University of Burdwan – History, Courses, Admission, Departments and Colleges

The University of Burdwan, commonly known as Burdwan University, is a state university located in Bardhaman, West Bengal, India. Established on 15 June 1960, the university began its journey with six postgraduate departments and 30 affiliated colleges. Over the years, it has developed into a major higher-education institution serving students across West Bengal.

The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, research and other academic programmes through its departments and affiliated colleges. Its academic activities are primarily associated with the Golapbag campus, while important administrative functions are carried out at the historic Rajbati campus.

For students researching universities in West Bengal, the University of Burdwan is one of the institutions worth considering alongside other universities such as the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, University of Kalyani, Vidyasagar University and Visva-Bharati University.

University of Burdwan – History, Courses, Admission, Departments and Colleges


University of Burdwan at a Glance

ParticularDetails
University NameThe University of Burdwan
Common NameBurdwan University
LocationBardhaman, West Bengal, India
Established15 June 1960
TypeState University
Main Academic CampusGolapbag
Administrative CampusRajbati
MottoSa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye – Learning Leads to Emancipation
PIN Code713104
Official Websiteburuniv.ac.in

The University of Burdwan's official profile describes it as a state university that began with six postgraduate departments and 30 affiliated colleges. Its current profile lists 39 postgraduate departments and 74 affiliated colleges.

History of Burdwan University

The University of Burdwan was established under the West Bengal Act XXIX of 1959 and formally started functioning on 15 June 1960. Sukumar Sen, an Indian Civil Service officer, became its first Vice-Chancellor.

The establishment of the university was closely connected with the history of the Burdwan Raj. Following the abolition of the zamindari system, Uday Chand Mahtab, the last representative of the Burdwan Raj, made substantial property available to the state government. The initiative of West Bengal's then Chief Minister Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy also contributed to the establishment of the university.

The university's original role was both teaching and affiliating, allowing it to provide higher education directly through its departments while also supporting undergraduate education through affiliated colleges.

University of Burdwan Location

The University of Burdwan is located in Bardhaman, West Bengal, approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Kolkata. The city is situated along the historic Grand Trunk Road.

The university has two particularly important locations:

Golapbag Campus

The Golapbag campus is the main academic centre of the university. A number of postgraduate departments and academic activities are based here.

Rajbati Campus

The Rajbati campus houses important administrative functions and is associated with the historic palace of the Bardhamana Maharaja.

The university also identifies the Golden Jubilee Building in Bardhaman among its important locations.

University of Burdwan Academic Structure

The University of Burdwan has expanded considerably since its establishment. Its current university profile states that it has 39 postgraduate departments and 74 affiliated colleges, with programmes ranging from certificate and diploma courses to honours, postgraduate and doctoral programmes.

The university's academic areas include disciplines in:

  • Arts and humanities

  • Science

  • Commerce

  • Management

  • Law

  • Education

  • Physical education

  • Engineering and technology

  • Social sciences

  • Languages

  • Library and information science

  • Tourism management

  • Women's studies

The university's postgraduate academic listings include subjects such as Bengali, English, History, Political Science, Economics, Commerce, Business Administration, Law, Sociology, Sanskrit, Hindi, Education, Mass Communication, Library and Information Science and Tourism Management, among others.

Courses at University of Burdwan

Students can find different levels of academic programmes through the university and its affiliated institutions.

Undergraduate Courses

Undergraduate education is offered through affiliated colleges and includes programmes in arts, science, commerce and other disciplines.

The university's course information, for example, lists B.Sc. General as a three-year programme with admission generally taking place around June-July. The published course information specifies a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate at the 10+2 level for that programme.

Because eligibility requirements differ between programmes, students should check the relevant year's official admission notification before applying.

Postgraduate Courses

The University of Burdwan offers postgraduate programmes through its faculties and departments.

Current postgraduate admission information includes programmes under:

  • Faculty Council for Science

  • Faculty Council for Arts, Commerce, Law, Music and related areas

  • Management

  • Engineering and Technology

  • Education and other academic areas

The university's 2026 admission portal provides current admission notices, merit lists, allotment information and programme brochures for the relevant academic sessions.

Research Programmes

The university also provides opportunities for advanced academic research, including Ph.D. programmes in various disciplines.

Research applicants should consult the latest university notification for subject-specific eligibility, entrance requirements, interview procedures and other conditions.

University of Burdwan Departments

The university has a broad postgraduate academic structure. Its listed academic subjects include:

  • Arabic

  • Bengali

  • Business Administration

  • Business Administration – Human Resource

  • Commerce

  • Economics

  • Education

  • English & Culture Studies

  • Foreign Languages

  • Hindi

  • History

  • Law

  • Library and Information Science

  • Mass Communication

  • Philosophy

  • Physical Education

  • Political Science

  • Sanskrit

  • Santali

  • Sociology

  • Tourism Management

  • Women's Studies

The university also has departments and academic programmes in science and other specialist areas.

University of Burdwan Affiliated Colleges

Affiliation has been an important part of the University's role since its establishment. The university began with 30 affiliated colleges and its current university profile lists 74 affiliated colleges.

