47% of Our Students Receive Financial Assistance: Ashoka University VC

Ashoka University's Vice Chancellor, Prof Somak Raychaudhary has served as the director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune. With his ongoing duties as Ashoka University's VC, he has been a part of the university's development, and placement sessions of the university. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com; Professor Raychaudhary shared details about the admission, scholarship placement and other details. Read here…..

Q. How to look at the journey of Ashoka University in the past decade of its existence?

Prof Raychaudhary: Started in 2011 with just 58 Young India Fellows, Ashoka University has grown into a vibrant intellectual community of 3,000 students, 5,000+ alumni, and a faculty of global distinction. 

Our academic programs span over 31 disciplines in liberal arts, sciences, and social sciences, fostering intellectual curiosity and holistic development. Students, even at the undergraduate level, actively collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking research, ensuring a learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. The university’s Centers of Excellence—such as the Isaac Centre for Public Policy, the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis, and the InfoEdge Centre for Entrepreneurship—further empower our students to apply their learning to real-world challenges.

Our need-based financial aid program, made possible through collective philanthropy, has empowered over 5,000 students to pursue their goals.  Today, nearly 47% of our students receive financial assistance, awarded based solely on family income, savings, and resources.

This extraordinary growth and success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. With close to 2,500 undergraduate alumni, 2,200 YIF alumni, and a thriving on-campus community of 3,000 students, Ashoka has touched the lives of more than 8,000 individuals, transforming their lives and the people around them. Ashoka’s 10 years have been an extraordinary journey of growth, learning, and innovation and I believe the journey has just begun.

Q. What entrance examinations are accepted for admission to Ashoka University? Does the university conduct its own entrance test for admission?

Prof Raychaudhary: We conduct our own entrance test for admissions. There are two entrance tests that are mandatory for the admission process. On the Spot essay test goes on for roughly 30 minutes and the students have the option to select a topic from the ones given in the test and write an essay on that topic. The other exam is the Ashoka Aptitude test which is a 90-minute test, and it evaluates thinking skills through MCQs and problem-solving questions. The Master’s and postgraduate programs have their specific set of criteria which differs from programme to programme.

Q. What are some flagship courses of Ashoka University? Is the curriculum as per National Education policy? 

Prof Raychaudhary: Ashoka University’s programmes are aligned with NEP’s mission to enhance the quality of education by fostering multidisciplinary learning. Our programs are designed to offer a well-rounded and flexible curriculum, empowering students to explore their interests and excel in diverse fields. In line with the NEP’s vision, we create an environment where students have the freedom and support to thrive.

The Young India Fellowship program (YIF) is our flagship programme that has set up its presence in 16+ countries, it has led to more than 60+ entrepreneurial ventures and our alumni work at reputable corporations such as Google, Deloitte, KPMG and many more. Through YIF we want to create capable individuals who can bring change in the world.

Q. Kindly Brief about the Young India Fellowship programme and its criteria. 

Prof Raychaudhary: The Young India Fellowship (YIF) is Ashoka University’s flagship program—a year-long, residential postgraduate diploma that emphasizes multidisciplinary and holistic learning. Over the past 14 years, the program has nurtured more than 2,300 alumni to date.

Currently, 81% of current Fellows receive partial or full funding, with 60% benefiting from a complete tuition waiver or more. Building on this philanthropic approach, we recently announced that all YIF Fellows in the Class of 2025-26 will receive partial or full scholarships, ensuring greater inclusivity and opportunity for future changemakers.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a recognised undergraduate degree by July 2025 or be a final-year student at the time of application.

Q. How are the placements at Ashoka University? Who are some of the top recruiters?

Prof Raychaudhary: Last year, around 355 students secured placements through our campus recruitment program, with an impressive 59% of these placements going to women. Our graduates received average salary packages between 10 to 12 LPA, with the highest offer reaching 35 LPA.

Esteemed recruiters such as McKinsey & Company, BCG, Bain, HUL, ITC, Deutsche Bank, Kotak, HSBC, Gartner, Fractal Analytics, InfoEdge, and Tata are among the over 250 top organizations that recruit from our campus regularly.

Q. Please tell the programme-wise highest package of the university. Does the placement cell offer assistance for off-campus placement?

Prof Raychaudhary: In the corporate sector, the highest CTC for our 3rd-year undergraduate students reached 23 LPA, while students from the Ashoka Scholars Programme (4-year program) received an impressive highest package of 35 LPA. 

Our Placement Cell provides comprehensive support for students seeking off-campus opportunities, assisting with job search strategies, and resume building, and connecting them with our strong alumni network, ensuring they have the resources to succeed beyond campus placements.

Q. What is the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) at Ashoka University?

Prof Raychaudhary: The Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) at Ashoka University represents a significant step in advancing research and education in public policy, with a focus on fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth for India. Established through a generous grant from the Ajit Isaac Foundation, ICPP will offer an undergraduate program in Economics and Public Policy, designed to equip students with the analytical skills needed to address complex economic and policy challenges.

Q. What is the student-faculty ratio at the university? 

Prof Raychaudhary:  With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, our students benefit from close mentorship and meaningful engagement with their instructors. This ratio ensures ample opportunities for students to learn directly from some of the country’s most distinguished scholars and thought leaders.

Q. Has the university launched any new programme for the academic session 2024? Is the university planning to launch any new programme?

Prof Raychaudhary: Yes, Ashoka University has launched several programmes for the 2024 academic session. The Data Science 2024 program introduces two specialized tracks: Data Science and Analytics for Social Impact and Data Science for Social Impact Management, designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills to address real-world challenges.

The Young Scholars Program (YSP) now offers five dynamic courses, including YSP Economics, Policy and Society (EPS) and YSP Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Impact (ELI), which gives high school students a unique opportunity to experience liberal arts and sciences education at the university level.

For senior management professionals in corporate India, we recently launched the AI Unboxed programme which provides exposure to artificial intelligence and its applications. Moreover, Ashoka is planning to launch the Young India Fellowship program for 2025-26, the admission process for which is already open.

Q. How do you view the role of alumni? Does the university conduct alumni sessions to boost the morale of the current students?

Prof Raychaudhary: Our Alumni Relations Office (ARO) is central to this effort, connecting our alumni with the university in meaningful ways, from helping with admissions and placements to offering internships, mentorships, and scholarships. 

The Ashoka Alumni Association (AAA) is our official body, offering alumni access to a wide range of resources, including networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. With over 5500 members spread across 60 countries, the association offers a platform for alumni to stay engaged and continue growing together. 

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