GetMyUni's Verdict on MSU Baroda

Parvathy Krishnakumar

Updated on - Dec 15, 2023

"With its strong academic excellence and diverse range of quality programs, MSU Baroda is ranked among the top universities in the nation. Though there are limitations in certain areas, the high affordability of top-ranked programs and well-educated professors make it a good choice for students."

Ranked among the top universities in the country, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, offers a wide variety of courses and programs and is renowned for its strong academic excellence. The highly qualified faculty members and the impressive placement records attract several students from diverse backgrounds. Though it's ranked among the top 10 universities in the country for the Arts programs, its Engineering courses are not as recognised. 

A significant factor that makes MSU a good option for students, apart from its good quality of education, is its nominal fee structure, which makes it affordable for students from all walks of life. Furthermore, almost all university disciplines have an excellent reputation, making it one of the best universities in the state. 

Students who plan to join the university must note that the competition level for the courses is high, and students must work hard to score top marks. Though there has been a decline in its quality over the years, its value is still high compared to the other universities in the country. Moreover, the university provides space for students to explore different cultures and nourish their skills and talents, which helps their overall development.

Table of Contents

• Diverse Academic Landscape
• Renowned & Experienced Faculty Members
• Ancient Infrastructure With Modern Facilities
• Affordable Housing Facilities
• Transformative & Enriching Campus Experience
• Above Average Placements
• Overall Impression of MSU Baroda

Diverse Academic Landscape

MSU is known for its rich and varied academic programs across various disciplines. Each department at the university is known for its academic excellence and is considered the best university for these programs. It provides options in traditional courses and interdisciplinary programs with various specialisations. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across different faculties. Students have many specialisations to choose from in any field of study.

Among the top-ranked courses available at the university are its Arts, Engineering, Science, Psychology, Law, Commerce and Management programs. The most popular courses that consistently appear on the top-ranked lists in the state and country are as follows.

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering
• B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
• B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering
• B.Sc (Hons) in Microbiology
• M.Sc Biochemistry
• M.Sc Physics
• BBA in International Business
• B.Com (Hons) in Accounting & Finance
• MBA in Finance. 

Although there are slight variations in the quality of academic curriculum and pedagogy, most of the programs offered by the university possess a high reputation in the state and the country. Students who intend to pursue higher studies in doctoral programs have numerous specialisations to choose from across the various disciplines offered by the university. It provides the necessary resources and assistance to encourage students to do cutting-edge research in their field of specialisation.

Apart from the traditional undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma courses, the university also offers diploma and certificate programs in the above mentioned fields.

Nominal Course Fees

As mentioned earlier, a significant advantage of studying at MSU is getting good quality education at affordable prices. Though there are variations in the cost of study based on the course type and specialisation, the course fee structure for all prominent university programs is reasonable, making it easy for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to acquire a degree with reputed value.

The average annual course fees for undergraduate Engineering, Law, Science, Arts, and Business Administration undergraduate programs are INR 34,000, INR 17,700, INR 99,900, INR 23,220, and INR 82,260, respectively.

Whereas, for master's programs such as MBA, MCA, LLM, MSW, M.Sc, MA, and M.Com courses, it is INR 29,000, INR 18,000, INR 13,520, INR 16,720, INR 40,828, INR 16,720 and INR 14,000, respectively. It can be assumed that the course fees are the highest for Science programs.

In addition to the nominal course fee structure, the university provides financial assistance to its students from financially backward backgrounds through scholarships. Students can avail of the scholarships the university offers if they meet the established eligibility criteria.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to maintain a minimum attendance of 75% to be eligible to appear for the university examinations. If the student fails to meet the attendance requirements, they will not be allowed to write their exam till the subsequent semester. Students will be subjected to disciplinary action if the attendance percentage is lower than the accepted limit.

Renowned & Experienced Faculty Members

The professors at the university play a significant role in maintaining the overall quality of education at the university. Most departments at the university have well-educated and highly experienced faculty members dedicated to providing maximum quality of education. However, the university has a mixture of great professors who are easy to approach and create a lasting impression on the students, along with professors who are not as exciting and friendly.

All the professors in the top-ranked disciplines of the university are highly qualified and consistently working on new projects, which helps them impart relevant knowledge and hands-on experience to the students.

Experienced professors devise various teaching methods to treat students with different learning capabilities equally. While some professors focus more on traditional lectures and classes, others incorporate innovative activities like interactive sessions, group discussions, etc.

Though most professors at the university are appreciated for their excellent teaching, a few teachers struggle with proper communication with their students, which affects their classes. Also, some professors do not help their students by providing suitable sources and materials. 

In general, the professors at the university are highly regarded for their remarkable approach to teaching and for playing an essential role in moulding students to achieve their career goals. The professors also assist research scholars by engaging them in newer topics and relevant subjects. 

Ancient Infrastructure With Modern Facilities

Spread across a vast area of land, the university's infrastructure is considered among the best of its kind. It blends traditional, old-fashioned architecture with modern facilities and updated technology. The university campus offers a peaceful environment that gives students a holistic learning experience. The multiple trees and gardens placed around the campus help students to have a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.

The buildings at the university are iconic for their historical relevance, and the architecture is mainly categorised into the Gothic Revival style. The academic infrastructure, however, has modern facilities to cater to the ever-changing industrial requirements.

