In Conversation with Dr. Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor of Anurag University

In this conversation with Careers360, Dr. Archana Mantri, the Vice Chancellor of Anurag University, shared the information regarding the university and its functions. Dr. Archana started with the university’s establishment, accreditations, scholarships and placements offered to the students, along with other details. To know more details about Anurag University, read the article below.

Careers360: Anurag University was established in 2020. Could you take us through the University's journey and highlight the defining milestones that have contributed to its success?

Dr. Archana: Anurag University's journey is one of evolution rather than simply expansion. Although the University was formally established in 2020, it builds on the academic foundation and experience developed over several decades under other brand names – CVSR engineering college and later under Anurag Group of Institutions. The transition to university status gave us greater academic autonomy and the opportunity to create a multidisciplinary institution combining professional education, research, innovation and industry engagement.

Over past 6 years, we have been able to create a multidisciplinary academic ecosystem encompassing Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and international education. This has allowed students to learn in an environment where disciplines increasingly intersect.

Research and innovation have also become central to our growth. We now have a growing network of research centres and collaborations with academic institutions, industry and national research organisations. Our students are increasingly participating in contemporary research, become members of professional societies, win hackathons and innovation challenges.

We believe in creating robust and state-of-art infrastructure but more than that we believe in creating opportunities so that desired outcomes are achieved. Our recent exponential growth in placements, international collaborations and research recognition demonstrate the same.

I believe that a university should be a place of continuous transformation – a place where the students learn to learn – become life-long-learners. For me the university is thus not defined by any single building, programme or accreditation. It is the creation of an ecosystem in which a student can enter Anurag with an aspiration and graduate with the knowledge, confidence, experience and opportunities to pursue it.

Also see: Anurag University Admissions

Careers360: Anurag University has earned accreditations and approvals from bodies such as NAAC, NBA, UGC, AICTE, PCI, and NMC. How do these accreditations add value to students' academic journey?

Dr. Archana: Accreditations and statutory approvals provide an important external validation of academic quality and institutional processes. More importantly, they create a framework that keeps the University accountable for continuously improving the student experience. UGC recognition provides the regulatory foundation for our programmes, while professional approvals from bodies such as the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and National Medical Commission (NMC), Indian Nursing Council (NC) and Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) are particularly important for students pursuing regulated professional careers.

All our eligible engineering programmes are NBA accredited – this is especially valuable because it focuses strongly on outcomes. It requires programmes to demonstrate that students are developing the knowledge, skills and competencies expected of graduates. This encourages continuous improvement in curriculum design, laboratories, assessment, teaching-learning practices and industry exposure. Even our BPharm programme is one of the very few NBA accredited programmes in the country. Earlier as Anurag Group of Institutions, we were accredited by NAAC with grade A.

Careers360: Anurag University has 7 different schools offering diverse courses. Could you walk us through the University's seven schools and explain how each is designed for distinguished academic offerings, research, and career opportunities?

Dr. Archana: Our academic structure is designed around the idea that today’s professional world requires both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary exposure.

The School of Engineering provides education across core and emerging technology domains, including Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, CSE, AI and AIML. It offers UG, PG and PhD programmes in interdisciplinary domains through nine different types of courses. Students can also pursue Honours and Minors in areas such as AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, VLSI, Aerospace and 3D Printing. At the school we adopt 5E approach to curriculum – Excite, Explore, Experience, Experiment and Effectuate. Credit courses – such as Joy of Engineering (JoE), Dimensions of Engineering (DoE) and Problem Solving in Engineering (PSE) let the students explore the horizontal and vertical integration of concepts learnt in various courses. Besides, the students work in laboratories, participate in projects and research, undertake internships, obtain industry certifications, and engage with professional bodies. The School has chapters of several professional societies, including ACM, CSI, ISTE, IETE, ICI, IGS and IE(I). In addition, each department has approximately 6–8 technical clubs, resulting in nearly 38 technical and creative clubs. By participating and organising events, students develop creativity, communication, leadership, teamwork and organisational skills. Communities such as the Toastmasters Club, musical club ALAP, dance club SPACDAM and event-management club CRIYA provide platforms for students to discover and develop their talents beyond the classroom.

Also see: Anurag University Courses

These professional chapters and clubs conducted 271 events and 14 industry-collaborated hackathons during the last academic year. Apart from in-house events, our students have enthusiastically participated in and won several national and international hackathons conducted by leading MNCs and industry. These achievements have opened pathways to prestigious internships, some of which have subsequently led to placements.

Students of the School of Engineering completed an impressive 1,676 NPTEL certifications during the last academic year. Notably, 10–12 students secured internship opportunities at leading IITs based on their outstanding performance and top ranks in NPTEL examinations conducted by IIT Madras.

