Mumbai University Announces Meta-University Initiative
Mumbai University will soon launch a meta-university system through collaborations with other state universities in Maharashtra. Vice Chancellor Dr Ravindra Kulkarni revealed this ambitious plan during the annual convocation held on Saturday.
170th Anniversary Vision
The meta-university initiative forms part of the university's 170th anniversary celebrations beginning in July. Established in July 1857, Mumbai University aims to transform its educational approach as India progresses toward becoming a developed, inclusive nation.
"As India advances toward a developed, inclusive nation, the university's journey ahead of its 170th anniversary must mirror those transitions from access to excellence," said Professor Kulkarni. He emphasized the shift from disciplinary silos to interdisciplinary areas and from traditional models to research and innovation-led ecosystems.
Breaking Institutional Barriers
The meta-university concept, originally introduced over a decade ago by the Union government, envisions universities collaborating through modern technologies. This approach enables students to access learning resources from multiple institutions, creating a more holistic educational experience through joint degree programs.
"After breaking the disciplinary silos of learning, the next step is breaking the institutional silos, allowing students to design their own degree," Professor Kulkarni explained. "Different universities and institutions can come together to provide students with the best possible combination of subjects."
Mumbai University plans to offer this cafeteria-style learning approach by partnering with other universities and institutions across Maharashtra. However, Professor Kulkarni noted this remains a futuristic concept currently in its primary stages, requiring another two to three years for full implementation.
National Education Policy Alignment
The meta-university concept aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the idea was previously considered, hybrid or online learning limitations prevented implementation at that time.
"Although it was visualized earlier, it was not implemented due to limitations," Professor Kulkarni acknowledged. "However, with the flexible learning approach encouraged under the NEP 2020, this cafeteria approach to learning is now possible. In future, Mumbai University will initiate such collaborations with other universities in the state as well as globally."
Research and Innovation Focus
The university is establishing specialized technology schools for research and development in advanced materials, artificial intelligence, data science, cloud and quantum computing, sustainable science, and clean energy initiatives.
Professor Kulkarni highlighted plans for research translation through commercialization models, intellectual property rights management, and revenue generation strategies. These efforts reflect the university's commitment to creating innovation-led ecosystems.
Convocation Highlights
During Saturday's convocation, Mumbai University awarded over 1.7 lakh degrees, including 1,49,982 undergraduate and 22,540 postgraduate degrees. Female students outnumbered males in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
At the undergraduate level, 75,252 female students slightly exceeded 74,729 male students. The gap widened at the postgraduate level, with 12,950 female students significantly surpassing 9,589 male students.
The university conferred 609 PhD degrees, marking nearly a 50 percent increase from last year's 401 PhDs. "This is the highest number of PhDs awarded in the last nine years," said Professor Dr Ajay Bhamare, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University, highlighting the institution's emphasis on research and innovation activities.
Among the PhD recipients, the Faculty of Science and Technology accounted for the highest number with 269 degrees.
Government Support for Research
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Professor Dr Ajay Kumar Sood, served as chief guest for the convocation ceremony. He discussed the recently launched Union government initiative - a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund designed to boost private sector research and development.
"This is the first time this has happened anywhere in the world," Professor Sood stated. "This fund is a game changer providing long-term, low-interest finance to help private companies and start-ups convert deep-tech prototypes into commercial realities."
The meta-university initiative represents Mumbai University's commitment to transforming higher education through collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and innovation-driven approaches aligned with national educational priorities.