Examples appearing in the university's academic listings include:

  • Burdwan Raj College

  • Chandrapur College

  • Dr. Bhupendra Nath Dutta Smriti Mahavidyalaya

  • Guskara Mahavidyalaya

  • Kalna College

  • Katwa College

The university also publishes lists of colleges offering postgraduate courses in specific subjects.

University of Burdwan Admission

Admission procedures vary according to the programme.

Undergraduate Admission

For the 2026-27 academic year, West Bengal introduced a centralized online undergraduate admission process for eligible institutions and programmes. The University of Burdwan published its admission rules and referred students to the state's centralized admission system.

The published 2026 rules state that students who passed Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination in specified recent years could participate in the college first-semester admission process, subject to the applicable eligibility and merit rules.

Postgraduate Admission

Postgraduate admission is handled through the relevant faculty councils and admission portals.

The university's current admission portal publishes:

  • Admission notifications

  • Information brochures

  • Merit lists

  • Allotment lists

  • Document-verification schedules

  • Payment instructions

  • Admission cancellation information

For the 2026-28 PG admission cycle, the university has published information for multiple postgraduate programmes and faculties.

Students should always use the latest official notification because admission dates, eligibility criteria, fees and selection procedures can change from one academic year to another.

University of Burdwan Eligibility

Eligibility depends on the programme and level of study.

Typical requirements may involve:

  • Higher Secondary or equivalent qualification for undergraduate programmes

  • A relevant bachelor's degree for postgraduate programmes

  • Subject-specific academic requirements

  • Minimum qualifying marks

  • Entrance examination or merit-based selection where applicable

  • Additional requirements for professional or specialist programmes

For example, the university's published B.Sc. General course information specifies a minimum 45% aggregate at the 10+2 level.

Applicants should therefore avoid relying on general eligibility information when applying and should check the official brochure for their specific programme.

University of Burdwan NAAC Accreditation

The University of Burdwan's current website states that the university was accredited with Grade B++ with a CGPA of 2.91 by NAAC in 2025, with the accreditation noted as under review on the university website.

The university's historical profile also records its earlier NAAC assessment as A Grade in 2016, with that accreditation valid until the end of 2022.

These are separate accreditation cycles and should not be confused when discussing the university's current accreditation status.

University of Burdwan and Higher Education in West Bengal

The University of Burdwan is part of West Bengal's wider higher-education network. Students researching universities in the state can also explore our related articles:

Students looking for examination-related information can also refer to our West Bengal Examination Results resource.

University of Burdwan Student Facilities and Campus

The University's campuses support academic, administrative and student activities. The historic Rajbati campus and the academic environment at Golapbag are important parts of the university's identity.

Depending on the department and programme, students may have access to facilities associated with:

  • Departmental classrooms

  • Laboratories

  • Libraries

  • Research facilities

  • Sports and physical education

  • Student support services

  • Academic administration

  • Examination services

The exact facilities available to students can vary by department and programme.

University of Burdwan Examination and Results

The University conducts examinations for its programmes and affiliated colleges and publishes examination-related notifications and results through its official systems.

Students should verify examination schedules, results, registration information and other academic notices through the university's official website.

For broader West Bengal examination information, you can also visit our West Bengal University Examination Results article.

University of Burdwan Official Website

The official website of the University of Burdwan is:

https://www.buruniv.ac.in/

Students should use the official university website for the latest information regarding:

  • Admission

  • Courses

  • Eligibility

  • Fees

  • Syllabus

  • Examination

  • Results

  • Academic calendars

  • Notifications

  • Recruitment

  • Research programmes

  • University departments

  • Affiliated colleges

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Burdwan

When was Burdwan University established?

The University of Burdwan was established on 15 June 1960 under the West Bengal Act XXIX of 1959.

What is the official name of Burdwan University?

The institution is officially known as The University of Burdwan. “Burdwan University” is also widely used when referring to the institution.

Where is University of Burdwan located?

The university is located in Bardhaman, West Bengal, with its administrative campus at Rajbati and major academic activities centred around Golapbag.

Is University of Burdwan a state university?

Yes. The University of Burdwan is a state university established under West Bengal legislation.

What courses does University of Burdwan offer?

The university offers programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and research levels, along with certificate and diploma programmes in various academic areas.

How can I apply for admission to University of Burdwan?

The application process depends on the programme. Students should check the University's current admission portal and the applicable West Bengal centralized admission system for undergraduate admissions.

Does University of Burdwan offer postgraduate courses?

Yes. The university offers postgraduate programmes across science, arts, commerce, law, management, education and other disciplines. Current PG admission information is published through the university's admission portal.

Does University of Burdwan have affiliated colleges?

Yes. Affiliation is an important part of the university's structure, and the current university profile lists 74 affiliated colleges.

What is the motto of University of Burdwan?

The university motto is “Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye”, commonly translated as “Learning Leads to Emancipation.”

Conclusion

The University of Burdwan, established in 1960, has developed from a university with six postgraduate departments and 30 affiliated colleges into a large state higher-education institution with a broad postgraduate academic structure and affiliated college network.

Its location in Bardhaman, historic Rajbati campus, Golapbag academic campus, postgraduate departments, affiliated colleges and research programmes make it an important part of the higher-education landscape of West Bengal.

For students considering admission, the most important step is to consult the latest official notification for the specific academic year and programme, since eligibility, admission schedules and selection procedures can change.

Official Website: University of Burdwan

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