VNSGU's Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glance

Situated on a 210-acre campus in Surat, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) is dedicated to providing quality higher education and contributing to the region's overall development. Established in 1966 under the South Gujarat University Act, the university has received notable accolades, including an 'A' grade accreditation with a CGPA of 3.02 in 2017 and a re-accreditation of 'B++' grade with a 2.86 CGPA in 2022 from the National Accreditation and Assessment Council.

VNSGU has an impressive infrastructure and claims to focus on upholding high standards in undergraduate and postgraduate education, promoting research, and engaging in extension activities. These pursuits are integral to the university's mission of unlocking the region's potential through education, research, and community involvement.

Having said that, a few students seem to have raised issues with the university's grading system, and have labelled it 'unfair'. Perhaps, the university needs to pay a little extra attention to their assessment processes and ensure they are completely fair. In August 2023, a report online by a leading newspaper suggested that mental health of students at VNSGU is a matter of serious concern. A survey of 1,479 VNSGU students led by Udhna Citizen Commerce College (UCCC) revealed that students suffered from depression, lack of confidence and had bouts of attacking themselves due to frustration. UCCC principal Dr Mehulkumar Desai, who led this survey, said that the deteriorating mental health of students is a serious issue and colleges must have counselling facilities to address them.

VNSGU Rankings

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University has acquired the following notable rankings:

• In the same year, it secured the 219th position in India, as per the Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities.
• In 2019, GSIRF Rating awarded the university a 3-star rating and 16th position, recognizing its shortcomings in various aspects.

Note: VNSGU has not managed to mark its presence at National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Our Take:

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU), historically serving a tribal-dominated region, holds a discouraging 16th rank among Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) universities. Critics cite political interference, teacher vacancies, and leadership concerns for declining academic standards. The retired professors emphasize that the Vice-Chancellor's appointment raises questions, impacting university performance. Research quality has also suffered. Syndicate members express concern over the university's low ranking and the need to investigate the criteria.

VNSGU Academia & Batch Size

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University is a leading educational institution, serving seven districts, including Surat, Navasari, Valsad, Narmada, Dangs, Bharuch, Tapi, and the Union Territory of Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The university comprises 25 Post Graduate Departments/Institutes, offering a total of 95 programs, including 19 M.Phil and 19 Ph.D. programs.

The educational network extends to 34 Government, 59 Grant-in-aid, and 190 Self-financed Colleges, along with 104 Post-graduate Teaching Centres affiliated with colleges. These institutions collectively offer 36 Post Graduate, 4 Graduate, 3 Integrated, and 9 PG Diploma programs following a semester credit-based system.

Within the Post Graduate Departments, more than 4,000 students engage in rigorous learning. The university encompasses twelve faculties spanning various fields, from Arts, Commerce, and Science to Management Studies, Rural Studies, Medicine, and more.

As an institution committed to academic excellence, interdisciplinary studies flourish, fostering innovative research projects. VNSGU currently enrolls over two lakh students in various courses within the university and its affiliated colleges, highlighting its extensive impact.

VNSGU’s strengths include a sprawling 210-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a well-equipped University Central Library. The university is dedicated to updating syllabi and introducing new courses to meet the evolving educational needs of the 21st century.

Our Take:

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) provides diverse academic programs, yet some critics argue that maintaining a balance in batch sizes, especially at the undergraduate level, is crucial for an effective and personalized learning experience. Students also encounter issues regarding the university's exam grading process, which they perceive as lacking fairness. At times, deserving students receive failing grades while others who may not merit passing grades are rewarded. Consequently, there is a perception that the university's assessment of students lacks equity.

VNSGU Infrastructure

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University's infrastructure embodies a commitment to fostering academic growth, innovation, and holistic development in a formal and informative manner. Here are some VNSGU infrastructure highlights:

Expansive Campus: VNSGU's campus spans 210 acres, providing a spacious and conducive environment for academic pursuits.

Diverse Buildings: The campus houses over 100 buildings, each serving various academic and administrative purposes.

University Central Library: A hub of knowledge with over 2 lakh books, 779 journals, 5500+ e-journals, and an extensive collection of e-books and theses.

Specialized Corners: Includes the Acharya Mahapragya Corner, Pujya Mota Sahitya Corner, and Geeta Press Gorakhpur Corner, focusing on non-violence and spiritual values.

Journals: Covers Management and administration, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and technology, and Law, enhancing research opportunities.

Research and Scientific Facilities: Features the Research Repository Centre, Shri B. V. Botanical Research Centre, University Scientific Instrumentation Centre (USIC), and Sophisticated Science Instrument Centre (SSIC).

Interdisciplinary Exploration: Encourages multidisciplinary research and exploration across various departments.

Health Center: Equipped with an ambulance and intensive care facilities.

Art and Cultural Facilities: Includes the Ramchandra Tulsian Art Gallery and Shrimad Rajchandra Prarthana Hall for artistic and cultural events.

