The University of Burdwan: A Prestigious Educational Institution in West Bengal, India. The University of Burdwan, also known as Burdwan University or B.U., is a renowned public collegiate state university located in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.
Established on 15 June 1960 by the West Bengal Government, the university started with six graduate departments and 30 undergraduate colleges spanning across three districts.
Today, it offers more than 30 undergraduate and 66 postgraduate courses, making it a leading educational institution in the region.
History: From Maharaja’s Legacy to Academic Excellence
The establishment of the University of Burdwan is deeply rooted in the history of the region. After the zamindari system ended in the 1950s, the last maharaja of Burdwan, Udaychand Mahtab, bequeathed the entire property of Burdwan to the government of West Bengal.
Inspired by the visionary leadership of the then chief minister, Bidhan Chandra Roy, the idea of establishing a university at the palace premises of the maharaja took shape.
Thus, in 1960, the University of Burdwan came into existence under the guidance of its first vice-chancellor, Sukumar Sen (ICS).
Initially, the university began with the humanities division and later expanded to include science and engineering courses.
Evolution and Jurisdiction
Over the years, the University of Burdwan witnessed changes in its jurisdiction. Initially, it had authority over six districts: Purulia, Birbhum, Paschim Bardhaman, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, and Hooghly (except the Srirampore subdivision).
However, as local universities were established, Burdwan University lost its jurisdiction over the districts of Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Asansol, Durgapur, and Hooghly.
Noteworthy universities such as Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Bankura University, Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay, Kazi Nazrul University, and Rani Rashmoni Green University now cater to the educational needs of these regions.
Organisation and Administration: Promoting Autonomy and Academic Excellence
Burdwan University operates as an autonomous state university. The chancellor of the state of West Bengal holds the position of the university’s chancellor.
The daily administration is overseen by the vice-chancellor, who is appointed by the governor based on the recommendations of the government of West Bengal.
Assisting the vice-chancellor is the pro vice-chancellor, a senior faculty member from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
Faculties and Departments: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The University of Burdwan comprises two faculty councils housing a total of 30 departments, providing a diverse range of academic disciplines for students.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science consists of several departments, including
- Mathematics,
- Physics,
- Chemistry,
- Computer Science,
- Biotechnology,
- Psychology,
- Statistics,
- Geology,
- Environmental Science,
- Anthropology,
- Geography,
- Electronics,
- Biochemistry,
- Nutrition,
- Microbiology,
- Physiology,
- Environmental Science,
- Botany, and
- Zoology
Faculty of Arts and Commerce
The Faculty of Arts and Commerce encompasses various departments, such as
- Bengali,
- English,
- Hindi,
- Sanskrit,
- Arabic,
- Foreign Language,
- Santali,
- History,
- Political Science,
- Economics,
- Philosophy,
- Education,
- Sociology,
- Library and Information Science,
- Mass Communication,
- Physical Education,
- Women’s Studies,
- Tourism Management,
- Tourism,
- Law,
- Commerce, and
- Business Administration
Others
Additionally, the university offers professional courses through the Department of Communicative English, Guidance and Counselling, and Yoga Therapy. It also includes B.Ed, M.Ed, and Special B.Ed programs.
The University Institute of Technology (UIT) is an integral part of the University of Burdwan, representing the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
Established in 2001 by the then chief minister of West Bengal, Shri Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, it was originally located at the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur.
Affiliations: Fostering a Network of Learning
As an affiliating institution, the University of Burdwan exercises its jurisdiction over colleges in the Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, and Hooghly districts (excluding the Srirampore subdivision).
Currently, the university boasts 189 affiliated colleges, including degree colleges, B.Ed colleges, and private professional institutes.
These affiliations further enhance the reach of the university’s educational offerings and ensure a broader access to quality education.
Academics: Fostering Excellence and Inclusivity
Admission Process
To gain admission to the undergraduate engineering faculty, students are required to pass the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE).
This entrance examination is open to students from across India, without any domicile quota for the University of Burdwan or other engineering colleges participating in the WBJEE.
Postgraduate admissions in engineering are conducted through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Distance Education: Expanding Access to Higher Education
Recognizing the need for flexible educational opportunities, the University of Burdwan established the Directorate of Distance Education (DDE, BU) in 1994.
The DDE offers postgraduate courses in distance mode, catering to individuals, particularly working professionals, who are unable to pursue full-time studies.
The distance education courses offered by the university are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Council.
Enriching Experiences Beyond Academics
The University of Burdwan goes beyond traditional academics to provide students with enriching experiences. The Meghnad Saha Planetarium, established in 1944, operates under the university and remains the only planetarium in India associated with a university.
It offers captivating shows on various aspects of astronomy and astrophysics, utilizing modern technologies to explore the wonders of the universe.
Additionally, the university houses the Burdwan University Museum and Art Gallery, which exhibits a wide range of antiquities, art objects, sculptures, coins, paintings, and terracotta plaques, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage.
Accreditation and Recognition: A Testament to Quality Education
In the realm of university rankings, the University of Burdwan holds a respectable position. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2021, it was ranked 85th among universities in India, further solidifying its reputation as an esteemed educational institution.
In conclusion, the University of Burdwan stands as a prestigious center of learning in West Bengal, India. With its rich history, diverse faculties, and academic offerings, the university continues to shape the lives of countless students and contribute to the intellectual and cultural development of the region.
FAQs
Q: How was the University of Burdwan established?
A: The university was established in 1960 by the West Bengal Government, utilizing the property left by the last maharaja of Burdwan.
Q: What are the faculties offered at the University of Burdwan?
A: The university comprises the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts and Commerce, covering a wide range of academic disciplines.
Q: How many affiliated colleges does the University of Burdwanhave?
A: The University of Burdwan currently has 189 affiliated colleges, including degree colleges, B.Ed colleges, and private professional institutes.
Q: Does the University of Burdwan offer distance education programs?
A: Yes, the university has a Directorate of Distance Education that offers postgraduate courses in distance mode, catering to the needs of working professionals and others unable to pursue full-time studies.
Q: What unique facilities are available at the University of Burdwan?
A: The university houses the Meghnad Saha Planetarium, the only planetarium in India associated with a university. It also has a museum and art gallery showcasing antiquities, sculptures, paintings, and more.
Official Website: https://buruniv.ac.in/