University of Mysore M.A Review By Shreedipta Biswas

I always wanted to study History, particularly Archaeology. These subjects have always fascinated me. This is why I chose Ancient History and Archaeology as my post graduate subject. I was preparing for the CUET PG examination when I went through the website of the University of Mysore. I was unable to crack the examination, so I applied here. I was able to clear the entrance test and register myself as a student in this university. To be honest, I didn't want to have a gap year that is why as soon as I saw the opportunity I took it. The university is not in the main city, so it is calm and peaceful. People here are great. They help the students in times of need. The university also provides good exposure to the students in their respective fields. More details are available on the university’s website.

To apply in this university, one must clear his/her bachelor's degree from their respective colleges. One should at least score 55% aggregate in their subject. There are no requirements. Students can apply from different fields in the course. Admissions are held in the month of August and a certain fee is paid for the application form. There are reservations for the seats. After registration, the entrance exam is held. The syllabus and previous year question papers are uploaded on the website. The questions are in MCQ format and it is not that hard. After clearing the exam, the final process is to submit your original and photocopied documents to the office.

The faculty is great in this department. We have four teachers; one of them is the chairman. The teachers have acquired their Ph.Ds. The teachers and other office staffs are quite helpful. They provide notes regarding their subjects both in English and Kannada. They are cooperative and approachable when students face any problems. The syllabus is always finished on time and revision is done. The teachers except a few teach in their native language making it hard for students from other states to understand and communicate.

I am not aware of the placement cell in this university. The subject, Ancient History and Archaeology is interconnected to all other fields from Science to Social Studies. In my knowledge, to ace this field one has to pass the NET exam. On the other hand he/she should also complete their Ph.D. There is an institution under ASI that trains the students in this field work and provides them a diploma.

We have three hostels; one for the ladies, gents and international students only. I do not know much about the hostel. After admission, the website announces admissions for the hostels. One must be up to date with the website to apply for the hostel. A certain number of students are chosen for the hostels. I have heard that their rooms are not so good and clean. The food is not good too. The students have time restrictions for entering and exiting the hostel. The hostel admission takes place annually.

This university is large; it has an auditorium, library, canteen, amphitheater, department buildings and a playground. The central library is equipped with almost all the books related to the different departments. They also provide daily newspapers, magazines and journals. The library has a computer laboratory too. The canteen is open for all, with edible arrangements of food. The playground is on red soil, where frequent sports activities are organised. Students participate in sports as well as functions held in the auditorium. The departments are also well equipped with ventilated classrooms. The desks are kept in a good condition. Projectors are equipped in all classrooms. There are laboratory as well. Each department has their own library and seminar hall. The seminar hall in my department is not that big though. This university has well connected Wi-Fi facilities for all the departments.

The University of Mysore organises sports activities and programs. Different departments also organises such activities, which students can participate in. Sports activities are frequently held. They play cricket, football, throwball, volleyball and more. Similarly, annual functions are held in the auditorium. We have fests, where celebrities come to perform in the amphitheater. Festivals and special days like Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti are celebrated. Students also perform in flash mobs near the clock tower.