Gauhati University

Gauhati University, a premier institution of higher education in Northeast India, is renowned for its academic excellence and has consistently ranked within the top 1.12% of all institutes in India according to NIRF rankings for six consecutive years. As a NAAC A-grade institution, it stands out in the region, having achieved the top spot in the NIRF 2021 rankings among universities in Northeast India. This year, Gauhati University has also been honoured with the prestigious NSS Award for 2019-20, reflecting its significant contributions to societal development.

The university offers a diverse range of academic programmes across its 39 postgraduate departments, the Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), and a constituent Law College. It affiliates 341 colleges which provide undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various faculties including Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, and Engineering. This extensive network underscores its role as a pivotal educational institution in the region, fostering a rich academic environment for a large number of students.

Gauhati University boasts an illustrious history, with notable alumni such as Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Gyanpeeth Award winner Mamoni Raisom Goswami, and many prominent academicians and public figures. The university's legacy is marked by its contribution to the educational and cultural upliftment of Assamese society, supported by annual financial grants from the Government of Assam and development grants from various national and international funding agencies.

The establishment of Gauhati University on 26 January 1948 was a dream come true for the people of Assam, who had long agitated for an institute of higher education in the region. For years, the only university in the eastern part of India was in Calcutta, which also served students from Bihar, Orissa, and Assam. This resulted in limited seats for Assamese students, often leaving even the most meritorious without opportunities. The need for a separate university was acutely felt.

The call for a separate university gained momentum after the capital moved to Delhi in 1911, with Bihar and Orissa soon establishing their own universities. Assam's demand for a university first took shape publicly at the annual session of the Assam Association in 1917, where Satyanath Bora made a compelling plea for an independent university. He argued that the Senate and Syndicate of Calcutta University had little connection with Assam, thus failing to meet the aspirations of its people. This plea led to a petition to the Calcutta University Commission in 1917 and continued representations to the government until 1928.

In 1928, a significant agitation began when Daiba Chandra Talukdar moved a resolution for a separate university at the Assam Ekata Sabha's general body meeting in Cotton College. Media outlets like Awahan, Banhi, Batori, and Times of Assam played crucial roles in moulding public opinion and reporting on the issue. In 1932, a meeting chaired by Qutubuddin Ahmad in Nagaon outlined a sustained agitation plan. The Assamese Students Welfare League, formed in Calcutta, also supported Assam's cause for a university.

Moidul Islam Bora, a London University PhD, highlighted the lack of higher education opportunities for Assamese youth through his articles in Awahan. He stressed that regional education and cultural promotion were vital and that Assam needed its own university for progress. Despite persistent excuses from the government about funding and student numbers, the Assamese intelligentsia continued their efforts. In 1935, an all-party meeting led by Gopinath Bardoloi resolved to form a University Committee, which, along with the Nagaon University Committee and the Students Welfare League of Calcutta, intensified the agitation. The province observed 22 May 1935 as University Day with large meetings and processions.

In 1936, the government appointed J. R. Cunningham to report on the feasibility of a separate university. Cunningham's report, which suggested starting a few MA courses at existing colleges instead of a new university, was met with strong protests. Despite setbacks, including the resignation of Bardoloi's ministry in 1939 due to World War II, the agitation continued.

By 1940, the debate over the university's location had narrowed down to Shillong, Guwahati, and Sylhet. S. K. Bhuyan was appointed to gather information on the site selection. That same year, the family of Siva Prasad Barua offered a donation for establishing a university in Guwahati, provided it was named Assam Siva Prasad University. However, this offer was not accepted.

In October 1944, a significant convention in Sivasagar, chaired by Benudhar Rajkhowa, reiterated the demand for a university and formed a Trust Board with seven eminent personalities. This board reignited the fund collection drive with remarkable public support, transforming the campaign into a people’s movement. By the time the university was established, it had raised Rs. 22,39,605 from public donations.

