Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is a collegiate, central and Research University located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India and was established in 1916. The university incorporated the Central Hindu College, which was founded by the Indian Home Rule-leaguer and theosophist, Annie Besant in 1898.

After Besant and her colleagues were marginalised, the university was established by Madan Mohan Malviya with the support of Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga, Maharaja Prabhu Narayan Singh of Banaras and lawyer Sunder Lal. With over 30,000 students and 18,000 living on campus, Banaras Hindu University is the largest residential university in Asia. The Government of India has declared the university as one of the eight Public Institutions of Excellence.

It is one of the 12 institutions in India in the BRICS University League, an association of leading research universities from the BRICS countries. History and present of BHU are often known by different names. Some English names include Banaras University, Banaras Hindu University and Hindu University.

The university's main campus spread over 1,370 acres, was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras ("Kashi" being an alternative name for Banaras or Varanasi). The south campus, spread over 2,700 acres is built on land donated later by Maharaj Kumar Aditya Narayan Singh in Sunderpur, hosts the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agriculture Science Centre) and is located in Barkachha in Mirzapur district, about 60 km from Varanasi.

The main campus of the university, spread over 1,370 acres, was built on land donated by Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras ('Kashi' being an alternative name for Banaras or Varanasi). The southern campus is spread over 2,700 acres and was established at Sunderpur on land generously donated by Maharaj Kumar Aditya Narayan Singh. It is home to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and is located about 60 km from Varanasi.

Here are some key points about BHU: History and Location

+ Establishment: BHU was established in 1916 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a prominent Indian educationist and freedom fighter.

+ Location: The university is located in Varanasi (also known as Banaras), a city with rich cultural and historical significance.

Academic Structure:

+ Faculties and Departments: BHU has 14 faculties (colleges) and over 140 departments, offering a broad range of programs in humanities, science, technology, medicine, social sciences, performing arts, and more.

+ Institutes and Schools: The university encompasses several institutes such as the Institute of Science, Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, and Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU).

Programs Offered:

+ Undergraduate and Postgraduate: BHU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.

+ Professional Courses: It also provides professional courses in engineering, medicine, law, management, and education.

Research and Collaboration:

+ Research Excellence: BHU is renowned for its research contributions and has numerous research centers and facilities. The organization actively conducts advanced research in many disciplines.

+ Collaborations: The university has collaborations with several national and international institutions for research, academic exchange, and joint programs.

Campus and Facilities:

+ Main Campus: The main campus in Varanasi spans over 1,300 acres and includes well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, hostels, sports complexes, and healthcare facilities.

+ South Campus: BHU also has a South Campus located in Mirzapur district, which is dedicated to agricultural research and education.

Student Life:

+ Cultural and Extracurricular Activities: BHU offers a vibrant campus life with various cultural, literary, and sports activities. The university hosts numerous festivals, events, and competitions.

+ Student Organizations: There are numerous student clubs and societies focusing on diverse interests such as debating, dramatics, music, dance, and social service.

Admission Process:

+ Entrance Exams: Admission to BHU is primarily based on entrance exams. For undergraduate programs, the university conducts the Undergraduate Entrance Test (UET), and for postgraduate programs, it conducts the Postgraduate Entrance Test (PET).

+ National Level Exams: Some professional courses require scores from national level exams like JEE (for engineering), NEET (for medical), and CAT (for management).

Notable Achievements:

+ Academic Reputation: BHU is consistently ranked among the top universities in India and is known for its high academic standards.

+ Distinguished Alumni: The university has a notable list of alumni who have excelled in various fields, including politics, science, arts, literature, and public service. Some prominent alumni include former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri, and renowned physicist and Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana.

Conclusion: Banaras Hindu University is a leading educational institution in India, known for its rich heritage, academic excellence, and research contributions. It continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education and research in India and beyond.