Galgotias University's Review and Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

Established in 2011, Galgotias University boasts about being one of the highest-graded autonomous institutes by UGC. In the R World Institutional Rankings 2023, the university has earned the diamond band under the category ‘Institute of Excellence’. It has also received an A+ grade from NAAC with a score of 3.37 out of 4. In the innovation category of the NIRF Ranking 2023, Galgotias University was among the top 12 private universities in India and among top 4 private universities within UP.

Course-wise, the university offers an extensive selection of 255 courses spanning across the diverse fields such as liberal education, media and communication studies, finance and commerce, basic and applied sciences, engineering, hospitality and tourism, management, agriculture, law, pharmacy, and more. Along with it, the university also provides value-addition courses and has established a dedicated school aimed at instilling lifelong learning skills (SLLL) in students.

Despite such glorifications, students have voiced their concerns that Galgotias University's prestige has waned in comparison to its standing between 2011 and 2023. In response, CollegeDekho conducted a thorough investigation to assess the overall situation. The findings revealed that while the curriculum is up-to-date, fees remain reasonable, and placement records are commendable. However, students expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of teaching, administrative performance, hostel facilities, and university's geographical location.

Galgotias University Ranking

NIRF Ranking: Going Good!

Our Take:

Ranked in 5 out of 13 NIRF categories, Galgotias University has shown steady yet significant growth in the NIRF Ranking 2023. In 2022, the university could not find a place in the NIRF- Overall category. Gladly, Galgotias University has thoroughly readied itself and has returned to the dais in 2023. This shows the university is working in the right direction and constantly making efforts to provide a better learning enviornment for students. 

Galgotias University Academia and Batch Size

Starting with an outcome-based education approach, Galgotias University boasts about adopting student-centric methodologies comprising experiential, participative learning and problem-solving methods allowing students to enhance their learning through active engagement. The university adopted the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in 2012 further updated it as per NEP 2020.

Academic Composition

Galgotias University academia is a mix of classroom learning, practicals and assignments. 

With curriculum partners IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council and NASSCOM, Galgotias University is planning to launch the ‘Employability Enhancement Programme for Students’, while implementing Qualification Pack (QP) based Training Programs and Assessments. Also, Galgotias University has signed MOUs with numerous partners, namely:

Batch Size

Overall, there are a total of 14,554 students enrolled in the university out of the sanctioned intake of only 5,995 students as per NIRF Report 2023. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 26%, and with a faculty count of 558, it is deemed satisfactory. Here is the department-wise segregation of the same:

Our Take:

Glancing at the department-wise intake, the following can be derived:

• There is no end cap on Galgotias University admission, given that the approved seat capacity is only 41% of the total students admitted.
• According to NIRF Report 2023, the engineering department student-to-faculty ratio stands at 18%. A 2022-batch CSE student mentioned that there are a total of 53 batches exclusively for the CSE branch. So, analysing the two facts clearly indicates that the university is increasing the number of batches for each branch keeping the student-to-faculty ratio favourable. 
• According to students, the university hires faculty primarily based on their qualifications rather than their skills. As a result, around 30% of faculty members possess the necessary knowledge.

It is apparent that with such a large number of batches every year, the faculty demand quotient will definitely be on the rise leading to deterioration in the quality of teaching.

Fees

Have a look at the fee structure for Galgotias University courses:

Our Take:
According to the feedback received, the fee is reasonable, however, students encounter difficulties with the payment gateway system. They have pointed out that even after submitting their fees, the system sometimes displays them as unpaid, leading to exam seating issues. Consequently, they have to spend days before exams explaining to the examination branch that their fees have indeed been paid. 

Galgotias University Infrastructure

Academic Blocks/ Classrooms

The university boasts of providing a world-class infrastructural facilities to its students. Regrettably, students have a lot to say about the facilities provided in its three academic blocks, A, B and C. They highlighted:

• A and B blocks are equipped with air conditioning. During the first year, students enjoy their classes in AC classrooms. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) students are then relocated to C-block. 
• There are no elevators in C-block, despite classes being held on the 5th and 4th floors. Additionally, there is no air conditioning, frequent power outages lasting 1.5 hours, limited water availability on most floors, and only two toilets in a single block.

