Learning in Serenity

It is the most lovely place in the State to learn and inculcate good habits of self-management. Although it is not as famous as many other places of learning but despite being on periphery of India, it is doing a most wonderful job of educating.

I had to clear UGC-NET to apply for Ph.D. course at SMVDU. I opted for this place as here I could get a chance to be guided by Prof. Sudhir K. Jain, who was here on a stint as V.C. Otherwise he would only be available at IIT-D and that was out of case for me, given my familial conditions. Moreover this was much more beautiful that many other places that I had been to in quest for admission including many IIMs

Very learning and rigorous. There were three papers with 10 credit points for the coursework. This was followed by a comprehensive exam involving all three subjects and of worth 15 credits. Finally a research proposal had to be submitted and then the formal research work started. Then onward it was review of literature, preparation of questionnaire, data collection, analysis and finally report writing.

Yes it provides stipend of about ₹ 20000/- per month for NET qualified candidates. Plus there are contingency grants. All this in lieu of 10 hours of weekly work.

Good. Although my course was not job oriented but the placement support does exist and competitive candidates do get placed from campus. All leading IT companies visit the campus and infect in some cases this is the only touch point in the whole State for few companies.

The yearly youth-fest is the most enjoyable event of the year. Besides, there are house-wise sporting events as well as cultural events. The competitive spirit runs through out the year in form of one or the other event. The students really enjoy their stay despite of lack of TVs. Free unlimited internet keeps them hooked and in touch with outside world.

The fee structure is slightly towards the higher side, according to the standards of the state which is generally offering free (subsidized) education. Plus, this is a residential university and the hostel costs are mandatory. But overall, this is a good value for money if we consider the net leaning gathered and the employment possibilities on offer.

The research scholars having qualified National Eligibility Test are eligible to apply for scholarship and subject to limitations of scholars per guide, do get this scholarship. Besides there is a contingency grant as well.

Campus life is exciting. There is no gender stereotype and both sexes mingle rather freely. Though there are separate hostels distinctly segregated and night restrictions are strongly in place, day hours are open for mixing. The campus has not built any place of worship in true spirit of 'sarvadharma sambhav' despite being promoted by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Food is generally the bone of contention and so it is in case of SMVDU too. But the rooms are generally cool . With single, double and triple sharing options available, all kind of living arrangements exist. I hear that annexes are also being built for higher costs. The total cost was about ₹ 100000 per year for food and single room occupancy at my time. I suppose it may have increased a bit now.

The alumni network is pretty strong as narrated by the Placement officer or the student placement officers. The alumni keep coming to the campus to share their experiences at work and interact freely with the students on online forums.

The exams are held on three monthly schedules. The times are slotted as two exams per day over three or four consecutive days. The tests do seem burdensome but turn out to be do-able inculcating a feel-good factor among the students. The rigor of exams is a good practice for upcoming events.

The admission is twice a year. Advertisement is floated online as well in the dailies. Advertisement was floated in September of 2013. Filled form in October of 2013, was interviewed in November of same year. List was out in December and I joined in Jan 2014. Finished the degree in April of 2017.

Ph.D. is a minimum requirement for joining as a full-time faculty and there are quite a few faculty members from other states at this university. This makes it a decent learning place. Besides all India level selection process for Engineering admissions also brings the much needed cosmopolitan make up to the student strength