University of North Bengal: About Us

The University of North Bengal (NBU) is a public state collegiate major research university located in the North Bengal region of West Bengal, India. It was established in 1962 and is the first university in the region, serving predominantly rural areas in six districts: Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Maldah, Uttar Dinajpur, and Dakshin Dinajpur. The university has an annual enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate students and offers distance education in various subjects such as MA English, Philosophy, and Bangla. NBU has three campuses in Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, Darjeeling district, a second campus in Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri district, and a third campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The university offers degrees in undergraduate, post-graduate taught-research, doctorate, and post-doctoral programmes. The official website of the University of North Bengal is www.nbu.ac.in, where you can find information about the university's academic departments, affiliation, ranking, and various services and amenities. The university is accredited by NAAC and is governed by the vice chancellor, who is the chief executive officer of the institution.

University of North Bengal History

The University of North Bengal (NBU) was established in 1962 to address the growing manpower needs in the six North Bengal districts and the neighbouring state of Sikkim. It is a public state collegiate major research university located in Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, Darjeeling district, in the Indian state of West Bengal. The university offers undergraduate, post-graduate, doctorate, and post-doctoral programmes. It has three campuses in Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, Darjeeling district, a second campus in Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri district, and a third campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The university covers an area of nearly 315.99 acres of land at the foothills of the Himalayas, tea gardens, and forest cover. NBU is accredited by NAAC and is known for its commitment to providing quality education and research. 

University of North Bengal Vision, Mission, and Objectives

The vision, mission, and objectives of the University of North Bengal (NBU) are as follows:

Vision: NBU envisions a global-centred education system committed to providing quality education and research and fostering a competitive environment in the realm of higher education and research in the North Bengal region.

Mission: The university aims to impart higher education and research to the people of the region, with a focus on non-conventional, applied, and job-oriented fields. It strives to disseminate knowledge and maintain global standards of education at low costs.

Objectives:

To address the growing manpower needs in the six North Bengal districts and the neighbouring state of Sikkim.

To provide undergraduate, post-graduate, doctorate, and post-doctoral programmes to its students.

To promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and learning.

To extend higher education to the people of the region.

To facilitate education through hybrid modes, ensuring smooth learning in case of any exigency.

NBU has a strong commitment to increasing student diversity and has reserved additional seats in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for foreign students.

University of North Bengal Courses, their duration, and eligibility criteria

Course	Duration	Eligibility Criteria
LLM	2 years	3 years LLB or 5 years Integrated LLB or LLB (Hons.)
MBA	2 years	Bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years' duration in any discipline (except performing and fine arts)
M.A. in English	2 years	Graduation in any discipline
M.Sc. in Mathematics	2 years	Graduation in any discipline with Mathematics as one of the subjects
B.Ed	2 years	Graduation in any discipline with at least 50% marks
M.Com	2 years	Honours degree from a recognised university
M.Tech	2 years	Bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognised university
B.A., LL.B. (Hons.)	5 years	10+2 with minimum aggregate marks of 55% from a recognised board
B.Sc (Hons.)	3 years	10+2 with minimum aggregate marks of 55% from a recognised board

In addition to these programmes, NBU also offers distance education in various subjects, such as MA English, Philosophy, and Bangla. The university has a strong commitment to providing quality education and research, focusing on non-conventional, applied, and job-oriented fields. The admission process for the University of North Bengal typically involves the following steps:

Course Selection: Students can choose from a variety of fields such as science, management, humanities, commerce, software and application development, and others.

Online Application: The university conducts an online admission process. Applicants need to visit the official website of the University of North Bengal and complete the online application form. They are required to fill out the registration form, submit it, and sign in using the provided credentials.

Document Upload: After completing the registration and application form, applicants are required to upload scanned copies of the necessary documents on the university's online portal.

Fee Payment: Once the application and document upload are complete, applicants need to pay the required application fee.

