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Annamalai University

{{Short description|Public university in Tamil Nadu, India}}

{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}

{{Infobox university

| name = Annamalai University

| caption = Official Coat of Arms

| other_name = {{langx|ta|Aṇṇāmalai palkalaikkazhagam}}

| logo =

| native_name = {{native name|Ta|Aṇṇāmalai Palkalaikkazhagam|italics=on}}
{{native name|hi|Annaamalai Vishvavidyaalay|italics=on}}

| native_name_lang = Tamil

| image = Annamalai University logo.png

| image_size = 180px

| former_name = Sri Meenakshi College

| motto = "With Courage And Faith"

| established = {{start date and age|1929}}

| founder = Raja of Chettinad
S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar
(His Highness the King of Chettinad)

| accreditation = NAAC • MOE • Government of Tamil Nadu

| type = State University (Government)

| endowment =

| administrative_staff =

| faculty =

| president =

| principal =

| rector =

| chancellor = Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

| vice_chancellor = Vacant

| academic_staff = 2,281

| students = 32,480{{cite web |title=University Student Enrollment Details |url=https://www.ugc.ac.in/stateuniversitylist.aspx?id=31&Unitype=2 |website=www.ugc.ac.in |access-date=10 February 2020}}

| undergrad = 23,256

| postgrad = 8,067

| doctoral = 998

| city = Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

| country = India

| coordinates = {{coord|11.3908|79.7148|display=inline,title}}

| campus = Suburban

| campus_size = {{cvt|1500|acre}}

| language = {{hlist|English|Tamil}}

| free_label =

| free =

| colours = {{scarf|{{cells|2|#000000}}{{cells|1|#FF0000}}{{cells|1|#006400}}{{cells|3|#0000FF}}{{cells|1|#EDC001}}{{cells|1|#b33b72}}{{cells|2|#000000}}}}

| mascot =

| sports_nickname = {{hlist|AU|}} {{hlist|ANNAMALAIANS|}}

| academic_affiliations = {{hlist|UGC|ACU|NBA|AIU|NAAC|AICTE|ICAR|NCTE|PCI|MCI|DCI|MOE|WES|INC|DEB}}

| logo_size = 185px

| website = {{URL|https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/}}

}}

The Annamalai University (informally titled as AU) is a public state university{{cite web|url=http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/State%20University/State%20University%20as%20on%2029-06-2017.pdf|title=List of State Universities as on 29.06.2017|date=29 June 2017|access-date=1 July 2017|publisher=University Grants Commission}} in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The {{convert|1500|acre|km2|adj=on}} sprawling campus offers courses of higher education in arts, science, engineering, management, humanities, agriculture, and physical education. The university also provides more than 500 courses through distance education.{{cite web|url=http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/distance_edu.htm |title=Distance Education |publisher=Annamalai University |date=March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118101436/http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/distance_edu.htm |archive-date=2013-01-18 }} With over 32,480 students residing on campus, it is one of the largest teaching, and residential universities in Asia,{{Cite web |url=http://annamalaicanada.ca/about-us/ |title=About us: Annamalai University |access-date=11 December 2021 |archive-date=16 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216011833/http://annamalaicanada.ca/about-us/ |url-status=dead }} and is among the most reputed and ranked universities in India including the rankings from NIRF, QS World University Rankings, Times University Rankings, CWTS Leiden Ranking, India Today Magazine, India Today MDRA, AISHE, ARIIA, SCImago Institutions Rankings.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has conferred accreditation to the university in the fourth cycle, and subsequently with its highest A+ grade in 2022.{{Cite news |date=2022-06-22 |title=NAAC gives Annamalai University an A+ grade |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/naac-gives-annamalai-university-an-a-grade/article65553756.ece |access-date=2022-08-12 |issn=0971-751X}} Annamalai University is also recognized among the top 18 universities in India having the 'Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area (CPEPA)' with a focus on drug development and climate change.{{Cite web |title=University Grants commission ::Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area |url=https://www.ugc.ac.in/page/Centres-(CPEPA).aspx |website=www.ugc.ac.in}}File:The Administrative Building, Annamalai University 01.JPGEstablished in 1929, it is one of the oldest and among the most prestigious universities in India. The university was also ranked as 18th most influential institution in India{{Cite web |date=May 17, 2018 |title=Annamalai University basks in academic glory institutes globally |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/puducherry/annamalai-university-basks-in-academic-glory-institutes-globally/articleshow/64195945.cms |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} and, It is also among the topmost google searched universities in India as well as in the World.{{Cite web |date=September 25, 2014 |title=5 Indian universities in Google top 20 most searched for |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/education/story/5-indian-universities-google-top-20-most-searched-for-300830-2014-09-25 |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2014-09-24 |title=The 20 most searched universities in the world on Google |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/the-20-most-searched-universities-in-the-world-on-google/2015972.article |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2014-09-27 |title=5 Indian universities in Google top 20 most searched for; Google search |url=https://mbcet.wordpress.com/2014/09/27/5-indian-universities-in-google-top-20-most-searched-for-google-search/ |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=Engineering, Science & Technology Resources Portal |language=en}}

Annamalai University is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). All the degrees awarded by Annamalai University senate are mutually recognized by all Indian Universities and Foreign Universities under the commonwealth fold.{{Cite web |title=ACU members |url=https://www.acu.ac.uk/our-members/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.acu.ac.uk}}{{Cite web |title=MEMBERS {{!}} AIU |url=https://www.aiu.ac.in/member.php |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.aiu.ac.in}} The Division of Continuing Education or Directorate of Distance Education of the university is also a permanent member of AMDISA (Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia) that provides the SAQS Accreditation (South Asian Quality System) to the Institutions.{{Cite web |title=AMDISA Institutional Members - India |url=https://www.amdisa.org/institutional-members-india/index.html |access-date=2022-10-02 |website=www.amdisa.org}}

Foundation and history

File:Raja sir Annamalai Chettiar.jpg

The university was founded in 1929 by the entrepreneur Rajah Sir S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar in the aftermath of the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms. In the early 1920s, to serve the downtrodden and to promote Tamil literature, Rajah Sir S. R. M. Annamalai Chettiar founded Sri Minakshi College, Sri Minakshi Tamil College and Sri Minakshi Sanskrit College in a rural setup at Chidambaram. In 1928, Rajah Sir S. R. M. Annamalai Chettiar agreed with the local government to hand over the above said institution for establishing a university. Thus, on 1 January 1929 Annamalai University was established as per Annamalai University Act 1928 (Tamil Nadu Act 1 of 1929).{{cite web|url=http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/tamil_nadu/1929/1929TN1.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820021451/http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/tamil_nadu/1929/1929TN1.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=20 August 2014|title=1929TN1.pdf|date=21 October 2019|access-date=21 October 2019|publisher=laws of India}} The most significant development is the enactment of the Annamalai University Act, 2013 (Tamil Nadu Act 20 of 2013), which came into force from 25 September 2013, after obtaining the assent of the President of India.{{cite web|url=http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/download/univact/auact2013.pdf|title=auact2013.pdf|date=21 October 2019|access-date=21 October 2019|publisher=Annamalai University}}

File:AU Chronicles.jpg

Faculties

The university has ten faculties, namely agriculture, arts (including management studies), education, engineering and technology, fine arts, Indian languages, marine sciences, and science.{{cite web|url=http://www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/|title=Annamalai University Home Page}} under Faculties.

Organization and administration

File:AU Senate.webp

=Governance=

The organizational structure of Annamalai University consists of the Senate, the Syndicate, the Academic Council, the faculties, the Finance Committee, and the Boards of studies. The governor of Tamil Nadu is the chancellor of the university. The vice-chancellor is the executive head of the university. The registrar of the university, who is the secretary of the Syndicate, is the custodian of all the records and chief administrator of the university. The examinations of the university is managed by Office of the Controller of Examinations.{{Cite web |title=Annamalai University |url=https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/about_university.php |access-date=2022-08-12 |website=annamalaiuniversity.ac.in}}

=Schools and departments=

Annamalai University is one of the largest unitary, teaching, and residential Universities in Southern Asia consisting of 10 faculties and 49 departments of study. This university has played a pivotal role in providing access to higher education to thousands of youths cutting across the social spectrum, especially from economically and socially disadvantaged classes. In this respect, this university's service to the Nation is tremendous. Annamalai University is organized into ten main schools, each of which comprises multiple departments and centres as below.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

