Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi B.A Review By Himali Sood

Three years of undergraduate education at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi have been a transformative experience for me. I chose this university for its inclusive education, diverse perspectives on a variety of issues, and the rigorous academics. While it may not yet seem to compete with older universities in its reputation, its commitment towards nurturing future scholars and providing them with quality education is something for which I would encourage others as well. Another reason to join this university is that, it provides sufficient time to prepare for competitive exams like CUET PG, UPSC, IITJAM, etc.

Academic curriculum is structured and interdisciplinary. For example, as an Economic student if you also have interest in Political Science or Mathematics and want to complement your knowledge further with additional electives, you have freedom to do so. You can expand your knowledge to other courses like Psychology and Sociology as well. AUD provides the freedom to reflect on subjects beyond the core domains. Most of the courses are structured in way that no pre-requisite knowledge is required and students are taught from the basics. Classroom lectures comprise of reflective introduction of the topic, discussion of concepts and the issues concerning that topic and finally again some critical reflections are made. There is also provision of lecture materials through Google classroom. The university lays emphasis over critical thinking and research.

Faculty members are backbone (especially in department of Economics & Psychology). They follow a structured style of teaching. The best thing about faculty of this institute that sets them apart from faculty of other universities is that they are accessible to students beyond the classrooms and are always there to support them with proper guidance. The small batch sizes provide a better student- teacher ratio for interactions.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi is relatively new. Even though there is a placement cell, placement opportunities are still evolving. Placement opportunities for BBA or MBA courses are still better than other courses. Departments are making efforts to connect students for internships and jobs. There is still room for improvement in developing placement networks with industry and alumni. However, students wanting to pursue higher education are supported well through the university curriculum.

Residential facility is fairly basic and limited in capacity. I was a day scholar but what I came to know from my juniors was that the stay is manageable if one is able to secure an accommodation. For those who can't secure accommodation in hostel can look for PGs or other rental alternatives in GTB Nagar or other nearby locations. Hostel infrastructure again is basic. Recreational activities include provision for sports- badminton court, football field, and basketball court.

The Kashmere Gate campus has a unique old architecture that is traditionally aesthetic and soothing. It offers a cozy well-maintained space for learning. The library and reading space is an outstanding and calming feature with provision of an excellent collection of books and journals related to essential subjects. It also has collection of research material. The online facility of e library helps connect all the campuses and other universities as well. It shares the main ground with IGDTUW, and in winters, it is amazing to sit and study outdoors as well. However during Summers the space to study is limited but there are many shaded areas where one can comfortably sit and discuss.

The crowd is diverse and the life of this campus. The crowd comprises of people from different political backgrounds providing a good space to debate. There are people from various gender, religion, regions, and socio economic backgrounds making Ambedkar University a diverse and inclusive university. Being a budding university, it provides amazing opportunity for the cultural societies to use their young and enthusiastic minds to explore, create, and collaborate. It is an opportunity to be part of leaving our own identity amidst all university fests. Unlike the overwhelming societies of prominent universities, students here actually get a chance to work within the core teams, plan and manage and give ideas. Each voice is heard to make a real impact. Therefore, whether you are part of debate, arts, theatre, music, dance or fashion society etc., you have real chance to contribute to shaping the university's name.