University of Burdwan

University of Burdwan

বর্ধমান বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়
Seal of the University of Burdwan
Other name	Burdwan University
Motto	सा विद्या या विमुक्तये (Sanskrit)
Motto in English	Learning Leads To Emancipation
Type	Public state university
Established	15 June 1960(64 years ago) (1960-06-15)
Accreditation	NAAC
Academic affiliations	UGC [1] AIU AICTE [2]
Budget	₹156.9262 crore (US$19 million) (2024–25 est.) [3]
Chancellor	Governor of West Bengal
Vice-Chancellor	Goutam Chandra [4]
Registrar	Dr. Sujit Kumar Chowdhury [5]
Academic staff	233 (2024) [6]
Students	8509 (2024) [7]
Undergraduates	1584 (2024) [8]
Postgraduates	6070 (2024) [9]
Doctoral students	855 (2024) [10]
Location	Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal , India 23°14′21″N87°51′04″E / 23.2392585°N 87.8511835°E / 23.2392585; 87.8511835
Campus	400 acre (Academic campus at Golapbag) 80 acre (Administrative campus at Rajbati)
Acronym	BU
Website	www.buruniv.ac.in

The University of Burdwan (also known as Burdwan University or B. U.) is a public state university located in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India. It was established by the West Bengal Government as a teaching and affiliating university on 15 June 1960 with six graduate departments and 30 undergraduate colleges spread over three districts that come under the jurisdiction of the university ^[11] . The university currently offers more than 30 undergraduate and 66 postgraduate courses. It has grown as the second largest state university in West Bengal after University of Calcutta.Over the years, the University has consistently performed in the NIRF ranking by securing rank within top 100 under ‘University’ Category and occupied the rank of 89, 92, 85 and 87 in the years 2019, 2020, 2021 & 2022 respectively ^[12] .

History

The University of Burdwan was established on 15th June 1960 ^[13] , with Sukumar Sen (ICS), an esteemed Indian Civil Services officer and the first Chief Election Commissioner of India, as its inaugural Vice-Chancellor. The university's foundation was significantly influenced by the abolition of the Zamindari system in the 1950s ^[14] .Sir Uday Chand Mahtab Maharajadhiraja Bahadur, the last scion of the Burdwan Raj, exhibited extraordinary generosity by bequeathing almost the entirety of his ancestral estate to the state government. This, combined with the visionary efforts of the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, paved the way for the establishment of this prestigious institution. Today, administrative functions are primarily conducted at the Rajbati campus, the former palace of the Barddhaman Maharaja, while academic activities predominantly take place at the Golapbag campus.

In its nascent stage, the university commenced operations with a focus on the humanities. A year later, the science faculties were introduced, aligning with the university’s original vision of fostering a bias towards science and technology to meet the industrial demands of the time. This vision was further realised with the establishment of the Medical College and the Regional Engineering College in Durgapur. Presently, the university boasts around 22 postgraduate departments across various disciplines. Notably, the University Institute of Technology (UIT), recently established under the university's direct control, has received approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE),after the establishment of National Institute of Technology, Durgapur replacing the REC Durgapur.

The university offers a diverse array of courses, including those in physical education, B.Ed., foreign languages, computer applications, and population education. Additionally, the university is home to an Adult Continuing Education Centre and an Academic Staff College. Rajbati, the university's administrative centre, houses a museum and art gallery, showcasing artefacts that include pottery from prehistoric times.

The university's Distance Education wing offers postgraduate education in various subjects and professional undergraduate courses. With a strong sense of social responsibility, the university has actively supported the establishment of the Meghnad Saha Planetarium and a Science Centre. Moreover, the university has founded a Rural Technology Centre, named after Shri Binoy Krishna Choudhury, a former West Bengal government minister, to provide vocational training and create self-employment opportunities for rural youth. Future plans include the development of a centre for creative arts ^[15] .

Organisation and administration

Governance

Burdwan University is an autonomous state university, with the Governor of West Bengal serving as its Chancellor. The daily administration of the university is overseen by the Vice-Chancellor, who is appointed by the Governor based on the recommendations of the state government. The Vice-Chancellor is supported in this role by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, typically a senior faculty member and also for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

Administrative Council of Burdwan University ^[16]

