Symbiosis International University’s Review and Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

Symbiosis International University, situated in Pune, Maharashtra, stands out as a premier multidisciplinary institution. Established by Prof. Dr. SB Majumdar with the ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (World as a Family), SIU is dedicated to providing quality education with a global perspective. The sprawling 300-acre campus is not only visually captivating but also reflects the university's commitment to fostering international understanding.

Currently, SIU offers a diverse range of courses spanning management, arts, philosophy, music, Indology, and more through its institutes spread across four states and six cities. The university's vision is to create a harmonious environment for both Indian and international students, showcasing a perfect balance between the two. While attracting students from various disciplines such as technology, engineering, and humanities, SIU has a strong foundation in liberal arts education.

For those aspiring to pursue careers in art, theatre, or sports, the liberal arts disciplines at SIU provide ample exposure. A recent addition to its offerings is the Symbiosis Medical College for Women, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure and a commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

Beyond academic programs, SIU is a trailblazer in providing job-oriented courses at diploma and certification levels. With over 50 years of experience, the institute has garnered an excellent reputation with accreditation from top bodies. However, it's essential to note that beneath the external allure and seemingly flawless image, there may be certain areas that warrant closer examination. To uncover these nuances and determine if SIU is the right fit for you, read on.

Symbiosis International University's NIRF Ranking: From Good to Great

Symbiosis International University has an impressive ranking record. Since its inception, the institute bagged awards and recognition in different categories that add more glory to its already booming reputation. Times Higher Education added it to the list of the top 201 to 250 universities in Asia. According to the NIRF report, the institute is gradually taking a step toward progress. In 2023, it secured the 32nd position in the university category.

Let's explore the NIRF ranking over the last 3 years for SIU in the table below:

Awards & Recognitions:

• SIU was honored with 78th  position in the QS Asia University ranking 2023
• As per QS Asia University Rankings, it has been recognized among the top 351 to 400
• The Times Higher Education World ranked it 23rd among top universities in India
• The varsity’s global citation rank is 437

Our Take:

Symbiosis International University (SIU) has demonstrated notable advancements in its NIRF ranking across diverse categories from 2021 to 2023. The university has achieved an upward trajectory, ascending from the 68th position in 2021 to the 59th spot in 2023 in the "Overall" category. Additionally, there have been significant leaps in the "Universities" category, progressing from 38th in 2021 to 32nd in 2023, showcasing the institution's commitment to continuous improvement.

Furthermore, SIU has maintained commendable positions in its specialized areas, notably in "Law" (moving from 9th to 6th) and "Management" (advancing from 20th to 17th). These sustained rankings signify positive strides in enhancing various facets of the university's academic and infrastructural dimensions.

• The consistent rise in the "Universities" category underscores SIU's ongoing improvements in key areas evaluated by NIRF, encompassing teaching quality, research endeavours, and overall infrastructure development. This trend reaffirms the university's dedication to fostering a conducive learning environment.
• The stronghold of SIU in maintaining the top 10 positions in "Law" and securing a place in the top 25 in "Management" underscores its excellence in these academic domains, making it an attractive choice for prospective students seeking robust programs in these fields.
• By consistently featuring among the top 50 universities in India, SIU solidifies its standing as a competitive institution, positioning itself favourably in comparison to its counterparts. This progress signifies SIU's commitment to academic excellence and overall advancement in the higher education landscape.

Symbiosis International University's Academia & Batch

Symbiosis International University is fulfilling the academic aspirations of over 21,000 Indian and international students across its distinctive learning centres. The university has a well-structured industry-specific curriculum for multidisciplinary academic programs. The academic programs have been categorized into eight faculties including the faculty of arts, faculty of law, faculty of management, faculty of engineering, faculty of mass communication, and others. Each of these courses is designed to ensure learners develop both theoretical as well as practical approaches so that their path to future endeavours remains free from any roadblocks.

Academia 

Renowned for its faculty, Symbiosis International University receives consistent acclaim for professors' expertise and accessibility, with many boasting a blend of industry experience and robust academic credentials. The institution's commitment to an industry-aligned curriculum stands out, incorporating current trends and practical applications to enhance students' readiness for their careers. SIU offers a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, catering to a broad range of academic interests.

The university's commitment to international exposure is evident through collaborations and exchange programs. This provides students with valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and a global perspective. However, it's essential to consider some identified weaknesses. In certain programs, there's feedback about a theoretical focus, raising questions about the balance between theory and practical application.

Courses Offered

Find the fee structure for some of the popular courses pursued by students across the globe at SIU.

Batch Size

The size of student batches at Symbiosis International University exhibits considerable variation, contingent on the specific program and campus. Batch sizes can range widely, accommodating anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred students. This diversity in batch sizes brings about distinct impacts on the learning experience.

In larger classes, characterized by several hundred students, there are notable advantages. These settings create opportunities for diverse perspectives and foster group discussions, enriching the learning environment. However, it's essential to acknowledge that larger classes can potentially limit individual interactions and personalized guidance, as the sheer volume of students can make it challenging for professors to engage with each student on a personal level.

Conversely, in smaller classes, the advantages lie in the realm of personalized attention and deeper interaction with professors. The intimate setting allows for a more tailored approach to each student's learning needs. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that smaller classes might restrict exposure to diverse viewpoints, as the pool of students is more limited.

Our Take:

Symbiosis International University (SIU) boasts a robust academic standing, attributed to its seasoned faculty, diverse program offerings, and curriculums aligned with industry standards. Certainly, this university is fostering the intellectual growth of young minds through a curriculum grounded in research-based learning. While the diverse array of courses draws students from across the globe, the substantial fee structure may act as a deterrent, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The university must reassess its fee structure to promote inclusivity and encourage greater participation from students with varying financial circumstances. Some students also express concerns regarding a predominant theoretical focus in certain programs, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach. 

SIU’s program and campus specificity analysis provides a broad perspective, recognizing that experiences can significantly differ based on the chosen program and campus. While positive reviews abound, it's noteworthy that negative feedback appears relatively less prevalent online. This could suggest overall satisfaction, yet it might also stem from selective information sharing. It's essential to delve deeper into individual experiences to form a comprehensive understanding of SIU's academic environment.

Symbiosis International University’s Infrastructure

Symbiosis International University secured 3rd rank for being the most facilitated and clean residential campus in India; it was presented by MHRD, Govt of India. The campus setup instantly catches anyone’s eyeball; the institute built can be called an example of architectural brilliance. Students can spend the best days of their lives at the well-maintained and furnished campus and classrooms.

Library

The campus houses a spacious centralized library that comprises an extensive collection of 130,000 e-books, 33 online databases, and department-wise books. It is connected with the resourceful libraries with INFLIBNET. Students gain access to the Online Public Access Catalog here.

Hostels

The university provides accommodation to students through boys' and girls' hotels. Rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with the necessary facilities. The hostel has CCTV installed to ensure the safety of the inmates.

Labs

Labs located within the campus are equipped with modern instruments and equipment helping students get proper exposure to the practical lessons. Each of the pieces of equipment is upgraded from time to time.

Cafeteria

The college’s canteen serves delicious and healthy food items. Food is prepared by taking special care of the student’s health. The cafeteria is quite spacious and holds seating capacity for both faculty members and students.

Medical Facilities

Students, teaching, and non-teaching staff can get healthcare facilities at Symbiosis Center of Health Care. Free medicines and first aid are available. The center is equipped with adequate facilities to ensure the safety of the students.

Transport

SIU is connected to the city which enables students to access various means of transportation without much hassle. Auto-rickshaws are easily available at the campus gate.

Our Take:

As per our research, the reviews consistently highlight the commendable modern facilities at various campuses, encompassing well-maintained classrooms, libraries, labs, and cutting-edge IT infrastructure. For those considering on-campus living, several institutions provide residential facilities with diverse amenities such as mess halls, recreational spaces, and sports complexes. Noteworthy is the attention to accessibility, with certain campuses equipped with ramps, elevators, and assistive technology to support differently-abled students. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, some campuses integrate eco-friendly practices and infrastructure as part of their green initiatives.