Gauhati University was incorporated by an Act in 1947 and began functioning on 26 January 1948. The university started in temporary buildings in Guwahati with K. K. Handique as the first Vice-Chancellor. Phanidhar Dutta, Sailandhar Rajkhowa, and Sarat Kumar Dutta were appointed as the Registrar, Treasurer, and Secretary of University Classes, respectively. The university emblem, designed by T. Mukherjee, features the Sanskrit words "Vidyaya Sadhayeta," meaning “achievement through learning.”

The university aims to uplift the social, economic, cultural, moral, and spiritual life of Assam's people. It offers opportunities for study in various fields like linguistics, history, ethnology, archaeology, geology, science, and agriculture. This vision is reflected in the university anthem "Jilikaba Luitare Par," composed by Bhupen Hazarika.

Starting with 18 affiliated colleges and 8 Postgraduate Departments in 1948, Gauhati University now has 39 Postgraduate Departments, the Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), and a constituent Law College. It has 341 affiliated colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, and Engineering. The university is a member of the Association of Indian Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Over the years, its alumni have achieved national prominence in various fields.

Gauhati University receives annual financial grants from the Government of Assam and development grants from the University Grants Commission. Various research projects are sponsored by agencies like CSIR, DST, DBT, NEC, ICAR, ICHR, and MAKAIAS, ensuring the university's continuous contribution to academic and regional development.

Gauhati University offers a diverse array of courses across multiple levels of education, catering to the academic and professional aspirations of its students. The programmes are designed to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for various career paths and advanced studies. Here is a detailed overview of the courses offered:

Undergraduate (UG)

Gauhati University offers a variety of undergraduate programmes in Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, and Engineering. These courses are typically three to four years in duration and provide foundational knowledge and skills in respective fields. The university's affiliated colleges deliver these programmes, ensuring a broad reach across the region.

Postgraduate (PG)

The university's postgraduate programmes are robust and diverse, encompassing fields such as Arts, Science, Commerce, and Engineering. With 39 postgraduate departments, students can pursue MA, MSc, MCom, MTech, and other master's degrees. These programmes, usually two years in duration, aim to deepen subject knowledge and enhance research skills.

MPhil

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programmes at Gauhati University are designed for students who wish to engage in advanced research before pursuing doctoral studies. The MPhil courses provide rigorous training in research methodologies and specialised knowledge in various disciplines, typically throughout one to two years.

Doctoral (PhD)

Gauhati University offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in numerous disciplines. These programmes are intended for students who wish to conduct original research and contribute to the body of knowledge in their fields. PhD candidates are required to undertake substantial research projects, culminating in a dissertation that is evaluated by experts in the field.

Post-Doctoral (DSc/DLitt)

For scholars who have already completed their doctoral studies, Gauhati University offers post-doctoral programmes such as Doctor of Science (DSc) and Doctor of Literature (DLitt). These programmes are aimed at fostering advanced research and scholarship, allowing individuals to further their academic careers and contribute significant research findings.

Certificate

Gauhati University provides various certificate programmes that offer specialised training and skill development in specific areas. These short-term courses are designed to enhance professional capabilities and knowledge in particular subjects, catering to both students and working professionals.

Postgraduate Diploma

The university also offers postgraduate diploma programmes, which are typically one-year courses designed to provide practical and theoretical knowledge in specific fields. These programmes are ideal for graduates looking to specialise or enhance their expertise in particular areas, such as management, computer applications, or journalism.

• Gauhati University is placed within the 501-550 range in the QS World Asia Rankings.
• It is ranked 219 in the Asian University Rankings - Southern Asia 2024.
• Gauhati University is ranked 36th among universities, a jump of positions from last year.

As per Siksha, KL, Gauhati University recorded an 80% job integration rate in 2023 placements. The median salary for UG courses ranged between £4.15 LPA and £5.25 LPA, while PG students received a median package of £8.70 LPA.

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