GITAM University’s Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

A pleasant environment and cool breeze welcome you to Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management University or GITAM University, Andhra Pradesh as you step in. The institution is spread across 255.33 acres in the Indian coastal and metropolitan city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dr. M.V.V.S. Murthi and a group of Scholars and industrialists with the aim of bringing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision about higher education to life founded this institution in 1980. GITAM Deemed to be University has four campuses out of which two are located in Vishakhapatnam, one in Hyderabad Telangana and the other one is in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The varsity has been approved by UGC, AICTE, INC. The faculty-student ratio in the university is 1:55. The gender ratio is fairly even, with 49% male students and 51% female students. The percentage of students outside Andhra Pradesh is 58. 

GITAM University (GU) offers a wide range of courses in undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil and PhD level.  GITAM under its umbrella offers courses in the disciplines of Engineering, Architecture, Law, Management, Arts& Humanities, Science, Medicine, Nursing, etc.  GU also offers distance education. In 2017, GITAM was recognized as the best institution for its distance education.

The other side of the coin is that the professors at GITAM University have great respect for the candidates who have around 90% attendance and ignore students who have backlogs. If the feedback from students is to be believed, then a high preference is given to Telugu. Students feel like kids in the school when GU conducts parent meetings for which the parent of a student must come.

GITAM University NIRF Ranking: A Mark of Consistency? 

Being deemed to be a university, GITAM has been taking part in the NIRF Ranking in 2017. GITAM is ranked 48th in the Pharmacy category in 2023 and one of the top 150 universities under the best university, Engineering and Innovation categories. Obtaining good positions in NIRF Rankings, GITAM University proves that every year the institution is continuously providing quality education, updating the curriculum, and serving its best to the students who have joined the institution for their higher education pursuits.

• Aside from the above-mentioned rankings, GITAM University has achieved an esteemed A++ grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). NAAC was established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as an autonomous and independent entity.

GITAM University Academia & Batch Size

GITAM University follows a well-rounded academic framework covering teaching, learning, and evaluation. This setup aims to cultivate a complete learning atmosphere, encouraging intellectual growth, skill development, and the overall well-being of students. Key Elements of GITAM's academic structure:

• Semester System: At GITAM University, the academic year is split into two semesters, ensuring a structured learning approach. This system enables focused study on specific subjects within shorter periods.
• Coursework and Credits: Each course holds a defined credit value, indicating its engagement level and workload. Accumulating a set number of credits is essential for program completion.
• Continuous Evaluation: The university prioritizes ongoing assessment with regular quizzes, assignments, mid-term exams, and finals. This pattern helps students track progress and identify areas for improvement throughout the semester.
• Practical Learning and Internships: GITAM emphasizes practical learning and industry exposure. Courses often include hands-on components like lab sessions and projects. Internships are also encouraged for real-world experience.
• Co-curricular Activities: Participation in clubs, sports, cultural events, and societies is encouraged. These activities aid personal growth, leadership skills, and social interaction for students.

At GITAM University, the average number of students in a class depends on the program and course level. Typically, for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, class sizes range from 40 to 80 students. This focus on smaller class sizes aligns with GITAM University's dedication to offering a top-notch, student-centric learning atmosphere.

Our Take:The way GITAM University shapes its academics shows its dedication to offering a robust, comprehensive, and industry-aligned education. By prioritizing continuous assessment, hands-on learning, research, and co-curricular engagement, the university aims to equip students for success in their chosen fields and beyond. As far as the class batch size is concerned, we believe that with manageable class sizes, the university ensures students benefit from personalized attention, interactive learning experiences, and effective teaching. This approach helps them excel academically and prepares them for their future careers

 GITAM University Infrastructure

All GITAM University campuses are crafted to aid students throughout their academic journey. With numerous libraries, digital resources, sports facilities, modern labs for practical studies, and recreational spaces, the campus is designed to provide a well-rounded study experience. This ensures our students enjoy a comprehensive learning environment during their time at GITAM.

Classrooms: GITAM University has AC classrooms with top-notch facilities.GITAM University has very spacious, smart classrooms equipped with modern technology to enhance the learning experience of the students. Each classroom can accommodate around 80+ students.