Hostels and Guest Houses: Accommodates students and visitors to ensure a comfortable stay on campus.

Academic Development Centers: Includes Lala Lajpat Rai Chintan Kendra and M. L. Kakadiya I.A.S.-I.P.S. and Competitive Exam Training Centre.

State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities: Comprises an International Synthetic Athletic Track, Hockey Ground, Indoor Stadium, Swimming Pool, Cricket Stadium, and more.

Technological Resources: Boasts an Optical Fiber Network, Wi-Fi Zones, an Informative Website, and an Android App for easy access to information and technology.

Our Take:

VNSGU has an extensive campus with a multitude of buildings and facilities. Nevertheless, some students have raised concerns about the need for further improvements in infrastructure, maintenance of labs and cleanliness. Amenities like better canteen facilities are also required on campus.

VNSGU Diversity & Representation

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) takes pride in its diverse student body, representing various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. The university actively promotes harmony by institutionalizing mechanisms for inclusivity. Departmental cultural events foster unity and annual youth festivals encourage interactions, mutual respect, and tolerance among students from diverse backgrounds.

Hostel life teaches essential life skills, promoting diversity appreciation and coexistence. An SC/ST cell addresses the needs of reserved category students, ensuring compliance with government rules. Samras hostels offer free accommodation and meals to SC/ST, OBC, and Economically Weaker Section students. Campus facilities include ramps, wheelchairs, and adapted washrooms for Divyang students.

The university adheres to government reservation policies and maintains an equal opportunity cell for comprehensive support. An active international students cell integrates foreign students, respecting their cultures while sharing India's rich heritage. With students from various countries, VNSGU claims to create a global academic community, uniting differences for a rich educational experience.

Our Take:

VNSGU celebrates diversity, welcoming students from various backgrounds. Student reviews indicate that the university is actively working to promote harmony and unity among students of diverse cultural, regional, and socio-economic backgrounds. However, some critics have suggested the need for even greater inclusivity and representation in certain aspects of campus life.

VNSGU Internships & Placements

Course-wise median salary trends at VNSGU placements over the past three years are captured below:

Top Recruiters at VNSGU

• Exide Life Insurance
• Envision Scientific Pvt. Ltd.
• Coaching Classes
• Dangee Dums
• ACCENT MICROCELL PVT LTD
• Aarav Tex
• All
• Amoli Organics Pvt. Ltd.
• Cottage Industries Exposition Limited
• Aquarius
• Asian Paints
• Atul Limited
• Coaching Institute
• Bharat Rasayan Ltd.
• Benzo Chem Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Our Take:

VNSGU has made strides in internships and placements, particularly in postgraduate programs where improvements have been observed. However, concerns persist about placements in certain undergraduate courses. It's essential for the university to continue enhancing placement opportunities for all students.

VNSGU Location

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, situated in Surat, Gujarat, India, is a public university. Originally recognized as South Gujarat University, it underwent a name change in 2004, becoming Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in tribute to the renowned scholar and Gujarati poet, Narmad.

VNSGU Faculty & College Management/ Administration

The VNSGU Faculty & College Management/Administration comprises dedicated professionals who oversee various aspects of academic and administrative functions within the university. Their roles encompass leadership, decision-making, and maintaining the institution's overall efficiency and integrity. This team works collaboratively to ensure the smooth functioning of educational programs and the welfare of students and faculty members. While specific details and names may vary, their commitment to advancing the university's mission remains a common thread in their roles within this vital aspect of VNSGU's operation.

Our Take:

A recent survey by Udhna Citizen Commerce College (UCCC) reveals alarming mental health issues among 1,479 Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) students. The findings include depression, low self-confidence, and self-harm thoughts due to frustration. It highlights the need for timely mental health support in colleges. In a survey of 1,479 Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) students conducted by Udhna Citizen Commerce College (UCCC), mental health issues were identified. These included depression, low self-confidence, and thoughts of self-harm due to frustration. The study emphasises the urgency of providing mental health support in colleges.

VNSGU Expectation vs Reality: CollegeDekho Verdict

The verdict on Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) takes into account both the institutional facets and the voices of its students. While the university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is evident, some students have expressed their desire for more extracurricular engagement opportunities, such as student clubs.

In terms of placements, VNSGU faces a mixed reality. While postgraduate programs, particularly PG 2-year courses, have seen promising employment opportunities, there is a room for improvement in undergraduate programs. The university should prioritize enhancing placement programs to meet student expectations.

The fee system has posed challenges for some students, making it crucial for the university to streamline and simplify the process to ensure a smoother experience.

In conclusion, VNSGU's ongoing journey involves addressing student concerns to create a more holistic and fulfilling educational experience. The university's commitment to diversity and excellence should be complemented by active efforts to bridge the gaps highlighted by its students.