By We are witnessing a global demand for higher education in contemporary times, and to fulfill the demand, there is diversity in education providers. However, amidst the diversity, what distinguishes a higher education institution is its capacity to develop students and researchers to contend in the global tertiary education market.
Capacity building is achieved with world-class teaching and research centers. To enable such higher educational institutions in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) came up with a regulatory structure, the Institution of Eminence(IOE) Scheme, in 2017.
What is the Institution of Eminence (IOE) scheme?
The IOE framework is a national institute ranking system that upholds the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing access to high-quality education for all Indians. The regulatory architecture should identify and empower 10 private and 10 government higher education institutions as lnstitution of Eminence (Deemed to be Universities).
Up until 2022, 12 institutions have been identified as IOE, where eight are public, and four are private institutions. Ultimately, these 20 institutions will partake in the global positioning of the Indian Higher Education System. Amongst the distinguished private institutions, the O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) is transcending boundaries in education by making internationalization its cornerstone.
How O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) earned the IOE status?
The Institution of Eminence status was a long-awaited milestone for JGU. Let us cast back to 2009 when the university was established to promote public service and think beyond the confines of educational degrees to challenge the plight of employability. As what lies above a qualification is exploration while in the case of employment, it is innovation.
At JGU, exploration and innovation are the key themes. A typical day is marked by class lectures and meetings you can also catch glimpses of a security staff preparing notes on accountancy during lunchtime, or maybe non-teaching staff authoring research papers. Additionally, international faculty members are seen fluently communicating in Hindi the official language of India alongside English to melt into the linguistic diversity of the country. Administrative staff members are pursuing Ph.D. degrees across various schools within the institution.
All this goes to show that JGU encourages its members to think beyond the known, which is one of the several meanings of ‘global’, isn’t it? This mindset of pushing boundaries fosters a dynamic environment where each individual, regardless of their role, is constantly evolving and contributing to the institution’s vibrant academic culture.
Key Drivers Behind JGU’s Global Success
O.P. Jindal Global University was ranked the No.1 Private University in India, in the QS World Rankings 2023, furthermore, No. 1 Law School in India by the QS World University Rankings 2024 by Subject. The rankings and accreditations are attributed to the:
Par Excellence Faculty & Staff:
Over 4,000 faculty and administrative staff from 50 countries.
45% of faculty are alumni of the top 200 global universities.
Vast Range of Programs:
More than 45 programs are offered across 12 schools.
Programs span fields like Law, Business, International Affairs, Public Policy, Liberal Arts, Journalism, Banking & Finance, Public Health, and more.
Growing Student Body:
14,000+ students currently enrolled.
Expanding Faculty Team:
Over 1,100 faculty members at JGU.
Research & Innovation:
60 research centers driving cutting-edge research.
Four in-house research & capacity-building institutes focused on enhancing academic and professional growth.
But is that all that contributes to the varsity’s uniqueness? No! we are yet to see a vivid picture of the global collaborations fostered and the larger-than-life campus that adds to the uniqueness of the university.
What makes JGU Unique as an IOE?
Earlier in the introduction there was a mention of internationalization, which is an educational philosophy and the central pillar of JGU. So, let us see how JGU is committed to pluralism and rigorous scholarship through IAGI.
1. The Office of International Affairs and Global Initiatives (IAGI)
JGU has strived to be a university that leaves an imprint in the global educational landscape. To achieve this it has fostered more than 475 institutional collaborations with 75+ countries worldwide. JGU’s global reach translates into over 160 Student Exchange programs, 200 Study Abroad Programs, 60 Dual Degree programs, and 15 Short-Term Study Abroad programs so far.
When you step into the campus of JGU you are greeted by a microcosm of the world. The outstanding hospitality, not only welcomes but comforts the cohorts from abroad and parts of India. The Deans and Faculties from all corners of the world interact with ease and integrity to uphold the excellence of O.P. Jindal Global University.
The premises are teeming with resources of global repute because of the university’s increasing global footprint with partnerships in North America, the UK & Ireland, Europe, Eurasia, Asia, South America, Africa, Middle East & West Asia, and Australia & New Zealand.
You can read through a whole list of JGU’s global partnerships here.
Our students, Abhinav Bhatia, a Jindal Global Business School (JGBS) student, on recalling his study Abroad experience at the University of Bordeaux shared, “Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA)’s exchange program to National Chengchi University (NCCU) in Taiwan was one of the best learning experiences I’ve had. It helped me completely immerse in the local culture because all I did was eat, climb mountains, learn Chinese, and make amazing memories for an entire semester”
Similarly, Geoffrey Flugge, a JSIA Exchange Student from Australian National University, Australia shared, “I undertook a Capstone course within the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA). This involved courses with research supervision from an experienced academic. The quality of the faculty is incredible, and they are very generous with their time. Within the course, I was also able to take on an internship with an institution in Delhi.
The opportunity to get hands-on experience while doing my research was essential in building a deeper understanding of India. The faculty and staff within the International Office were instrumental in setting up internships, as well as ensuring a smooth transition from my university in Australia.”
Internationalization at JGU is fostering global citizens and IAGI works tirelessly to connect the world.
Now, should we travel to another attraction of the university:
2. The Campus Life
JGU has a fully residential campus spread across 80 acres, that has all the amenities to make the learning experience secure, inclusive, and modern. The university’s hall of residence is thoughtfully designed by a French architect and aesthetically furnished thus fostering students’ creativity and comfort.
The campus is magnificently built and well-maintained to accommodate sports arenas both outdoors and indoors. Students enjoy playing on expansive cricket grounds, football, and hockey fields. Multiple basketball courts, tennis courts, and a kabaddi and MMA practice arena offer a plethora of opportunities for physical activity. Additionally, there are volleyball and badminton courts available to explore more recreational pursuits.
JGU in 2024 took a pioneering step to partner with Sukoon Health, India’s #1 mental health hospital chain to launch a mental health center within the university premises. This motivates the employees and students of the campus to vent out concerns to a professional for better guidance.
In addition to the mental health center, there is also a permanent health facility that offers physiotherapy treatments, counseling, meditation, and sample collection. A qualified team of medical practitioners specializing in ENT, gynecology, and orthopedics makes monthly visits to give personalized consultation services. A full-time residential medical officer and nurses are on duty 24/7 to ensure that students receive effective primary intervention for their health concerns.
With clubs and societies, state-of-the-art kitchens, and hygienic laundry, O.P. Jindal Global University is the most sought-after residence for students and employees.
Conclusion
JGU started with a little over 100 students and over 20 faculty members and staff, at its inception there was only the law school, but today after 15 years of unwavering dedication, the universities have grown in terms of size and reputation. We have now over 14000 students from over 100 countries worldwide and more than 1100 faculty members.
Therefore, JGU’s status as a leading Institution of Eminence in India is a testament to the pluralistic approach it embraces, fostering an academic landscape where ideas flourish and innovation thrives. Most importantly, JGU has fulfilled the core objective of IOE, that is it has earned a world-class status.