Rank	Position	Current office holder(s)
1	Chancellor	Governor of West Bengal
2	Vice Chancellor	Prof. Goutam Chandra
3	Pro Vice-Chancellor	Vacant
4	Registrar	Dr. Sujit Kumar Chowdhury
5	Controller of Examination	Dr. Anindya Jyoti Pal
6	Financial Officer	Dr. Sougata Chakrabarti
7	Dean(Science & Technology)	Prof. Sunil Karforma
8	Dean(Arts, Commerce, Law, Fine Arts & Music)	Prof. Pradip Chattopadhyay
9	The President of WBCHSE	Dr.Chiranjib Bhattacharya
10	The President of WBBSE	Dr. Ramanuj Ganguly
11	The President of WBBME	Md. Fazle Rabbi
12	The Chairperson of UGC	Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar
13	The Chairperson of (NCTE)	Prof. Pankaj Arora
14	AICTE Nominated	Prof. V. R. Desai, IIT-KGP
15	Principal of UIT	Prof. Abhijit Mitra
16	Head of the Departments(HoD)	Various
17	Principal of Affiliated Colleges	Various

Burdwan University campus and buildings at Bardhaman, Golapbag, Purba Bardhaman

List of All Vice-Chancellors ^[17]

No.	Name
1.	Shri. Sukumar Sen (ICS)
2.	Shri. Braja Kanta Guha
3.	Dr. Dhirendra Mohan Sen
4.	Prof. Param Nath Bhaduri
5.	Prof. Ramaranjan Mukherji
6.	Prof. Shashi Bhusan Choudhury
7.	Prof. Ramaranjan Mukherjee
8.	Prof. Birendra Nath Goswami
9.	Prof. Shankari Prosad Banerjee
10.	Prof. Mohit Bhattacharya
11.	Prof. Dilip Kumar Basu
12.	Prof. Amit Kumar Mallik
13.	Prof. Subrata Pal
14.	Dr. Shoroshimohan Dan
15.	Prof. Smritikumar Sarkar
16.	Prof. Nimai Chandra Saha
17.	Prof. Goutam Chandra (Present) [4]

Department of Botany, Burdwan University campus at Golapbag, Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman

Burdwan University Auditorium

Historical Lake and the Burdwan Raj Palace

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee being presented a memento by the Governor of West Bengal, Shri M.K. Narayanan, at the 34th Convocation of Burdwan University, at Burdwan, West Bengal on November 22, 2013

Faculties and departments

The University of Burdwan has 39 departments(except UIT which is governed independently) organized into two faculty councils. ^[18]

Departments
Faculty	Departments
Faculty Council of Arts, Law & Commerce [19]	Bengali English & Cultural Studies Hindi Sanskrit Santali Foreign Languages Arabic Business Administration Commerce Economics Education History Law Library & Information Science Mass Communication Philosophy Physical Education Political Science Sociology Tourism Management Women's Studies
Faculty of Engineering & Technology [20]	Computer Science & Engineering Electrical Engineering Electronics & Communication Engineering Information Technology Civil Engineering Applied Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering
Faculty Council of Science [21]	Biotechnology Botany Chemistry Computer Science Electronics & Communication Environmental Science Geography Geospatial Science Mathematics Microbiology Molecular Biology & Human Genetics Nutrition & Public health Physics Physiology Psychology Statistics Zoology

University Institute of Technology (UIT)

Main article: University Institute of Technology, Burdwan University

University Institute of Technology, Burdwan University

University Institute of Technology, The University of Burdwan (abbr. UITBU) is a "NAAC A accredited" ^[22] Tier-II (under TEQIP) ^[23] University represents the Faculty of Engineering & Technology(FET), constituent to The University of Burdwan , ^[24] located in Burdwan, West Bengal. It is the only Government Engineering Public University ^[25] located in Purba Bardhaman district. It represents the faculty of Engineering that was at National Institute of Technology, Durgapur ^[26] since its inception. This college was inaugurated in 2001 by the then chief minister of West Bengal Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

Jurisdictions

Burdwan University now serves as an academic hub for over 100 affiliated colleges, with its jurisdiction extending across six districts which are Purulia district, Birbhum district, Paschim Bardhaman district, Bankura district, Purba Bardhaman district and Hooghly district(except the Srirampore subdivision) ^{[27] [28]} .The university’s affiliation ensures that these institutions adhere to a high standard of education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines. Through its affiliation, Burdwan University provides academic guidance, curriculum development, and examination services, ensuring that the quality of education remains consistent and rigorous across all its colleges. This extensive network not only supports the educational needs of the region but also contributes significantly to the cultural and intellectual fabric of Radh Bengal ^[29] . Some of the colleges are listed below:

• Aghorekamini Prakashchandra Mahavidyalaya
• Arambagh Girls' College
• Burdwan Raj College
• Bejoy Narayan Mahavidyalaya
• Birbhum Mahavidyalaya
• Bolpur College
• Galsi Mahavidyalaya
• Government General Degree College, Mangalkote
• Gushkara Mahavidyalaya
• Hooghly Mohsin College
• Hooghly Women's College
• Kabi Joydeb Mahavidyalaya
• Kalna College
• Katwa College
• Maharajadhiraj Uday Chand Women's College
• Mankar College
• Memari College
• Netaji Mahavidyalaya
• Purni Devi Chaudhuri Girls' College
• Syamsundar College
• Tarakeswar Degree College
• Vivekananda Mahavidyalaya
• Kandra Radha Kanta Kundu Mahavidyalaya
• Purbasthali College