Submission and Printout: After paying the fee, applicants should submit the application form and take a printout of the receipt for their records.

Admission Deadline: The last date to submit the application is typically in August, and applicants are advised to complete the registration before the deadline.

The university offers admission to various courses based on the criteria for merit or entrance exams, depending on the specific course. The selection process may include entrance exams, academic merit, or interviews, and the admission lists are prepared based on merit. Additionally, the University of North Bengal provides scholarships to students based on their academic achievements and financial circumstances.

University of North Bengal Fee Structure and Admission Process

Course	Duration	Annual Fee (First Year)	Admission Process
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.), B.Lib.I.Sc., BA-LLB	3-5 years	INR 10,000–INR 20,000	Merit-based or Entrance Exam
MA, M.Sc., M.Com., M.Phil.	2 years	INR 1,703 - INR 2,266	Merit-based or Entrance Exam
Ph.D.	As per programme	INR 7,315	Entrance Exam and Interview
MBA	2 years	INR 81,950	Entrance Exam (CMAT/MAT/CAT/ATMA/JMET/XAT/WBJEMAT/NBU-MAT)

University of North Bengal Ranking

The University of North Bengal will be ranked 151st in India and 3979th globally in 2023. It has also scored in the top 50% across 27 research topics. The university's ranking is based on research output, academic publications, citations, non-academic reputation, and the impact of notable alumni. Additionally, it was ranked #96-100 in India in 2020. These rankings demonstrate the university's standing in the academic community, both nationally and globally.

University of North Bengal Scholarship Programmes

The University of North Bengal offers several scholarship programmes to its students based on their academic achievements and financial circumstances. Some of the scholarship programmes available at the university are:

Postgraduate Merit Scholarship Scheme for University Rank Holders in General and Honours Courses at Undergraduate Level

Research Fellowships in Sciences for Meritorious Students

National Fellowship for OBC Candidates

National Fellowship for ST Candidates

National Fellowship for SC Candidates

Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC/ST Candidates

Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students

The university also offers a finite number of merit-based scholarships to its students who are exceptional in their academic performance.

University of North Bengal Placement

The University of North Bengal has a dedicated Training and Placement Cell that offers various placement opportunities for students in different sectors of the industry. The department strives for excellence by bridging the gap between industry and academia and has been consistently meeting the growing demands of industry and society by producing skilled graduates. The university has successfully placed a significant percentage of students in the industry, and the placement cell actively obtains feedback from organisations and conveys it to respective departments, thereby increasing the employment ability of students. The university also offers training and counselling for employment and guidance for self- and social entrepreneurship to all registered students. However, specific details about the placement statistics, companies visiting, and salary trends are not available in the search results.

University of North Bengal Cut-Offs

The University of North Bengal has released cut-offs for various courses for the academic year 2023. The cut-offs are based on the merit of the candidates in the qualifying examination. For example, the cut-off for the WB-JECA exam in the general category is 838. However, specific details about the cut-offs for other courses are not available in the search results.

University of North Bengal Achievements

The notable achievements of the University of North Bengal include:

Infrastructure Development: The university has made significant improvements in its infrastructure, including the renovation of internal roads and the maintenance of the campus. It provides 24/7 internet connectivity and Wi-Fi in hostels, along with an improved central library.

Student Support and Progression: The university offers various student support services, such as free healthcare, confidential counselling, career guidance, and remedial coaching. It also has a daycare centre for students.

Unique Facilities and Programmes: The University of North Bengal is known for its unique facilities, such as the A.K.M. Museum, the Centre for Studies in Local Languages and Culture, and programmes like Strategic and Area Studies. It also has departments like Tea Science, representing the historical, ecological, and cultural moorings of North Bengal.

Research Focus: The university has a strong research focus and will be ranked 151st in India and 3979th globally in 2023. It has also scored in the top 50% across 27 research topics.

Academic and Non-Academic Facilities: The university provides various academic and non-academic facilities to students, including online courses, distance learning opportunities, and administrative services.

