Azim Premji University

Azim Premji University was established in Karnataka by the Azim Premji University Act 2010 as a not-for-profit University and is recognized by The University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2F.

Azim Premji University
MottoWork towards a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society.
TypePrivate
Established2010
ChancellorAzim Premji
Vice-ChancellorAnurag Behar
Academic staff
135
Administrative staff
75
Undergraduates385
Postgraduates750 (2012)[1]
Location
Bangalore
,
Karnataka
,
India

12.8627°N 77.6649°E / 12.8627; 77.6649
Websiteazimpremjiuniversity.edu.in

Azim Premji University is funded by the Azim Premji Foundation and is set up as a fully philanthropic and not-for-profit entity, with a clear social purpose.

In early 2000, Azim Premji Foundation began its work with elementary education in government schools all over India. The University was founded as one of the key responses to the constraints and challenges that the Foundation encountered in the field. India needed committed and qualified individuals who would contribute to the vision of just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. Azim Premji University was born out of this need.

The University currently has five postgraduate programmes – M.A.Education, M.A.Economics, M.A.Development, M.A.Public Policy & Governance and LL.M. (Law and Development).

Education major focuses on perspectives on education, practice the craft of science education in different contexts. The 4-year programme includes a semester long field apprenticeship.

History

The beginnings of the University are in the learning and experience of a decade of work in elementary education by the Azim Premji Foundation. The University was founded as one of the key responses to the constraints and challenges that the Foundation encountered both within and in the environment, and as part of a larger strategy to contribute to the Education and Development sectors in the country.

Two key principles guide the process of the University's evolution. Firstly, the University has an explicit social (or moral) purpose. As an institution, it exists to make significant contributions to education in a manner consistent with social justice, equity, humane values and sustainability within the framework of a secular and democratic Indian polity. This is an explicit commitment to the idea that knowledge and learning have human and social consequences and that their pursuit cannot be separated from these consequences. At the same time, this commitment to a specific value orientation is not to be interpreted as a narrowly utilitarian view of the University. We believe that the commitment to these values is not in any way inconsistent with academic and institutional autonomy and excellence.

Secondly, the University is part of the Foundation and integral to its vision. The synergy from the close working of the students and faculty with the Foundation's field units will inform and enrich the programmes at the University and the field alike. The members of the Foundation as a whole have the challenging task of defining an organizational culture and processes of interaction that realize the full potential of this linkage.

Campus
Pixel Park, Azim Premji University

The University's interim campus is located within the South Campus of PES University on Hosur Road in Bangalore. The campus spread over 12 acres offers amenities for a great learning environment and vibrant student experience.

The campus offers 120,000 sq. ft. of space that houses classrooms equipped with audio visual equipment, a large seminar hall, conference rooms with video-conferencing facilities, and multiple discussion rooms. Student have access to a spacious, well-stocked library, a cafeteria with two dining halls, and extensive sports facilities including football, cricket and basketball.

The permanent residential University campus will soon come up Sarjapur-Attibele Road on the outskirts of Bangalore. Spread over 80 acres, the campus will offer 2.7 million sq.ft. of space after the first phase of construction, capable of accommodating 3800 students and 700 faculty plus administration staff. It will be a self-contained learning and living space with hostel accommodation for students, residential facilities for faculty and staff, guest stay, library, auditorium, amphitheater, and sports complex with outdoor and indoor games.

The University facilitates student accommodation on leased premises located reasonably close to the University campus. To and fro transportation facility to the University, from the various accommodations, is provided at pre-determined timings.

Accommodation is provided on sharing basis, in different configurations. At the student accommodation, the university like to build spaces that lay emphasis on the culture of community rather than the individual.

Academics

The growth and development of the University needs to be enabled with an appropriate Organization structure. This helps the institution remain focused on the purpose, and realize it in substantial measure.

  • The University is organized into 5 schools and a University wide Research centre.
  • All Schools have an overarching coherence and alignment with our core social purpose.
  • These schools have ownership for their respective programmes. They will engage with key initiatives in their respective domains, through research, conferences, workshops, publications and several other mechanisms.
  • While each faculty member will have a primary affiliation to a School, in spirit they are “University faculty” and will teach across schools, engage in institution building and contribute significantly to the overall academic development of the University.

Fee

Azim Premji University has an explicit commitment towards supporting disadvantaged students and provides extensive financial assistance to deserving students for pursuing higher studies. Candidates getting part-scholarships (70%, 50%) can choose to pay the balance fees on their own or take an Education loan.

All Working Professionals with 3+ years of work experience after graduation. Guaranteed 50% waiver on Tuition-fee for candidates with more than 3 years of work experience

Student Life

The immense diversity in the student cohort has ensured that campus life is vibrant and enjoyable. Several student led activities have become part of the daily life on campus

  • “Pahal” is the umbrella under which a large number of students are actively engaged with social causes ranging from education of disadvantaged children, working with the community around the campus, environmental concerns, blood donation camps etc.
  • The “Kaapi Aur Charcha” series invites practitioners from various fields to engage in informal talks with the students.
  • Publications: Student publications “Karvan” and “Student Journal of Education and Development” are into their third edition now.
  • UNMUKT, the annual cultural festival, occupies a special place in the hearts of every member of the University community.
  • A variety of clubs have been formed, catering to different interests; Cinema, Theatre, Literature, Quiz, Photography, Sports.
  • The “Debating Development” series started last semester and is a forum for interested students to come together and debate contemporary social issues.

References
  1. "Frequently Asked Questions". Azim Premji University. Archived from the original on 1 February 2019. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
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