The University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), located near Guwahati but administratively in Meghalaya, is a significant State Private University. It was established in 2008 by the Government of Meghalaya Act, sponsored by the ERD Foundation, Guwahati.
USTM's mission centers on providing quality higher education accessible to students of the Northeast and beyond. It focuses on fostering research, innovation, and skill development across a diverse range of disciplines, aiming to become a center of excellence in the region. It emphasizes a blend of modern education with ethical values.
Key Recognitions:
Established by an Act of the Meghalaya State Legislature and recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f).
Holds a commendable 'A' Grade accreditation from NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council).
Consistently ranked well by NIRF, often featuring among the top private universities in the region and nationally in specific categories.
Possesses necessary approvals from professional bodies like AICTE (Engineering, Management, Pharmacy), PCI (Pharmacy), BCI (Law), NCTE (Education), etc., for its relevant programs.
Other LOP granted For Establishment of New Medical College with 150 MBBS Seats for the A.Y. 2024-2025.
USTM boasts a large, picturesque campus.
Location: Situated in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, but strategically located very close to Guwahati, Assam (often referred to as being in the 9th Mile, Kling Road area), making it easily accessible from Assam's capital.
Campus Size & Vibe: The campus is spread over a vast area (often cited as 400+ acres) in a scenic, green setting at the foothills. It features modern architecture, well-maintained landscapes, and aims for a vibrant yet conducive academic atmosphere.
Infrastructure & Facilities: As a well-regarded private university, USTM is extensively equipped:
Academic Blocks: Dedicated, modern buildings house its various Schools (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Business, Law, Allied Health, Pharmaceutical Sciences, etc.).
Central Library: A large, multi-storied central library with a vast collection of books, journals, extensive digital resources (e-journals, databases), and modern library services.
Advanced Laboratories: State-of-the-art labs supporting all disciplines – Engineering (CSE, ME, CE, ECE, EE, Food Tech), Biosciences (Biotech, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology), Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, Language labs, etc.
Technology Enabled: Smart classrooms, campus-wide Wi-Fi, sophisticated computer centers.
Auditoriums & Halls: Multiple auditoriums and seminar halls equipped for national/international conferences and cultural events.
Sports Complex: Excellent facilities for various indoor and outdoor sports, including playgrounds, courts, potentially a gymnasium.
Residential Facilities: Extensive hostel network.
Amenities: Food courts, cafes, banking facilities (ATM/branch), transportation services covering Guwahati, guest house, health center, potentially a small shopping complex.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
USTM has a significant presence in health-related sciences but does not operate a medical college for doctors.
MBBS/Hospital: USTM does not have its own Medical College offering the MBBS degree, nor does it operate a large multi-specialty teaching hospital for that purpose.
Health Science Programs: Its strengths in the health sector lie in:
Pharmaceutical Sciences: Offers B.Pharm, M.Pharm, D.Pharm, and Ph.D. programs.
Allied Health Sciences: Offers a wide range of programs like BPT/MPT (Physiotherapy), BMLT/MMLT, B.Sc (Radiology & Imaging Tech - BRIT, Optometry - B.Optom, OT Technology, Food Science & Tech, etc.).
Biological Sciences: Strong departments offering B.Sc/M.Sc/Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology.
Practical Training: Clinical or practical training for programs like Physiotherapy, Nursing (if offered), or other Allied Health courses involves tie-ups with hospitals and healthcare facilities in Guwahati and the region. The university has an on-campus Health Centre for basic medical needs.
State University Affordability
As a leading private university in the region, USTM's fees are higher than public universities but aim to be competitive, often offering significant concessions for students from the Northeast.
Given its location slightly outside Guwahati, USTM provides comprehensive residential facilities.
Accommodation: Numerous, separate, well-secured hostel blocks for boys and girls are available within the sprawling campus, catering to a large percentage of the student population.
Amenities: Hostels offer furnished rooms (mostly shared, potentially single options), 24/7 security, power backup, Wi-Fi connectivity, common rooms with TV/recreation, indoor games, potentially gyms, study halls, laundry services (paid), housekeeping, resident wardens, and access to the campus health center.
Dining: Multiple mess halls serve varied cuisine catering to students from different parts of India (especially Northeast) and abroad. Food courts offer additional variety. Hygiene is usually emphasized.
Cost: Hostel and mess fees are a significant additional annual expense. Depending on room sharing and mess plan, expect costs to range roughly from ₹80,000 to ₹1,30,000 or more per year. Confirm the specific rates during admission.
Getting Through the Door:
USTM-NEST: The university conducts its own USTM National Entrance Scholarship Test (USTM-NEST) for admission to many of its UG and PG programs. Performance in USTM-NEST is often the primary basis for admission and determining eligibility for significant scholarships and fee waivers, especially for Northeast students.
National Scores Accepted: For certain programs, scores from national entrance exams like JEE (Main) (B.Tech), CAT/MAT/CMAT (MBA), CLAT/LSAT (Law), GATE (M.Tech), GPAT (M.Pharm) might be accepted or required alongside/instead of USTM-NEST.
Merit-Based: Some programs, particularly traditional Arts/Science degrees, might offer admission based on merit in the qualifying examination (Class 12/Graduation).
Always check the specific admission criteria and accepted tests on the USTM website for your chosen program.
Career Kickstart (Placements): USTM has an active placement cell focused on connecting students with job opportunities, particularly relevant to the Northeast and national markets.
Industry Interface: Building strong connections with companies in IT, Pharma, Banking, Education, NGOs, and regional industries. Organizes campus recruitment drives, workshops, and seminars.
Training Focus: Emphasis on employability skills, soft skills development, aptitude training, and industry-specific preparation.
Recruiters: Attracts a mix of national IT service companies (TCS, Wipro, Capgemini), pharmaceutical firms, banks (like HDFC, ICICI), educational institutions, NGOs, and prominent regional employers.
Salary Potential: Placement success varies by stream. Average packages across disciplines like B.Tech (CSE), MBA, and B.Pharm typically fall in the ₹3.5 LPA to ₹5.5 LPA range. The university plays a crucial role in providing skilled manpower for the Northeast region.
USTM actively encourages diversity and has provisions for international and NRI students.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus