Andhra University's Review and Verdict by CollegDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

Nestled across a sprawling 422-acre expanse, Andhra University boasts a rich tapestry of ancient buildings set against the picturesque backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, offering captivating views of the sea. The proximity to the beach adds to its scenic allure, while the coastal ambience and verdant surroundings imbue a sense of tranquillity. This serene locale has provided the backdrop for numerous South Indian film shoots. The university comprises two distinct campuses, each with its distinctive features. The North Campus is home to the Engineering College and its accompanying hostels, whereas the South Campus accommodates the Science, Arts, and Law Colleges, along with their respective hostels. Notable administrative buildings such as the Vice Chancellor's residence, Library, and Registrar's office are also situated on the South Campus, making it the nerve centre of Andhra University. However, despite these merits, there are pressing security concerns within the campus area. Incidents of theft targeting students have been reported, along with tragic instances of a student's murder on campus. The vast expanse of the North Campus often fosters dense populations and isolation, creating opportunities for illicit activities. Moreover, there are distressing accounts of female students facing harassment from professors. Addressing these safety and security issues is imperative to foster a safe and conducive learning environment for all students at Andhra University

Andhra University NIRF Ranking: Not Consistent!

Andhra University’s NIRF ranking has been in a continuous downward spiral in the past few years.

Our Take:

Andhra University’s declining rankings pose an alarming situation for the management. The university must look into the matters affecting the NIRF rankings. The possible reason for the downward trend is the student-teacher ratio. The university must have permanent faculty members in place for students. Although guest lecturers and visiting faculties can compensate with respect to the curriculum, it leaves an impact on the rankings.

Andhra University Academia & Batch Size

Andhra University has a capacity of 30 seats in a department and 60 in a few. Students have a free WiFi access in the campus. The university’s schedule includes 20 hours of classes per week. The commonly used language for communication is English which allows students from outside the state to communicate. 

The University claims to follow a strict timetable to ensure timely competition of the curriculum. However, students say that the university’s schedule is not rigorous and hectic. Students have complained about the unavailability of lecturers during college hours. This requires students to rely on self-study.

Students say that the curriculum does not allow students to be industry-ready. The difficulty level of exams is moderate and 70% of students can pass the exams. 95% of the students get their degrees after completing their education.

Regular guest lectures, Seminars, and certificate events are conducted which can be good learning experiences for students. Students have also mentioned that they get ample of time for themselves apart from studying.

Our Take:

According to various reviews found on different educational platforms and social media, the faculty at Andhra University, particularly in Science and Pharmacy, receive commendation for their quality, even achieving a national ranking of #76 in NIRF under the 'Overall Category'. Additionally, students find value in the updated curriculum, with departments like Engineering prioritizing practical skills necessary for entering the workforce. While the institution boasts several strengths, a few online reviews express occasional concerns regarding outdated academia and curriculum in certain departments.

Andhra University Infrastructure

Classrooms: Andhra University claims to have 10 smart classrooms, conference halls and facilities for conducting online examinations with a capacity of 650 computers. Andhra University’s classrooms can accommodate a strength of 30 students. Some students say that the classrooms are old and untidy. The University also claims to have a WiFi facility but it is sometimes unavailable due to technical issues.

Library: Andhra University has VS Krishna library on the South campus. The Engineering campus (North) has a different library.  Apart from this, each department has its library. The university also has a digital library.

Labs: The university boasts of having well-equipped laboratories for each department. However, students suggest that the quality of labs has a scope for improvement. Students have mentioned improper ventilation in labs leading to bad odor.

Medical Facilities: A medical dispensary for students on the campus and provides free treatment to the students. A Senior Medical Officer, Two Medical Officers, Two Lady Medical Officers, and Six Visiting consultants are available in the AU dispensary. 

Canteen: Students find the canteen food to be expensive but the quality is moderate. Students say that the quality of canteen food and facilities can be improved. Canteens serve only Vegetarian food.

Hostels: Andhra University has separate hostels for boys and girls. Boys' and girls’ messes are also separate. The university also has reading rooms for hostelers to study. WiFi facility is available for students. Some students have mentioned that the hostel facilities are unavailable for certain colleges and students are required to rent a PG outside the AU campus.

Sports:  Football, Volleyball, Tennis, Cricket, and Basketball facilities are available.

Our Take:

Andhra University boasts an expansive campus which provides ample space for academic pursuits, recreational activities, and student accommodation. The university offers a diverse range of facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, a digital library, a hospital/medical centre, hostels, an indoor gymnasium, ATMs, cafeterias, and guest houses, catering to the various needs of its students and staff. Additionally, certain departments such as Architecture are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities comprising design studios, lecture halls, seminar halls, faculty rooms, a library, and dedicated laboratories. Furthermore, the university extends its support to students and faculty through amenities like women's waiting halls, a faculty club, schools for employees' children, and a press and publication division, fostering a conducive learning and research environment.

Having said that, the university's buildings and facilities lack detailed information regarding their condition, equipment, and maintenance, as publicly available data is limited in this regard. Despite the university's impressive number of buildings, certain reviews hint at potential areas for improvement in terms of the quality and upkeep of these facilities.

Andhra University Placements

Andhra University has a specialised Training and Placement Cell designed for students to help in placement. The Andhra University's placement report for 2022 and 2021 are given below:

 Andhra University Placements Report: 2022 vs 2021

Andhra University Top Recruiters

Our Take:

Andhra University prides itself on its dedicated Training & Placement Cell, which plays a vital role in providing internship and job placement opportunities to its students. Throughout the year, the university organizes placement drives, inviting companies from diverse sectors to interact with students and offer employment opportunities. Additionally, the placement cell conducts workshops focusing on resume building and mock interview sessions, equipping students with the necessary skills and confidence needed to excel in placement interviews. This proactive approach ensures that students are well-prepared and competitive in the job market upon graduation. 

Among departmental successes, the Engineering department stands out with its notable achievements and high placement rates. Highlighting their accomplishments, they proudly state an impressive track record in placing students within prestigious companies. The university has observed a notable increase in the median package over recent years, indicating positive growth. Specifically, there was an 18% surge in the median package for BTech graduates in 2022. Despite this positive trend, there was a slight setback as the placement rate experienced a 7% decline in the same year. The recorded placement rate for BTech placements at Andhra University in 2022 stood at 85%. These statistics highlight both the progress and challenges within the university's placement landscape.

Andhra University Gender Diversity & Demographic Representation

Andhra University, situated in Andhra Pradesh, likely boasts a student body primarily composed of individuals from within the state. To gain insight into the diversity and demographics of the university, refer to the following table. It provides a clearer understanding of the student population at Andhra University.

Our Take:

The male-to-female student ratio is nearly equal which depicts there is no gender bias in Andhra University. The data reveals that the number of state students is considerably higher than outside state and international students. This suggests that there is very little diversity in terms of demographics. Andhra University being the oldest and popular university in the state must have a diverse crowd on campus. What could be the reason for this lack? Is it due to a disappointing student-teacher ratio which leads to poor student-teacher relationships or is it due to the declining NIRF rankings over the years? Andhra University is required to create a more diverse environment for students’ betterment.

Andhra University Faculty/Administration & Management

Andhra University takes pride in its diverse faculty, comprising professors, associate professors, and assistant professors. The faculty members contribute their expertise across various disciplines, enriching the academic environment of the university. Additionally, the university's website provides comprehensive information on its administrative setup. Key personnel such as the Registrar and Deans are highlighted, showcasing the efficient management and organizational structure of the institution.

Our Take:

When browsing university websites, it's common to find a lack of detailed faculty profiles or information about departmental research areas, which can hinder prospective students or researchers from assessing faculty expertise. This transparency gap could potentially affect decisions regarding academic pursuits. Additionally, while official university channels may not always offer unfiltered student experiences, delving into unofficial forums with caution might yield valuable insights into student-administration interactions, providing a more nuanced understanding of campus life.

Andhra University's Location

Located in the scenic city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra University holds its esteemed position in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Renowned as Vizag, Visakhapatnam boasts of its picturesque beaches, rolling hills, and rich historical landmarks. Nestled within the tranquil environs of the Waltair uplands region, Andhra University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural heritage.

Our Take:

Pros: 

• Located in the serene Waltair uplands, this location boasts lush greenery, creating an ideal environment for focused study. 

• Additionally, its proximity to Visakhapatnam provides easy access to urban amenities such as shops, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and entertainment hubs, ensuring convenience for residents. 

• Moreover, being close to Visakhapatnam's renowned beaches offers students recreational options, adding to the appeal of the area.

Cons: 

• Considerations regarding the university's location include the potential distance from the main city centre, which varies depending on the specific department or college. This could affect commute times for students. 

• Additionally, on-campus amenities may be limited, as reviews do not indicate whether there are many student-oriented shops or cafes within walking distance of the university's immediate vicinity, despite the city offering various amenities.

Andhra University’s Expectation vs Reality: CollegeDekho Verdict

The university website presents an image of a prestigious educational institution offering a diverse array of courses at Andhra University, with the promise of experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus life situated in the picturesque setting of Visakhapatnam. Moreover, the university emphasizes its commitment to academic excellence, research, and facilitating placements for its students. However, gaining comprehensive insights from student reviews proves challenging. Examining certain aspects reveals the following: 

• Firstly, while the university website lists faculty members, detailed information regarding their expertise or research focus remains somewhat limited. 
• Secondly, although the website showcases amenities such as libraries and hostels, in-depth reviews about infrastructure seem to be limited in our investigation. 
• Thirdly, while the location in Visakhapatnam provides both natural beauty and urban conveniences, some departments might face distance-related challenges from the central area, affecting commuting. 
• Fourthly, comparing Andhra University's rankings with other institutions within the state or nationally can offer valuable insights into its academic stature. 
• Lastly, official data on placement success rates may not be readily available on the website, prompting potential students to seek information from alumni networks or cautiously explore student forums for valuable insights.

Final Verdict: The attractiveness of Andhra University predominantly stems from its picturesque campus, facing security challenges despite its expansive grounds. Declining rankings can be attributed to issues like infrastructure upkeep. While the university demonstrates commendable gender equality, there is a noticeable lack of demographic diversity. Rectifying this imbalance is imperative for fostering a more inclusive and diverse campus environment. The university’s commitment to tackling these issues will profoundly impact its overall appeal and standing.

Final Review CheckBox!