Ranchi University's Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glance

Established in 1960 by an Act of the Bihar legislature, Ranchi University is a public state university located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. This institution offers a wide spectrum of educational programs, encompassing undergraduate, post-graduate, M.Phil., and doctoral degrees. Historically, Ranchi University played a pivotal role in the region's educational landscape, taking over the affiliation of degree colleges in the area from Patna University. Notably, it was founded with Bishnudeo Narayan Singh serving as its first vice-chancellor. Over the years, the university has seen significant transformations, including divisions that led to the creation of Vinoba Bhave University, Nilamber Pitamber University, and Kolhan University. Presently, its jurisdiction spans five districts in Jharkhand: Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega, and Lohardaga, cementing its status as a key educational institution in the region.

Let's take a closer look to see if Ranchi University truly lives up to all the buzz. While its historical background and academic offerings are intriguing, the institution's past challenges and divisions raise important questions. It's essential to assess whether the university can effectively address these issues and deliver on its promises of providing quality education and maintaining a standard of excellence. 

Ranchi University has garnered a mixed reputation among students and reviewers. This review aims to dissect the various aspects of the institution under relevant headings to provide a comprehensive understanding of what prospective students can expect.

Ranchi University Rankings

Ranchi University has demonstrated varying performance in different ranking assessments. According to the QS World University rankings in 2020, it secured a commendable 95th position among Indian colleges. However, in the India-Today-Nielsen Survey, the university ranked 43rd in 2011 and improved to the 36th position in 2012. Ranchi University holds recognition as per Section 12B of the UGC Act. In 2017, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) conferred a 'B+' grade on Ranchi University.

Our Take:

Ranchi University has demonstrated varying performance in different ranking assessments. According to the QS World University rankings in 2020, it secured a commendable 95th position among Indian colleges. However, in the India-Today-Nielsen Survey, the university ranked 43rd in 2011 and improved to the 36th position in 2012. But with a decade-year-old record, it's hard to surmise anything. It's worth noting that the absence of a National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking for Ranchi University leaves a gap in assessing its overall standing. As such, prospective students and stakeholders should consider these diverse rankings when evaluating the university's academic standing and reputation.

Ranchi University Academia & Batch Size

Ranchi University offers a wide spectrum of academic disciplines, organized into three faculties: Science, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Commerce. With its affiliating university status, Ranchi University exercises authority over higher educational institutions across five districts of Jharkhand. This extensive network includes 15 constituent colleges and 29 affiliate colleges, encompassing diverse fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Law, Management, and Psychiatry. The university provides a versatile range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ranging from liberal arts to professional courses, including Medical and Engineering. Admissions procedures vary, relying on the nature of the program, with liberal arts programs considering higher secondary examination results and professional programs necessitating national entrance exams. Additionally, the university facilitates postgraduate distance education through its Directorate of Distance Education. A well-equipped central library and an Anthropology museum further enrich the academic experience, offering a wealth of resources and ethnographic collections for students and faculty.

Our Take:

The college experience at Ranchi University is a mixed bag, with significant variations from one college to another within the university. While some students have found their time enjoyable, others have encountered challenges, particularly with the slow and seemingly irresponsible behavior of the university administration.

One recurring issue highlighted by students is the discrepancy between the promised and actual timelines for important events. For instance, one student expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of exams, stating that they were forced to take offline exams despite receiving online classes. The official notice mentioned a notification at least 21 days prior, but in this student's case, they were informed a mere 10 days before the exams—a situation that can understandably be disheartening.

Such inconsistencies and delays in communication can significantly impact students' experiences and contribute to a sense of frustration. While individual colleges may offer positive aspects of the university experience, it is crucial for Ranchi University to address these systemic issues to ensure a more cohesive and reliable educational environment for all its students.

Ranchi University Infrastructure

Here are the Infrastructure Highlights of Ranchi University:

E-Library: Ranchi University embraces technology in education through its E-Library, featuring initiatives like Technology Enabled Learning, Massive Open Online Courses, and access to the National Digital Library of India.