Our Take:

Most of the former students say that even though GU has AC classrooms they will not be utilized until and unless a grand ceremony is going on, in the campus, or placement drive or some eminent person visits the campus.  Perhaps, students are puzzled by the question of whether the AC classrooms are meant for decoration or as a matter of publicity. Some of the blocks have Central AC, which is utilized during summer occasionally.

Library: GU has a centralized library, which is known, as the Knowledge Resource Center (KCR). The library is said to have 34 lakh books that include e-books, national and international journals, and periodicals to quench the thirst of knowledge seekers. GITAM University is equipped with digital library and has different sections for magazines, newspapers, and Novels. So students can utilise these when they need a break for the routine study.

Hostel: GU offers hostels with top-notch facilities for both boys and girls. The hostel for boys is inside the campus. The girl’s hostel is located outside the campus and the bus facility is provided for the hostellers. A dedicated building is assigned as a hostel.  Each student is provided with a wardrobe and a bed. The rooms in the hostel are spacious.  The infrastructure of the hostel is excellent.  

Our Take:

Many students feel that GITAM hostel fees are unreasonably high. It becomes very difficult for a middle-class student to be admitted into a hostel of GU. According to the alumni GU, for first-year undergraduates, the rules of the hostel are extremely tough to follow. Students must beg the permission of the wardens to go for an outing. There are instances; where students have not gone out at least once for about 2 to 3 months. Though this might be challenging for students, considering the parents' point of view, this could be a matter of safety and trust.  If the opinion of the students is to be believed, the ambience of the hostel is average.

Internet Connectivity: The entire campus of GU is Wi-Fi enabled with limited access. The speed of the internet is quite good according to students. Students can utilize the internet in the classroom as well.

Laboratories: GITAM has well-equipped laboratories in all the campuses. GU has Wi-Fi-enabled labs to help students have refined experience about practical knowledge about the subject. Most of the labs have ACs. 

Clubs and Events: GU has around 25 clubs. Most of the clubs are headed by students. The university encourages and ensures that the students are engaged in different club activities.

Auditoriums: The Visakhapatnam campus has seven modern auditoriums, accommodating a total of over 5000 people. Each auditorium is well-equipped with high-quality sound and projection systems, amphitheatre-style seating, and air conditioning.

Sports Facilities: GITAM values the importance of physical activity for its students' mental and physical well-being, believing it enhances their academic performance. Students are urged to engage in various sports on campus, whether as university representatives or simply to enjoy playing.

GITAM University Diversity and Representation

According to the data from the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), approximately 42 % of the candidates enrolled in the university are from their home state and the rest 58% of candidates are from other states of India and abroad. The following table shows the gender participation in various courses offered by the university.

Gender Participation 

Demographic Representation 

Our Take:The above data shows that GITAM University draws students from various backgrounds, including those from the state, other states, and international students. Most students in the 5-year UG and 4-year UG courses come from within the state (61% and 39%, respectively). However, a notable number of students also hail from other states (38% and 61%, respectively). Although the percentage of foreign students is modest (1% in all courses), it signifies that GITAM University is fostering a global learning environment by attracting students from abroad.

GITAM University Internships and Placements

Internships

Students of GU are offered internships. Some of the top MNCs like TCS, Microsoft Technovert and FIAT conduct Internship Drives in the university campus and select the candidates every year. 

Placements

GU has a highly reputed placement cell that invites top MNC companies to conduct placement drives.  The placement percentage of GU is between 70% to 80%. The highest package offered to a placed candidate belonging to B.Tech is INR 46.50 per annum. The average package for B.Tech and M.Tech candidates received last year was INR 4.50 LPA.

GITAM University 2022 Placement Statistics

Have a glance at the GU 2022 placement statistics in the following table.

GITAM University Top Recruiters

• WIPRO
• Accenture
• Oracle
• Amazon
• Deloitte
• Microsoft
• HCL
• TCS
• Tech Mahindra
• Berkadia
• Collin Aerospace
• Sonata
• Vistex
• Reliance
• Zoho Corporation
• Britannia
• FIAT India
• AWS
• ITC

Our Take:

Candidates of a few courses have the highest possibility of being placed through placement drives. For instance, B.Tech and Business schools have the highest number of selected candidates and they are offered very good packages, and all the other courses students are to be satisfied with a median salary of 4 to 6 lakhs LPA. By this, one can understand that the university pays more attention to releasing the placement record rather than helping the rest of the candidates find good jobs. We believe that the expense of the college and the placement package that students receive has a lot of difference. Ideally, students after spending a huge amount of money expect considerable packages when they pass out.

