PAU Ludhiana University: From Agricultural Engineering to Campus Life

The overall experience is great. The atmosphere is connected to nature due to its greenery, providing a clean look to the university. The infrastructure is considerable, as the main building is divided into two segments, one is PG building and other one is UG building, which consists of classrooms, labs and other supporting staff offices and academic branch. I choose this university due to its close proximity from my hometown and interest in agricultural sciences. Moreover the university has a lot more to offer just than the education. It exposes us to a vast crowd which belongs to other states. The main difference of this university, compared to other technical universities is not too much significant, it’s just the alumni network and placement cells of the university are very active and have huge participation in events.

The course I chose was Agricultural Engineering. The main motive for that was I personally didn’t wanted to enter the Computer sciences, as agriculture is more relatable subject for me. The entrance test was CET, which is entry level examination to get admission in Punjab Agricultural University. For admission, the entrance exam considered were both JEE and CET. The admissions were invited on the basis of merit and marks of 12th standard as well as performance in competitive exams. The admission process is rather not too complex, the student receives a call from academic branch of the university, after which the student has to reach the university to complete the formalities. The exam pattern is a thing that Punjab Agricultural University needs to work upon. Per semester around 8-9 courses are added to the curriculum, and exams are divided into four segments; Hourly examination, which consists of the syllabus covered in 1st month, Mid terms: which have syllabus till 3 months and end terms which compiles the syllabus of entire year. Practical are also performed for the end term evaluation. In my opinion, the courses that are taught after 2nd year serves more real life applications. The experiential learning program and internships offered in 3rd year help in personal as well as professional development of the students.

The fees of the entire course sums up to Rs. 8,00,000 for 4 years, bringing the cost of Rs. 50,000 per semester for the day scholars, and the fees for hostellers, including mess fees and other facilities comes up to Rs. 67,000. The tuition fee is around Rs. 47,000 and the registration fees for the first semester bring the grand total to Rs. 90,000 fees for the first semester. Also, each sem 5% hike is expected and added to the final sum. The other charges which are one time payments are for university library card, wifi card and medical card. For SC/ST students, the fees are negligible as they have to pay only 5-6 thousand per semester. Many scholarships are also provided for the students with poor economic background or the merit basis. For merit basis, the students are awarded in 1st and 3rd year, at the condition of highest marks in the class for that academic year. The fees structure, though need to be review as the facilities provided lack the value for what students pay.

The faculty members are highly educated and qualified for the role they have been given. The teachers are highly cooperative and helpful. The teachers have extremely proficient education qualifications and the methods of teaching are appreciated. The pattern for classroom is same to teach the topic, which is being taught on blackboard. The classrooms are also provided with the projectors and smart class equipment, so the students can also see the things virtually and learn more efficiently. The doubt session is there at the last of majority of lectures, where students can ask their doubts and clarify them. The teacher student ratio is extremely good, as there are always teachers available to help on topics we stumble upon. Moreover, the teachers are highly approachable and responsive towards the students.

The Punjab Agricultural University offers residential facilities, both for the students as well as the faculties of the university. The different colonies are built for the professors and the faculty members. For the students, there are total of 15 hostels, which have both under graduate as well as post graduate students. The total number of rooms is around 300-350 per hostel. The boys and girls hostel, obviously are separated and are guarded well. The mess food quality depends upon the hostel; many hostels have an excellent mess, while others complain for the same. The hostel fees, as i am a day scholars is not known to me, but it adds up Rs. 15,000- Rs. 20,000 per semester in semester fees. The hostel timings for girls are 7pm in winters and 8pm in summers, while the boy’s hostel has flexible timings. The hostel rooms though need a renovation due to its old construction and other problems.

Punjab Agricultural University has two main buildings, one being the Undergraduate building where all the classes and labs are situated, and the other one being is the post graduate building where majority of professor’s office and other department’s offices are located. The size of campus is huge, and it is located at the back side of Punjab Agricultural University. It has 2 entrances. The classrooms are large and can accommodate around 70-80 students per classroom. The classrooms have fans and air conditioners as well. The cafeteria is there. It serves a simple menu to the students. The good part for the infrastructure is greenery and the lawns located within the university campus.

Overall campus experience was average, as the coursework is highly hectic and students rarely get time to enjoy their time in degree. The university crowd is a mixed pot, as many students are not local and belong to different states. It has its pros and cons too. Groups exist secretively within batches, which can only be experienced if you are part of the class. There used to be many clubs before, but now there are only few left due to student legacy issues. There are fests which are held once in a year in name of youth fest.