Ranked No 3, Mumbai varsity is growing fast

Ranked No 3, Mumbai varsity is growing fast

Established in 1857, the University of Mumbai (MU) is today affiliated with 650 colleges and has more than 6.5 lakh students. One of the biggest in India, MU is now poised to become one of the best, according to a Zee TV-DNA-Ipsos survey. The survey, which is based on many factors, including infrastructure, faculty, quality of education, placement and alumni, has found that MU, which has a presence in five districts, is just third in order of significance, after Delhi University (DU) and Jawarharlal Nehru University (JNU). “But we should not compare University of Mumbai with DU and JNU. JNU is a central university and DU is a state university. But being in Delhi, it is almost enjoying the status of a central university. In that way, I think the University of Mumbai is the No 1 state university in India,” said Dr Abhay Pethe, professor of economics at University of Mumbai. After a rough patch lasting 3-4 years due to an empty vice-chancellor’s post, MU is now on the fast track. In the academic year 2011-12, the university has implemented a credit-based semester system across all the undergraduate courses. The system, covering over 1 lakh students at the first year graduation level, is the largest in India. Research grants have started flowing in again, while the number of fellowships has also increased. Universities of Israel, China, Germany have signed MoUs with the university. Dr Pethe said, “History and reputation has played a bigger role in the University of Mumbai’s rank. Also we have some good affiliated colleges like JBIMS, St Xavier’s, HR and many other others who are doing good work from education to placement. The varsity is being rated on all these factors. However, it still has to improve a lot. We should take this news with a pinch of salt.” “I don’t agree with the survey. I have visited JNU, DU and Pune University many times. They are far ahead in research projects, number of fellowships, quality of education and even their administrative system. The University of Mumbai needs to work hard to reach their level,” said Sanjay Vairal, senate member, University of Mumbai.