University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya Baridua

Creation of the University

The University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) was established under the provisions of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya Act (No.6 of 2008) enacted by Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya State and notified vide Notification No LL(B)87/2008/21, dt. 02.12.2008 of Government of Meghalaya. The University has been empowered by the University Grants Commission, to award degrees as specified by the UGC under section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956. The USTM is sponsored by Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF), Guwahati. The USTM will be established in a 350 acres of picturesque landscape surrounded by mesmerizing greenery under Umduba area of 9th Mile in Ri-Bhoi District on the G S Road. The permanent campus with its world class infrastructure is getting ready at Umduba, Kiling Road, 9th Mile which is about 85 km from the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong & about 11 km from capital of Assam, Dispur. The University will commence its first academic session from September, 2011 temporarily at RIST, Techno City, Kiling Road, 9th Mile, Meghalaya & subsequently USTM campus will be developed at the permanent site.

Vision

“To become one of the premier Universities in the country by bringing together leading academics, researchers entrepreneurs, thinkers, administrators, Industrialist and other stakeholders in an endeavor to synergize their expertise with a view to impart world class education exploring opportunities and talents of north east region, thereby, creating a centre of cutting edge research and societal development in order to play a significant part of the process towards achieving Vision 2020”

Background

“The wealth that cannot be stolen,
neither abducted by state,
nor can be divided amongst brothers,
Neither it is burdensome to carry,
The wealth that increases by giving,
That wealth is knowledge
and is supreme of all possessions.”

Indeed education has been accorded an esteemed position in the Indian society since ages. ‘Vidya’ or knowledge was considered the “third eye” of man, which enabled one to develop insight and understanding.

Education in India is seen as one of the ways to upward social mobility. Good education is seen as a stepping stone to a high flying career. The skills developed in the post-secondary stage are more important in the new economy than in the past. Learning to learn, being comfortable with technology, and having well developed writing and speaking skills matter more at a time when individuals are changing jobs- and even careers- much more often than before. Keeping pace in a world of rapid technological change puts one on being flexible and prepared to respond to unknown situations and challenges. Cultivating the ability for independent thought and expanding the capacity to cope with new ideas and outlooks. These qualities can be cultivated only through a quality higher education in individuals. A vibrant economy driven knowledge society, where justice and human values prevail can be developed only through higher education. With the explosive growth of knowledge in the past century and with the development of handy tools of information and communication technologies as well as of other scientific innovations, competition has become a hallmark of growth all over the World. As a result, knowledge is not only going to be the driver of economy, but also, it is going to permeate into all the strata of society for a better quality of life and living conditions.

Since Independence, the system of Education in India has evolved itself at different levels and being accorded with priorities on diverse thrust areas and sectors; according to the need as perceived and formulated by various committees and commissions. Visionaries adequately emphasized upon the need of creation of Institutions of Excellence in Higher & Technical Learning and thus materialized the creation of IIT’s, IISc, IIM’s, various Central Universities and Centers of Research & Development; as well as emphasizing on the Primary as well as Secondary Education. With near attainment of Universalization of Primary Education in India, now the Right to Education Act 2010 as well as the Universalization of Secondary Education (RMSA) would subsequently lead to better enrollment and success at the Secondary Education level too. This in turn, would lead to achieving the gross enrollment ratio (GER) of 15% by 2015 as envisaged by the National Knowledge Commission and a GER of 30% by 2020 as stated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, as against the present GER of roughly over 8% at the Higher Education level. National Knowledge Commission further in its recommendation suggests the setting up of a number of Universities and Institutions of Higher Learning, Research Centers; the need for evolving an effective system for public private partnership in education, role of private participation in education etc.

ERD Foundation a leading group in NE India with over 7000 students studying in its institutions ranging from primary level to the tertiary level, is in fact determined to create a healthy eco-system of education in the region and help provide the necessary impetus to the overall socio-economic development through strong vision and focus on Education, Research & Development. ERDF envisages to synergies the natural resource and biodiversity as well as the latent human resource potential of the region, help explore the rich indigenous knowledge embodied in the richness of culture and tradition of the region’s ethnic diversity; through effective education, scientific intervention and meaningful transfer of technology to the grassroots level.

With more than a decade of experience in running Professional Institutions of Higher & Technical Learning, Engineering Education, Research & Development, chain of Schools catering to the educational needs both at the Primary, Secondary as well as Senior Secondary level; ERDF is on the threshold of unfolding a new era in Educational History of the region. With appropriate focus on the all-round development of the child to a complete human being, ERDF accordingly envisions to bring its entire institutional network under the umbrella of and University that shall evolve itself as a school of thought.

The University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (USTM); first of its kind in entire NE region of India was set up with the enactment of the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya Act, 2008 (Act No 6 of 2008) by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on 2nd Dec, 2008. USTM is the first State Private University on Science & Technology in Meghalaya and is sponsored by ERD Foundation, thus enabling ERDF transform its vision into reality. With almost two years of focused study on the educational needs of the region by expert Academicians, Scientists and a group of former Vice Chancellors of the region, USTM now is on the verge of commencing its academic process with initiation of the different Schools and Departments under which various Post Graduation Programs as well as M.Phil and Ph.D studies will be accommodated. Thrust areas as identified by the core group of academicians, are largely based on the need for conducting need based location specific Education, Research & Development programs in the field of Applied Science & Technology specifically focusing on the rich biodiversity of the region, the needs of the Industry as well as the need for conducting researches towards preserving, mapping, documenting and effective harnessing & utilization of such resources towards sustainable growth of the region.

