# Gujarat University

The Gujarat University is a public state university located at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The university is an affiliating university at the under-graduate level and a teaching university at the post graduate level. It is accredited A+ by NAAC. It was established on 23 November 1949.

## History

Many leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Anandshankar Dhruv, Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar and Kasturbhai Lalbhai recommended formation of the university in the 1920s, and the university was established soon after the independence of India. Gujarat University was evolved out of Ahmedabad Education Society, a major educational organisation of Gujarat then.
Gujarat University was formed under the Gujarat University Act of the Government of Gujarat in 1949 as a teaching and affiliating university. It was established under the recommendation of a committee headed by Ganesh Vasudev Mavalankar for rearrangement of university education in Bombay State. Many universities were established later which resulted in decrease in jurisdiction of Gujarat University.
It is an affiliating university at the under-graduate level and a teaching one at the post-graduate level. Close to 300,000 students study at university in the courses, faculties and affiliated institutes. The university caters for external as well as enrolled students. Affiliates include 285 colleges, 35 approved institutions and 20 recognised institutions, as of 2014. Gujarat University Ranks 1st in Gujarat and 26th in India for the Category: "Public State Universities" under the prestigious Outlook-ICare India University Ranking 2019.
Organisation of the university is based on the Gujarat University Act, 1949.

## Campus

The campus of the university, located in the Navarangpura area of Ahmedabad, is spread over 300 acres (1.2 km$^2$). Affiliated colleges and institutes are spread across the Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Kheda district (excluding the limits of Vallabh Vidyanagar in Anand Taluka and the area with a radius of 5 miles (8.0 km) from the office of Sardar Patel University).
The main tower building of the university was designed by Atmaram Gajjar.

## Academics
### Rankings

* The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked Gujarat University 60th overall in India and 44th among universities in 2020
* The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked Gujarat University 62nd overall in India and 43rd among universities in 2021.
* The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked Gujarat University 73rd overall in India and 58th among universities in 2022.
* The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranked Gujarat University 94th overall in India and 76th among universities in 2024.

### Awards

Gujarat University has received the University Level National Service Scheme Award (2016–17) by President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

## Student life

In March 2012, the university started a campus radio service named GURU on 90.8 MHz, which was first kind of it in the state of Gujarat and fifth in India.

## Controversies
### 2023 Hostel Incident

In March 2023, Gujarat University was at the center of a controversy following a clash at one of its hostels that resulted in injuries to several students, including those from abroad. The incident, which began during a religious observance, was indicative of broader cultural integration challenges faced by foreign students. Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta highlighted the importance of cultural orientation and sensitivity for foreign students to facilitate their integration and ensure their safety within the local community. In response to the incident, the university implemented measures including counseling support for affected students, administrative changes, and the establishment of a Foreign Student Advisory Committee, aiming to prevent future conflicts and promote a more inclusive environment.

## Notable alumni and faculties

* Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
* Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs
* Gautam Adani, founder of Adani Group (dropped out)
* Pranav Mistry, Computer Scientist
* Pankaj Patel, chairman of Zydus
* Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, Space Scientist for ISRO
* Hasmukh Adhia, IAS, Revenue Secretary of India.
* Sudhir Mehta, chairman, Torrent Group
* Kumarpal Desai, Author
* Komal Shah, Indian-born American art collector