File:Annamalai University gate , chidambaram.jpg

= Faculty of Arts =

English, History, Political Science and Public Administration, Economics, Commerce, Sociology and Social Work, Population Studies, Business Administration, Library and Information Science, Centre for Rural Development, Philosophy.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Faculty of Science=

Department of Mathematics, Department of Statistics, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry, Department of Botany, Department of Zoology, Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Department of Computer and Information Science.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Faculty of Marine Sciences=

Centre of Advanced Study (CAS)

=Faculty of Indian Languages=

Department of Tamil Studies Research, Hindi, Sanskrit, Center of Advanced Studies in Linguistics.

=Faculty of Engineering & Technology=

Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning), Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science), Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing).{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Faculty of Education=

=Faculty of Fine Arts=

Nagaswaram, Thavil, Miruthangam, Flute, Bharathanaatiyam, Nattuvangam, Vocal, Thevaram

=Faculty of Agriculture=

Agronomy, Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agricultural Economics, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Extension.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Faculty of Medicine=

Rajah Muthiah Medical College

Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pediatrics, TB & Chest Disease, Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy, Orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Anaesthesiology, Neuro Surgery, Urology, Plastic Surgery, Nursing, Emergency Medicine.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Faculty of Dentistry=

Periodontology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Oral Medicine & Radiology, Public Health Dentistry, Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge, Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Microbiology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

Affiliated Colleges

In July 2021 Higher Education Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr K. Ponmudy announced to change the status of Annamalai University from unitary to affiliating university. The university have colleges affiliated to it from four districts, namely Cuddalore, Kallakurichi Mayiladuthurai and Villupuram.{{Cite news |author=Staff Reporter |date=2021-07-20 |title=Annamalai University to become an affiliating university |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/annamalai-university-to-become-an-affiliating-university/article35435499.ece |access-date=2022-04-17 |issn=0971-751X}} In his recent announcement 14 more colleges of Mayiladuthurai district merged with Annamalai University which was earlier affiliated with Bharathidasan University.{{Cite news |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=R. |date=2022-04-12 |title=BDU's territorial jurisdiction shrinks after ceding 14 colleges in Mayiladuthurai to Annamalai University |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/bdus-territorial-jurisdiction-shrinks-after-ceding-14-colleges-in-mayiladuthurai-to-annamalai-university/article65315298.ece |access-date=2022-04-17 |issn=0971-751X}}

Controversies

In March 2022, the UGC warned students against enrolling for any online and distance learning courses offered by the university as it did not have the requisite recognition to do so from the UGC.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/ugc-warns-students-against-taking-admission-in-odl-programmes-offered-by-annamalai-university/article65286578.ece/amp/|title= Annamalai University ODL courses "invalid"|date= 3 April 2022}}.

According to University Vice-Chancellor Mr. RM Kathiresan the degrees were offered as per the Madras High Court direction as the university is having a stay order to the UGC's direction imposing jurisdictional restriction is still valid. And all the hearings and proceedings were in the favour of our varsity. So Unless the UGC's gets that stay vacated the degree distance programmes are valid. He further added that a National Assessment and Accreditation Council review team visited the campus between March 16 and 18. As the results are expected anytime, we will go for distance education board approval and get it done. The problem will be sorted out soon.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-10 |title=TN varsity challenges UGC order saying no to admission |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/news/tn-varsity-challenges-ugc-order-saying-no-to-admission-101652190313828.html |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

Mr. R Singaravel, director of distance education at the university, said the students degree will not become invalid with the UGC notice. As we are the oldest and most prestigious university under Government of Tamil Nadu and offering our programmes before the existence of UGC and IGNOU.{{Cite news |date=Mar 30, 2022 |agency=TNN|title=ugc: Annamalai University distance degree after 2014-15 is invalid, says UGC |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/annamalai-university-distance-degree-from-2014-15-invalid-says-ugc/articleshow/90529266.cms |access-date=2022-04-23 |newspaper=The Times of India |language=en}}

