Acharya Nagarjuna University

Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), located in Namburu, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India, was established in 1976 under Act 43 of the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature. Initially named Nagarjuna University, it was inaugurated by the then President of India, Sri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, on 11 September 1976. The university was created to cater to the higher education needs of the southern coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, with its foundation rooted in a Post-Graduate Centre established by Andhra University in Nallapadu.

In 2004, the university was renamed Acharya Nagarjuna University through the Andhra Pradesh Universities (Amendment) Ordinance. This change reflected the intellectual legacy of Acharya Nagarjuna, a prominent Buddhist philosopher who contributed significantly to Mahayana Buddhism.

The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across various disciplines, including engineering, sciences, law, humanities, and business administration. It also has a strong focus on research and development, particularly in fields such as pharmacy, biotechnology, and social sciences. The university’s College of Pharmaceutical Sciences has received recognition in national rankings, reflecting its academic standards.

ANU is also evidenced by its ranking in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The university has gained recognition in various global and national rankings, such as those by THE (Times Higher Education) and QS, demonstrating its ongoing efforts to improve academic quality and research output.

Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), located in Namburu, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India, was established in 1976 under Act 43 of the Andhra Pradesh State Legislature. It was inaugurated on 11 September 1976 by the then President of India, Sri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. Initially, the university was named Nagarjuna University. The establishment of the university was driven by the need to provide higher education to the people of the southern coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. 

In response to this, Andhra University started a Post-Graduate Centre in Maddi, which eventually became the foundation for the future university. This centre, later known as Bala Tripura Sundaramma Polytechnic, Nallapadu, Guntur, was created as an extension of Andhra University to meet the growing demand for higher education in the region.

The university was renamed Acharya Nagarjuna University through the Andhra Pradesh Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2004, reflecting the intellectual legacy of Acharya Nagarjuna, the great Buddhist philosopher. Nagarjuna was a pivotal figure in the development of Mahayana Buddhism, and his teachings continue to influence Buddhist philosophy in India and beyond.

The university’s founding mission was to meet the educational needs of the local population, offering an accessible and affordable platform for higher learning. Over time, Acharya Nagarjuna University expanded its academic offerings and infrastructure, establishing itself as a prominent centre for higher education in Andhra Pradesh.

The university is also known for its role in advancing academic excellence across a broad range of disciplines. In 1991, the Andhra Pradesh Government enacted Act 4 of 1991, which governed six universities in the state, including Acharya Nagarjuna University. This legislation was instrumental in the university’s expansion and helped solidify its position as a key institution in the region.

ANU has earned recognition for its academic and research contributions over the years, with a commitment to providing quality education in fields such as engineering, pharmacy, business administration, and the sciences. It also plays an important role in the cultural and intellectual life of the region. The university's impact has been particularly notable in the field of pharmacy, with its College of Pharmaceutical Sciences ranking 63rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024.

The university has also been a leader in research and innovation, particularly with the establishment of the University Rankings office in 2016. This office was created to enhance the university’s global presence by promoting its academic achievements and research contributions. As a result, Acharya Nagarjuna University has gained recognition in national and international rankings, including those by UI GreenMetric, THE (Times Higher Education), and QS.

In addition to its academic and research achievements, the university has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, with notable performances in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. In both 2021 and 2022, ANU was ranked as one of the most sustainable universities globally, highlighting its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

In terms of leadership, the university has been guided by several vice-chancellors, each contributing to its growth and development. Currently, K. Gangadhara Rao serves as the Vice-Chancellor. Under his leadership, the university continues to make progress in terms of infrastructure, academic offerings, and research output.

Acharya Nagarjuna University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across various fields, including engineering, science, law, humanities, and management. The university’s focus on research and development has enabled it to maintain a strong academic presence both in India and internationally. It also offers specialised programmes in Buddhist Studies, reflecting the influence of Acharya Nagarjuna’s teachings, and has developed a strong reputation for its programmes in the sciences, social sciences, and the arts.

Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across various disciplines. 

At the undergraduate level, ANU offers several engineering and non-engineering courses. Some of the key engineering programmes include B.Tech in Civil Engineering, B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering, B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering, and B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, the university offers B.Tech in Cyber Security, B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and B.Tech in Data Science. In non-engineering disciplines, ANU provides courses such as B.Arch (Architecture), B.Pharmacy, B.B.A LLB (Honours), BA LLB (Honours), B.F.A (Fine Arts), and B.P.Ed (Physical Education). These undergraduate programmes aim to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for professional roles.

The university also offers a diverse range of postgraduate programmes across various fields. Some notable courses include M.Tech in Digital Image Processing, M.Tech in Power Systems, M.Tech in Communication Engineering and Signal Processing, and M.Tech in Machine Design. In the field of pharmacy, ANU offers programmes such as M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics, M.Pharm in Industrial Pharmacy, and M.Pharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. For students interested in the sciences, the university provides M.Sc. in Aquaculture, M.Sc. in Biochemistry, M.Sc. in Biotechnology, M.Sc. in Botany, and several other specialisations. The M.A. programmes include areas such as Ancient History and Archaeology, Economics, English, History, Journalism and Mass Communication, and Political Science. Additionally, ANU offers several M.B.A. options, including Hospital Administration, International Business, and Tourism Management.

ANU also provides doctoral (PhD) programmes across multiple disciplines, allowing students to engage in in-depth research. Some of the PhD programmes available include PhD in Engineering (Civil, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical), PhD in Sciences (Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Biotechnology, Physics, Mathematics), and PhD in Humanities (English, Political Science, Sociology, Economics). For those interested in business and management, ANU offers a PhD in Business Administration. These doctoral programmes are designed to equip students with the research skills required for academic, professional, and industrial careers.

In addition to the main degree programmes, the university offers PG Diplomas in areas such as Guidance and Counselling, Yoga, and Ambedkar Studies, further expanding the educational options for students.

In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, the university’s College of Pharmaceutical Sciences was ranked 63rd in India for pharmacy. This ranking highlights the university’s contributions to the field of pharmaceutical education and research.

In terms of global rankings, ANU has also been recognised for its efforts in sustainability. The university has consistently ranked highly in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, which assesses universities based on their environmental and sustainability practices. ANU was ranked among the World's Most Sustainable Universities in both 2021 and 2022. Additionally, ANU’s performance in various sustainability metrics, such as Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, and Affordable and Clean Energy, has contributed to its strong position in these rankings.

The university has also been recognised in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. In 2021, ANU was ranked 251-300 in Asia and 251-300 in Emerging Economies. For Engineering, it was ranked 601-800 globally, further indicating the university’s academic and research capabilities.

The university collaborates with various industries and companies to provide placement opportunities, career guidance, and internship programmes. In the academic year 2022-23, a total of 1,092 students were successfully placed across diverse sectors. Leading companies like Infosys, HCL Technologies, and Maven Silicon participated in the placement process, offering roles in fields such as technology, management, and engineering.

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