Hostel Facilities: The university offers well-maintained hostels for both male and female students, with accommodation available for 210 and 60 inmates, respectively. These hostels provide single and three-bedded rooms along with kitchen facilities.

Residential Facilities: Faculty and non-teaching staff are provided with 192 quarters for teaching staff and 72 quarters for IV Grade non-teaching staff members.

Banking and Post Office: Ranchi University facilitates banking services with branches of Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce (administrative campus), and Central Bank of India (academic campus). Additionally, the university houses its own post office, Ranchi University Post Office on Kanke Road.

Wi-Fi and IT Infrastructure: The university boasts an extensive IT infrastructure, with over 300 computer systems, Wi-Fi facilities, LAN facilities, and dedicated servers. Proprietary software supports various academic processes, including examination management.

Internet Access: Ranchi University is well-connected to the digital world, with 400 nodes providing internet access. This connectivity extends to INFLIBNET Centre and online e-journals accessible through UGC. The National Knowledge Network (NKN) further enhances connectivity, with 1GBPS speed connecting departments, the library, Academic Staff College, and hostels.

E-Knowledge and Learning Centre: Equipped with 24 thin-client nodes, this center supports ICT-enabled learning and serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars.

Sports Facilities: The university caters to sports enthusiasts with a playground, gymnasium, and volleyball court.

National Service Scheme (NSS): Ranchi University actively engages in NSS activities, with 8500 volunteers, a university-level coordinator, and 85 NSS Programme Officers at the college level.

SC/ST Cell: This cell focuses on the special interests of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in admission, appointment, and promotion, with a senior tribal faculty member serving as Liaison Officer.

Coaching Classes: The university offers coaching classes for the UGC NET Examination, remedial classes for students requiring special support, and assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) students.

Additional Infrastructure: Ranchi University features modern buildings for various faculties, a fully equipped auditorium, a central library, a multipurpose examination hall, and specialized infrastructure like a workstation for micro-analysis of Census Data, an academic staff college, in-campus bank branches, a computer center, an Examination Data Processing Cell, and a dedicated Placement Cell.

E-Learning and Knowledge Centre: Equipped with 25 computer nodes and internet access, this center emphasizes e-learning and knowledge dissemination.

Our Take:

Ranchi University's infrastructure, despite its six decades of existence, falls short of contemporary standards. With an apparent lack of modern amenities, including sluggish Wi-Fi, the university's facilities struggle to meet the needs of its student population. A concerning revelation comes from a student's account, highlighting a severe shortage of classrooms, with only 15 available for over 7,500 students, operating on minimal resources. This deficiency raises questions about the institution's capacity to provide adequate learning spaces. Residential areas, while relatively more updated, still require attention, particularly in terms of food quality and cafeteria services. Urgent improvements are essential to enhance the overall educational experience.

Ranchi University Placements

Ranchi University's placement scenario offers insights into the employability and career prospects of its students. While the university has not released its placement report for 2023, we can draw valuable information from past reports:

Placement Trends:

Placement Comparison: 2019 vs. 2020:

Batch Placements and Companies:

Recruiting Companies:

• Prominent companies that were part of Ranchi University's placement drive in 2020 included Tech Mahindra, Wipro, Piramal Swasthya, HDFC Bank, ICICI Prudential, Concentrix, British Telecom, Azim Premji Foundation, and Prabha Energy Pvt. Ltd.

Alumni Placements:

• Ranchi University alumni have ventured into careers with esteemed companies such as TCS, Tata Steel, Accenture, Wipro, and more. The alumni's career trajectories showcase a diverse range of placements across various sectors.

Our Take:

Ranchi University's job placement situation has both good and not-so-good aspects. In 2022, they did better with a median salary of INR 3.90 LPA and 98 students getting jobs. But in 2020, things weren't great - 333 students got jobs, but the highest pay was only INR 3.08 LPA. The university did bounce back in 2021, ensuring all students got hired.

