Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University: A Beacon of Higher Education in Gujarat, India
Introduction: A Legacy of Educational Excellence in North Gujarat
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University (HNGU), located in Patan, Gujarat, stands as a prominent center of academic and research excellence in western India. Established to fulfill the growing educational demands of the northern region of Gujarat, HNGU has developed into a comprehensive institution offering a wide array of academic disciplines, a student-centric environment, and impactful research contributions. With a focus on holistic education, the university is named after the great scholar Hemchandracharya, symbolizing its commitment to preserving and advancing knowledge.
1. Establishment and History
- Established: 1986
- Location: Patan, Gujarat, India
- Motto: “सा विद्या या विमुक्तये” (Knowledge is that which liberates)
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University was initially founded to cater to the higher education needs of the four districts: Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, and Sabarkantha. The university started functioning with minimal infrastructure but gradually grew into a sprawling campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong academic reputation.
The university derives its name from the 11th-century Jain scholar Hemchandracharya, highlighting its cultural and historical roots and academic philosophy centered on learning, character building, and freedom of thought.
2. Affiliations and Recognitions
- Affiliated with: University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Accredited by: National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
- Approved by: Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Bar Council of India (BCI), NCTE, and others
HNGU holds accreditation from NAAC and is recognized under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act. Various professional councils such as NCTE (for teacher education), BCI (for legal studies), and MCI (for medical education) have approved respective programs offered by the university.
3. Courses Offered
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines.
Major Faculties and Programs:
- Faculty of Arts
- B.A., M.A., M.Phil, Ph.D.
- Faculty of Science
- B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.
- Faculty of Commerce and Management
- B.Com, M.Com, MBA, M.Phil
- Faculty of Law
- LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D.
- Faculty of Education
- B.Ed., M.Ed.
- Faculty of Computer Science
- BCA, MCA, M.Sc. (IT)
- Faculty of Rural Studies
- BRS, MRS, Ph.D.
- Medical and Paramedical Sciences
- BPT, MPT, Nursing, Medical Lab Tech
Additionally, the university offers several distance learning and skill development programs to promote flexible education access.
4. Academic Excellence
HNGU has emerged as a strong academic institution with a commitment to:
- Interdisciplinary teaching and research
- Outcome-based education
- Student-centric learning modules
- Digital and ICT-enabled classrooms
- E-library and remote access resources
Features of Academic Strength:
- Curriculum aligned with national education policies
- Faculty with doctoral and post-doctoral qualifications
- Active industry-academia collaborations
- Periodic workshops, seminars, and guest lectures
- Research publications in UGC CARE and Scopus-indexed journals
5. Career Development and Placement Cell
The Career Guidance and Placement Cell (CGPC) plays a pivotal role in preparing students for employment and entrepreneurship.
Key Functions:
- Organizing campus recruitment drives
- Offering soft skills and aptitude training
- Resume writing and mock interview sessions
- Career counseling and internship support
- Collaboration with industries, MNCs, and public sectors
Recruiters and Industry Partners Include:
- TCS
- Infosys
- Wipro
- ICICI Bank
- Adani Group
- Torrent Pharma
The placement cell ensures that students are job-ready and aligned with the dynamic requirements of the industry.
6. Campus Infrastructure and Facilities
The HNGU campus offers a green, eco-friendly environment with well-planned infrastructure to support education and research.
Key Facilities Include:
- Central Library with e-resource subscriptions (INFLIBNET, NDL, Shodhganga)
- Smart classrooms with digital teaching tools
- Boys’ and Girls’ hostels
- Computer labs and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Sports complex and gymnasium
- Cafeteria and recreational centers
- Health care center and ambulance services
- Auditorium and seminar halls
- Botanical Garden and Herbal Park
7. Research and Development Activities
Research is central to HNGU’s mission. The university promotes research through various centers and funded projects.
Research Strengths:
- Doctoral programs in all faculties
- Faculty-led research projects funded by UGC, DST, and ICSSR
- Publications in high-impact journals
- MoUs with national research institutes
- Conferences and symposiums hosted annually
Notable Research Areas:
- Environmental science
- Indigenous languages and literature
- Biotechnology and life sciences
- Rural development and social studies
- Legal and constitutional research
8. Notable Alumni
HNGU takes pride in its alumni who have excelled across various fields, including education, administration, corporate sectors, and public services.
Examples of Notable Alumni:
- Dr. Bhaskar Patel – Renowned Environmental Scientist
- Ms. Anjali Mehta – IAS Officer, Gujarat Cadre
- Mr. Prakash Chauhan – Entrepreneur & CEO of a tech startup
- Prof. Rajesh Trivedi – Academic and Author
The alumni network is active and often contributes to mentorship programs and institutional development.
9. Reputation and Rankings
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University has earned a reputation for academic quality and inclusive education.
Highlights:
- NAAC accredited with ‘B++’ Grade
- Recognized as a leading state university in Gujarat
- Positive student reviews and rankings on higher education portals
- Accredited programs across multiple disciplines
Though not ranked in the NIRF top 100 yet, the university has seen consistent improvement in academic and research output, making it a promising institution for higher education.
10. Awards and Achievements
- Best Performing University (2021) – Recognized by Government of Gujarat
- Green Campus Award – For its sustainability practices
- Digital India Initiative Recognition – For digital education efforts
- INFLIBNET Collaboration Award – For contribution to research repository
11. Address and Contact Information
Campus Address:
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University
Post Box No. 21, University Road,
Patan – 384265, Gujarat, India
Phone: +91-2766-230700, +91-2766-231917
Email: vc@ngu.ac.in, registrar@ngu.ac.in
Official Website: http://www.ngu.ac.in
Conclusion: An Emerging Hub for Holistic Education
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University stands as a testament to quality higher education in rural and semi-urban Gujarat. Its inclusive academic model, modern infrastructure, research-driven environment, and career-focused initiatives make it an attractive destination for students from diverse backgrounds. Whether in arts, commerce, law, science, or management, HNGU continues to nurture talent and contribute significantly to India’s educational growth.
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