Carrying a historical legacy of more than 150 years, Ravenshaw University is one of the oldest universities in India. It was the torch bearer of higher education in Odisha in the colonial era. Being a heritage institution of the country, it is well known for producing notable alumni, having state-of-the-art infrastructure and academic excellence.
Ravenshaw University currently offers 62 courses in the disciplines of arts, science, commerce, and education. The curriculum of all the courses is multidisciplinary in nature having a Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) with a focus on the overall development of students. The university aces in providing a diverse atmosphere and gender equality. It maintains a balanced male-to-female ratio of 4:6.
On the flip side, there are some weaknesses of Ravenshaw University such as a lack of international diversity, industry-institute collaborations and global teacher-student ratio, startup ecosystem and in-demand courses, internships and placement opportunities. It is a university with a rich history but struggling to keep up with the times!
Let’s explore Ravenshaw University by taking a closer look at its various factors.
Being a state university, Ravenshaw has been participating in the NIRF India Rankings since 2018. It also took part in 2023 under the overall category but didn’t secure a spot. Moreover, it hasn’t been ranked by any other recognised ranking agency such as THE, QS, Outlook, The Week or India Today or it didn’t participate.
Our Take:
Ravenshaw University’s participation in the NIRF Ranking can be looked at with a positive eye. It is considered a reputed university in Odisha. However, it is not among the top 200 universities in India as published by NIRF.
Ravenshaw University claims to have an excellent academic reputation. The university has nine schools of study and 33 academic departments offering education at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. The teaching methodology of Ravenshaw University is focused on a learner-centred approach. The most prevalent teaching techniques include:
Students are given a choice to select subjects and earn credits with the introduction of the CBCS at Ravenshaw University. Moreover, the assessment is based on a comprehensive and cumulative framework. As per student reviews’ the curriculum is updated and provides practical exposure but some irregularities in organising lab sessions and examinations have been found.
The total batch size of Ravenshaw University is 7264 and the university has 315 faculty members. The ratio between faculty and students is 1:24 which is satisfactory but not the best.
Our Take:
With a student faculty ratio of 24:1, Ravenshaw University offers both theoretical and practical knowledge to students. This helps them in gaining required expertise in the concerned subject. However, there is a scope of improvement when it comes to schedule of practical classes. The university needs to be disciplined for organising practical labs and examinations.
Classroom: The university has spacious and well-lit classrooms laced with wifi and air-conditioning facilities. Moreover, there are plenty of Wi-Fi-enabled smart classrooms in each department.
Auditorium/ Seminar Halls/ Labs: There are two auditoriums with seating capacities of 1000 and 500 people respectively. Furthemore, there is a mini auditorium, 3 Conference complexes and an amphitheatre also at Ravenshaw University campus.
Laboratories: The university has an adequate number of laboratories for different departments. Additionally, there are research labs to promote research culture in the university. All the laboratories are well-equipped with modern equipment for students.
Library: Ravenshaw University has a well-stocked central library with access to digital resources. Moreover, every department of the university has a seperate library and reading room facilities.
Internet: To promote a modern teaching-learning environment, Ravenshaw University provides high-speed internet access across the campus.
Hostel: The university delivers hostel facilities to outstation students. It has 13 hostels in total, out of which 2 are located on campus. The hostel rooms are spacious and well-furnished. Facilities like Wi-Fi, mess, laundry, gym and recreational area are available. As per students' cumulative feedback, the food quality at mess and hostel hygiene can be improved.
Activities: The university ensures the organisation of different activities such as co-curricular, extra-curricular, sports, cultural and social activities. There are various student clubs to conduct events at the departmental level. Furthermore, social activities under NCC, NSS and student bodies are also held. However, there is a scope to organise regular extra-curricular activities as per students’ reviews.
Cafe/Hang-out: There is a cafeteria at the Ravenshaw University’s premises. The students have neutral reviews about the food quality of the university canteen.
Our Take:
The campus of Ravenshaw University is massive and impressive providing a wide range of facilities and well-maintained infrastructure to facilitate teaching and learning. However, the canteen and mess facilities can be improved to ensure the supply of hygienic and healthy food. Apart from that, the university should focus on organising regular activities and extracurricular events to help students gain confidence and develop a personality.
Ravenshaw University Internships
The university provides summer internship opportunities to its students. According to the Self Study Report 2022, a total of 2924 students took part in internships/ field projects or research projects which is around 37%. However, Sutdents have expressed that the internship opportunities for UG students are limited as compared to PG students. The majority of companies visit the campus to recruit MBA students only.
Ravenshaw University Placements:
The Ravenshaw University placement cell helps students land decent jobs in private and public organisations. The university conducts on-campus and off-campus drives to provide better opportunities to students.
According to the Ravenshaw University NIRF Report 2024, a total of 37% of UG (3-year) students and 9% of PG students were placed in the 2021-22 session. No student was placed from the UG (4-year) programme and over 50% of graduates chose higher education rather than registering for placements.
