Panjab University MBA Review By Sachin Singh

After completing my graduation in engineering from GNA University, MBA seemed more promising to me. I applied for various entrances of premier University but it was PU where I got the admission. I wanted to get out of the state to experience something new. PU though never let me feel that I should have left my state because it was no less than an international experience. Yes, the crowd was 90% from the state itself but still all from well-cultured families and sound backgrounds. I came to Chandigarh with my friends for the round of interviews as it compulsory for MBA admissions. Not only me but many others from small towns who came for the interview were stunned to see the beauty and greenery at the campus. I have never seen such a beautiful campus in my life as I have been to quite a few universities. The beauty of PU prompted me to get the admissions at the earliest and have no second thoughts about it. The University is also quite strict as 5 minutes late and the doors of the classes will be locked. There were 2 guys from Chennai and even they were surprised that even colleges in Chennai are not that strict.

MBA was a completely new ball game for me. After taking science in +2 and then doing engineering, apart from maths there was no other subject which I ever heard of. The classes started at 8 am sharp. Being a nocturnal person waking so early in the winters of Chandigarh was so demanding at times. Also, to make sure that students wake up early the geysers of the hostel provided hot water only till 7 am. This added to my woes but all that never felt like pain because the studies at the University were next level. The course was divided into 4 semesters from July to December and then the next from Jan to June.

South Indians have got some swag because quite a few of our faculty members were south Indians. All from IIMs, XLRI, or SP Jain’s. Also, all of them had a vast teaching experience. They were strict with language as in the classes we were not even allowed to speak in Hindi, forget Punjabi. The faculty made sure that we follow the protocol as they told us that this will help University attract students from other states. There were hardly any and language is obviously the main problem. Faculty member's teaching method and keeping in terms with students was outstanding. If I am allowed, I would pay them to make me study more and more. Yes, they were that brilliant.

Zirakpur near Chandigarh is home to many industries. We were given summer training in some of the most trusted names like Bhushan Power and Steels, Alchem Labs, and many MSMEs. I learned all these terms during my course and now I understand how important it is. The placement scene was good as students with good CGPA got sure-shot placements. Some had to struggle but nearly 50k MSMEs in Chandigarh made sure that the ones who need placements have one at the end of the program. The average placement was around 5 to 6 lakhs. The placements were good and probably the best in Punjab.

Students not from far-flung cities but certainly there were students from all towns and cities of Punjab. Panjab University hostels or the residence halls were inside the campus. There were 9 girls and 8 boys residential halls. All were identical and the Post Graduate students section was block D (Swaroop Bhatnagar Hall) and E (Lala Lajpat Rai). The hostel was strength was 5000 for sure. I will say the University has taken great in providing a beautiful and secure residence to all. The rooms were more than comfortable and double and triple sharing options were available. The three-time food was provided timely but timely. If you fail to go to the Langar Hall (Mess) on time, you will miss the meal. The hostels have some open spaces and 3 gardens in all. All the residential wings rooms had balconies and watching the campus from there made it look even more beautiful.

The University has 2 campuses and our department was in Sector 14 campus. The campus is so huge and has all the facilities from sports to entertainment. The University canteen is open for all and people from far-flung places come and eat there. The food there was so delicious. The sports complex of the University is it’s another USP as we had all the sporting facilities at the campus. Many star sportsmen like Vijender Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Harbhajan Singh, etc. have come and supported the students during the annual sports meet. Gandhi Bhawan which is an auditorium is built on a pond and is one of the most beautiful sights on the campus. The central library was also so huge and has a large stock of books of all disciplines.

If one has to see the most talented students of Punjab they can have a look at PU. Actress Yami Gautam is one of the Panjab University Notable Alumni and one can see the highs that she has reached. Not just actors or singers but the University has also produced many sportsmen. The University won the highest sporting award (MAKA Trophy) of Punjab interstate University many times. The college is not just about study but in exploring other areas of interest as well.