Through National Service Scheme (NSS) programme , students actively participate in community service, social responsibility initiatives, awareness programmes and outreach activities. The University also has a strong National Cadet Corps (NCC) presence, including an Air Force Technical Wing.

TEJAS – The Flagship Student Innovation Project Expo of Anurag University is the University’s annual two-day Student Innovation Project Expo, launched on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day. It promotes creativity, research, innovation and entrepreneurship among engineering students, with nearly 200 innovative, real-time student projects exhibited every year. Students from nearby schools are also invited to inspire young learners towards science, technology and innovation. TEJAS has significantly contributed to student patents and intellectual property development. Last year, around 90 student projects were taken forward for patent publication, with two receiving funding support. Projects are evaluated by MNC experts, industry professionals and venture capitalists for their innovation and commercial potential. Based on this evaluation, 2–3 projects are recommended annually for start-up incubation. TEJAS has thus emerged as a strong platform connecting student innovation with patents, funded projects and entrepreneurship.

The School of Management offers BBA, MBA, MBA (Business Analytics), MBA (Healthcare) and MBA (BFSI) in collaboration with KPMG India. Its teaching-learning philosophy combines management fundamentals with analytics, technology and experiential learning. At AUSoM, we believe management education cannot be taught from a fixed template; our philosophy is to learn by doing and practising what we teach.

From the first day of orientation, students run nano and micro enterprises, undertake live projects and internships, and engage closely with industry. This approach extends to the classroom as well. AUSoM is among the early schools to introduce Professors of Practice and engages regularly with industry through MDPs and training programmes.

The School responds to changing business needs by integrating AI, Analytics and other emerging areas into the curriculum. It also conducts workshops on selling, financial literacy, collaboration and public speaking. Students have access to international semester exchanges and study-abroad opportunities with Arizona State University, broadening their global perspectives. The School is also establishing a Centre of Excellence with MIIH (Micro Insurance Innovation Hub) to strengthen industry collaboration, innovation and applied learning.

Also see: Anurag University Placements

The School of Pharmacy at Anurag University is consistently ranked among the top 100 by NIRF and has been placed 2nd in Telangana for the past three years, reflecting its strong reputation at the state and national levels. It offers B.Pharm (NBA accredited), M.Pharm, Pharm D and PhD programmes aligned with current quality standards and global expectations. Its faculty combines experienced professionals with young PhD holders, providing students with academic guidance and meaningful career opportunities. Well-equipped, cross-disciplinary laboratories and AI-enabled research support impactful research and quality publications. The emerging Central Facility–CoE for Drug Discovery and Delivery will further expand collaboration and consultancy with industry and academic partners.

Neelima Institute of Medical Sciences, under Anurag University, has adopted a Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum for its MBBS and postgraduate programmes. It focuses on developing students’ knowledge, clinical skills, professional communication and core values. The medical education framework aligns with the standards of the National Medical Commission (NMC), recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). This recognition strengthens the global credibility of Indian medical education and supports graduates seeking international postgraduate education and medical licensing pathways, subject to the requirements of the destination country. The institution also promotes research in medical education in line with ICMR guidelines, encouraging evidence-based teaching, innovation and continuous improvement. The School of Medical Sciences provides opportunities to develop scientific and clinical competencies in a healthcare-oriented environment.

The School of Agricultural Sciences offers BSc in Agriculture Sciences, combining traditional agricultural sciences with modern technologies such as AI, IoT and data-driven farming. Students work on sustainable environmental technologies, including the use of microbes for plant health management. In collaboration with ISRO, the School is researching the impact of climate change on agriculture. It also works with agriculture-based industries to develop technologies such as smart irrigation systems and microbial products that enhance crop productivity. Students gain exposure to market realities through agricultural experiential learning, industrial internships and rural experience.

Our international academic ecosystem provides a seventh dimension through the Anurag University International College, which connects students with global academic pathways and international learning opportunities.

The seven schools do not operate as isolated islands. We increasingly encourage interdisciplinary projects, technology-enabled learning and collaboration across domains. This creates multiple career pathways. Students may choose a conventional professional route, combine disciplines through a Minor, pursue research, develop an entrepreneurial idea or explore international education. Our aim is to provide students with a strong academic foundation and the flexibility to respond to a rapidly changing employment and knowledge landscape.

Careers360: How does AnuragCET complement national and state-level entrance examinations in identifying meritorious students and expanding access to quality education?

Dr. Archana: AnuragCET is a Merit-Based Pathway to Opportunity. We define and position it not merely as an admission route, but as a talent-identification and opportunity engine. The entrance test follows an EAPCET-aligned syllabus, assessing Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, providing students a familiar competitive-examination environment. It creates an additional merit-based pathway for students who may have missed counselling deadlines, secured a rank that limits their preferred branch, faced financial constraints, had limited competitive-exam exposure, or underperformed on a particular day despite strong potential.