Our Take:

It is apparent that students face a lot of issues while attending classes, especially CSE students, with no proper air-conditioning, electricity, water supply and elevators, not to mention the scorching heat during the summer season. Thus, the university needs to ensure facilities such as water availability, air conditioners, power supply, elevators etc. are at par in all academic blocks and further maintained regularly.  

Labs

The university claims to have provided laboratories for each department equipped with the latest technology.

Our Take:

Students have shared that the laboratories are fine, however, the computers are not properly functional and it has been the same for years now. Using oudated computers hinder students growth and skill development process that can prove costly to them during the placement process. To ensure students skills are upated as per market advancements and needs, the university must upgrade its computer labs. 

Auditorium

The university auditorium is compact, and there have been instances where workshop speakers had to pause due to insufficient facilities, the students added.

Library

The website mentions that the central library is well-stocked with over one lakh books, journals, magazines, computerized online systems, audiovisual materials, and CD-ROMs. With the help of KOHA, the university has fully automatised its library resource centre. Students get accesss to other library resources such as e-library, OPAC and D-Space.

Cafeteria

According to the university's officials, the university provides students with a retail dining experience within the campus through its partnership with 20+ retail outlets. From quick snacks to a full-course meal, students have a plethora of options to choose from. 

Hostel

Galgotias University offers separate accommodation facilities for boys and girls. The university website mentions that the boy's hostel is equipped with facilities like a mess managed by SODEXO, housekeeping, clean drinking water, indoor & outdoor sports, a multi-purpose gym, wi-fi and two elevators.

The hostel fee charged to the students are as follows:

Our Take

When we asked the students, they highlighted the following:

• There are multiple hidden costs that hostellers bear while availing Wi-Fi, laundry and gym services.

• The hostel fees are increased every year with no refinement in facilities. 

• Those staying in AC rooms enjoy partial benefits, where air-conditioning is provided from 6:30 P.M. till 7 in the morning, between April and September, only. 
• Elevators are non-functioning most of the time. 
• On regular days, the food quality is average. It is only during special occasions when students savour delectable mess offerings.

Due to such hardships, students prefer nearby PG/flats instead of university hostels. The amenities for girls fall short and do not align with the fees charged. Boys are offered single and double-occupancy rooms, while girls are limited to triple-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms.

Commute

Transportation from one campus to another is available for the students. The fees charged from non-hostellers are:

Sports

Students enjoy numerous sports facilities within the campus. A few of them are archery, futsal, squash, carrom, yoga, volleyball, table tennis, pool, martial arts, kabaddi, hockey, football, cricket, chess, basketball, badminton and athletics. The university also has a swimming pool, gym, and yoga centre.

Events

Students at Galgotias University enjoy numerous events beginning with fresher's parties, club fests like Toycathon and Launchpad, Unifest (main cultural fest), technical fests, and finally concluding the session with farewell parties.

Galgotias University Internships and Placements

Internships

As per students' opinion, the university provides internship opportunities to its students every year, but in an indirect way.  A 2022 pass-out student commented that the university shares internship competition links through the placement or competition cell, resembling an email informing students about a specific company's internship opportunity, encouraging them to fill out the form and take part in the competition.

Placements

Galgotias University boasts of its placement records, which is fairly satisfactory, given that the students feel the same! According to a few CSE students, over 8500 offers were made by 850+ recruiters, leading to a placement record of 98% in 2023. When asked about the departments with the best placement opportunities, BTech, MBA and MCA were the few courses that were highlighted. They further added that the highest package of a whopping INR 1.5 Cr per annum was offered by OpenZeppelin. The Galgotias University average salary hovers around INR 5.25 LPA.

Let's have a look at the department-wise statistics of Galgotias University placement as per the NIRF Report 2023:

Pharmacy | Course Duration- 4 Years

Our Take: With a placement percentage of 92%, the statistics are satisfactory with an ROI of 40.3%. Thus, students can take admission in pharmacy courses at Galgotias University to get a job and a degree at the same time. 