Academics

Admission

Burdwan University academic complex, South Gate, Golapbag Campus

For admission into the Undergraduate courses of Faculty Council of Arts, Law & Commerce & Faculty Council of Science, one has to apply in the affiliated colleges which will provide B.A., B.Com., L.L.B., B.Sc. degrees for which Higher Secondary Examination marks is considered for selection. For Postgraduate admission, the general eligibility criteria is to secure a minimum marks for admission to the unreserved seats in all M.A./ M.Sc./ M.Com./ L.L.M. course of studies under Faculty Councils of Science & Arts is 50% at the Honours level in the concerned/relevant subject. ^{[30] [31]}

For admissions to the Engineering courses at the undergraduate level, students are admitted through the WBJEE, ^[32] an entrance examination open to students from all over India. Unlike in a large number of states, there is no domicile quota in BU (or for other engineering colleges admitting students through the WBJEE). Postgraduate students in engineering are admitted through GATE exam ^[33] . ^[34] .

To apply for Ph.D. admission at Burdwan University, candidates must have one of the following qualifications: a 1-year/2-semester master’s degree after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree; a 2-year/4-semester master’s degree after a 3-year bachelor’s degree; or a professional degree equivalent to a master’s degree. Candidates must have at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in the relevant subject. For those applying after a 4-year/8-semester bachelor’s degree with research, a minimum of 75% marks is required. Degrees from foreign institutions must be accredited by an authorized agency in the home country. Also a candidate must pass a 100-mark written entrance test covering Research Methodology and their specific subject, with a minimum score of 50% required to qualify for the final viva voce. A 5% relaxation is available for reserved categories. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree (with coursework) or those who have cleared national-level tests like UGC–NET are exempt from the entrance test. Qualified candidates or those exempt must then attend a 30-mark interview conducted by the university's Doctoral Committee. ^[35] .

Distance education

B.U. administrative complex gate, Rajbati Campus

The University of Burdwan has a Directorate of Distance Education ^[36] (DDE, BU) for conducting post-graduate studies in distance mode. This is for people (mainly workers) who cannot undergo post-graduate studies in regular (full-time) mode. The DDE was established in 1994. Courses of distance education in the university are approved by University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Council.It was the first of its kind in West Bengal. It evolved and developed since its inception and now in 2008 it has a good infrastructure of its own. Situated in the Golapbag Campus, the DDE has a beautiful building of its own. It houses all the administrative departments of the directorate and holds counselling sessions for different courses it runs ^[37] .

Central Library

The Central Library is housed in a two-storey building on the Golapbag campus, centrally located for easy access from all university departments. The library spans approximately 12,000 square feet and operates from 8 am to 7 pm on weekdays, with reduced hours on Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. The library is closed on Sundays. In addition, there are 19 departmental libraries on the Golapbag campus, each affiliated with its respective department.

The library offers consultation services to external scholars, teachers from affiliated colleges, students from other universities, and alumni of Burdwan University, in accordance with the Library Rules. Membership is available to the university's teachers, scholars, students, officers, non-teaching staff, retired personnel, academic staff from affiliated colleges, alumni, and other academicians. Ex-students from other universities, as well as other academicians and teachers from affiliated colleges, can obtain individual membership by presenting proper identification and paying a fee (Rs.100 for ex-students, Rs.2000 for other categories). Members are entitled to library services as per the Library Rules.

The library boasts a collection of 160,000 volumes of books, 30,000 journals, 2,500 theses, and various other materials. It also has a rich selection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, yearbooks, atlases, and directories, which readers can consult to answer their queries. A display board regularly showcases new arrivals. Additionally, the library has an Archival Cell, which currently holds 2,500 items were received from the Burdwan Raj Family Library. ^[38]

Meghnad Saha Planetarium

Meghnad Saha Planetarium

The Meghnad Saha Planetarium, established in 1994, is not only a source of pride for Burdwan but is also perhaps the only planetarium in India operating under the auspices of a university. Equipped with a high-quality projection system and modern technologies, the Planetarium organises shows on the mysteries of the universe, the birth of stars, the motion of planets, aspects of lunar exploration, and other astrophysical phenomena. These shows also introduce viewers to the activities of NASA and the European Space Agency related to space research. The presentations include information about the birth of the Milky Way, our neighbouring galaxy Andromeda Galaxy, the discovery of the mysterious black holes, the evolution of the solar system, comets, and asteroid belts. ^[39]

The Planetarium plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the dangers of environmental pollution and global warming. The irreversible effects of industrial pollution, the depletion of the ozone layer, and the greenhouse effect are contemporary issues that are also addressed in the shows organised by the Planetarium.