These achievements reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, research, and the overall development and support of its students.

University of North Bengal Infrastructure

The University of North Bengal has well-maintained infrastructure and facilities for its students and staff. Some of the key aspects of the university's infrastructure include:

Main Campus: The main campus covers an area of 895 acres and is home to the administrative building, D.D.E. building with a guest house, science building (2 blocks), humanities building, Silver Jubilee building, Central Library, P.G. Boys Hostel (2 blocks), Non-Teaching Staff Hostel (2 blocks), and more.

Residential Campus: The residential campus covers an area of 500 acres and includes the Vice Chancellor Bungalow, V.I.P. Guest House, Student Amenities Centre, P.G. Girls Hostel (2 blocks), Teachers & Officers Hostel (2 blocks), Teachers Quarter (2 blocks), and Non-Teaching Staff Quarter (2 blocks).

Sports Complex: The university has a sports complex with a pavilion for various sports and cultural activities.

Tribal Culture Building: This building showcases the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities in the region.

Electrical Substation and Overhead Water Reservoir: These facilities ensure uninterrupted power supply and water supply for the university campus.

24/7 Internet Connectivity and Wi-Fi in Hostels: The university provides high-speed internet connectivity and Wi-Fi access to its students and staff, ensuring seamless access to online resources and communication.

Central Library: The university's Central Library has improved resources and holdings, providing students and staff with access to a wealth of information and knowledge.

Student Support and Progression: The university offers various student support services such as free healthcare, free and confidential personal counselling, career guidance, a daycare centre, remedial coaching, and more.

These facilities and infrastructure make the University of North Bengal a suitable environment for students to pursue their education and extra-curricular activities.

University of North Bengal Facilities

The University of North Bengal provides a variety of facilities and services to its students and staff, including:

Central Library: The university's Central Library is the sole library in the North Bengal region, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and other publications to researchers and students for research and higher education.

Medical Centre: The university has a medical centre to provide healthcare services to students and staff.

Labs: The university has well-equipped labs for various scientific research and experiments.

Hostel Facilities: The university provides hostel facilities for both male and female students, with separate hostels for teachers and non-teaching staff.

Transportation: The university offers transportation services to help students and staff commute between the main campus and the residential campus.

Cafeteria: The university has a cafeteria that serves nutritious meals to students and staff at subsidised rates.

Auditorium: The university has an auditorium for organising cultural, educational, and recreational events.

NSS (National Service Scheme): The university has NSS units that undertake regular activities and special camping programmes, encouraging students to render service to society.

Alumni Association: The North Bengal University Alumni Association acts as a bridge between past and present students, organising various events and activities to strengthen the university community.

Distance Education: The university offers distance education in subjects like MA English, Philosophy, and Bangla through its Department of Distance Education.

These facilities and services aim to create a supportive and enriching environment for students and staff at the University of North Bengal.

University of North Bengal Activities

The University of North Bengal offers a range of activities for its students, including social and extracurricular exercises, workshops, sports, and cultural events. The university has a sports complex with a pavilion for various sports and cultural activities. It also has a Tribal Culture Building that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities in the region. The university has NSS units that undertake regular activities and special camping programmes, encouraging students to render service to society. The university also offers scholarships to students based on their academic achievements and financial circumstances. Additionally, the university has a rich repository of collections in sculpture, coins, paintings, manuscripts, etc., depicting the history and heritage of North Bengal. The university also has a Centre for Studies in Local Languages and Cultures that organises various workshops and refresher courses for serving teachers in the region. These activities and facilities aim to create a supportive and enriching environment for students at the University of North Bengal.