Engineering | Course Duration- 4 Years

Our Take:  With a total of 748 students hired during the placement process, the placement percentage is fairly decent at 80%. This shows that recruiters are happy to onboard Galgotias University engineering graduates. 

Management | Course Duration- 2 Years

Our Take: With a 97.5% placement rate and a median salary of INR 3,048,456, the management department has demonstrated an exceptionally positive placement outcome. 

Law | Course Duration- 5 Years

Our Take: The placements at the law department are generally low for universities, but this is not the case with Galgotias University. The placement percentage stands at a commendable 98%. With a median salary of INR 3,00,000, the ROI stands satisfactory as well. Thus, students can have a sigh of relief if they are considering Galgotias placements as a factor before their enrollment. 

Galgotias University Diversity and Demographics

The university claims to have students from all corners, India and abroad. Out of a total of 14,554 students, 6,923 come from regions outside Uttar Pradesh and 383 from outside India, which is quite proportional. Gender-wise, the male-to-female ratio is slightly low at 65:35.

Have a look at the gender ratio index and demographic diversity of Galgotias University students as per NIRF 2023:

Galgotias University- Gender Ratio Index

Galgotias University- Diversity Representation

Galgotias University proudly promotes itself as a campus that opposes ragging. Unfortunately though there have been reported instances of clashes among students due to multiple other reasons. Here is one such newspaper snippet:

Source: Times of India

Our Take:

It is indicative that such incidents can cause a lot of stress among teachers and parents. Clashes among students are common in universities, however, the consequences as seen in the case of Galgotias University are scary. Proper action must be taken to ensure the safety of its students. The functioning of elevators was one issue that was highlighted by most students in our investigation, and yet again, such mishaps have thrown light towards the university’s neglectable attitude to some extent.

Galgotias University Faculty and Administration/Management

Galgotias University has 558 faculty members, which is a good number, however it is the quality of teaching that the students are stressed about. Students commented that there are only 15% of the faculty members whom they look up to. They further added that many teachers join the university only for the sake of experience. 

Regarding management/ administration, students have had their own share of concerns. When asked about the same, the students have highlighted the inefficiency of management. A student was required to retake an exam because the administration misplaced her answer sheet. Moreover, there have been incidences in the past, where students protested against the university for charging INR 2,300 fee per subject, referred to as a 'debarring fine,' for every student to obtain their admit card.

Source: Hindustan Times

Our Take:

It is evident that the quality of teaching has deteriorated a lot over the years. The comparatively larger batches of students per course have also highlighted the same concern. There is a need for management to be more efficient. Issues regarding lost answer sheets, debarring fines, and poor quality of teaching can have a negative impact on students, which can further take a toll on their mental health.

Galgotias University Location

Galgotias University is located in Plot No.2, Sector 17-A Yamuna Expressway, Opposite Buddha International Circuit, Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. 

Our Take:

The university is situated at a distance of approximately 12 kilometres from Pari Chowk. It is also about 20 kilometres away from the city and is surrounded by desolate grasslands and fields. Students have also expressed that the location can become somewhat unsettling due to the lack of safety in the vicinity and the unfriendly demeanour of the locals outside. The following incident that took place in 2017 also highlights the same:

Source: The Indian Express

Galgotias University Expectation vs Reality - CollegeDekho Verdict

As per the CUET website, Galgotias University is the 8th most preferred institute in India. Taking into account the plenitude of infrastructural facilities and the placement records the university deserves all the praise. Keeping aside the best, if we talk about the students' concerns, there are a few areas where sincere effort from the university is palpable, like:

• Need for proper facilities like elevators, air-conditioning, restrooms, and drinking water in the academic blocks.
• Proper hostel facilities for girls and upgradation of the food quality is needed. Elevators in hostels need proper maintenance.
• Improvement in quality of teaching and efficiency in management is a must.
• The surrounding vicinities are not safe. The university needs to take appropriate measures to keep its students safe.

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