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Why Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) Lags Behind Prestigious Indian Universities

Updated: Jan 9

RTMNU Nagpur
RTMNU Nagpur (Photo Credit: Ganesh Dhamodkar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Established in 1923, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of central India.


However, the university has struggled to compete with the country's top institutions, such as the IITs and Jawaharlal Nehru University. The gap arises from various systemic challenges that limit its potential to excel in the competitive field of higher education.



Research: A Missing Cornerstone


Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University’s struggle to establish itself as a research-driven institution has been a significant challenge.


While research is a cornerstone for academic excellence, RTMNU has faced several instances where opportunities to advance its research capabilities were missed or underutilized.


In 2022, a proposal to establish a dedicated Centre for Advanced Research in Material Science was tabled during the university’s academic council meeting.

The centre was envisioned as a hub for cutting-edge research in nanotechnology and sustainable materials, with the potential to collaborate with institutions like IIT Bombay.


However, due to budgetary constraints and delays in securing state government approvals, the project was put on hold indefinitely.


In the field of agriculture and biodiversity, RTMNU initiated a project in 2021 to study the impact of climate change on Vidarbha’s endemic flora.


While the project was promising, with initial funding from the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, progress stalled after the first phase due to inadequate follow-up support.


Researchers involved expressed concerns about outdated laboratory equipment and insufficient data collection infrastructure, which hindered meaningful outputs.


Additionally, in 2020, RTMNU hosted a research seminar focusing on renewable energy innovations. While the event brought together experts from across India, the absence of follow-up collaborations or published proceedings meant that the knowledge exchange remained a one-off occurrence rather than fostering long-term partnerships or outputs.


Another setback was the university's inability to attract significant research funding from national bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC).


In 2019, RTMNU submitted a proposal for a multi-disciplinary research project under the UGC's STRIDE (Scheme for Transdisciplinary Research for India's Developing Economy) programme.


The proposal was rejected due to its limited scope and lack of alignment with the programme’s objectives, highlighting the need for more robust project planning and proposal writing at the university.


These instances demonstrate the systemic challenges RTMNU faces in building a strong research culture.


While the university has made some strides, such as publishing around 5,000 papers with 54,000 citations, this output pales in comparison to institutions like IIT Delhi or JNU.

Modernising infrastructure, providing adequate funding, and fostering collaborations with global research entities remain critical for RTMNU to enhance its research standing.



Infrastructure That Needs Modernisation


The state of infrastructure at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University has long been a point of concern, with multiple incidents highlighting the urgent need for upgrades and modernisation.


In 2023, the university’s engineering department reported that some of its laboratory equipment dated back to the 1990s.

Students complained about the inability to conduct experiments aligned with current industry standards. In the mechanical engineering department, the lack of updated CNC machines meant students had to rely on theoretical knowledge, leaving them disadvantaged compared to graduates from institutions like IIT Kanpur or NIT Nagpur.


The condition of hostels has also been a recurring issue. In 2022, students residing in the boys' hostel raised complaints about poor maintenance, including leaking roofs during the monsoon season and inconsistent water supply.


The administration promised repairs, but only partial work was completed, leading to another wave of complaints in 2024. These living conditions have significantly impacted the university's ability to attract outstation students.


The main library, a key resource for academic and research activities, has also lagged behind modern expectations. Despite its substantial collection of physical books, the library lacks access to major online journal databases like IEEE Xplore or JSTOR.


A proposal in 2021 to digitise the library and integrate access to such databases was stalled due to insufficient funds and administrative delays. This has limited students' and researchers' access to global academic resources, hampering their ability to stay updated with the latest developments in their fields.


Another example of inadequate infrastructure came to light in 2020 when students from the biotechnology department reported that the department lacked basic molecular biology tools such as PCR machines and spectrophotometers.


These tools are essential for practical learning and research in the field, and their absence forced students to depend on external labs for completing coursework. This not only increased costs but also disrupted academic schedules.


Moreover, during the convocation ceremony in December 2024, overcrowding at the university’s main auditorium highlighted the need for larger and better-equipped venues.

The lack of air conditioning, insufficient seating, and outdated audio-visual systems led to discomfort for attendees, including dignitaries and parents, tarnishing the university’s reputation.


These instances illustrate the pressing need for RTMNU to prioritise infrastructure development. Without modern facilities, the university risks falling further behind its peers.


Upgrading laboratories, digitising libraries, improving hostel conditions, and investing in state-of-the-art venues can significantly enhance the overall academic and student experience, helping RTMNU align itself with the standards of leading universities.



Administrative Inefficiencies


Administrative inefficiencies have been a persistent challenge for Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, impacting students and staff alike.


One notable incident occurred in late 2024 when degree certificates for postgraduate students were printed with translation errors, labelling MSc degrees as BSc in Marathi.