GITAM University Faculty & Administration

GITAM takes pride in their team of well-qualified and experienced faculty members who are dedicated to offering students a top-notch education. With over 90% of our faculty holding doctoral degrees, students benefit from learning from experts in their fields. Many of the university's faculty members also bring valuable industry experience, providing real-world insights and practical knowledge in the classroom. This blend of academic expertise and industry exposure equips students to meet the challenges of the professional world.

The administration at GITAM University is dedicated to creating a supportive and effective environment for students. Comprising experienced professionals committed to student success, they offer guidance on academic matters, administrative procedures, and student support services. The university has simplified administrative processes to reduce delays and ensure efficient services. This includes online portals, self-service options, and quick responses to inquiries. Moreover, the administration prioritizes student-centricity, placing value on student feedback and incorporating it into decision-making processes.

Our Take:Based on our research, faculty members at GITAM University are generally well-regarded by students and alumni for their expertise, engagement, and support. However, there are areas where the university could aim for improvement, such as ensuring consistency in teaching quality, adapting to diverse learning styles, and providing clearer communication of expectations. The administration at GITAM is generally praised for being helpful, efficient, and responsive to student feedback. Nevertheless, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in enhancing communication with students and strengthening the grievance redressal mechanism.

GITAM University Location

GITAM University has four campuses situated in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The Visakhapatnam campus, being the largest and centrally located, is positioned in the Rushikonda area, close to the beach and city centre. Students at GITAM University express varied opinions about the Visakhapatnam location. Some enjoy the city's lively culture, beaches, and proximity to industrial hubs, while others find it challenging to adjust to the tropical climate, traffic congestion, and limited cultural attractions compared to larger metropolitan cities. 

Our Take:

Pros: 

• Several students find the coastal city charm of Visakhapatnam appealing, thanks to its beaches, greenery, and relaxed atmosphere. They value the chance to partake in outdoor activities, immerse themselves in the local culture, and discover the city's historical landmarks.
• Visakhapatnam is generally seen as an affordable city compared to larger metropolises. Students are pleased with the lower costs of accommodation, food, and transportation, providing financial relief.
• The city's growing economy, expanding industries, and improving infrastructure are viewed as promising indicators for future career opportunities and personal growth.

Cons: 

• The tropical climate in Visakhapatnam may pose challenges for students from colder regions or those not accustomed to humid conditions. The hot and humid summers, along with frequent monsoon rains, can impact comfort levels and outdoor activities.
• Although Visakhapatnam has some cultural attractions and historical sites, students from larger cities might perceive the options as limited compared to the diverse cultural offerings of metropolitan centres.

GITAM University: Expectation vs Reality CLD Verdict

GITAM University in Visakhapatnam positions itself as a top-tier institution for higher education, offering a comprehensive and enriching learning journey. While it lives up to its commitment to academic excellence and industry-focused education, some areas may not meet the standards set by other well-established institutions in India.

According to the university's claims, GITAM takes pride in its robust faculty with significant research expertise, ensuring students gain profound knowledge and practical insights. The university places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, involving internships and projects to equip students for the challenges of the professional realm. GITAM University boasts a diverse student community, with 58% of candidates coming from other states or abroad, showcasing the institution's reputation reaching neighbouring regions. 

Yet, insights from student reviews and alumni experiences indicate that there is room for improvement in the efficiency and student engagement aspects of the university's administration and staff. In terms of rankings, GITAM's NIRF rankings have seen a decline in recent years, sparking concerns about its standing among leading Indian universities. Although the university is actively addressing these concerns, it faces challenges in catching up with institutions that maintain consistently high rankings.

Final Verdict: While GITAM University provides a satisfactory education with some commendable aspects, it wrestles with challenges that might influence potential students seeking a more comprehensive and enriched university experience. Thoughtful consideration of individual priorities and preferences is crucial when contemplating attendance at GITAM University.

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