University of North Bengal Reviews

The University of North Bengal has received mixed reviews. While specific reviews are not available in the provided search results, the university has been recognised for its infrastructure development, student support services, and unique facilities such as the A.K.M. Museum, Centre for Studies in Local Languages and Culture, and programmes like Strategic and Area Studies. Additionally, the university has a strong research focus and has been ranked 151st in India and 3979th globally in 2023, scoring in the top 50% across 27 research topics. However, some reviews mention limitations such as fewer classes for distance education courses and affordable fees. Overall, the university offers a range of academic and non-academic facilities and has a significant impact on the region's educational landscape.

University of North Bengal Highlights 

University Name	University of North Bengal
Type	Public state collegiate major research university
Establishment	1962
Official Website	https://www.nbu.ac.in
Address	Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India
Motto	"We will reach the unreached."
Academic Affiliations	University Grants Commission (UGC)
Budget	₹103.7269 crore (US$13 million) (2021–22 est.)
Chancellor	Governor of West Bengal
Vice-Chancellor	Shri C M Ravindran, IPS (Retd.)
Academic Staff	269 (2023)

University of North Bengal's FAQs

Q: When was the University of North Bengal (NBU) established?

A: The NBU was established in 1962.

Q: In which regions does NBU primarily serve?

A: NBU primarily serves rural areas in six districts: Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Maldah, Uttar Dinajpur, and Dakshin Dinajpur.

Q: How many campuses does NBU have, and where are they located?

A: NBU has three campuses in Raja Rammohanpur, Siliguri, Darjeeling district, a second campus in Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri district, and a third campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Q: What types of programmes does NBU offer?

A: NBU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctorate, and post-doctoral programmes.

Q: What are some of the undergraduate courses offered by NBU?

A: Some undergraduate courses include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).

Q: Does NBU offer distance education, and in which subjects?

A: Yes, NBU offers distance education in subjects such as MA English, Philosophy, and Bangla.

Q: What is the vision of NBU?

A: The vision of NBU is a global-centred education system committed to providing quality education and research in the North Bengal region.

Q: What is the mission of the NBU?

A: The mission is to impart higher education and research, focusing on non-conventional, applied, and job-oriented fields while maintaining global standards at low costs.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for admission to NBU?

A: Eligibility criteria vary for different courses, including completion of class 12 for undergraduate courses and specific percentages for postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes.

Q: How does the admissions process at NBU work?

A: The process involves course selection, online application, document upload, fee payment, submission, and printout. Admission criteria include merit or entrance exams, depending on the course.

Q: What is the fee structure at NBU?

A: Fees vary for different courses, with annual fees ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 81,950.

Q: How is NBU ranked?

A: In 2023, NBU will be ranked 151st in India and 3979th globally, considering research output, academic publications, citations, non-academic reputation, and the impact of notable alumni.

Q: Are there scholarship programmes available at NBU?

A: Yes, NBU offers various scholarship programmes based on academic achievements and financial circumstances.

Q: Does NBU provide placement opportunities?

A: Yes, NBU has a dedicated Training and Placement Cell offering placement opportunities across different sectors. Specific statistics and trends are not provided.

Q: What are some notable achievements of the NBU?

A: Notable achievements include infrastructure development, student support services, research focus, and rankings. Unique facilities like the A.K.M. Museum and Centre for Studies in Local Languages and Culture are highlighted.

Q: What kind of infrastructure does NBU have?

A: NBU has well-maintained infrastructure, including main and residential campuses, a sports complex, a tribal culture building, an electrical substation, an overhead water reservoir, 24/7 internet connectivity, and Wi-Fi in hostels.

Q: What facilities are available at NBU?

A: Facilities include a central library, medical centre, labs, hostel facilities, transportation, cafeteria, auditorium, NSS units, alumni association, and distance education.

Q: What activities does NBU offer to students?

A: NBU provides a range of activities, including sports, cultural events, NSS activities, workshops, and scholarships based on academic achievements.

Q: How are the reviews for NBU?

A: Reviews are mixed, acknowledging strengths in infrastructure development, research focus, and unique facilities. Some mention limitations such as class availability for distance education courses and affordable fees.