Bodoland University Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

Bodoland University, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam, India, stands out as a blend of academic excellence and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the campus provides a serene environment for intellectual growth. Beyond its physical charm, the university thrives on a vibrant culture, embracing diversity among students and faculty. This diversity fosters a dynamic environment that promotes mutual understanding and learning.

The university comprises six faculties with 17 departments, including Languages, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Commerce and Management, Humanities, and Environmental Science. Notably, its UGC-approved MBA program, affiliated with AICTE, offers academic and professional growth opportunities. Despite being the sole institution of higher education in the western part of Assam, student concerns about infrastructure, rankings, curriculum, and placements have yet to be raised. 

The political conditions in Bodoland have also affected the university's development. Published by Economic and Political Weekly, news on the political scenario of Bodoland is mentioned below. The university's initial mission to address the comprehensive development needs of the region has come under scrutiny, prompting a closer examination of unbiased review and verdict, which we have compiled for you.

Bodoland University Rankings: Not Yet on the NIRF Rankings! 

The ranking of Bodoland University is one area where they need to take care of. Despite NAAC A grade accreditation, the university has not been able to make it to the top 100 colleges in India as per NIRF rankings. The rankings by other premier organizations are also not very impressive. They are ranked by the Edurank for the year 2023 mentioned below.

Our Take: The data provided indicates that Bodoland University is not featured in the NIRF ranking, raising questions about the possible reasons. This absence may be linked to factors such as academic performance, placement records, and more. While the university provides a conducive learning atmosphere, challenges, particularly in campus placements and research criteria, hinder its higher rankings. We believe that overcoming these challenges is essential for the university to enhance its position and aspire to achieve improved rankings in subsequent assessments. Efforts in these areas will contribute to a more favourable ranking for Bodoland University in the future.

Bodoland University Academia & Batch Size

Bodoland University implements the Choice-Based Credit System of UGC for its Academic Curriculum. In addition to the core subjects, the university offers specialized programs such as the Diploma in Bamboo Technology, Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights & Education (PGDHRE), and various certificate courses. 

The academia at Bodoland University is designed to align with industry standards, emphasizing practical applications and industry-oriented learning. However, there are concerns raised by the students related to seats available for the managment courses.  There are a total of 4 semesters. Each semester includes two sessional examinations, each carrying 20 marks. As far as batch size is concerned, there are 60 seats for MCom students while only 30 seats for the MBA program. While Science courses have 30-40 seats in each discipline, schools of social sciences provide 60-70 seats in each program. 

Our Take: The university has implemented a choice-based credit system, but it has come under scrutiny due to students' recurring grievances regarding the restricted array of choices at their disposal. Students often find themselves compelled to study only those courses that are readily available and have corresponding faculties within their respective departments. Although the syllabus has been aligned with the National Education Policy, the feasibility of a truly multidisciplinary approach is called into question due to resource constraints. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the limited number of seats available for management courses, as the number of students per batch is rigidly defined. These constraints have prompted students to express their dissatisfaction with the limited opportunities for pursuing management studies.

Bodoland University Academic Department

Here is a brief overview of the different academic departments at Bodoland University, classified under 4 different schools: 

School of Commerce and Management 

• Department of Commerce 
• Department of Management Studies

School of Languages

• Department of Assamese 
• Department of Bodo 
• Department of English 

School of Science and Technology

• Department of Biotechnology 
• Department of Botany 
• Department of Chemistry 
• Department of Computer Science and Technology 
• Department of Mathematical Sciences 
• Department of Geography 
• Department of Physics 
• Department of Zoology 

School of Social Sciences 

• Department of Economics 
• Department of Education 
• Department of History

Our Take:

Students generally praise the faculty members at Bodoland University for their expertise, dedication, and willingness to support students in their academic journey. The university is commended for fostering a supportive and encouraging learning environment that encourages active participation and collaboration among students. The emphasis on practical learning and hands-on experiences is valued by students, preparing them effectively for their future careers.

However, some students suggest that certain courses at Bodoland University could benefit from regular updates to align with advancements in their respective fields. Additionally, there is a call for more avenues for research involvement, especially for undergraduate students. Students recommend that the university enhance its placement assistance services by providing increased career guidance, mock interviews, and opportunities for industry networking.

Bodoland University Infrastructure 

The university provides essential amenities such as a Health Centre, Technology Incubation Centre, Intellectual Property Right Cell, Bus service, and Hostel Facilities, catering to the needs of students and research scholars. 