However, it's important to note certain weaknesses that have surfaced in reviews. Limited space poses challenges on certain campuses, impacting facilities like libraries and common areas. Additionally, there are observed variations in the quality of amenities and infrastructure across different campuses and programs. Some reviews draw attention to occasional maintenance issues that require addressing. These aspects provide a nuanced perspective for those considering these institutions, allowing for informed decision-making based on a comprehensive understanding of both strengths and weaknesses.

Due to diverse institutions and locations, directly comparing SIU with other private universities poses difficulties.

• Tier-1 Private Universities: Typically boast larger campuses, extensive infrastructure, and abundant resources. However, the costs associated with these institutions can be notably higher.
• Specialized Private Universities: Some may excel in specific programs, offering specialized infrastructure that might surpass SIU's offerings in certain areas.
• Location-Specific Comparison: To provide a more relevant context, comparing SIU with local private universities is essential. This takes into account regional infrastructure standards and associated costs.

Symbiosis International University's Internships & Placements

Symbiosis International University in collaboration with top private and government organizations conducts placement drives for the UG and PG final-year students. Before the recruitment drives, seminars, workshops, and training sessions are organized to help students enhance their communication, technical, and employability skills. Students are made aware of the level of expertise and demands of the recruiters through meetings and presentations. 

Internships

Students pursuing finals in UG or PG programs are shortlisted based on various tests and interviews conducted by recruiters. Internship offers from reputed firms are offered to the students. It helps learners gain adequate industry exposure and get a chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.

Placement

According to the SIU 2022 placement data, out of 1358 UG students, 531 succeeded in bagging placement offers from top companies. While in the PG program, 97 students were placed at a median package of INR 5.3 LPA. The placement rate for UG-4 years stood at 80% and for the PG courses, it made a record-breaking feat of 100%.

Let’s explore the placement statistics at SIU for 2021 to 2022:

• Compared to 2021, the UG 4 years placement rate has risen by 6% in 2022
• The median package for PG witnessed a marked rise of around 16% in 2022
• Salary packages for UG 5 years courses like MBBS, LLB, etc remained stagnant for the past 2 years

Placement Data for UG-3 years, UG-5 years & PG-2 years 2022:

Find the course-wise placement rates for the 2022 recruitment drive at Symbiosis International University from the table below:

For UG 3-years courses:

SIU UG-5year stats:

PG-2 years data:

Our Take:

The placement cell at SIU takes adequate initiatives to prepare students for the job market through soft skills and technical training sessions. However, the placement data is pretty disappointing, the placement rate for UG programs is constantly depreciating. Also, salary packages are at par with current market rates.

Symbiosis International University's Diversity & Representation

Symbiosis International University with its booming branches across 4 states of India boasts cultural diversity. Founded on the principle of “world is a family” the institute offers admission to students both from India and abroad. The 40,000 learners at the varsity come from varied social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. As per the university’s website, they function on the belief of making education accessible to all without any sort of discrimination. 

If we look at the gender ratio, it stands at 34:66 for the UG program which indicates that the number of males is inadequate compared to females. Though the varsity claims to offer equal opportunities to students irrespective of any biases, the data hint at a completely different scenario. As per demographic stats, a maximum number of SIU students hail outside the state.

Explore the gender ratio at SIU from the below table:

SIU Demography at a glance:

Courses	Within State	Outside State	Outside Country
UG-3 years	71 (39%)	105 (58%)	4 (2%)
UG-5 years	608 (40%)	745 (49%)	162 (11%)
PG-2years	72 (20%)	240 (67%)	48 (13%)

Our Take:

With the available data, it appears that SIU is progressing towards fostering gender and demographic diversity, in line with its motto "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." The presence of initiatives like the Women Empowerment Cell signals a dedication to gender equality, and the university's international outlook suggests the possibility of a more diverse demographic representation. Nevertheless, for a more comprehensive evaluation, increased transparency via data and tangible evidence highlighting inclusivity efforts would be beneficial. Actively participating in benchmarking with other institutions and consistently reporting diversity statistics could greatly enhance our understanding of SIU's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Symbiosis International University's Faculty/ College Administration & Management

As per the university, learners are mentored by a team of 46 learned, qualified, and experienced faculty. The university firmly believes in nurturing young minds through research, innovation, and effective teaching pedagogy. According to some alumni at SIU, teaching staff for MBA, MBBS, and other technical courses are highly qualified and most of them are Ph.D. holders. However, faculty for non-technical courses is reported as average.

