Remarks
Clear transparent process, but puzzled administration. The admission process in my time was a holistic checking. They checked our grades, co-curricular, extracurricular, SOP, and volunteering experiences. I felt included in the process and the team did promise a lot during the admission process. However, I did see that some of the promises like IAS preparation seemed to take time for becoming a reality. But other promises like quality education, expert and friendly professors, academic rigour, and internship opportunities were well delivered. I got a scholarship which I maintained till the final year. You can find out the application form, application dates and scholarship criteria on the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth's website. The process is very transparent. The only thing that could have been better if we could have had a taste of the curriculum on the Web.
Course Curriculum Overview
Some of the professors will make you feel you can do interdisciplinary research and academic investigation with the rigour they present in the classes. They mean every word they say, it is a very immersive educational experience. But, a few new ad-hoc professors would make you feel that the University had a struggle with its hiring. But in the academic conferences, knowledge linkages and opportunities, you will witness the best professors winning you with their knowledge and specialities. I think since the student body is small, we have great interaction with professors. (probably 10:1) Exams are difficult and you cannot expect good grades without thorough study. Do not try skimming on the day before the exam.
Internships Opportunities
Global internships in Chinmaya institutes like CORD, Chinmaya Mission Schools, and Chinmaya Foundation, or various firms of Chinmaya supporters. I did projects for Dr Krishna Mohan who was my Professor and Head of the Department in Psychology like Cognitive Psychology, Media and Advertisement Psychology and Behavioural Finance. The stipend is possible for students who are academically sound or experienced. I was paid modestly in all my internships. Hence, for me, the placements worked well.
Placement Experience
In my time Mr Shanker Ramanathan was the Director of Placements and things were super smooth and global opportunities were available. Everyone was placed in good setups as the network that Shankerji had was enormous. You say it and he will give. He helped me enormously in getting an international opportunity at APYE Vietnam, he stood for me and helped me in closing the funds and logistics but alas COVID hit us. Next, I got an opportunity with Career Launcher under his guidance. Good brands like Santhula, CORD, Mastek and Hand in Hand were present for internships. My friends got to go for internships in very reputed brands. I did my field trip to IISC, NIAS, and IIIT B. Moreover, the guidance that Shankerji gave made me get into Winter School at IIT Mandi. My plan after the degree was to pursue my career in growth, and psychology. I got an opportunity with a Singapore based ed-tech firm and I am perusing it.
Fees and Financial Aid
The cost to study is less and very affordable. There are no additional costs which you need to bear at the University. The beauty and poise of Chinmaya are that it will never be extremely commercial but rather it will focus on gurukul parampara where guru shishya relationships are of paramount importance. Financial assistance is easy to get and many people come to help you through the process. To maintain the scholarship, you need to keep a decent grade which is possible if you study hard.
Campus Life
I founded the Creative and Debating Society in 2018 which hosted debates, open mics, poetry sessions and other events. We eventually made it to winning at national events hosted by other Universities like pitch competitions, debate competitions and TEDx. So yes if you take initiative you will have a great learning curve, but if you wait for others to spoonfed, you won't get much. Professors will help you with preparations, initiatives and more. However, management will try putting you under their thumb. You have to manoeuvre your way out and official recognition for your club and adherence to student policy can help you. So yes, the popular clubs are Creative and Debating Society, Bharata Society(dancing society) and Grantha Club.
Hostel Facilities
The hostel is a very modest set-up at Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth. It is clean and uniform. There is a rule for entry and exit. You do not have the facility like your kitchen, your refrigerator or your cooler or AC. But they do provide you laundry facility, medical facility, hot-water facility and proper security. If you are looking for something comfortable, you would choose this. But for luxury, this is not so apt. However, the new campus is coming up things will be different for the scholars, they will have extreme luxury and facilities. Registration is easy and form will be made available to you once you get the offer for admission. The meal is very healthy. The pure vegetarian paradise you can expect. But there is no canteen, hence you need to stock up on snacks from outside. I did feel that staff and office bearers are very caring and accountable. Petty politics may be a challenge for you as people like making small circles based on ethnocentricity. Rented PG will not be easy.
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