Surajmal University, Uttarakhand: Empowering Future Leaders Through Excellence in Education and Innovation
Introduction: A Rising Beacon of Higher Education in the Foothills of Uttarakhand
In the serene surroundings of Kichha, in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, stands Surajmal University, a young and ambitious institution dedicated to nurturing talent, promoting research, and advancing higher education. Established to cater to the academic aspirations of students in the region and beyond, the university emphasizes holistic development, skill-based learning, and academic rigor.
Named after the legendary Maharaja Suraj Mal, a revered ruler known for his administrative acumen and wisdom, Surajmal University reflects his legacy by fostering knowledge, discipline, and progress. Backed by state recognition and a growing network of academic and industry linkages, the university is on its way to becoming a center of excellence in Northern India.
1. Establishment and Institutional Overview
- Established: 2017
- Type: State University
- Act: Established under Surajmal University Act, 2017 (Uttarakhand Act No. 18 of 2017)
- Location: Kichha, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Chancellor: Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand
- Vice Chancellor: Prof. (Dr.) A. P. Singh
- Jurisdiction: Entire state of Uttarakhand
The university was founded with the vision of providing affordable, inclusive, and skill-driven higher education to the youth of Uttarakhand, especially in the Terai region.
2. Affiliations, Recognitions, and Accreditations
Surajmal University maintains its academic credibility and institutional transparency through regulatory approvals and affiliations.
✅ Recognitions and Accreditations
- University Grants Commission (UGC) – Recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act
- National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) – For education programs
- Bar Council of India (BCI) – For law programs (if introduced)
- NAAC Accreditation – NAAC process initiated, IQAC in place
- Academic Council and Statutory Bodies – Constituted for curriculum development and governance
3. Academic Schools and Courses Offered
Surajmal University offers a growing array of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs across various faculties.
Faculties and Key Programs
📘 Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- B.A. – Hindi, English, Political Science, History, Sociology
- M.A. – Offered in select disciplines with research focus
🔬 Faculty of Science
- B.Sc. – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
- M.Sc. – Specialized subjects based on emerging fields
- Lab-based practicals and field research emphasized
💼 Faculty of Commerce and Management
- B.Com., M.Com.
- BBA, MBA – Focus on rural entrepreneurship, business ethics, and modern management tools
- Industry-aligned curriculum with soft skills and business simulations
🧑🏫 Faculty of Education
- B.Ed. – NCTE-approved with practice teaching and pedagogy labs
- Curriculum includes child psychology, educational technology, and inclusive education
⚖️ Faculty of Law (Proposed)
- Plans to introduce LL.B. and integrated law programs under BCI norms
👩💻 Faculty of Computer Science and IT (Planned Expansion)
- Proposed courses in BCA, MCA, and short-term programming certifications
🧑🌾 Faculty of Agriculture and Allied Sciences (In Development)
- Focus on sustainable agriculture and food technology
4. Campus Infrastructure and Facilities
Set amidst the lush green backdrop of the Terai belt, the Surajmal University campus is gradually expanding to meet the needs of a modern academic ecosystem.
Facilities Available
- Smart Classrooms – ICT-enabled learning with interactive tools
- Well-Equipped Science Labs – For practical and project-based learning
- Central Library – Rich collection of books, journals, and e-resources
- Computer Lab – Internet-enabled systems with academic software
- Language Lab – For English language and communication training
- Canteen and Cafeteria – Hygienic food and student hangout space
- Auditorium and Seminar Halls – For conferences, cultural programs, and academic events
- Medical Facilities – First-aid and emergency services available
- Sports Facilities – Cricket, volleyball, badminton, and indoor games
- Girls’ Hostel – Safe and well-maintained accommodations
- Transportation – Buses for students from nearby towns and villages
5. Academic Excellence and Pedagogy
The university encourages a student-centric, value-based, and experiential learning model. The faculty comprises experienced professors, research scholars, and industry experts.
Pedagogical Highlights
- Semester System with CBCS (Choice-Based Credit System)
- Use of ICT tools and audio-visual aids
- Regular workshops, guest lectures, and educational tours
- Interdisciplinary and cross-functional teaching modules
- Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) through projects and presentations
6. Career Development and Placement Cell
Surajmal University has a Career Guidance and Placement Cell (CGPC) dedicated to preparing students for professional life.
Career Development Services
- Resume building and personality development workshops
- Soft skill training and interview preparation
- Seminars on entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem
- Internship assistance and industrial exposure programs
- Placement tie-ups with local companies, schools, banks, and MSMEs
Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Teaching and Academia
- Banking and Finance
- Civil Services and Competitive Exams
- NGOs and Development Sector
- Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship
7. Research and Innovation
Though relatively young, Surajmal University is taking progressive steps toward creating a research-oriented environment.
Research Initiatives
- Establishment of Research Cell under faculty supervision
- Minor and Major Projects funded by internal resources and applying for government grants
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference participation encouraged
- Student Research Activities like dissertation writing and local community studies
- Proposed Incubation Center for entrepreneurship and innovations
8. Community Engagement and Extension Activities
The university upholds its social responsibility through grassroots-level engagement with rural and underprivileged communities.
Extension Activities
- Literacy and Awareness Programs in nearby villages
- Skill Development Workshops for unemployed youth and women
- Health Camps, Blood Donation Drives, and Sanitation Awareness
- Environmental Campaigns – Tree plantation, waste management, and plastic-free campus
- Active NSS Unit promotes volunteerism among students
9. NAAC Rankings and Quality Initiatives
- NAAC Accreditation process underway
- IQAC (Internal Quality Assurance Cell) functioning to monitor academic and administrative performance
- Regular academic audits, feedback mechanisms, and curriculum revisions
Though formal NAAC grading is awaited, the university maintains high standards through continuous improvement and benchmarking.
10. Address and Contact Details
University Name: Surajmal University, Kichha
Location: Near Industrial Area, Kichha, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand – 263148
Phone: +91-5944-264345
Email: info@smu.ac.in (Note: check actual university site for updated contact)
Website: http://www.smu.ac.in
Conclusion: Surajmal University – Cultivating Knowledge, Character, and Careers in Uttarakhand
Surajmal University stands as a promising state university with a mission to uplift education in the underrepresented Terai region of Uttarakhand. Through its expanding academic programs, focus on skill-building, research promotion, and value-based education, the university is well on its way to emerging as a preferred destination for higher learning.
With UGC recognition, quality infrastructure, and an ethos rooted in inclusive development, Surajmal University continues to empower students to face the challenges of a dynamic world while remaining grounded in ethical and societal values.
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