Ravenshaw University stands as the oldest institution of higher education in Odisha and one of the oldest in India, established in 1868 as Cuttack College with intermediate level classes at the Cuttack Zilla School. The institution was renamed Ravenshaw College in 1878 to honor Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, the Commissioner of Cuttack Division who was instrumental in its creation. Upgraded to university status on November 15, 2006, it has grown from having just six students in the BA class in 1876 to becoming a comprehensive multi-faculty university. The university is affiliated with the University Grants Commission (UGC) and offers programs across arts, sciences, commerce, and professional disciplines from its campus in Cuttack, Odisha.
Ravenshaw University Highlights
Ravenshaw University's journey from a modest college to a full-fledged university reflects over 157 years of academic excellence in Odisha. Originally elevated to a first-grade college in 1876, it was affiliated to Calcutta University and received significant support from the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj who contributed INR 25,000 in 1878. The institution moved to its current location at Chakra Padia in 1913 following recommendations by the Nathan Committee, transforming what was once a race course into a center of learning. The university maintains its legacy while expanding programs and infrastructure to meet contemporary educational demands.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1868 (as Cuttack College); University status 2006 |
Type | State Public University |
Approvals/Accreditations | UGC |
Location | Cuttack, Odisha |
Student Intake / Strength | Multiple programs across undergraduate and postgraduate levels |
Faculty | Experienced faculty across multiple departments |
Flagship Program & Fees | BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc, MCom programs |
Entrance Exams | CUET, State-level entrance tests for various programs |
Official Website |
Ravenshaw University Courses & Fees
Ravenshaw University offers a diverse range of academic programs spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across multiple disciplines. The university provides traditional arts, science, and commerce programs alongside professional courses in various specializations. As a state university with over 150 years of academic tradition, it maintains affordable fee structures to ensure accessibility for students from various economic backgrounds. Programs are designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with semester-based curricula updated to align with current academic standards and industry requirements.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
BA (Arts) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 from recognized board | INR 10,000 - 15,000 (approx.) |
BSc (Science) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 with Science from recognized board | INR 12,000 - 18,000 (approx.) |
BCom (Commerce) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 10+2 with Commerce from recognized board | INR 10,000 - 15,000 (approx.) |
MA (Arts) | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline |
INR 8,000 - 12,000 (approx.) |
|
MSc (Science) |
Postgraduate |
2 Years |
Bachelor's degree in relevant Science discipline | INR 10,000 - 15,000 (approx.) |
MCom (Commerce) | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Bachelor's degree in Commerce |
INR 8,000 - 12,000 (approx.) |
|
PhD |
Doctoral |
3-5 Years |
Master's degree with minimum required percentage | INR 15,000 - 25,000 per year (approx.) |
Ravenshaw University Admission Process
The admission process at Ravenshaw University follows a systematic approach based on merit and entrance examinations depending on the program. For undergraduate programs, admissions are primarily merit-based considering 10+2 marks, while postgraduate programs may require entrance tests or previous degree performance. The university typically opens applications in May-June for the academic session beginning in July-August. Online applications are submitted through the official university portal, followed by document verification and counseling for seat allocation. The institution maintains transparency in its admission procedures and publishes detailed guidelines annually.
Application Window: May - June (indicative for upcoming sessions)
Entrance Exams: CUET for UG programs, university-level tests for PG programs in select disciplines
Selection Stages: Merit-based selection, document verification, counseling for seat allotment
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Fill application form on university portal with program preferences | May - June | Recent photograph, signature, valid email and phone |
Entrance Exam (if applicable) | Appear for CUET or university-level entrance tests | June - July | Admit card, valid ID proof |
Merit List Release | University publishes merit lists based on marks/entrance scores | July | NA |
Document Verification | Submit original documents for verification at university | July - August | 10th & 12th marksheets, transfer certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile, Aadhaar |
Fee Payment | Pay semester fees through online/offline mode | July - August | Admission letter, fee challan |
Ravenshaw University Scholarships
Ravenshaw University facilitates access to various scholarships for meritorious and economically disadvantaged students through state government schemes and central programs. Students can avail benefits under the Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC categories, merit-cum-means scholarships, and special provisions for minority communities. The university encourages eligible students to apply through the National Scholarship Portal and provides guidance through its scholarship cell. Financial assistance ensures that deserving students can pursue higher education without economic constraints, supporting the institution's commitment to inclusive education established since its 1868 founding.
