Things to Consider While Choosing Best Universities in India

Choosing one among the best universities in India for furthering academics is as exciting as motivating. However, the challenge to make educated decisions casts a pall over the mood. The overwhelming number of universities available and the fancy sales pitches they offer make the task all the more intricate. In such a scenario, conducting due diligence is an essentiality. The caveat here is that due diligence is always a time and effort intensive affair. The aspirant has to scurry innumerable web pages to access, read and compare universities, the courses they offer, and an array of other key specifications that are central to making pragmatic decisions. Contrary to the general perception, zeroing in on an appropriate university is not that a big deal provided you consider the following aspects: 

• Right Accreditation:

The degree that you wish to earn has to hold some credence among the recruiter community. After all, the majority of Indian students go through the degree ordeal only to end up with a stable job. Though India has in excess of 300 state, central, deemed, and private universities, not many have the right accreditations. The degrees they offer may not hold any value when you are about to enter the labour market and hence, your employability is the first casualty. Your years of toil and expenses involved will go down the drain, which is neither acceptable nor desirable. Moreover, accreditation serves as a guarantee for quality education and great learning. The best universities in India have certifications from the Ministry of Human Resources and other independent bodies like NAAC, NBA, UGC, and AICTE. These bodies monitor and evaluate the university’s integral processes redundantly by ways of auditing and visitations. Therefore, the significance of accreditations cannot be undermined when it comes to choosing the right university. 

• Right Location:

The location has to be a parameter when choosing a university to pursue your higher education. The majority of Indian students have an inclination for nearby campuses for sheer convenience they bring in. Students find it easy to commute to campuses and back home. In addition, the cordiality of the place, the weather they are familiar with, and the bliss of living with their families also serve as motivating factors. However, there are students who think otherwise. These students are willing to sacrifice the convenience in favour of better learning experiences offered by the best universities in India located in distant lands. They are willing to bear the expenses and hassles involved in relocation. If you belong to the latter category, visiting the campus is advisable. The idea here is to gain a proper insight into the amenities that the campus has to offer, along with the internship opportunities that the companies in the surrounding can provide.

• Costs Involved:

Higher education in India does involve expenses. Besides tuition fees, you need to incur expenses on course books, study material, accommodation, and food. Your interests in extracurricular activities and sports will also involve money. However, the price tag varies drastically. The best universities in India, especially the private ones, charge exorbitantly for their courses and amenities they offer. Given the grants they receive, the government universities offer subsidised courses without compromising on the quality. Moreover, several reputable universities and institutions reach out to students with loans, grants, and scholarships to depreciate the financial burden. It is up to you to determine your paying capacity and shortlist universities and courses that do not requisite to go overboard with your budget. The abundance of credible resources online will help your cause big time. 

• Types of Degrees Available:

Even joining one of the best universities in India will be inconsequential if it fails to offer a course of your choosing. After all, your true passion matters. Therefore, the rational thing here is to go through the list of courses the university that you intend to join offers. In an unlikely event, you fail to find it elsewhere, prefer talking to the university’s admissions office. Ask them the type of curriculum, duration of the degree, and eligibility requirements to be on the safe side. The information you thus receive is more likely to be accurate enough to help make the right enrolment decisions. However, travelling to other cities in pursuit of a degree of your liking is not a bad idea, provided you have the desired income stream and not many family obligations.

• Campus Life:

Student life is not all about incessant toil, as social life is equally important. When you depart from the campus scene, the people you befriended and memories you created will travel along. As well, the soft skills that you acquire via extracurricular activities will enhance your résumé and keep you poised for professional and personal growth. The best universities in India are a home to numerous special interest organisations that boost your personal development. The student governing bodies, activities planning councils, and honour societies help you imbibe and develop leadership skills that are in demand among the recruiter community. Meant to develop a team spirit, never-say-die approach, and sports activities are also a permanent fixture across all credible institutions. Apparently, ascertaining the campus life on offer at the institution of your preference is crucial. You can either speak to the institute’s alumni to gain the desirable information or do what everyone is doing – exploring information online.

• Recruiters’ Interest:

A degree, for most Indian students, is an entry point for a successful career. Students are eager to enter labour markets as soon as they are done with the degree. Therefore, it is crucial to find out how a university and its students fare when it comes to campus placements. The best universities in India and prestigious institutes like the IITs, NITs, and IIMs attract top companies wanting to enhance and diversify their talent pool. It will be in your best interest to check the placement record of a particular university prior to making enrollment decisions. The university you prefer should have a well-insulated and resourceful placement cell that can guide you to great placements.

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