Calicut University

The University of Calicut, also known as Calicut University, is a state-run public university located in Tenhipalam, Malappuram district, Kerala, India. Established in 1968, it is the first university set up in northern Kerala and the second in the state, following the bifurcation of Kerala University. The university's establishment was driven by the efforts of prominent leaders like C.H. Mohammed Koya and with support from the then Kerala Chief Minister, E.M.S. Namboodiripad. Officially inaugurated on August 12, 1968, Calicut University was created to organise post-graduate studies and research, as well as to affiliate colleges in northern Kerala.

The university has a primary campus in Tenhipalam and two off-campus centres in Thrissur and Wayanad, with the latter focusing on tribal empowerment. Calicut University is the largest affiliating university in Kerala, managing around 400 independent colleges across the northern districts and conducting examinations for their students.

As of the 2018-19 academic year, the university had 301 undergraduate students, 1,799 post-graduate students, and 581 full-time doctoral students. It operates nine schools and 34 departments. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of 2020, Calicut University was ranked 54th among Indian universities and 76th overall.

Central facilities at the university include the Pareeksha Bhavan, Calicut University Computer Center, CHMK Library, Botanical Garden, Madhava Observatory, Central Sophisticated Instrumentation Facility, University Museum, University Park, and University Science Instrumentation Center. The CHMK Library, established in 1971 and named after former Kerala Chief Minister C.H. Mohammed Koya, houses around 95,000 books and subscribes to 218 journals and 10 newspapers.

Calicut University is accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). The current Vice-Chancellor is M. K. Jayaraj.

The University of Calicut, also known as Calicut University, was established in 1968 in Tenhipalam, Malappuram district, Kerala, India. It holds the distinction of being the first university set up in northern Kerala and the second in the state, following the bifurcation of Kerala University.

The establishment of Calicut University was driven by the concerted efforts of several prominent leaders, including C.H. Mohammed Koya, C. Achutha Menon, and K. P. Kesava Menon. The initiative received strong support from the then Kerala Chief Minister, E.M.S. Namboodiripad. Recognising the need for higher education institutions in northern Kerala, C.H. Mohammed Koya, the then Education Minister of Kerala, constituted a twenty-two-member committee to conduct a pilot study on establishing new universities in the state. The committee's unanimous recommendation led to the immediate establishment of a university in Calicut. Consequently, C.H. Mohammed Koya appointed K.C. Chacko, Director of Technical Education, as the special officer, and M. Abdul Rahim, Municipal Commissioner, as the administrative officer to oversee the formation of the university. On 23 July 1968, an ordinance was obtained to create the University of Calicut.

K.C. Chacko was appointed the first Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the university. The university was formally inaugurated at a public function on 12 August 1968. Subsequently, the Calicut University Bill was passed by the Kerala State Legislative Assembly on 29 August 1968. The establishment of statutory bodies such as the Senate, Syndicate, Academic Council, Faculties, and Boards of Studies followed soon after. Initially, the university took over the four post-graduate departments of Kerala University operating in Calicut, incorporating them into its structure. M. M. Gani served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the university from 1969 to 1975, playing a pivotal role in its early growth and development.

Calicut University’s primary catchment area comprises the northern districts of Kerala. It has expanded significantly since its inception, now managing around 400 affiliated colleges spread across these districts. This makes it the largest affiliating university in Kerala. The university's academic structure includes nine schools and 34 departments, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes.

The main campus of Calicut University is situated in Tenhipalam, approximately 24 km south of the city of Calicut and 30 km from Malappuram. Most of the university's teaching and research departments, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, and the Administration Block are located on this campus. Additionally, the university has two off-campus centres: one in Thrissur and another in Wayanad, the latter focusing on tribal empowerment. There are also self-financing centres located in different parts of the jurisdiction area. Central facilities at the university include the Pareeksha Bhavan, Calicut University Computer Centre, CHMK Library, Botanical Garden, Madhava Observatory, Central Sophisticated Instrumentation Facility, University Museum, University Park, and University Science Instrumentation Centre. The CHMK Library, established in 1971 and renamed after former Kerala Chief Minister C.H. Mohammed Koya, houses around 95,000 books and subscribes to 218 journals and 10 newspapers.

As of the 2018-19 academic year, Calicut University had 301 undergraduate students, 1,799 post-graduate students, and 581 full-time doctoral students. The university was ranked 54th among Indian universities and 76th overall in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of 2020. Calicut University is accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC), National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). The university continues to play a vital role in providing higher education and fostering research in the northern districts of Kerala. The current Vice-Chancellor, M. K. Jayaraj, oversees its operations and strategic direction.

The University of Calicut offers a diverse range of courses across various disciplines, catering to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. At the undergraduate level, the university provides a broad spectrum of programmes, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), and Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), along with specialised courses in fields such as Computer Science, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. These courses are designed to offer strong foundational knowledge while promoting critical thinking and practical skills.

For postgraduate students, the University of Calicut offers Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Master of Commerce (M.Com.) degrees in various specialisations. Additionally, professional courses such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), and Master of Social Work (MSW) are also available. These programmes aim to provide advanced knowledge and research opportunities, preparing students for professional and academic careers.

The university is also renowned for its robust doctoral programmes, offering Ph.D. degrees in numerous disciplines. Research opportunities are available in fields such as Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, Commerce, and Management. The university's emphasis on research is further supported by its well-equipped laboratories, research centres, and access to a vast array of academic resources.

In addition to these traditional programmes, the University of Calicut offers various professional and vocational courses through its affiliated colleges and self-financing centres. These include courses in Education, Law, Engineering, and Health Sciences, among others. The university's comprehensive curriculum and diverse course offerings ensure that it meets the educational needs and aspirations of a wide range of students, fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation.

The University of Calicut is recognised as one of the top public universities in Kerala, India. In the Asian University Rankings - Southern Asia 2024, it achieved a commendable position, being ranked 106. Additionally, in the broader Asian University Rankings, the University of Calicut is placed in the 401-450. These rankings highlight the university's significant standing and reputation within the academic community across Asia, reflecting its commitment to excellence in education and research.

The University of Calicut has shown promising job integration outcomes in its 2023 placements, as per the NIRF report 2024. A total of 5 UG and 273 PG students were placed. The median package for UG (3-year) students was INR 2.61 LPA, while PG courses saw median packages ranging from INR 2.76 LPA to INR 4.63 LPA. Notably, the median package for PG (2-year) courses increased by nearly 14% from the previous year. The placement rate for PG (3-year) courses remained consistent at 100%, demonstrating the university's robust placement support.

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