Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management (ARGUCOM) — India’s Pioneer in Cooperative Leadership
Introduction
Located in Sivasagar, Assam, Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management (ARGUCOM) was established in 2010 under the Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management Act. As India’s first university devoted entirely to cooperative management, ARGUCOM fosters academic excellence in areas such as Management, Law, Computer Applications, Commerce, and Cooperative Development. This article explores ARGUCOM’s history, academic offerings, infrastructure, research initiatives, and its broader impact.
Establishment & Historical Evolution
- Founded in 2010, ARGUCOM was a state university sanctioned by legislation with a mission to nurture cooperative management professionals. It symbolized Assam’s commitment to institutionalizing cooperative education in India.
- It maintained its independent status until December 2023, when it was merged into Sivasagar University under the Assam Repealing Act, 2023.
Affiliation, Recognition & Governance
- As a state-run university, ARGUCOM was recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approved by AICTE.
- The Governor of Assam served as Chancellor, and Prof. Debabrata Das was its Vice Chancellor.
- The university encompassed five core academic schools:
- Entrepreneurship & Management
- Innovation & Technology
- Public Policy & Law
- Culture & Media
- Ecology & Sustenance
Academic Programs & Courses Offered
ARGUCOM offered an integrated range of academic options across UG, PG, and research levels:
- Undergraduate Programs:
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) with annual intake of ~30 students.
- Postgraduate Programs:
- MBA (2-year), M.Com, MCA, LL.M — each spanning 2 years, with typical fees ranging from ₹45,000 to ₹150,000 depending on the program.
- MBA fees for 2023–24 were around ₹1.61 lakh; M.Com and LL.M were significantly lower.
- Doctoral Research:
- Offered Ph.D. in disciplines like Management, Law, and Computer Applications.
- PG Diplomas & Certifications:
- Includes specialized programs such as Business Journalism & Corporate Communication, PGDCA (Computer Applications), and Intellectual Property Rights certifications.
- Eligibility & Admissions:
- Programs typically require recognized graduation and entrance exam scores (MAT, CAT, XAT, ATMA, or ARGUCOM-specific). MBA selections also include group discussions and personal interviews.
Campus Facilities & Infrastructure
Before its merger, ARGUCOM’s Sivasagar campus offered:
- An 82-acre residential campus with separate hostels for male and female students, equipped with Wi-Fi, security, and mess facilities.
- A central library, auditorium, sports zones, IT labs, and a cafeteria.
- A well-connected location, accessible from Jorhat and Dibrugarh airports, with proximity to Simaluguri Railway Station.
Academic Excellence & Research Initiatives
- ARGUCOM’s focused curriculum in cooperative management, law, technology, and public policy positioned it as a unique academic hub.
- Research and learning were bolstered by industry visits, live projects, scholarships, and multidisciplinary exposure.
Career Development & Placement Support
- The university hosted a functioning placement cell that guided students toward internships and job placements in cooperative sectors, banking, and corporate environments.
- Students benefitted from soft skills training, industry collaborations, and alumni support platforms.
Alumni, Reputation & Impact
- Although comparatively young, ARGUCOM built a reputation for being India’s sole cooperative management university, drawing recognition such as the Best Government Initiative at the World Education Summit in 2015.
- Its alumni were emerging in domains like cooperative leadership, legal practice, management, academia, and public policy.
Strengths, Opportunities & Legacy
Strengths:
- The only dedicated cooperative management university in the country, with specialized academic schools.
- Recognized by UGC and AICTE with a comprehensive multi-disciplinary structure.
Opportunities:
- Expand its legacy through integrated programs in Sivasagar University post-merger.
- Leverage cooperative management in broader socio-economic development.
Legacy:
- ARGUCOM’s foundational contributions continue in its transformed capacity, guiding future cooperative management and rural development education.
Address & Contact (Pre-Merger Details)
Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management (ARGUCOM)
Demow Pathar, Mouza – Sologuri, Amguri Circle, Sivasagar – 785665, Assam, India
Phone: +91-70021-98067
Email: info.argucom@gmail.com
Website: argucom.ac.in
Conclusion
From its establishment in 2010 through its merger in 2023, ARGUCOM served as a pioneering institute dedicated to cooperative management education. Merging into Sivasagar University opens a new chapter, preserving its heritage while integrating broader educational opportunities. Its legacy endures in shaping cooperative, managerial, and legal leaders across Assam.
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