Mumbai University Announces Meta-University System Launch
Mumbai University will implement a meta-university system through collaboration with other state universities in Maharashtra. Vice Chancellor Dr Ravindra Kulkarni made this announcement during the university's annual convocation held on Saturday.
Launch Timeline and Anniversary Connection
The meta-university initiative will begin in July. This timing coincides with the university's 170th anniversary celebrations. Mumbai University was originally established in July 1857.
"As India advances toward a developed, inclusive nation, the university's journey ahead of its 170th anniversary must mirror those transitions," said Professor Kulkarni. He emphasized shifts from access to excellence and from disciplinary silos to interdisciplinary areas.
Understanding the Meta-University Concept
The meta-university concept was introduced over a decade ago by the then Union government. It envisions collaboration between universities using the latest technologies. This approach enables students to benefit from learning resources available across different institutions.
The system aims to provide a more holistic learning experience through joint degree programs. Mumbai University has not yet shared specific implementation details about its meta-university plans.
Broader University Initiatives
Professor Kulkarni highlighted that the university is moving toward establishing specialized technology schools. These schools will focus on research and development in several key areas.
Priority research areas include:
- Advanced materials
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science
- Cloud and quantum computing
- Sustainable science
- Clean energy initiatives
The university will undertake steps for research translation. This includes developing models for commercialization, managing intellectual property rights, and generating revenue from research outcomes.
Convocation Highlights: Record Degree Awards
Mumbai University's annual convocation on Saturday saw the awarding of more than 1.7 lakh degrees. This impressive total included 1,49,982 undergraduate degrees and 22,540 postgraduate degrees.
Gender Distribution Among Graduates
The graduating class consisted of 84,318 male students and 88,202 female students, plus two others. Female students outnumbered males in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
At the undergraduate level, 75,252 girls slightly exceeded 74,729 boys. The gap was more significant at the postgraduate level, where 12,950 girls substantially outnumbered 9,589 boys.
Research Emphasis and PhD Awards
The university conferred 609 PhD degrees during the convocation. This represents nearly a 50 percent increase from the previous year's total of 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. He highlighted the university's special emphasis on research and innovation activities.
Among the total PhDs awarded, the highest number (269) came from the faculty of Science and Technology.
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 spoke about the recently launched Union government initiative.
The government has established a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation fund to boost private sector R&D. "This is the first time this has happened anywhere in the world," Professor Sood stated.
He described the fund as a game changer that provides long-term, low-interest finance. This financial support helps private companies and startups convert deep-tech prototypes into commercial realities.
The meta-university announcement comes as part of Mumbai University's broader vision for its future development. The institution aims to create research and innovation-led ecosystems while expanding educational access through collaborative models.
