Himalayan University Review and Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

Established in 2013, Himalayan University is a UGC-recognised private university nestled in the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar. Along with recognition from the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), it has approvals from the Bar Council of India (BCI) for law courses, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) for paramedical degrees, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for Pharmacy and Engineering/Technical courses, respectively. 

The university is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), All India Management Association (AIMA), PhD Chamber, and ASSOCHAM. It has also signed MOUs with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for introducing skill-based training into its curriculum. At the international level, it has received accreditation from the International Accreditation Organization (IAO), USA. It has collaborations with Georgian Technical University, Dicle University (Turkey), KIMEP University (Kazakhstan), Odesa National Polytechnic University (Ukraine), and the University of Cyprus (Ukraine).

Spread across 19.03 acres of land, the infrastructural facilities provided to students include classrooms, laboratories, a library, and Wi-Fi. Talking about courses, HU offers multiple courses in Engineering, Medical, Marketing, Media, Pharmacy, Law, Education, Nursing, and Agriculture. 

Having said that, Himalayan University has been under a lot of speculation, one of which is that the university is selling degrees. However, the university has dismissed all its allegations. Other criticisms received from the students were hefty fees that did not stand favourable given the faculty absenteeism, poor placement opportunities, and so on and so forth. Let’s find out what more the students had to say in detail.

Himalayan University Ranking

NIRF Ranking: Not in the Race!

Himalayan University is not a participating member in the NIRF Ranking 2023 in any of the categories. NIRF ranks higher educational institutions in the following categories: Overall, Universities, Colleges, Research Institutions, Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Medical, Dental, Law, Architecture and Planning, Agriculture and Allied Sectors, and Innovation.

Additional Accolades:

• Himalayan University bagged the first position in Arunachal Pradesh at the 11th Dialogue India National Higher Education Ranking.
• The university was also placed at the pinnacle among the Top Private Universities in Arunachal Pradesh in the '5th Dialogue India Academia Awards 2017’. 
• It was ranked 7th under the ‘One of the Top 10 Emerging Universities in India-General’ category in Higher Education Review Magazine, May 2017 issue.

Our Take:

Since 2014, the university has received over 21 awards in numerous categories. However, it has not been recognised by any of the top university ranking bodies like NIRF, Times Higher Education, Outlook, and QS University Ranking, among numerous others, which is one of the important aspects that students consider while selecting the university of their choice.

Himalayan University Academia and Batch Size

Himalayan University Intanagar is often confused with Himalayan University Garhwal, and there were many incidences where students commented that the university was fake. Also, the New Delhi-based news channel CNN-News18 alleged that the university sold degrees. Many students protested against the news channel for the same. 

Our Take:

In response to the allegation and confusion, Himalayan University took the matter seriously and released the following circular:

Source: Himalayan University Official Website

Academic Composition

Himalayan University academia is a mix of classroom learning, assignments, practicals, and exams. Except for Himalayan University courses in Arts and Social Sciences, Law, Commerce, Journalism and Mass Communication, Fine Arts and Design, Education, Agriculture and Horticulture, Science, Hospitality and Tourism Management and M.Phil, the university has adopted a semester-based approach.

Batch Size

The university has not released any statistics regarding the intake capacity for each Himalayan University course. Even though the batch-wise student-to-faculty ratio cannot be determined, the overall student-to-faculty ratio stands at 18:1, which is pretty satisfactory. 

Fees

Himalayan University charges the following fees from its students:

Our Take:

• Talking about the student count, which is 3286, it appears relatively low considering the extensive range of courses offered, totaling 72 courses and 28 degrees.
• HU follows the semester-based approach for only a few courses. It's worth noting that the prevailing trend across most universities is the widespread adoption of the semester-based system. HU's adherence to its traditional curriculum is one contributing factor to the low student-enrollment ratio during Himalayan University admission.
• The Himalayan University course fee is not available on the official website. However, when students inquired about it, they mentioned that the fees tend to vary between INR 30,000 to INR 2,50,000, which some consider relatively high in comparison to the available facilities.