The university has traditional and contemporary classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids for interactive learning. The laboratories include state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology. The classrooms and laboratories are well-maintained and constantly updated.

The university's central library is considered a treasure trove of valuable information, consisting of an extensive collection of books, journals, and other reference materials from decades ago. Additionally, each department has separate libraries to cater to students' specific academic needs. The library also includes electronic resources, and students can access a vast online database collection.

The university has many sports facilities, including a colossal stadium, basketball, football and cricket courts, and a swimming pool. Students are encouraged to utilise the facilities for sports at the university.

The university campus also consists of multiple canteens/cafeterias and food courts with diverse options in food and beverages, which are affordable to all. The canteens have ample seating to accommodate large groups of students and professors.

Though the university holds an ancient charm in its architecture and infrastructure, students have mentioned that some areas require maintenance as they have come across walls with paint peeling off, leaky roofs or broken furniture, which makes it unattractive.

Affordable Housing Facilities

Students are generally satisfied with the housing facilities provided by the university. It has separate hostel blocks for male and female students, which can accommodate many students. Students can opt for multiple sharing rooms based on their budget preferences. All rooms are well-furnished with the required amenities and facilities. 

Though most students are happy with the hostel accommodation, some have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the condition of the rooms and bathrooms. The rooms are generally spacious and adequately ventilated, and their location makes it convenient for the students to reach their classes and access different facilities. 

Typically, the rooms with the lowest occupancy are allotted to postgraduate students. The hostels also provide spaces for doctoral students. Students must apply for hostel accommodation at the same time as the admission process for their courses. The room allotment is done on a first-come-first-serve basis; therefore, those who are early to get admission are provided better accommodation.

Each hostel has mess facilities where students are served timely meals in a decent dining area. Unlike the typical hostel messes seen at other universities, students have to pay for their meals every time they avail of them. But the meal cost at the mess is exceptionally cheap, falling below INR 50. Students can also buy snacks in the evening, which starts at INR 10. 

The hostels have strict rules and regulations regarding guest visits, curfew, etc. Students are expected to abide by these rules. In case of discrepancies, students will be suspended from the hostels. Furthermore, the safety and security of students are ensured by security guards present at the gates 24/7. Students are also assisted by wardens and housekeeping staff.

The hostel fees vary based on the room type and occupancy. However, it is around INR 10,000, which includes the refundable security deposit of INR 3000. Students can also find economical accommodation outside the university, at PGs and apartments around the campus.

Transformative & Enriching Campus Experience

The university offers all its students a vibrant and diverse campus life with its wide range of academic, cultural and extracurricular activities. As there are multiple departments at the university, it is always lively, with one or the other department organising different activities and events.

It consists of various student clubs and societies which allow students to pursue their interests and hobbies. These clubs also provide ample opportunities for students to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded students.

Different cultures and festivals are celebrated on campus throughout the year, allowing students to widen their horizons and be exposed to the country's diversity. The university fosters a strong sense of sportsmanship, which encourages students to participate in different competitions and tournaments; the facilities available at the university also help students polish their skills and improve their games.

Apart from the vibrant campus environment, the university is dedicated to supporting students in different aspects with professors who offer guidance and mentorship to students. Overall, it provides students with all the necessary facilities and resources to help them in their academic and personal development. It helps shape well-rounded personalities with a holistic approach to life. 

Diversity on Campus

The university is a melting pot of myriad cultures, with students from all walks of life. Its student body consists of students from diverse cultures, communities and socioeconomic backgrounds. The diversity enriches students' experience in numerous ways, instilling a sense of community and belonging.

The university has an almost equal number of male and female students. It also has a welcoming and accepting atmosphere that makes students from minority backgrounds feel at home and supported. 

Dress Code

There is no defined uniform or strict dress code at the university. Students are allowed to wear any clothing, provided it is appropriate for the academic setting. They refrained from wearing revealing or overly casual attire with indecent images and slogans. The university's location is mainly in cold weather, so students should wear comfortable and warm clothes.

Above Average Placements

The placement opportunities available to the students vary across different courses and disciplines. The average placement rate at the university is 70%, with slight variations. Students from departments such as Science, Engineering and Management have a higher chance of obtaining good placements, with an 80% success rate. 

Most placement opportunities are offered to students from Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communications Engineering and MBA programs. The university provides practical learning opportunities and industry collaborations, which results in increased opportunities. 

The university has an active career development centre focused on increasing placement rates by inviting reputed companies and preparing students for placement drivers. In addition to that, the university has a strong alumni network that helps fresh graduates gain insight into their career prospects.

According to the previous years' records, the highest salary package offered to graduates was INR 10.2 LPA, and the average salary package was INR 4.5 LPA. The base salary package offered to students through placement programs was INR 3.5 LPA.

Overall Impression of MSU Baroda

MSU Baroda has maintained a solid academic record since its inception in 1949, and it is recognised by prestigious educational organisations and associations. Most disciplines offered by the university are ranked among the top lists. The university is well-known for its good quality education and remarkable academic opportunities.

Besides providing good academic prospects, students can explore their interests and be more innovative. Its beautiful campus provides the right environment for the students' academic, personal and professional growth. 

Nonetheless, students are advised to connect with the past and present students of the university to get a clear picture of the academic and career prospects available in the field of their choice.

Some of the pros and cons of MSU Baroda are listed below for reference.

*Source: themsubaroda Instagram