Digital University of Kerala (DUK) had been inaugurated as India’s first digital university and ranks among the top universities in Kerala. The adoption of digital techniques in educational institute promises great future for the students who will go out in the professional world better prepared.

The edtech sector has experienced unprecedented growth and scope in recent times. Prolonged lockdowns in the country have forced students at school, as well as, university levels to switch to online education. While schools have migrated to online classes, universities followed suit. On account of being at a nascent stage, everything took time and effort to achieve optimisation. Sensing great need and opportunity, the Digital University of Kerala (DUK) was founded in 2020. It was upgraded from the Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala (IITM-K) after the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology Act, 2021 came into effect. It became India’s first digital university. Here are some of the premier educational organisations in Kerala. 

Digital University of Kerala (DUK)

This unique tie-up has been initiated with the aim of establishing cooperation between non-affiliated research and teaching university in Kerala to bolster research projects, incubation and knowledge in Digital Technologies for wide-scale implementation. The need for nurturing skilled employment in the fields of Research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Cyber Security, the Internet of Things (IoT), etc is evident for the nation to become the next economical superpower. 

The newly formed university offers a ton of M.Tech, MSc and Doctorate Programmes. These masters programmes are AICTE-approved, whereas the PhD programs are UGC-approved. This deepens the credibility aspect of the new university, which is often a cause of concern. The courses are classified under 5 broad categories, namely, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Electronic Systems and Automation, Informatics, Digital Science and Digital Humanities and Liberal Arts. 

The DUK is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and residential facilities for students. This is especially relevant in the case of ‘Industry Regular’ doctorate programmes where students could use the research and development facilities and labs of industries as their workplace to expose themselves to real-world environments. This mitigates the difference between what is taught in the classrooms and what happens in the real world. 

Such future-oriented courses and branches of studies are clearly an indication of a digital mindset to grab the opportunities that the modern world presents. Through universities like these, Indian students will be adequately prepared to join the digital bandwagon which is the future. More such universities and institutes are bound to be set up in various parts of the country. 

Also read: Overwhelming opening to admissions at India’s first ever Digital University.

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)

Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is yet another premier educational institute in the state of Kerala which was established in 1971. The university has a strength of around 4,000 students and is UGC-certified. International students are eligible to enroll in the various course as well. The university offers professional courses in various fields including academic, non-academic, sports and exchange programmes. 

University of Kerala

Home to around 3,000 students, the University of Kerala was established back in 1937. The UGC-recognised institute conducts its own entrance exam and takes into consideration students’ past academic records and grades to grant admission in various bachelor, master and doctorate courses. International students are also eligible to apply for admission. Some of the key features of this university are study abroad and exchange programmes, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, distance learning opportunities and administrative services.

Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU)

One of the largest universities in Kerala is Mahatma Gandhi University with a student strength of around 45,000. This UGC-recognised institute was founded in 1983 and is situated in the small city of Kottayam. Needless to say, it offers a wide range of study courses under bachelors, masters and doctorate programmes. The international students are eligible to apply here too and the university offers study abroad and exchange programs for eligible students. 

National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut

NIT Calicut was established in 1961 and is recognised by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resources Development of India. There are around 6,000 students enrolled in the prestigious public university. As is the case with all NITs, the eligibility criteria include AIEEE and previous grades for the bachelor programmes. It offers masters and doctorate courses too. International students are eligible to be a part of this institute as well. 

These are the top universities in Kerala which is slowly becoming a hub for higher education in the country.

Also read: Why Is Edtech Industry Gaining Popularity & Funds From Across The Globe?