IntroductionKumaun University came into existence in 1973 on the campus of D. S. B. Degree College, Nainital in the state of Uttrakhand. At that time this college was affiliated to Agra University. Thus D. S. B. Degree College area in Nainital became the first campus of Kumaun University. Later SSJ Campus, Almora, and KU campus, Bhimtal were added. So, established in 1973, Kumaun University today consists of three campuses at Almora, Nainital, and Bhimtal. There are 35 affiliated government colleges and an almost equal number of affiliated self-financed private institutions spread across the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state. The total campus area covered by the university is an impressive 160 acres which is quite a large area considering the hilly region where this university is situated. The well-designed colleges stand magnificently amid the breathtaking scenery and picturesque landscapes. Kumaun University has a mission of providing high-class education and research facilities to its student. It is reputed as the apex institution in the Uttarakhand state. The University Grants Commission (UGC) granted full recognition to the University on June 30, 1984 and the university has the honour of been awarded 4 Stars status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
The present VC of the university is Prof D. K. Nauriyal who was earlier working as a professor of economics at the department of humanities and social sciences, IIT, Roorkee, Uttarakhand. He took over charge from Prof Nageshwar Rao.
Educational courses Kumaun university is having educational facilities in many subjects. Some of these are Languages, Literatures, Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce & Management, Education, Law, Visual art, Medicine, Sciences, Pharmacy, and Technology. The main focus of the University has been to include the courses which are relevant in the present juncture and helps the students in developing skills for quick job access in the competitive world today. Awareness courses in many contemporary subjects like economic resources, medicinal plants, environment, development of tribes, human rights, etc are also arranged from time to time.
Research facilities There are research facilities and guidance available in many areas like Geology, Forestry, Ecology, Particle Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Management. Experienced guides are present on the university campus to guide the students for effective thesis work.
Admissions One has to register online on the university portal by paying a fee of Rs 50 only. Registration would be for a specific course and for a specific campus location. One can register for multiple courses but the fee would be only Rs 50 that is paid with the first registration. For many of the courses, the selection would be based on the marks of the qualifying exam. For others, an entrance test would be held. The candidate should ascertain from the university portal that such and such course is available in such and such campus college. Any mistake in this will lead to non-availability of course registration.
Hostel facilities In the Nainital campus, there is one hostel for boys and three for girls. In the Bhimtal campus, there are two boys' hostels. In the third campus that is in Almora, there are two for boys and two for girls.
Himalayan MuseumIt was established in 1987 in Nainital campus under the Department of History, Kumaun University, Nainital, and was inaugurated by Prof. Yashpal, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission. There is a large collection of historical artifacts and items related to folk literature, regional journalism, agricultural practices, coins, musical instruments, and practices. The university arranges seminars and conferences related to these historical matters. Exhibition is also held periodically.
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