M.A. in Public Administration 

at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar

The University conducts an entrance test for admission to the MA programme. Candidates seeking admission are required to take the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET). Further, the university shortlists students on the basis of scores secured in the entrance test and releases a merit list. The merit list students can further take admission by paying the required amount of fees to confirm their seat. 

Yes, Utkal University accepts admission based on entrance exam scores for many of the programmes. Given below are the eligibility criteria and accepted entrance exams for some of the courses offered at Utkal University:

MBA: For admission to the MBA programme at Utkal University, candidates are required to have valid scores in CPET/ CAT/ MAT/ CMAT/ XAT/ ICAR-AIEEA PG/ TISSNET/ UMAT exam. Candidates based on valid scores in any of the aforementioned entrance exams will be shortlisted for the Personal Interview (PI) round.

BSc: Candidates seeking admission to the BSc programme at Utkal University must have passed class 12 in the Science stream. The university inducts candidates for the BSc programme based on marks in the qualifying examination, i.e. class 12.

B.Ed: Candidates willing to be admitted to the B.Ed programme at Utkal University must possess a bachelor’s degree and should appear for the Career and Entrance examination conducted by the university.

{Source: M.Sc. students & alumni}

Here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Excellent Faculty: Faculty members are highly qualified, knowledgeable, and helpful.
* Good Curriculum: Relevant and industry-ready curriculum that prepares students for jobs.
* Infrastructure: Good infrastructure, laboratories, libraries, and hostels with Wi-Fi facilities.
* Placement Opportunities: Although no direct placements are offered, students have successful placements in industries like pharmaceuticals, medicine, and research institutions.
* High Package: the highest packages range from INR8 Lacs to INR20 Lacs per annum.

Cons:

* Limited Industry Exposure: Not a technical institution, so limited exposure to practical industry projects.
* No Direct Placements: Placement opportunities are indirect, requiring students to crack competitive exams.
* Moderate Hostel Food: Quality of food in hostels is considered moderate.

Conclusion:
While M.Sc. at Utkal University may not have direct placement offers, the university excels in providing a good education, excellent faculty, and decent infrastructure. With 70-80% placement rates and high packages, it can be considered a worthwhile investment for those interested in pursuing careers in related fields. However, prospective students should weigh their options carefully considering the limitations mentioned above.

{Source: M.Com students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from current students and alumni, here's a summary of what they had to say:

* Faculty: The faculty members are experienced and knowledgeable, with a mix of traditional and modern approaches to teaching. However, some students mentioned that the faculty could benefit from incorporating more innovative teaching methods.
* Course Curriculum: The curriculum is relevant to the UGC NET syllabus, making it suitable for those interested in pursuing further research.
* Internships: An internship programme is mandatory for second-year students, providing hands-on experience in industries such as finance and banking.
* Placement Opportunities: While most students pursue higher education, the placement record is satisfactory, with top companies visiting the campus. Salary packages range from INR2.50 Lacs per annum to INR5 Lacs per annum.
* Infrastructure and Facilities: The university has excellent infrastructure, including air-conditioned classrooms, hostels, and a well-equipped computer lab. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled, and medical facilities are readily available.
* Student Life: Student organizations and cultural programs are regularly organized, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students.
* Scholarship Opportunities: Postgraduate students are eligible for various scholarships offered by the university.

In conclusion, while Utkal University may have some room for improvement, particularly in terms of faculty innovation and placement opportunities, overall, it seems to be a good institution for pursuing a Master's in Commerce (M.Com). With its experienced faculty, relevant curriculum, and decent placement record, Utkal University can be a viable option for those seeking a solid education in commerce.

Recommendation: Utkal University appears to be a good choice for students interested in pursuing an M.Com degree. However, prospective students should weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering factors such as faculty innovation, placement opportunities, and scholarship availability before making a decision.

{Source: B.Com students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's what we've gathered:

Pros:

* Good placement opportunities: Many companies like Tata, Infy, Birla, and more visit the campus for recruitment, offering competitive salaries ranging from INR40,000 to INR50,000 per month.
* Experienced faculty: The faculty members are knowledgeable and experienced, providing quality education and helping students prepare for their futures.
* Infrastructure: The university has a large campus with modern amenities, including digitalized classrooms, computer labs, and a library with a vast collection of books.
* Extracurricular activities: Various cultural programs, seminars, and workshops are organized throughout the year, allowing students to engage in various hobbies and develop their soft skills.
* Scholarships: The university offers scholarships to meritorious students, making it easier for them to pursue higher education.
* Cleanliness and hygiene: The campus is maintained cleanly and hygienically, ensuring a comfortable learning environment.

Cons:

* Limited emphasis on practical knowledge: While the university focuses on theoretical aspects, some students felt that practical experience could be improved.
* Fewer campus drives for core companies: Although many companies visit the campus, the number of campus drives for core companies might be limited compared to other institutions.
* Limited resources: While the university has a decent library, some students mentioned that the resource availability could be increased.

Overall, pursuing B.Com at Utkal University seems worthwhile considering its strong reputation, experienced faculty, and good placement record. However, students should weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider factors like their personal preferences, career goals, and expectations.

