Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, located in Baripada, Odisha, is a significant public State University. Originally established as North Odisha University (NOU) in 1998 by the state government, it was renamed in 2020 to honor Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo, the progressive erstwhile ruler of Mayurbhanj state.
Its core purpose is to provide accessible higher education and foster research relevant to the needs of North Odisha, encompassing districts like Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar. It operates as both a teaching university, offering postgraduate and research programs through its departments on the main campus (Sriram Chandra Vihar), and as an affiliating university, providing academic oversight to numerous colleges within its jurisdiction.
Key Recognitions:
Established by an Act of the Odisha State Legislature.
Recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 12(B).
Accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an 'A' Grade (achieved as North Odisha University, status carries over).
Holds necessary approvals from relevant professional bodies like AICTE (for specific Management/Technical courses), NCTE (Education), BCI (Law - via affiliated colleges), etc.
Permitted for 100 seats for renewal of permission u/s 10(A) for 2020-21. Permitted for increase of seats from 100 to 125 under EWS quota (103rd constitution amendment) for 2019-20. Annual renewal permission granted for 125 MBBS seats for AY 2024-25
The university's main campus provides a dedicated academic environment.
Location: Situated at Sriram Chandra Vihar, Takatpur, on the outskirts of Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Campus Vibe: Expect a reasonably spacious campus with academic buildings, administrative offices, hostels, and green areas, offering a focused academic atmosphere typical of a regional state university.
Infrastructure & Facilities:
PG Departments: Buildings housing the various postgraduate teaching departments (Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Education, etc.).
Central Library: A key resource center with a growing collection of books, journals, theses, e-resources, and reading facilities. Departmental libraries offer specialized support.
Laboratories: Equipped labs supporting practical work in various science disciplines (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Geology, Computer Science), potentially biotechnology, etc.
Learning Spaces: Lecture halls, seminar rooms, classrooms.
Auditorium/Conference Facilities: Venues for academic and cultural events.
Residential Facilities: Hostel accommodation for students and some quarters for staff.
Amenities: Administrative offices, potentially a basic health center, canteen, bank/post office counter, computer center.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University does not have its own constituent Medical College offering the MBBS degree, nor does it operate a large general teaching hospital. Its academic focus lies in Arts, Sciences, Commerce, Management, Law (via affiliation), Education, and potentially some technical fields. Medical colleges in the region (like Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital, Baripada) function under the state's health university system. MSCBDU likely provides basic first-aid through an on-campus health unit.
State University Affordability
Being a state university, MSCBDU's fees for regular, government-aided programs offered directly on campus are generally very affordable. Self-financed courses will have higher fees.
MSCBD University provides residential facilities for students enrolled in its on-campus (mostly PG) programs.
Availability: Yes, the university has separate hostels for boys and girls within the campus. Allotment is usually based on merit, category, and distance, primarily serving postgraduate and research students.
Facilities: Hostels offer basic furnished accommodation (often shared rooms), common rooms, dining halls (messes), security, warden supervision, and essential amenities.
Mess System: Each hostel typically operates its own mess providing regular meals, often featuring regional Odia cuisine, managed on a dividing or fixed-rate system.
Cost: As a state university, the combined cost for hostel accommodation and basic mess food is generally expected to be very affordable. The total annual charges are likely highly economical, possibly in the ₹15,000 - ₹30,000 range (Needs precise confirmation from the hostel authorities).
Getting Admitted:
University Entrance Test (Common PG Entrance - CPET Odisha): Admission to most Postgraduate (PG) courses (MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, etc.) offered directly by MSCBD University departments is typically through the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET) conducted by the Odisha State Higher Education Council. Candidates apply centrally via SAMS Odisha and give university/subject preferences based on their CPET rank during counselling.
Specific Tests: Certain specialized courses might have additional requirements after CPET shortlisting.
Affiliated Colleges (UG/PG): Admissions to UG courses (BA, BSc, BCom) and some PG courses in affiliated colleges are largely managed through the SAMS (Student Academic Management System) portal run by the Odisha Higher Education Department, based primarily on merit in the qualifying examination (Class 12/Graduation).
B.Ed: Admission is through the Odisha B.Ed Entrance Test.
Ph.D.: Admission involves a University Entrance Test followed by interviews/viva-voce. NET qualified candidates are often exempted from the test.
Always follow the official MSCBD University admission notifications and Odisha State Higher Education Council (SAMS/CPET) websites for the latest procedures.
Career Support (Placements):
Focus: MSCBD University likely has a placement cell, focusing on connecting students with regional opportunities. Career paths for many graduates often lead towards state government jobs (OAS, banking, administrative roles, particularly relevant given tribal studies focus), teaching positions (School/College level after B.Ed/NET/Ph.D.), NGOs, and pursuing further academic research.
Campus Placements: Direct campus placements might occur for professional courses like MBA or MCA. Recruiters would likely include regional companies, banks, educational institutions, and organizations working in social/tribal development sectors in North Odisha.
Outcomes: Placement success varies. Average packages from campus drives are expected to be modest, potentially in the ₹2 LPA to ₹4 LPA range. The university plays a crucial role in developing human resources for the region and preparing students for competitive state-level examinations.
State universities in regional locations like MSCBD University typically have limited, if any, specific provisions for NRI/Foreign Nationals compared to central or large private universities.
General Policy: MSCBD University, as a State University primarily serving the regional population, likely does not have a dedicated, reserved NRI quota or extensive mechanisms for admitting foreign nationals into its regular programs. Admissions are governed by Odisha state domicile rules and standard Indian constitutional reservations.
Possibility for Specific Schemes: Admission might be possible through specific Government of India scholarship schemes (like ICCR) if the university is approved under such programs, or potentially on supernumerary seats if specific university regulations permit, likely requiring direct application and potentially higher fees.
Recommendation: Given the university's nature and typical admission practices, a standard NRI channel is improbable. The most reliable action is direct inquiry. Contact the MSCBD University admission office or the Chairman, PG Council. Ask explicitly if any provision exists for NRI/Foreign National admissions for your course of interest, detailing the eligibility, required documentation, procedure, and fee structure.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus