

In terms of its recreational facilities, the university has a well-maintained sports complex with indoor and outdoor facilities for sports like basketball, cricket, football, badminton, etc. Although the dedicated area is much less than that of the other private universities, the facilities available here are said to be satisfactory.

The university also has a good canteen where different kinds of food and beverages are available at a reasonable price. The canteen is a primary hangout spot for the students as well as staff members. Although the general quality of the food available at the canteen is moderate, the hygiene and cleanliness in the canteen premises are maintained.

In short, the university has a decent infrastructure that is adequately facilitated for academic and recreational activities. Even though some students have expressed their unhappiness with the lack of some facilities, the university is committed to rectifying its shortcomings and providing a better learning environment.

Diverse Housing Facilities

The university offers comprehensive housing facilities within its campus. It provides over 1500 beds for boys and 1300 for girls, which makes it convenient for the students to reach their classes and access other facilities. The hostels at the university cater to different preferences and budgets, with a variety of amenities and facilities.

Each room at the hostel is well-furnished, with separate beds, tables, chairs and cupboards for each individual student. Apart from basic amenities like laundry facilities, water coolers, geysers, and others, the hostels also include recreational facilities for indoor games, reading rooms and common rooms for social interaction. Besides, the hostels have both A/C and non-A/C rooms at different fee ranges. 

The safety and security of the students at the hostel are ensured by the 24/7 security personnel placed at different parts of the campus. The hostels also have strict rules and regulations regarding curfew timing, guest visitors, etc. The hostels also provide medical facilities for first aid and minor ailments. The hostels also have round-the-clock ambulance facilities.

Timely meals are served within the hostels through catering services. The food menu served at the mess is mainly vegetarian. Students can choose the type of food and communicate it with their respective hostel committees. The catering services provide good quality and hygienic food in a regularly cleaned dining area.

According to the latest fee structure, the annual hostel fee for non-A/C rooms is INR 95,000 and for A/C rooms is INR 1,25,000. Students can pay the yearly hostel fees in two instalments semester-wise. In addition to the annual hostel fees, students are also required to pay a registration fee of INR 5000 at the time of registration.

Even though the hostels offer on-campus accommodation, some students prefer to stay outside the university in private hostels and PGs for the freedom to move around. There are several private PGs available within walking distance from the university campus for different preferences and budgets. Typically, the monthly rents for such PGs start from INR 5000.

Fairly Engaging Campus Life

Although the university is known for its emphasis on academics, it offers a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities and events conducted throughout the year. The university has several clubs and student societies where the students have various opportunities to pursue their interests and hobbies while managing their academics. These clubs are available for technical, cultural, social service, and other activities. 

The clubs conduct various competitions, activities and events where students can showcase their talents and skills. Being part of these clubs not only allows students to pursue their interests but also helps them develop professional, personal and academic skills. Students can also connect with like-minded individuals from different disciplines. 

Apart from these club activities, the university also organises annual cultural and tech events where students can showcase their innovative ideas and nurture leadership, problem-solving and social skills. 

The academic events conducted by the university include workshops, guest lectures, seminars, and other events in collaboration with industry professionals, which help students learn more about their subjects and gain more insights into their career prospects. 

In terms of sports events, the university also conducts inter-discipline competitions and tournaments. However, the scope for such sports events is lesser than that of other universities.

Furthermore, the university encourages students to participate in social service activities and initiatives that create awareness about various causes that are limiting the opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Diversity on Campus

As it accepts students based on their performance in the national-level entrance examinations, the university attracts a wide range of students from different parts of the country with diverse regional backgrounds. However, the student body at the university is predominantly consisting of students from the South Indian regions.

Although there have been concerns raised about the discrimination faced by students from underprivileged communities, the majority of the crowd at the university is accepting and welcoming of students from all walks of life. The nominal fee structure at the university also enables students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to gain quality education.

The university also has a significant representation of students from different international countries pursuing higher studies in some disciplines, such as engineering and pharmacy.

Dress Code

The university has a strict dress code, which includes a uniform that is defined for most days of the week. When the students are allowed to wear civilian attire, they are expected to wear formal clothes that are appropriate for an academic setting. Students are also advised to wear clothes adhering to the regional dress code.

Strong Placement Records

One of the main benefits of being a student at this university is the wide range of career opportunities it has to offer. As of the previous year’s track record, the university has attained a placement rate of 98%, which is an impressive record for a private university. The majority of the students have secured stellar job opportunities at reputed national and international companies.

According to the placement records released by the university, the highest salary package offered to university graduates is INR 21 LPA. While most of the job opportunities are offered to Engineering students, others from different disciplines were also provided excellent roles through the placement drive held at the university campus.

Based on the statistics, over 75 companies participated in the placement drive, with over 1000 students obtaining job opportunities across different sectors and industries in the fields of management, pharmacy, and science. The average salary package offered to the graduates was INR 4.6 LPA. 

The university has a dedicated placement cell that organises various training programs to equip students with multiple skills to perform well in the placement programs. They also invite reputed companies to participate in the annual placement drives held on campus. 

Overall Impression on Vignan University

It can be inferred that Vignan University is a good option for students who are primarily focused on attaining academic and professional success but are unable to get admission to the premier institutions in the country. Even though there are some drawbacks to being a student at the university, its highly qualified faculty members and stellar placement rates are enough to build a strong career.

Apart from its academic excellence, the nominal course fee structure makes it possible for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to obtain quality education. In addition to that, the merit-based scholarship waives a significant percentage of the tuition fee.

Finally, students are advised to connect with the past and present students of the university to gain more information about the academic scenario and career prospects available for their desired program. Some of the pros and cons of Vignan University are also listed below for a better understanding.

*Source: Vignan University Facebook