Moreover, the median salary offered to UG and PG students sailed between INR 2.6 LPA to INR 3.7 LPA. The students have rated the placements at Ravenshaw University as below satisfactory than most other universities in India.
Programmes |
No. of students graduating |
No. of students placed |
Median salary |
No. of students selected for Higher Studies |
|||||||
UG (3 Years) |
1557 |
574 |
INR 2.6 LPA |
797 |
|||||||
UG (4 Years) |
91 |
0 |
0 |
90 |
|||||||
PG (2 Year) |
1076 |
95 |
INR 3.7 LPA |
194 |
Our Take:
The placement statistics of Ravenshaw University present an unsatisfactory deal to the students. With an overall placements percentage of less than 25, the university needs a massive revamp in the placement department. Similarly, there is a dearth of internship opportunities at Ravenshaw University in the majority of courses except MBA.
The majority of students at Ravenshaw University are from home state only. Students from other states account to only 12% of total students at the university. When it comes to gender diversity, the university reflects a strong commitment to gender parity with a male to female ratio of 4:6.
Let’s inspect the course-wise diversity and demographics of Ravenshaw University based on the NIRF Report 2024.
Home State Vs Other States’ Students:
Programmes |
Home State Students |
Other State Students |
||
UG (3 Years) |
3927 | 785 | ||
UG (4 Years) |
392 |
8 |
||
PG (2 Year) |
2135 |
17 |
||
Total |
6454 (88%) |
810 (12%) |
Male vs Female Students:
Programmes |
No. of Male Students |
No. of Female Students |
|||
UG (3 Years) |
2303 | 2409 | |||
UG (4 Years) |
128 |
272 |
|||
PG (2 Year) |
947 |
1205 |
|||
Total (%) |
3378 (46%) |
3886 (54%) |
Our Take:
Ravenshaw University stands out for its gender equality. However, it fails to attract students from other states. With zero international students, the university also lacks in attracting foreign students.
Ravenshaw University Faculty:
The university has 315 faculty members with more than 80% PhD holders as per the NIRF Report 2024. The faculty members are generally liked by the students. Most of the students appreciate them for their knowledge and dedication. Students have expressed that the majority of the teachers are helpful towards them and provide guidance whenever needed. However, there are a few negative student reviews regarding the low teaching quality and intent with respect to a few teachers.
Ravenshaw University Management and Administration:
The administration of Ravenshaw is led by highly experienced members who have worked hard to retain the reputation of the university. According to students’ feedback, the administration and management of the university are supportive towards students. However, sometimes management fails to conduct examinations properly and provide speedy responses to student queries.
Our Take:
Overall, the faculty, management and administration of Ravenshaw University provide a satisfactory learning experience to the students. However, the university should make sure that the faculty are maintaining standard teaching quality and genuine intent to teach. Also, the management could provide swift communication and services to the student body.
Ravenshaw University is located in Cuttack, Odisha which is on the east coast of India. The nearest bus stop from the main campus is Badambadi Bus Stop located at a distance of 2 km. Students can easily reach the campus from different parts of India via train. The Cuttack Railway Station is the closest railway station to the university. Also, catching a flight is not a problem as Biju Patnaik International Airport is situated at a distance of 30 Km.
Ravenshaw University has worked hard to retain its historical reputation but failed to walk abreast with the new era. It attracts a diverse student population due to its excellent infrastructure, facilities, curriculum and faculty. However, it appears struggling to keep up with the modern world in terms of offering in-demand courses, exposure and opportunities.
The fee structure ranging from INR 30 K to 3.5 L can be affordable for middle-class students. However, economically weaker students may find it difficult to afford. Overall, it is a student-friendly university with impressive facilities but limited opportunities. Students can now balance the ROI as per their needs.
Our Final Checklist!
Yay |
Nay |
Excellent Infrastructure and facilities |
Limited placements |
Affordable fee structure |
Fewer internship opportunities |
Knowledgeable faculty |
Limited skill development and exposure |
Learner-centric curriculum |
Lack in-demand courses |
Gender-parity |
Less affordable for economically weaker students |
Satisfactory student-faculty ratio |
Lacks international diversity |
Supportive administration and management |
Limited extra-curricular activities |
Wi-Fi and AC |
No ranking |
Well-connected location |
Overall: My college is the place where we can go daily and study as well as we can go and chill with our friends as there is a good environment. This college is good for all kind of streams.
Placement: By studying in this college we can get a great opportunities to get placements if we work hard. Placements opportunities are high for very talented students.
Infrastructure: This college is generally known for its good infrastructure and reputation. It has many big classrooms with good sitting space and after studying we can enjoy the environment there as there is a huge garden and also a huge playground where we can play it also has gym area.
Faculty: This college has many decent faculties with a very friendly behaviour. The faculties are very talented as there style of teaching is very interesting and understandable but few faculties are there whose way of teaching is not understandable.
Hostel: Here, in this college hostel facilities are good. There are many boys hostels as well as many girls hostels with less rent and food is also provided but the quality is not so good.