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
How to Apply |
|
Post Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) |
SC/ST students with family income below INR 2.5 lakh per annum |
Tuition fees, maintenance allowance |
National Scholarship Portal |
|
Post Matric Scholarship (OBC) |
OBC students with family income below INR 1 lakh per annum |
Tuition fees, maintenance allowance |
National Scholarship Portal |
|
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship |
Economically weaker students with good academic performance |
Partial to full fee waiver |
Through university scholarship cell |
|
Minority Scholarship |
Minority community students meeting income criteria |
Financial assistance for fees |
National Scholarship Portal |
Ravenshaw University Campus & Facilities
The Ravenshaw University campus is located at the historic Chakra Padia site selected in 1913, which was once a race course for British officers in Cuttack. Spread across substantial acreage, the campus combines colonial-era architecture with modern educational facilities. The university has developed comprehensive infrastructure to support academic, research, and extracurricular activities for its diverse student population. With over a century of continuous operation, the campus has evolved to include state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive library resources, sports facilities, and residential accommodations, creating a holistic educational environment.
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Library / Digital Resources: Central library with extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources; reading rooms with internet connectivity; subscriptions to academic databases and e-journals
-
Labs / Research Centres: Well-equipped laboratories for Science disciplines including Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology; computer labs with modern systems; research centers supporting postgraduate and doctoral research
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Classrooms / Seminar Halls: Spacious classrooms with modern teaching aids; seminar halls for academic discussions and guest lectures; auditorium for cultural events and convocations
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Hostel / Dining: Separate hostel facilities for male and female students with basic amenities; mess facilities providing nutritious meals; hostel accommodation allocated based on merit and distance
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Sports / Gym: Sports grounds for cricket, football, and athletics; indoor facilities for badminton and table tennis; gymnasium for physical fitness; encouragement of participation in inter-university competitions
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Connectivity / Transport: Centrally located in Cuttack city with easy access to railway station and bus stand; well-connected by local transport; proximity to major city landmarks
Ravenshaw University Placements
Ravenshaw University's placement activities focus on connecting students with employment opportunities across various sectors. The university organizes campus placement drives inviting companies from IT, banking, education, and public sector undertakings. While specific placement statistics vary by department and program, the institution has established partnerships with regional and national employers. Students pursuing professional courses and postgraduate programs receive career guidance, soft skills training, and interview preparation support through the placement cell. The university's legacy spanning 157 years has created a strong alumni network that assists in facilitating placement opportunities for graduating batches.
|
Year |
Highest Package |
Average Package |
Median Package |
Top Recruiters |
|
2024-25 |
INR 6-8 LPA (approx.) |
INR 3-4 LPA (approx.) |
INR 2.5-3.5 LPA (approx.) |
IT companies, Banks, Educational institutions, PSUs |
Ravenshaw University Notable Alumni
Ravenshaw University boasts a distinguished legacy of alumni who have excelled across diverse fields including politics, literature, administration, science, and social service. As Odisha's oldest institution of higher learning established in 1868, it has nurtured generations of leaders and intellectuals who have contributed significantly to nation-building. The university's alumni network includes prominent figures in state and national administration, renowned writers and poets in Odia literature, eminent scientists, and influential social reformers. This illustrious tradition continues to inspire current students while strengthening the institution's reputation as a cradle of excellence in eastern India.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Biju Patnaik | Former Chief Minister of Odisha, aviation pioneer, and freedom fighter |
Harekrushna Mahtab | Freedom fighter, first Chief Minister of Odisha, noted historian |
Gopabandhu Das | Social reformer, freedom fighter, and founder of Satyabadi movement |
Radhanath Ray | Renowned Odia poet and writer, considered father of modern Odia poetry |
Godavarish Mishra | Eminent poet, literary critic, and editor in Odia literature |