Here are the key takeaways:

* Job prospects: Good placement opportunities with competitive salaries (INR40,000 - INR50,000/month)
* Education quality: Experienced faculty, quality education, and preparation for future careers
* Infrastructure: Modern campus with digitalized classrooms, computer labs, and a well-stocked library
* Extracurricular activities: Opportunities for cultural programs, seminars, and workshops
* Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships available for deserving students
* Cleanliness: Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards on campus

Note: These points summarize the key highlights from the student and alumni reviews. For more detailed insights, please read the entire text.

 The university offers various courses through its different departments. Admission to the courses is merit and entrance-based. Moreover, the application process is carried out in online mode. Candidates who meet the course-specific eligibility criteria can apply by visiting the university's official website (utkaluniversity.nic.in). Students are shortlisted based on scores on the respective entrance exam and called for further admission rounds (if any). Selected students can confirm their seats by paying the required fee.

To get admission to PG courses at Utkal University, candidates must fulfil the minimum eligibility requirements for the respective courses. The eligibility criteria may differ for all courses at Utkal University. Find below the required percentage for some of the popular PG courses of Utkal University:

 

Course	Eligibility
MBA	Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with an aggregate of 50% (45% for SC/ST)
B.Ed	UG degree with minimum 50-55% aggregate
MSc	BSc/BSc (H) degree or an equivalent with minimum 55% aggregate
MCA	UG degree in BCA or equivalent with minimum 50% aggregate

{Source: BCA students & alumni}

Here's a summary of the key points:

Pros:
* Quality education: Students praise the teaching quality, saying it's "super awesome" and that teachers are knowledgeable and helpful.
* Relevant curriculum: The course curriculum is 60-70% relevant to the industry, making it useful for career growth.
* Campus life: The campus is green, and there are regular events and fests, such as Hindu festivals, tech fests, and cultural programs.
* Friendly atmosphere: Students appreciate the supportive environment, stating that everyone, including seniors and faculty members, forms a close-knit community.
* Scholarship opportunities: Merit-based scholarships are available to eligible students.

Cons:
* Limited on-campus placement: While some companies visit the campus, the majority of students find internships and jobs through off-campus efforts.
* Placement variability: Placement packages vary, ranging from INR2.5 LPA to INR3.8 LPA, depending on the company.
* No internship program: Currently, there is no formal internship programme in place.

Overall, while Utkal University's BCA programme has its limitations, it appears to provide a solid foundation in software development, data analysis, and related fields. With hard work and dedication, students can leverage these skills to secure decent placement opportunities.

Keep in mind that the placement scene might improve with time, as the university continues to develop its infrastructure and relationships with potential employers. For those interested in pursuing a dual degree (BCA + MCA), Utkal University offers a unique opportunity to complete both degrees in five years at a relatively lower cost compared to other institutions.

Ultimately, whether it's worth pursuing BCA at Utkal University depends on individual goals, priorities, and circumstances. We recommend weighing the pros and cons carefully and considering factors like placement trends, course relevance, and campus culture before making an informed decision.

{Source: MCA students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from current and former students, here's what we've gathered:

Pros:

* Friendly and Knowledgeable Faculty: Students praise the teachers' helpfulness, qualifications, and ability to make complex concepts simple.
* Good Infrastructure: The college has modern classrooms, laboratories, and a library with updated resources.
* Variety of Events and Festivals: The department organizes numerous cultural, literary, and sporting events throughout the year, creating a lively atmosphere.
* Scholarship Opportunities: The university offers scholarships to deserving students, making education more accessible.
* Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The course covers essential topics and skills, preparing students for the corporate world.

Cons:

* Limited Placements: While some students have been placed in reputed companies, others have reported difficulties finding employment after graduation.
* Off-Campus Placement Challenges: Although the university's placement cell assists students in securing jobs, the process can be lengthy and unpredictable.
* Lack of Internship Programs: Currently, there are no internship programs available in the department, limiting hands-on experience for students.

Conclusion:
While MCA at Utkal University offers many strengths, such as its faculty, infrastructure, and event scene, it faces challenges in terms of placements and internship opportunities. However, the programme still provides valuable learning experiences and prepares students for the corporate world. Ultimately, whether MCA at Utkal University is "worth the investment" depends on individual goals and priorities.

Utkal University accepts NEET PG exam scores for admission to various MD and MS specialisations offered by the institute. Utkal University NEET PG Cutoff 2024 was released for different categories under the All India quota. Among the General All India category candidates, the cutoff ranks were closed between 629 and 101740. Therefore, there is a high possibility of getting admission into the college at 15000 rank in NEET PG. The table below consists of the last-round closing ranks for the General AI category to help students in the choice of specialisation:

Course	2024
MD in Community Medicine	12601
MD in Anaesthesiology	10529
MD in Bio-Chemistry	62721
MD in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology	58080
MD in General Medicine	659
MD in Microbiology	27264
MD in Paediatrics	1791
MD in Pathology	11201
MD in Pharmacology	53463
MD in Physiology	70749
MD in Radiology	629
MD in Radiotherapy	12314
MD in Pulmonary Medicine	4489
MD in Anatomy	101740
MS in Obstetrtics and Gynaecology	3370
MS in Ophthalmology	7704
MS in General Surgery	5449
MS in Orthopaedics	2451
MD in Immuno Haematology and Blood Transfusion	9115