They're working with big companies like Tech Mahindra and Wipro to make sure students are ready for jobs. Even though things are looking up, it's important for the university to keep improving so students can consistently have good job opportunities. Future students should keep an eye on how the university continues to work on this.

Ranchi University Diversity & Demographics

Here are some insights into Ranchi University's diversity and demographics:

• Geographical Reach: Ranchi University serves as a significant educational institution for a predominantly tribal region, extending its educational services to a vast population. It covers five major districts in Jharkhand, bordering West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The university continues to attract students from various states, contributing to its diversity.

• Language Diversity: The university acknowledges the linguistic richness of Jharkhand, with many tribal and regional languages spoken. Nearly 50,000 tribal students, using these languages as their mother tongue, are part of the university. Ranchi University promotes and offers teaching and research in these languages, with dedicated language labs to enhance linguistic competence.

• Inclusivity: Ranchi University is committed to promoting inclusivity and providing support to marginalized students. Special coaching classes are organized for Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Minority students to bring them into the mainstream. The university also extends benefits to students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) backgrounds.

• Cultural and Sporting Diversity: The university excels in sports and cultural activities, with students achieving national and international recognition, especially in archery and hockey. This diversity in talent contributes to the university's vibrant cultural and sports scene.

• Alumni Impact: Ranchi University's alumni are spread across countries, making significant contributions in various fields. Their success reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and nation-building.

Our Take:

Ranchi University tries hard to include students from various backgrounds, but there are problems. It's in an area with many tribal people, and making education fair for everyone can be tough. Even though they're doing some good things to help students from less privileged groups, not everyone is able to benfefit from the same. Also, while some students have done well in sports and culture, these achievements might not fix the bigger problems faced by the diverse group of students at the university. So, while Ranchi University is trying, there are still important issues to deal with to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at a good education.

Ranchi University Faculty and Administration/Management

Ranchi University, established in 1960, has a dedicated faculty and efficient administration that strive to maintain academic standards and foster a conducive learning environment. The university offers a range of innovative courses, including Yoga, Medicine, Psychiatry, Law, Management, Engineering, and more, to prepare students for diverse employment opportunities. It also promotes regional and tribal languages, providing language labs to enhance linguistic competence and support underprivileged students through special coaching classes. The institution has improved infrastructure, such as a fully automated central library, while social responsibility initiatives include coaching for ST, SC, and Minority students, a Yoga center, and sports and cultural achievements. With alumni contributing to various fields, Ranchi University continues to uphold academic excellence and contribute to nation-building.

Our Take:

Ranchi University has a troubled history of financial irregularities and governance issues. The university has faced allegations of financial mismanagement, embezzlement of funds, and corruption. These allegations, including instances of officials misusing their positions and engaging in financial malpractice, have been a stain on the institution's reputation. In one notable case, the vice chancellor was arrested for his involvement in a racket involving the appointment of undeserving staff.

The university's financial affairs were not audited regularly, leaving room for corrupt practices. Additionally, the university faced issues such as unaccounted expenses, question paper leaks, and forged degree certificates without appropriate actions being taken. The scandal involving salary arrears further damaged the institution's credibility.

Ranchi University Location

Ranchi University, situated at 98QF+8HR, Shahid Chowk, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834001, was founded on July 12, 1960. It has grown from ten Postgraduate Departments to 22, with 19 Constituent Colleges and 47 affiliated Colleges, serving around 1.6 lakh students.

Ranchi University's Expectations Vs. Reality: CollegeDekho Verdict

Ranchi University, a government college, exhibits a mixed reputation in various aspects. Placements seem concerning due to limited departmental offerings and a sparse presence of recruiting companies. Infrastructure is lacking modern amenities, although student residences fare slightly better. Faculty quality varies, with both commendable and subpar educators. Administrative inefficiencies, exam delays, and complaints handling are concerning. Moreover, the university has a troubling history of financial irregularities, governance problems, and corruption allegations, tarnishing its reputation. Prospective students should weigh these issues when considering Ranchi University, as improvement opportunities exist by addressing systemic problems and promoting a conducive learning environment while rectifying financial and governance issues.