University museum and art gallery

Burdwan University Museum and Art Gallery have collections of different antiquities and art objects dating from 1500 BC to the 19th century AD. ^[40] Museum also has collections of stone sculptures bronze figures, ancient coins, brass and alloy, painting of the Indo-European school, terracotta plaques, etc. One can visit the university museum any day (except holidays) during office hours (11 AM to 4 PM).

National rankings

University and college rankings
General – India
NIRF (Overall) (2024) [41]	151-200
NIRF (Universities) (2024) [42]	101-150

Burdwan University ranked 36th among state public university category by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024. ^[43]

Notable alumni and faculties

• Akhil Ranjan Chakravarty, an Indian organic chemist
• Amalendu Chandra, an Indian theoretical physical chemist
• Balaram Mukhopadhyay, an Indian Bengali carbohydrate chemist
• Kamanio Chattopadhyay, an Indian materials engineer
• Minakshi Mukherjee, Indian politician
• Manoj Majee, an Indian plant molecular biologist, biochemist, inventor and a senior scientist
• Riksundar Banerjee, a fiction writer
• Partha Sarathi Mukherjee, an Indian inorganic chemist
• Priyabatra Mukherjee, an American, academic researcher and professor
• Saleh Ali Al-Kharabsheh, the Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
• Somai Kisku, Indian writer in Santali language
• Sudip Chattopadhyay, an Indian developmental biologist, biotechnologist
• Suman Kumar Dhar, an Indian molecular biologist
• Tapas Paul, an Indian actor

See also

• University Institute of Technology (UIT)
• List of universities in India
• List of educational institutions in West Bengal

References

1. List of State Universities, University Grants Commission
2. "AICTE :: Burdwan University".
3. "Demands for Grants 2024-25 :: Finance Department, Gov't of West Bengal" (PDF).
4. "Burdwan University: অবশেষে উপাচার্য পেল বর্ধমান বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, নতুন উপাচার্য হলেন গৌতম চন্দ্র - TSP Bangla". www.tspbangla.com. 4 September 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
5. "Registrar :: University of Burdwan".
6. "NIRF 2024 :: University of Burdwan" (PDF).
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8. "NIRF 2024 :: University of Burdwan" (PDF).
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10. "NIRF 2024 :: University of Burdwan" (PDF).
11. "University of Burdwan :: Government of West Bengal".
12. "Profile::University of Burdwan".
13. "The University of Burdwan Act, 1981" (PDF). wbhed.gov.in. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
14. "Abolition of Zamindari System :: 1st Amendment".
15. "History :: BU".
16. "Administration :: BU".
17. "Vice-Chancellors :: BU".
18. "University of Burdwan :: Burdwan :: West Bengal". burnuniv.ac.in.
19. "Faculty Council of Arts,Law & Commerce :: BU".
20. "Faculty of Engineering & Technolgy :: BU".
21. "Faculty Council of Science :: BU".
22. "NAAC :: University of Burdwan". burnuniv.ac.in.
23. "About UIT".
24. "UIT Burdwan :: University of Burdwan :: West Bengal". burnuniv.ac.in.
25. "Participating Institute :: WBJEE".
26. "NIT Durgapur". nitdgp.ac.in. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
27. "University History". www.buruniv.ac.in. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
28. "Affiliated Colleges to the University of Burdwan". burnuniv.gov.in. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
29. "Affiliated Colleges :: BU" (PDF).
30. "Admission to FCS :: BU" (PDF).
31. "Admission to FCA :: BU" (PDF).
32. "West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board". www.wbjeeb.in. Retrieved 5 September 2019.
33. "BE Admission :: BU".
34. "ME Admission :: BU".
35. "PhD Admission :: BU".
36. Ltd, Aranax Technologies Pvt. "Directorate of Distance Education" . Retrieved 5 September 2019.
37. "Distance Education :: BU".
38. "Library :: BU".
39. "Meghnad Saha Planetarium, University of Burdwan". burnuniv.ac.in. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
40. "Burdwan University Museum and Art Gallery". burnuniv.ac.in. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
41. "National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024 (Overall)". National Institutional Ranking Framework . Ministry of Education. 12 August 2024.
42. "National Institutional Ranking Framework 2024 (Universities)". National Institutional Ranking Framework . Ministry of Education. 12 August 2024.
43. "NIRF 2024 ::State Public University".

External links

• Official website