West Bengal State University

West Bengal State University: Empowering Education in West Bengal. West Bengal State University (WBSU) is a prestigious public university located in Berunanpukuria, North 24 Paraganas, West Bengal, India.

Established in 2007 through an Act of the Legislative Assembly, WBSU has become a significant educational institution in the region.

This article will delve into the history, campus, organization, administration, faculties, and departments of the university, highlighting its contributions to higher education in West Bengal.

History: A Long-standing Public Demand Fulfilled

The Government of West Bengal, responding to a persistent public demand, enacted West Bengal Act XXVIII, 2007, to establish the West Bengal State University at Barasat, North 24 Paraganas. The university commenced its operations in the academic session of 2008–09.

Previously, 63 colleges were affiliated with the University of Calcutta until they were transferred to WBSU via a government notification (No.300-Edn (U)/ IU-38/08) on May 26, 2008.

Professor Ashoke Ranjan Thakur, the former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, served as the first Vice-Chancellor of WBSU.

Campus and Location: Serene Surroundings for Holistic Learning

The university is situated in Berunanpukuria, a remote village in the North 24 Parganas district, approximately 7 km away from Barasat city. Spread across 29 acres, the campus offers a peaceful and conducive environment for academic pursuits.

Away from the bustling city life, WBSU provides students with a serene setting where they can focus on their studies and personal growth.

Organization and Administration: Ensuring Effective Governance

As per the university’s governance structure, the Governor of West Bengal serves as the ex-officio Chancellor, while the Vice-Chancellor holds the position of the chief executive officer.

In 2021, Mahua Das was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Her leadership brings a fresh perspective and vision to WBSU, enhancing its academic and administrative endeavors.

List of All Vice-Chancellors

1. Prof. Ashoke Ranjan Thakur
2. Prof. Kaushik Gupta
3. Prof. Chanchal Kumar Basu
4. Prof. Basab Chaudhuri
5. Prof. Mahua Das (2021 – Incumbent)

Faculties and Departments: A Multidisciplinary Approach

West Bengal State University houses 30 departments, organized into three faculty councils, offering a diverse range of courses. Let’s explore the faculties and departments of WBSU:

Faculty of Science

• Anthropology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Biochemistry
• Psychology
• Geography
• Rural Studies
• Electronics
• Food and Nutrition
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Economics
• Botany
• Zoology
• Physiology

Faculty of Arts

• Bengali
• English
• Hindi
• Sanskrit
• Urdu
• Arabic
• History
• Political Science
• Philosophy
• Education
• Sociology
• Library Science
• Film Studies
• Journalism

Faculty of Commerce and Management

• Commerce
• Business Administration

Affiliations: Strengthening the Educational Network

WBSU functions as an affiliating institution, encompassing all 55 colleges (including undergraduate, postgraduate, and B.Ed. colleges) from the North 24 Parganas district that were previously affiliated with the University of Calcutta.

As of April 2020, WBSU has 49 affiliated colleges and 5 B.Ed. colleges under its purview. Among these, eight colleges have earned NAAC accreditation with an A-grade, and 19 colleges offer postgraduate courses, ensuring quality education throughout the region.

Academics: Opening Doors to Knowledge

Admission to undergraduate courses at WBSU is based on the results of the higher secondary (10+2) examination.

For postgraduate and doctoral degree programs, candidates are required to take an entrance exam (written test/interview) conducted by the university or any national-level exam related to their respective subjects, as specified by the University Grants Commission.

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Library: A Hub of Learning Resources

The university boasts a well-equipped library on the first floor of its main building, often referred to as the “Central library of WBSU.” Under the guidance of Dr. Sushanta Banerjee, the current Librarian, this repository of knowledge offers access to a vast collection of resources:

• Number of books: 29,000 (approx)
• Number of journals: 20 (approx)
• Number of reference books: 500 (approx)

Accreditation: Recognized for Excellence

WBSU is duly recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 12B of the UGC Act. Additionally, the university received accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on February 23, 2021.

These accreditations serve as a testament to the university’s commitment to delivering quality education and fostering academic growth.

In conclusion, West Bengal State University plays a vital role in empowering education in West Bengal. With its rich history, serene campus, robust organizational structure, multidisciplinary faculties, extensive affiliations, and focus on academic excellence, WBSU continues to shape the future of countless students.

Through its dedication to providing a holistic learning experience, WBSU remains a beacon of knowledge and opportunity in the state of West Bengal.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

For more information and to explore the opportunities at West Bengal State University, visit their official website: https://wbsu.ac.in/