Know All about Central University of Odisha- Courses, Scholarships, Rankings, FAQ, Review

Central University of Odisha, established under the Central Universities Act, of 2009 by the Parliament, is a relatively new university in India. The University is accredited by the NAAC and approved by the UGC. It is located in the picturesque district of Koraput in Odisha and spreads across an area of 430 acres. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in various specializations through its 14 departments. The University provides merit-based and need-based scholarships to deserving candidates with the scholarship amount ranging from INR 60,000 to INR 96,000.

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In this article, we will take a closer look at the University’s course offerings, scholarships, and more.

COURSES & FEES

SCHOLARSHIP

The Central University of Odisha provides various scholarships to students pursuing different academic programs. These scholarships are awarded as per the guidelines of the UGC and Government provisions. The university offers scholarships to eligible students on the basis of their academic performance and financial need.

Some of the CUO scholarships provided as freeships include the UGC-funded Non-NET fellowships for visually challenged students, an MPhil scholarship of INR 5,000 for two semesters, and a Ph.D. fellowship of INR 8,000 for six semesters from the date of admission. The scholarships provided by the Central University of Odisha help deserving students to pursue their academic goals without any financial burden.

RANKING

The Central University of Odisha has secured the 20th rank among all the central universities in India in the latest rankings released by the Ministry of Education. Despite being a relatively new university, CUO has performed well and outperformed some of the well-established central universities in the country.

The evaluation was based on key parameters fixed under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2019-20, and all universities were required to sign a tripartite with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and University Grants Commission (UGC) for continuous evaluation. CUO scored 171.8 marks out of 283.5, which is 61% of the total score. The ranking is a testament to the university's commitment to excellence in academics and research and is expected to boost its reputation and attract more students and faculty in the future.

PROS

Academic Excellence: Central University of Odisha has an excellent reputation for academic excellence, with highly qualified and experienced faculty members who offer a world-class education to students. The university is dedicated to providing an education that is both comprehensive and challenging, and it offers a diverse range of academic programs that cater to the needs and interests of students.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance: The university offers various scholarships and financial assistance schemes to students who face economic challenges. These scholarships help to reduce the financial burden of students and enable them to focus on their studies without worrying about the cost of education. Additionally, the university also provides financial support to students for research projects and other academic pursuits.

Well-Equipped Library and Laboratories: The Central University of Odisha has a well-equipped library and laboratories, providing students with access to the latest resources and technology. The library has a vast collection of books, journals, and research papers, while the laboratories are equipped with modern equipment and tools that enable students to perform experiments and research with ease.

Student Diversity: The university boasts a diverse student population, with students from different regions, backgrounds, and cultures. This diverse environment enables students to learn from each other, gain a broader perspective, and develop cross-cultural skills that will be beneficial in their professional careers.

Extracurricular Activities: The university encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and social service initiatives. These activities help students to develop their leadership and interpersonal skills, enhance their creativity and innovation, and provide them with a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom.

CONS

Location: The university is located in a relatively remote area of Odisha, which can be a challenge for students who prefer to live in more urban environments. The lack of nearby amenities and entertainment options may also be a disadvantage for students looking for a vibrant campus life.

Limited Course Offerings: While the university offers several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the variety of courses is relatively limited compared to other universities. This can be a drawback for students who are looking for more specialized fields of study or who are interested in pursuing interdisciplinary programs.

Infrastructure: Despite being a central university, the infrastructure of Central University of Odisha is not up to the mark. The campus lacks basic amenities like well-equipped labs, modern classrooms, and a well-stocked library. This can be a major disadvantage for students who are looking for a high-quality education experience.

Placement Opportunities: The university does not have a well-established placement cell, which can be a concern for students who are looking for job opportunities after completing their degree programs. The lack of industry partnerships and collaborations can also limit the exposure of students to the job market.

Limited Research Opportunities: Although the university has several departments dedicated to research, the opportunities for research and innovation may be limited compared to other institutions. This can be a disadvantage for students who are interested in pursuing research-based careers or who want to develop their research skills.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the various departments offered by the Central University of Odisha?

The Central University of Odisha offers 14 departments across various streams such as Humanities, Science, Management, and Education. These departments include English, Hindi, Odia, Sociology, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Education, Journalism, and Mass Communication, etc.

Does the Central University of Odisha offer any scholarships?

Yes, the Central University of Odisha offers various scholarships and freeships to its students as per the provisions of UGC and the Government. These scholarships include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and non-NET fellowships for visually challenged students. MPhil and PhD scholars are also eligible for fellowships.

What is the campus size of the Central University of Odisha?

The Central University of Odisha has a campus size of 430 acres which is spread across the state of Odisha. The university has a serene and peaceful environment with modern infrastructure facilities such as an auditorium, library, sports facilities, and computer labs.

What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the Central University of Odisha?

The eligibility criteria for admission to the Central University of Odisha varies depending on the course and level of study. Generally, candidates are required to have a minimum of 50% marks in their qualifying examination. Candidates also need to clear the entrance exam conducted by the university for admission to various courses.

What are the placement opportunities provided by the Central University of Odisha?

The Central University of Odisha has a dedicated placement cell that works towards providing placement opportunities to its students. The university has collaborations with various reputed organizations and industries that provide internships and placement opportunities to the students. The average package offered to the students is around INR 4-5 lakhs per annum.

What are the facilities provided by the Central University of Odisha?

The Central University of Odisha offers a range of facilities to its students such as a well-equipped library, computer labs, sports facilities, hostels for both boys and girls, medical facilities, a cafeteria, and Wi-Fi connectivity across the campus.

Does Central University of Odisha have any collaborations with foreign universities?

Yes, the Central University of Odisha has collaborations with several foreign universities to enhance academic and research opportunities for its students and faculty. Some of the international collaborations of CUO include partnerships with the University of Glasgow, Scotland; the University of Warsaw, Poland; and the University of Tromso, Norway.

What is the medium of instruction at Central University of Odisha?

The medium of instruction at the Central University of Odisha is primarily English. However, students are encouraged to learn other regional languages to enhance their cultural understanding and to better connect with the local community.

 NOTABLE ALUMNI

As a relatively new university, the Central University of Odisha is yet to establish a network of notable alumni. Compared to its peers, which were established around the same time, it may appear to be lagging behind in this regard. However, given its commitment to providing quality education and producing skilled graduates, it is only a matter of time before the university produces noteworthy alumni who will make significant contributions in their respective fields.

With the university's growing reputation and emphasis on research, the future looks bright for the Central University of Odisha in terms of producing notable alumni who will bring prestige and recognition to the institution.

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