Classrooms and Lecture Facilities: The university provides air-conditioned classrooms equipped with modern teaching aids such as LCD screens, along with a conference hall that features the latest communication systems. However, the ageing infrastructure requires immediate attention. Despite these amenities, the campus experiences poor Wi-Fi signal strength on most occasions, affecting internet access.

Library: Serving as the vibrant heart of the campus, the library offers a welcoming and comfortable environment conducive to learning and the advancement of knowledge. It serves the mission of facilitating the creation of new knowledge through the acquisition, organization, and dissemination of various knowledge resources, while also providing value-added services.  The Padmashri Modaram Brahma Central Library serves as a comprehensive resource centre, equipped with diverse facilities to promote knowledge and learning. 

Lab Facilities: The university takes pride in its well-equipped and contemporary laboratories, catering to diverse science and technology disciplines. This ensures students gain valuable hands-on learning experiences.

Sports Facilities: Despite the university's claims of providing facilities and training for various sports like Football, Cricket, Volleyball, and Badminton, students express dissatisfaction with the inadequate sports infrastructure and the apparent lack of facilities for sports enthusiasts.

Medical Facility: Bodoland University campus has a medical team which includes a medical officer (Ayu) and a ward boy, responsible for providing care and medical support to both students and employees. Presently, the medical department operates within the university premises.

Hostel: The university offers separate hostel accommodations for both male and female students, supplemented by various recreational facilities, including a cafeteria, sports amenities, transportation services, and medical support. The hostel facilities include two hostels for boys and four hostels for girls. However, students have raised concerns about the quality of food served in the mess.

Cafeteria Services: A cafeteria on campus offers students a range of affordable meals and snacks, providing a convenient and accessible dining option.

Transportation Assistance: Recognizing the diverse student population, the university extends bus transportation services, facilitating convenient commuting for those residing off-campus.

Our Take:

Based on feedback and reviews shared on social media platforms, Bodoland University's infrastructure appears to be lagging due to the local political climate. The university has witnessed minimal to no positive development in its infrastructure in recent years. While certain classrooms have been equipped with smart technology, the lecture halls remain in a state of disrepair and require immediate attention. Additionally, students have reported frequent Wi-Fi connectivity issues, while the hostels lack proper cleanliness. The university also lacks dedicated sports facilities for its students.

To address these infrastructure-related issues, Bodoland University needs to prioritize immediate action. This includes upgrading lecture halls, ensuring consistent Wi-Fi availability, improving hostel sanitation, and developing dedicated sports facilities for students. The university should also work closely with the local government to address any political or administrative hurdles that may be hindering infrastructure development.

Bodoland University Internships & Placements

Bodoland University's approach to internships and placement opportunities has been a subject of concern among students and stakeholders. Internship provisions for students are not well-defined, and students often secure internships through teacher references, highlighting a need for structured internship support.

While the university has a dedicated placement cell, the overall placement scenario is less than stellar. Many of the companies that participate in the placement process primarily offer sales positions, often misaligned with the candidates' specializations. Consequently, the average placement package typically falls in the range of 3-4 lakhs per annum, indicating room for improvement in securing placements that align better with students' areas of expertise.

Bodoland University Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters at Bodoland University are given below

• Byjus
• Extramarks
• Oyo
• Mahindra
• Reliance
• Ninjacart
• Rebel Foods
• ONGC
• Airtel

Our Take:

The placement situation at Bodoland University has faced criticism for not meeting expectations. Students frequently voice concerns about the need to actively seek out placements independently. While a few companies do visit the campus for recruitment, their primary focus tends to be on sales profiles. It is evident that the university's management should prioritize and enhance the placement process to contribute to better university rankings.

Bodoland University Diversity and Demographics

Bodoland University has justified demographics as the gender ratio is evenly distributed. It is good to see that the number of female students is more than male students at the postgraduate level. The university also welcomes students from neighbouring states and countries. However, because of the poor ranking of the university, the students from neighbouring countries have not taken admission in recent years. 

Gender Participation at Bodoland University

Our Take:

The data on gender participation at Bodoland University reveals an interesting difference between postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Among PG students, 81% are women, indicating a majority. However, in UG courses, the representation of women is lower at 47%. This indicates a gender gap in higher education at Bodoland University, with women showing a higher inclination towards postgraduate studies than undergraduate programs. Furthermore, our analysis shows that male students constitute 53% of UG students but only 19% of PG students. This trend suggests that men are more likely to enrol in UG courses at Bodoland University, while women are more inclined to pursue PG studies.

