Central University of Kerala B.A Review By Ardra Unni

The Central University of Kerala (CUK) is one among the 15 Central Universities founded under the Central Universities Act, 2009. This university is having its main campus in the Kasargod district as well as 2 satellite campuses in Thiruvalla and Trivandrum. The university provides for a total of about 30 PG courses and 1 UG course. The main campus is lush-green and exclusively set up for PG courses. The Thiruvalla campus offers masters and Ph.Ds. in Law. Bachelor's in International Relations is offered by the Trivandrum campus. The university is accredited with an NAAC 'A' Grade. This university brings forth academic excellence. CUK renders an environment which catalyzes the overall development of its students. The university caters for all the support the student needs when it comes to activities in academics as well as co-curricular.

Admission in CUK is solely based on ones CUET score (Central Universities Entrance Test). The campus where B.A. in International Relations is provided is termed as the Capital Centre. It is situated in the heart of the Trivandrum City. The Department of B.A. International Relations engages with various consulates premised in Trivandrum as well as in other parts of India. Thereby equipping the students with ample knowledge on the functioning of diplomats and other officials. The department is currently working on a temporary building, but work is undergoing for a permanent building. The MA and Ph.D. programs of the course are placed in the main campus. After doing under graduation, students if they wish can do their MA in International Relations and Politics from the CUK main campus.

In the Trivandrum campus, all the teachers who are teaching core courses are permanent faculties of the campus. The soft-core courses like English and Hindi/ Malayalam are taught by the Guest Faculties. The B.A. students are also given a chance to choose between German and French languages for the first 4 Semesters, as it is compulsory. All the faculties are doctoral degree holders from distinguished universities in India.

The CUK main campus is having placement cells working for the departments of MBA. Other departments are also coming up with various placement cells and camps. The department of International Relations both at the BA and MA level provides internship opportunities across India.

Hostel facilities are available for both the satellite campuses. The main campus in Kasargod is having 3 hostels for boys and 5 hostels for girls. The hostels are well maintained. All the campuses are equipped with libraries and are updated on time. Hostel day celebrations are conducted every year. All the hostels are having areas for indoor games too. Although there is hostel facility, it is availed only on the basis of one’s Merit score.

The CUK campus stretches around 300 acres wide and provides for almost 10- 15 academic blocs. The campus gives separate spaces for refreshments. It also has beautiful evening spots to relax after a stressful day. All the academic blocks are having classrooms with digital boards and screening facilities. Bicycles are also provided to students who need them at a minimal cost to reach their departments on time. Bus services are available in the campus for both day scholars as well as hostellers.

Annual sports meets and Arts festivals are conducted as part of a festival known as “Cankama”. Apart from that, selected participants are also given the chance to participate in “Zonal” as well as the National Level Meets and cultural competitions. My department from the Trivandrum campus was always a part of the Cankama events. The convocation ceremony is conducted annually at the main campus with eminent personalities of the Indian Government addressing the ceremony.