Vels University, run by the Vael’s Educational Trust, was established in 1992 by Dr Ishari K Ganesh. Originating from a self-financing Vels Group of Institutions, it was conferred university status by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. The university has been established under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956. The university’s campus is located in Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It all began with just one college, offering a degree course in pharmacy with just 36 students in attendance. By 2008, the group had over 15,000 students in 15 institutions offering higher education in areas such as engineering & technology, management studies & commerce, computer sciences, hotel & catering management, life sciences, basic sciences, physiotherapy, pharmacy and mass communication.
The university offers diverse courses in emerging areas. It offers 22 under-graduate programmes, 31 post-graduate programmes and as many as eight diploma and certificate programmes of contemporary relevance. Its infrastructure is on par with international standards. It has spacious lecture halls, well-equipped laboratories, modern conference halls, an air-conditioned computer training centre, a digital library, a fully air-conditioned auditorium and audio/visual communication aids.
The university has set up the Vels Sports Academy to promote sports and games. It offers excellent facilities including a cricket ground, a hockey ground, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a recreation room for indoor games and a modern gymnasium.
The university admits students on the basis of an all-India entrance exam. It also reserves seats for those belonging to disadvantaged communities and those who are differently abled.
The university has adopted a number of innovative practices to improve the quality of education it offers. A communication and soft skills development programme has been made part of the curriculum. A choice-based credit system has been introduced to discipline students. Four credits have been assigned for the same.
In the field of research, the university has filed 27 patents, invented 28 new products and transferred technology for four products.
The university has witnessed a significant increase in the enrolment of students, more so among girl students and research scholars from disadvantaged communities.
The positive assessments made by UGC, CRISIL rating authorities and by statutory bodies like AICTE, Pharmacy Council of India and the Directorate General of Shipping add to the university’s credibility.