UGC's circular that distance education courses at Annamalai University are not valid is incorrect. Contempt of court. The High Court issued a restraining order in our favor in 2018 in favor of the UGC Circular on the grounds that it was in our favor in relation to our university jurisdiction. The UGC reissued a similar circular while the injunction was in force. Subject to contempt of court. Students studying at our university actually have no legal issues. Their courses are legally valid.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

University officials also stated that Annamalai University Act 1929 was signed and approved by both the then governor general of the British government and the governor general of the central government.  The Annamalai University Act 2013 was approved by both the governor and the president of the state. Therefore, the jurisdiction of the Annamalai University. The same applies to the whole of India as it does to the central universities. Other state university laws are not like that. One approved by the governors of the State, & Annamalai University remote drive is something that appeared long before the emergence of Delhi IGNOU University. Distance Education as DEC. Something that appeared even before the Council appeared and announced the protocols.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

In January 2023 Madras High Court protected and validated all the degrees and courses offered by the Annamalai University under Distance or Executive mode. The court in its order said that the operation of the notice was stayed earlier in 2016 and students were admitted legally and those students who have admitted and who have completed courses will not be affected by our order dismissing the writ petitions. As regards challenge to the circular restricting the education of students was stayed by the Madras High Court and those students who have completed their course will be entitled to their respective degrees by the Senate of Annamalai University. The court clearly stated that the students who have been enrolled in programmes under the protection of Interim orders of this court will stand protected and their degrees will be valid.{{Cite web |last=Sajeev |first=Upasana |date=2023-01-26 |title=Madras High Court Upholds UGC's Power To Impose Territorial Restrictions On Distance Education Courses |url=https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/madras-high-court-upholds-ugc-power-to-impose-regulation-limiting-educational-institutions-to-provide-distance-education-within-the-state-219972 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=Live Law |language=en}}

Academics

=Accreditation=

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council accredited Annamalai University with a grade of "A+" in 2022. The Faculty of Agriculture of Annamalai University is accredited with ICAR (NAEAB).{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Rankings=

{{Infobox India university ranking

| type = University and college

|NIRF_U_2023=101-150|NIRF_E_2023=151-200|QS_A_2023=301-350|THES_A_2022=501-600|NIRF_O_2024=151-200|NIRF_P_2024=27}}

On 6 August 2022 Annamalai University was ranked 15th in India overall among government universities by the magazine India Today.{{Cite web|url=https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/download/indiatodayrating2022.pdf|title=India today ranking}}

The university was ranked 27th in India by the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) in the pharmacy and Agriculture ranking of 2024.{{Cite web |title=NIRF Ranking 2024 |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/nirfpdfcdn/2024/pdf/Report/IR2024_Report.pdf}}

= Division of Continuing Education =

The Annamalai University Directorate of Distance Education or Division of Continuing Education was established in 1979 and offers more than 500 courses, including MBAs. All study programmes offered by the Senate of the university are approved by the Distance Education Council (UGC-DEB) & All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The B.Ed. programme is approved by the National Council for Teacher Education.{{cite web|title=Directorate of Distance Education|url=http://www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/dde/index.php|website=www.annamalaiuniversity.ac.in|publisher=Annamalai University|language=en|access-date=1 November 2017|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303130607/https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/dde/index.php|url-status=dead}}

Annamalai University opened its first international office in Toronto, Canada, in 2006, named Annamalai Canada. As it does not have degree-granting authority in the province of Ontario, it acts as a recruitment office for international students for programs and courses in Tamil language, literature, arts, yoga and dance. It offers bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. degrees awarded by Annamalai University's main campus.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

Annamalai University is India's first and oldest university to offer Distance Education Programmes after receiving the assent from the central government.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

=Scholarships and awards=

File:Annamalai University - CSE Department.JPG

A total of 356 scholarships and awards{{cite web|url=http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/scholorship.htm |title=Scholarships |publisher=Annamalai University |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721014126/http://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in/scholorship.htm |archive-date=2008-07-21 }} are given to eligible candidates every year.

==Notable alumni==

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Annamalai University}}

  • {{Official website}}

{{Education in Tamil Nadu}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Universities in Tamil Nadu

Category:Education in Cuddalore district

Category:Universities and colleges established in 1929

Category:1929 establishments in India

Category:Agricultural universities and colleges in India

Category:Agriculture in Tamil Nadu