Demographic Representation 

Our Take:

The data on student demographic representation at Bodoland University reveals a clear trend of local dominance, with 100% of students hailing from within the state, whether in UG or PG  programs. This suggests that the university primarily serves students from Assam, showcasing its commitment to regional development and addressing the higher education needs within the state. The absence of students from outside the state and country in both UG and PG courses indicates that Bodoland University may not have established a robust reputation or visibility beyond the borders of Assam. Possible factors contributing to this could include limited marketing efforts, a lack of brand recognition, or insufficient infrastructure. While the current data emphasizes the university's strong ties to the local community, it also highlights opportunities for growth and diversification. By actively reaching out to students from neighbouring states and regions, the university can expand its student base, diversify its academic offerings, and gain broader recognition.

Bodoland University Faculty & Management/Administration

This college boasts a team of highly skilled professors, each with their own specialized subjects. They adopt a friendly teaching approach that enables students to grasp subjects and topics easily. However, many faculties deliver lectures in regional languages and the students raise concerns about this. The remarkable teaching approach emphasizes fostering a healthy student-faculty relationship. The college staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and adept in their subjects, providing comprehensive guidance and individualized attention to every student. 

However, the college management at Bodoland University appears to be lacking. Students from other states often feel neglected, as the predominant use of the local language creates barriers. Furthermore, the administrative processes tend to be prolonged, resulting in delays in addressing student queries.

Our Take:

As a state university, the faculties at BU are of good quality but there are a few major concerns of the students such as the teaching pedagogy is questionable on many occasions because of the usage of regional language and biases towards local students. The administration also needs to get better and resolve issues of the students. The management is not very prompt in listening to the concerns of the students.

Bodoland University Location 

Located in the enchanting landscapes of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Kokrajhar, Assam, India, Bodoland University enjoys a serene and tranquil setting, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Here are some key features of Bodoland University's location in Assam:

• Diverse Topography: The BTR boasts diverse topography, including plains, hills, and forests. The university campus is centrally located in this region, offering students a unique blend of natural beauty and academic vibrancy.

• Rich Cultural Heritage: The BTR is known for its rich cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic groups and vibrant traditions. Bodoland University mirrors this cultural tapestry, fostering inclusivity and mutual understanding among its student community.

• Accessibility: Well-connected by road and rail, the university is easily accessible to students from various parts of Assam and neighbouring states. The nearest town, Kokrajhar, serves as a bustling commercial hub with a range of amenities and services.

Our Take:

Pros:

• Students praise the calm and distraction-free ambience of the campus, fostering focused learning and personal well-being. 
• The close proximity to lush greenery, hills, and forests offers chances for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature. 
• The exposure to diverse cultures and traditions within the BTR is highly valued by students, enriching their understanding of the region's vibrant heritage. 
• The strategic location and connectivity to Kokrajhar and other towns make commuting easy, providing convenient access to amenities.

Cons:

• Some students have voiced concerns regarding the necessity for infrastructure enhancements, especially in maintaining lecture halls, improving Wi-Fi connectivity, and upgrading hostel facilities. 
• Suggestions from students' suggestions include creating dedicated sports facilities and recreational spaces to improve the overall student experience. 
• The university's distance from major cities like Guwahati might limit access to specific cultural and entertainment options. 
• Furthermore, being situated away from major industrial and corporate centres could constrain opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborations between industry and academia. 

Bodoland University Expectation vs Reality CollegeDekho Verdict! 

After a deep analysis and overview, a closer look at Bodoland University reveals a contrast between promises and reality. Despite offering diverse courses, the university lacks prominence in NIRF rankings, affecting its academic reputation. Infrastructure, considered a hallmark, falls short—lecture halls need maintenance, Wi-Fi is inconsistent, and hostel facilities lack amenities. Placement opportunities seem limited, with concerns about industry connections and assistance. Students worry about fewer internships than other universities, questioning the promised excellence.

Despite claiming to promote diversity, Bodoland University faces criticism in student reviews for inadequate student exchange programs and international exposure. Administrative processes, seen as reflective of the university's efficiency, receive negative feedback for delays, lack of transparency, and bureaucratic hurdles affecting the student experience. Faculty and staff at Bodoland University receive mixed reviews, with some students praising their dedication, while others highlight inconsistencies in teaching methodologies and a lack of research opportunities.

Final Verdict: Considering higher education at Bodoland University demands a thoughtful evaluation of expectations vs reality. The university is far away from the expectations of the candidates in several aspects. While it provides a serene learning environment and diverse cultural experiences, it lacks in areas such as modern infrastructure, placements, and administrative efficiency. The university not only struggles with the infrastructural facilities but also with the rankings and accreditations. It also lacks research and placement opportunities to be availed by the students. However, the location is positive due to its connectivity and scenic beauty and the fee structure is also affordable.

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