The University of Madras is planning to revive its alumni association and placement cell soon. The main objective is to streamline recruitment facility and to take the placements to the level of those at top varsities. Currently, the varsity does not have a functional placement cell that can coordinate with all the departments and keep a track of the number of students placed in on or off campus recruitment drives. Placement cell is also necessary to assist in placement activity.
The varsity has decided to revive the placement cell following the lower rank in NIRF Rankings 2017. The renowned varsity secured 64 th rank, therefore becoming a matter of concern. An official of the varsity revealed that they were able to track the placement record of only 100 students while submitting the data for NIRF Rankings. As a result, the varsity secured a lower rank. Every year, around 1,000 students pass out of the University.
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He further mentioned that they were unable to track the placements of all the departments. Only a few departments in the varsity like Department of Management Studies has a dedicated placement cell. These departments maintain the data on the number of students being placed every year.
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On the other hand, professors were of the opinion that it is the responsibility of the HOD to coordinate with organisers of recruitment drives as well as the companies involved, thereby playing a significant role in helping the students secure jobs.
An official indicated that students of Madras University, particularly postgraduates or doctorates in humanities, science and arts stream may or may not secure jobs in the final year or on campus. However, they secure a job only a few months after leaving the campus. Due to the lack of a functional placement cell, the varsity is not able to keep a record of such placements.
He also pointed that if the varsity had a wide alumni network like Anna University and IITs, they could keep an easy track on placements. Therefore, the varsity has decided to revive not only placement cell but also the alumni association.