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Rajiv Gandhi
University

Institute of Undergraduate Studies

About IUGS

The then Arunachal University and currently recognized as Rajiv Gandhi University was established in 1984 and started offering Masters programme from 1988. At the outset it catered to need of the stakeholders of the State of Arunachal Pradesh for post graduate programmes. Thereafter, it affiliated the Colleges, which offered graduate programmes. To meet the gap for the programmes not offered by its affiliated colleges, RGU started offering programmes like BCA, Bachelor of Science in Geology, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music, Bachelor in Agriculture from respective PG Departments. The next quantum jump was – establishing an institute to offer under graduate programmes as a feeder to Post Graduate programme in consonance with the model institutions in higher education. The Institute of Under Graduate Studies started functioning from the Academic year of 2023-24 with eight programmes, viz. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology and Social Work from Arts discipline and Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics from Science Discipline. In the second academic year, it was extended to 12 programmes with addition of Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology, B. Com and BBA. The programmes are powered with syllabus framed as per NEP 2020 guidelines with Major, Minor, Multidisciplinary, Skill enhancement, Ability enhancement and Environmental Science courses for I and II Semester. From III Semester onwards proportion of major courses are increased with basics and advanced concepts and critical domains of the subject. Practical classes are backed by well-equipped and modern labs and field visits. By end of IV Semester, internship is arranged for the students, which is aimed to gain skill, realistic experience and widening the horizon of knowledge. All the programmes are mentored and taught by highly qualified teachers and achievers with silver lining in their academic career. There is a whole spectrum of teachers engaged in teaching learning processes viz. Lecture, Tutorial and Practical; for the students of IUGS starts from Teaching Assistants, Guest Faculties to Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professors. This gives the students a highly enriching and satisfying experience during their academic journey. The IUGS conducts thematic exposures events like seminar, workshop, tailor made field study etc. The latest is the Seminar on Innovation and Technology Development-2025, in collaboration with the DST-Technology Enabling Centre, RGU with renowned technocrat Padmashri Dr. Uddhab Bharali. RGU provides a platform for holistic development of students: Extracurricular activities covering games and sports through youth festival, entertainment and competition on cultural and literary activities, sessions on mental health and well-being, community services through collaboration with experts, Film festivals and many more to mention.

Prof. Santanu Kumar Patnaik

Prof. Santanu Kumar Patnaik,

Professor, Department of Geography

Email: santanu.patnaik@rgu.ac.in
Mobile: 9436042271

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About the Institute of Undergraduate Studies

The then Arunachal University, currently recognized as Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), was established in 1984 and began offering postgraduate programmes in 1988. Initially, it catered to the educational needs of Arunachal Pradesh through postgraduate education and later affiliated various colleges offering graduate programmes.

To address gaps in academic offerings, RGU introduced programmes such as BCA, B.Sc. in Geology, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor in Agriculture through its PG Departments. A major milestone was the establishment of the Institute of Undergraduate Studies (IUGS) in the academic year 2023–24, envisioned as a feeder institution for postgraduate education following the model of leading higher education institutions in India.

The IUGS started with eight undergraduate programmes — Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work under Arts; and Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics under Science. In the following year, four more programmes were added: Botany, Zoology, B.Com, and BBA, making a total of twelve programmes. All curricula are designed in alignment with the NEP 2020 framework, offering Major, Minor, Multidisciplinary, Skill Enhancement, Ability Enhancement, and Environmental Science courses in the initial semesters.

From the third semester onwards, students delve deeper into advanced concepts and core areas of their disciplines. Practical sessions are supported by modern laboratories and fieldwork opportunities. By the end of the fourth semester, students undertake internships designed to enhance practical skills, foster real-world experience, and expand knowledge horizons.

The institute boasts a distinguished faculty — from Teaching Assistants and Guest Lecturers to Professors — ensuring a rich, multidisciplinary learning experience. Students benefit from lectures, tutorials, and practicals that foster intellectual curiosity and academic excellence.

IUGS also organizes thematic exposure events such as seminars, workshops, and tailored field studies. A recent highlight includes the Seminar on Innovation and Technology Development 2025, conducted in collaboration with the DST-Technology Enabling Centre, RGU, and graced by renowned technocrat Padmashri Dr. Uddhab Bharali.

RGU provides a holistic platform for student growth through extracurricular activities encompassing sports, cultural and literary events, film festivals, community services, and sessions on mental health and well-being — fostering not just academic excellence but well-rounded personal development.