Himalayan University Infrastructure

Classrooms

HU classrooms are a normal setup with digital boards, desks, and benches.

Library

Students have expressed that the university does have a library; however, the resources available are not sufficient.

Sports

As per the students' feedback, the university has a large playground, which necessitates proper maintenance, further adding to the need for proper sports equipment.

Laboratory

With only three labs - Computer, Histology and Chemistry, the facilities did not seem to be enough for students. They also said that the labs need an upgrade as per the latest syllabus requirements.

Internet

HU provides internet facilities to its students. However, students have reported that there is a charge associated with it. Basically, the university is Wi-Fi enabled, but with a cost!

Our Take:

It is evident that development is needed regarding the infrastructural facilities provided. Students must get access to smart classrooms or flip classrooms, a well-stocked library, a proper playground, upgraded laboratories, and most importantly, access to free Wi-Fi.

Himalayan University Internships and Placements

Internships

According to the official website, HU has an internship cell responsible for internship-related activities. It further states that it has strong connections with multiple corporations in areas like IT, finance, banking, automobiles, education, media, medicine, and many more. 

Placements

The HU website mentions that it has a strong tie-up with MCXSX, which actively recruits students during the placement season. Numerous corporate entities, including Apollo Hospitals Guwahati, among others, have conducted placement drives on the campus.

Our Take:  

Students have claimed that they are offered both internships and job placements, although it seems to be a matter of chance. Not all students have access to these opportunities, whether it's Himalayan University placements or internships. For those fortunate enough to secure an offer, the compensation package tends to be insufficient.

Himalayan University Diversity and Demographics

Himalayan University proudly declares its commitment to welcoming students from diverse geographical locations, both within India and around the world. As per the official website, HU fosters international connections with students through its Global Academic Partner Program (GAPP) which offers e-learning and online learning courses in disciplines like Arts, Commerce, Computer Science, Management, Fashion, IT, Hospitality, and Hotel Management. Informatics Institute of Management Studies (IIMS) in UAE and M/S Universal Institute for Private Training in Kuwait are the global academic partners of HU.

Our Take

It is apparent that HU has taken considerable steps in terms of global exposure; however, some students have remarked that the campus lacks facilities for individuals with disabilities. Specifically, there is no wheelchair access, which can pose challenges for them in carrying out their activities during class hours.

Himalayan University Faculty and Administration 

In terms of faculty, the university claims to have a total of 181 faculty members. Additionally, they acknowledged that some courses do not have assigned teachers, and there is a noticeable issue of teachers frequently being absent.

Our Take:

The university administration also appears to require some reform, according to students' feedback. One student shared that it has been three years, and he is yet to receive a single mark sheet. Such mismanagement in universities is one such factor that leads to low student enrollment, and HU must take steps to systematise its functioning.

Himalayan University Location

Himalayan University operates from two campuses, with one situated near Jullang Village, in proximity to the Central Jail, and the other located near Chimpu, close to the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Guest House, Gohpur Tiniali, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

Our Take: 

Students have conveyed that while the university itself is conveniently located, the road leading to the college entrance is in deplorable condition, causing damage to many cars and bikes of the students while travelling.

Himalayan University Expectation vs Reality - CLD Verdict

Himalayan University boasts about being the best in Arunachal Pradesh. Except for its national and international collaborations, online learning courses and pre-university courses under the National Institute of Open Schooling are widely accepted by students. However, they have resented the facilities provided to them. 

Students have raised concerns about the campus being unkempt and lacking cleanliness, with a noticeable absence of dustbins resulting in scattered garbage. The fees are high, with very little to offer in exchange. Some teachers are inexperienced, and a few of them frequently miss classes. Additionally, the organization of events on campus is a rare occurrence.

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