The university with centers in around 85 countries ensures a proper administration and management system to ensure students learn in a safe, encouraging, and intellectual academic environment. The Department of Student Welfare was formed to address the grievances and needs of the students through various committees. Besides, safeguarding the learners, the dedicated department enables the learners to gain support beyond classroom teaching. 

Our Take:

The university takes pride in helping learners gain guidance and mentorship from the highly qualified stream of teachers. Well, the faculty seems pretty less in number compared to eth both strengths that create disparity.

Symbiosis International University's Location

SIU's primary campus is situated in the Mulshi district, 25 km away from the heart of Pune city and 17 km from Pune University. Surrounded by hills and lush greenery, the campus provides a tranquil and peaceful environment.

Additional Campuses in Pune:

• Viman Nagar: Situated within city limits, this campus provides convenient access to urban amenities and a vibrant nightlife.
• Senapati Bapat Road: Located in a central area, in proximity to the Pune railway station, and surrounded by educational institutions.
• NIBM: Located in a tranquil residential area, this campus ensures peaceful surroundings with easy access to essential amenities.

Our Take:

Pros:

• Conducive to focused learning: Provides a quiet atmosphere devoid of city distractions.
• Spacious campus: Ample green spaces and modern facilities enhance the learning environment.
• Good connectivity: While public transport and cabs are available, they may be less frequent than within city limits.
• Unique learning experience: Offers a refreshing break from the urban bustle, fostering a distinctive educational journey.

Cons:

• Remote location: The secluded setting may feel isolating, particularly for students accustomed to city life.
• Limited off-campus activities: There are fewer entertainment options compared to the bustling city centre.
• Reliance on transport: Frequent visits to the city necessitate the use of public transport or cabs, which can be inconvenient.

Symbiosis International University’s Expectation vs Reality: CollegeDekho Verdict

When considering a university, the decision is monumental, and Symbiosis International University in Pune emerges with its commitment to excellence. SIU's campuses boast modern facilities, with reviews generally affirming their upkeep, although some mention space constraints in specific areas. The university places a strong emphasis on industry-aligned courses, offering a mix of well-aligned and more theoretical programs. In terms of rankings, SIU excels in areas like Overall, University, Law and Management categories within the NIRF system. The university promotes diverse opportunities through international collaborations, exchange programs, and placement cell activities, though the accessibility and effectiveness of these opportunities can vary across programs. 

Despite the inclusive motto, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The world is one family), concrete data on gender and demographic representation is limited, making it challenging to assess the true extent of inclusivity. Having said that, the Lavale campus offers serenity but can feel isolated due to its remoteness. Other Pune campuses have their advantages and disadvantages concerning location and access to city life. Faculty expertise and accessibility receive praise in reviews, emphasizing their industry experience and academic credentials. While SIU boasts good placement records, individual student experiences vary based on the program and proactive engagement with the placement cell is crucial. Initiatives like Women Empowerment Cells exist, but comprehensive data on actual gender and demographic representation is lacking, posing a challenge in measuring true inclusivity.

Final Verdict: SIU provides a favourable academic atmosphere characterized by seasoned faculty and a variety of programs. Despite these positives, it's essential to approach your expectations with a degree of realism. The experience may not align precisely with promotional materials. To make an informed decision, delve into the details of specific programs, assess campus locations, and proactively utilize university resources. While rankings and reviews offer insights, they represent only a fraction of the overall picture. Prioritize your unique needs and goals when reaching a final decision, ensuring a more tailored and fulfilling academic journey.

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