With a solemn resolve towards making USTM a vibrant Center of Excellence, ERDF would strive towards facilitating introduction of new thoughts into the field of teaching-learning with adoption of technology and establishing appropriate linkages with relevant Centers of Excellence in the Country as well as abroad, R&D Institutions and Industry. Adequate emphasis will be on creation of employment ready human capital through effective delivery of industry specific courses as well as various well designed programs on Entrepreneurship Development and Vocational Studies.

Why USTM

We at University of Science & Technology, do firmly believe upon the fact that over and above the pedagogic educational activities carried out through classroom training, lectures and laboratory sessions; an all round academic development can only be facilitated through creation of a learning environment that ensures effective all round knowledge management of the ‘taught’. And this can only happen by providing the student’s hands on experience of the ground realities; the developmental needs of the region where in the students can develop strong perception on the needs and accordingly make the correct choice towards shaping their future course of activity in life and thus their career.

Backed up by a perfect blend of young and energetic group of faculties well guided by experienced and agile group of reputed academicians, scientists and educational administrators of the region, at University of Science and Technology we are committed towards redefining education, and evolve a school wherein the pursuit for knowledge shall be held high and transfer of the same towards reaping in rich socio-economic transformation of the region shall be the solemn goal.

Accordingly, at USTM the academic infrastructure has been built to foster the rightful grooming of students the shoulder the responsibilities of nation building. Enhancing first hand experience for the students are of prime importance for each school and departments therein at USTM for the purpose of which the University has already entered into progressive alliance with reputed Industries and Academic as well as Research & Development Institutions of the Region in particular and the Nation in general. Foreign collaborations and collaborative R&D programs shall be given due emphasis and thus the right platform provided to the student for their first hand exposure to the advancement made in the respective field of study.

ERD Foundation, with its vast experience in Education Research & Development; has indeed resolved to make University of Science & Technology a true Globally Local entity and evolve itself as a premier school of thought towards exploring new frontiers in education & research, help bridge the gap between the laboratory and the society thereby reaping in the benefits accrued through research towards creating of a Knowledge Based Society.

The campus, in the midst of scenic beauty, conveniently located off the GS Road.
Thurst of excellence across every academic discipline
A strong orientation toward the future: USTM is all about “What’s Next”!
Variety of research opportunities available to undergraduates, and professors that reach out to students to let them know about those opportunities
Talented, motivated, accessible faculty across the board
Generous Financial Aid to meritorious students.
Free Admission for Students belonging to economically marginalized students.
Student and Faculty exchange program with many universities in India and abroad.
The collaborative working environment with quality infrastructure.
Incredible internship opportunities during summer and the school year
Career fairs, placements with no of National and Multinational companies.

Post Graduate (P.G.)

M.Sc Botany
M.Sc. Biochemistry
M.Sc. Biotechnology
M.Sc. Chemistry
M.Sc. Enveronmental Science
M.Sc. in Computer Science
M.Sc. in Electronics
M.Sc. Zoology
MA Cultural Studies
MA Education
MA Psychology
MA Public Relation
MA Rural Development
Master in Disaster Management
Master in Mass Communication
Master in Social Work
Master of Business Administration(MBA)
Master of Computer Applications (MCA)
Masters in Business Economics
Masters in Commerce
Masters in Economics
Masters in Public Administration
Masters in Sociology
M. Sc. Mathematics
Master of International Business (MIB)
P.G. in Natural Resource Management
Master of International Studies (MIS)

Under Graduate (U.G.)

B.Sc. Biotechnology
B.Sc. Biochemistry
B.Sc.Food Sciene & Technology
Bachelor of Business Administartion (BBA)
Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
Bachalor Mass Communication
BA Sociology
BA Psychology
Bachelor of Scocial Work (BSW)
B.Sc. Electronics
Bachelor of Rural Studies

Ph.D.

Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Sericulture, Food Sc & Technology, Molecular Biology
Business Sciences
- HR, Banking, Finance, Marketing, Accountancy, Economics, Business Economics, Commerce, Statistics
Engineering Sciences
- Electronics, Computer , Civil Engg, Electrical Engg., IT, Mechanical, Structural Engg., Metarial Sc, Nanotechnology
School of Social Sciences & Humanities
- Sociology, Education, Psychology, Social Work, Public Admin
School of Applied Sciences
- Chemistry, Env Sc, Applied Chemistry, Ecology, Maths, Statistics
School of Media & cultural Studies
- Mass Com, Cultural Studies, Folklore Studies, Public Relation, North East Studies
Center of Natural Resource Management
- Rural Development, Geography, Geology, Disaster Management, Natural Resource Management
Center for International Studies
- International Relations, International Studies