This oversight caused significant confusion among graduates, many of whom were in the process of applying for jobs or further studies. The university later acknowledged the error and initiated corrective measures, but the damage to its reputation was already done.


Another instance was the sudden postponement of 36 examinations in December 2024 due to the convocation ceremony being scheduled on the same day. This decision affected thousands of students, disrupting their academic plans and preparation for competitive exams. The lack of foresight and communication surrounding the rescheduling highlighted the gaps in the university’s planning processes.


Moreover, delays in issuing results have been a recurring issue. In 2023, multiple students faced difficulties due to delayed results, which hindered their ability to apply for higher education and job opportunities on time.


These delays, often caused by inefficiencies in administrative workflows, reflect a deeper need for process optimisation and accountability.


These incidents underline the pressing need for administrative reform. Digital solutions for tasks such as record management, degree issuance, and examination scheduling can significantly reduce errors and improve efficiency.


Institutions across India, including the IITs, have adopted such systems with great success, proving their efficacy in overcoming administrative challenges. Implementing similar reforms at RTMNU could greatly enhance the experience for students and staff alike.



Limited Industry Collaboration


Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University has struggled to build strong ties with industries, a gap that has directly impacted student employability and the university’s reputation. Several specific instances highlight the challenges in this area.


In 2021, the university’s placement cell organised a job fair for engineering and management students. While the event aimed to connect students with potential employers, only a handful of local companies participated, offering limited positions with modest salary packages.


Students reported that many of the participating firms were small-scale enterprises, and prestigious companies were noticeably absent.

This lack of engagement from major players underlined the university’s struggles to attract industry attention.


In 2022, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with a regional IT firm to provide internships and live project opportunities for computer science students. However, the collaboration failed to yield substantial outcomes as the number of internships offered was insufficient to meet the demand.


Additionally, feedback from students indicated that the projects were basic and did not align with current industry trends, leaving participants with minimal practical learning.


The biotechnology department faced a similar issue in 2020 when it attempted to partner with local pharmaceutical companies for research internships. Negotiations with several companies stalled due to a lack of alignment between academic and industry expectations.


Students who managed to secure internships independently often found themselves underprepared compared to peers from other institutions like the University of Mumbai, which has long-standing collaborations with pharmaceutical giants.


A particularly notable example came in 2023 when the university’s civil engineering department launched an initiative to engage with local construction firms. The goal was to provide students with hands-on training in sustainable construction technologies.


Despite initial interest, the initiative failed to gain traction due to administrative delays in formalising agreements and a lack of funding to support the collaboration.


The university has also faced challenges in setting up incubation centres or innovation labs that could foster entrepreneurship among students. While many institutions, such as IIT Madras, have established dedicated facilities to nurture startups, RTMNU’s attempts have been limited to small-scale projects with no significant outcomes.


For instance, an entrepreneurship cell launched in 2019 struggled due to the absence of industry mentors and financial backing, ultimately becoming inactive within two years.

These examples underscore the need for RTMNU to prioritise building meaningful and sustainable industry relationships. Establishing robust placement programmes, creating industry-backed research projects, and ensuring students gain access to cutting-edge internships are essential steps to bridge this gap.


With targeted efforts, the university can significantly improve employability outcomes and strengthen its position as an institution that meets the needs of both students and the professional world.



Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University holds a unique position in central India, with a legacy spanning nearly a century and a large student body that looks to it for guidance and growth. Its challenges, while significant, also present opportunities for meaningful transformation.


With a student base spread across diverse disciplines and a location in the rapidly developing Vidarbha region, RTMNU has the potential to act as a catalyst for regional innovation and development.


Nagpur’s emergence as a logistics hub and its proximity to industries in sectors like mining, agriculture, and information technology make it an ideal partner for collaborative projects and internships. Leveraging these opportunities could significantly enhance the university’s engagement with industry and improve student outcomes.

Moreover, the university’s extensive alumni network, which includes individuals excelling in various professional domains, remains an untapped resource. Alumni involvement, whether in mentoring, funding, or facilitating industry connections, can play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges the university faces today.


The growing emphasis on digitisation in education presents another avenue for growth. By adopting advanced technologies for teaching, research, and administration, RTMNU can position itself as a modern institution capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century education.



The success of similar initiatives at other universities demonstrates that such changes, though requiring investment, yield long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, reputation, and student satisfaction.


In an era where higher education is increasingly global, RTMNU’s ability to foster international collaborations could also open new doors. Partnerships with global institutions for exchange programmes, research initiatives, and faculty development can enhance the university’s academic profile and provide students with a broader perspective.


The path to revitalisation is not without its challenges, but with its historical significance, strategic location, and dedicated stakeholders, RTMNU has a strong foundation to build upon.


By focusing on strategic reforms and making the most of its inherent strengths, the university has the potential to redefine its future while continuing to shape the aspirations of generations to come.



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