Beyond admissions, AnuragCET connects merit with scholarships, personalised student-parent career guidance and counselling – a support that national examinations cannot provide at an individual institution level.

Careers360: Anurag University provides scholarships through AnuragCET, JEE/EAPCET merit, sports achievements, and other special categories. How do these encourage talented students from different backgrounds to pursue higher education?

Dr. Archana: Anurag University’s scholarship initiatives encourage talented students from diverse backgrounds by reducing financial barriers and recognising merit, dedication, and achievements. Scholarships through AnuragCET, JEE, and EAPCET reward academic excellence and motivate students to pursue higher education. Scholarships for sports, cultural activities, and the arts recognise talent beyond academics, while special category concessions support students facing economic or social challenges. The University offers scholarships for the sons and daughters of ex-servicemen and sibling concessions, extending support to families. By recognising diverse strengths and circumstances, Anurag University fosters an inclusive environment where deserving students can pursue their academic aspirations and careers.

Careers360: With a strong and growing alumni network, how does Anurag University engage its alumni to mentor students, strengthen industry connections, and create valuable career opportunities?

Dr. Archana: Anurag University is building a strong and engaged alumni network that continues to contribute meaningfully to the student experience and the wider University community. Alumni regularly reconnect with the University through alumni meets, industry interactions, orientation programmes, and knowledge-sharing sessions, providing students with valuable insights into career journeys, industry expectations, and professional opportunities. The alumni community also contributes to student development through mentorship and professional connections, while creating opportunities for networking and industry engagement. Beyond academics and careers, alumni remain connected through sports tournaments, cultural initiatives, and platforms such as the Alumni Singing Club, reflecting the diverse interests and continuing bond of the Anurag University community. The Anurag University Alumni Association enables alumni to mentor, inspire, collaborate, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of Anurag University students.

Careers360: What international collaborations, student exchange programmes, internships, or global learning opportunities are available for students at Anurag University?

Dr. Archana: When I think about internationalisation at Anurag University, I don't think of it as a checklist of MoUs. I think about a student who has never left home state, sitting in a classroom, suddenly finds her/himself working on a project with a peer in Germany or South Korea and realising that the world is smaller and more reachable than s/he thought. That, to me, is the real work of internationalisation.

We have built collaborations with over 25 universities across Australia, NZ, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the US. But I don't measure success by the number. What matters is that we work closely with our partners to co-create meaningful opportunities around what our students actually need.

That translates into a broad range of opportunities. Students can participate in semester and year-long exchanges across Europe and East Asia, as well as virtual exchanges for those who want a global experience without leaving campus. We also have international internship and research opportunities, including stipend-supported programmes in Taiwan where students work alongside professors in research labs.

For students looking for deeper academic pathways, we offer articulation and pathway routes like 2+2, 3+1, 3+1+1 in Australia, NZ, US, UK, and Canada, and this network is expanding rapidly.

But internationalisation cannot be only about sending students abroad. A very important part of our strategy is Internationalisation at Home, which we achieve through short courses, summer programmes, Collaborative Online International Learning, joint projects, visiting faculty, and international research collaborations. These experiences allow a much larger number of students to engage with global perspectives, irrespective of whether they travel.

We take our students to the world, and we bring the world to Anurag. Our ambition is to make global exposure an opportunity, not a privilege, so that every student can find their place in an increasingly connected world.

Careers360: What are some of the recent placement highlights, recruiter trends, and salary packages that prospective students should know about?

Dr. Archana: Anurag University has witnessed strong momentum in campus recruitment, with the 2026 graduating batch recording 2,300+ job offers, 80% placement, 920+ internships and 250+ recruiting companies. The university’s current placement data reports an average CTC of Rs 6.5 LPA and a highest package of Rs 53 LPA.

The recruiter mix is also becoming increasingly diverse, spanning technology, banking and financial services, consulting, core engineering and emerging technology companies. Microsoft is highlighted as the top recruiter, while companies such as ServiceNow, Myntra, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Cisco, Accenture, Capgemini and LTI Mindtree have recruited Anurag students. Recent examples include Rs 53 LPA at Microsoft, Rs 38 LPA at Amazon, Rs 32 LPA at ServiceNow, Rs 30 LPA at Goldman Sachs, Rs 30.5 LPA PPO at Myntra. WE have also achieved more than 90% placement in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering domain

Another important trend is the growing premium on AI, data, cloud, cybersecurity, automation, coding and problem-solving skills. Students are increasingly encountering technology-enabled recruitment processes across the industry—including AI-enabled assessments, automated/AI-based interviews, coding assessments and remote proctored tests. This means students need to demonstrate not only academic knowledge but also practical skills, communication, adaptability and the ability to work effectively with AI tools.

Our focus, therefore, is moving beyond simply preparing students for a placement drive toward building industry-ready, future-ready and continuously employable talent.

Also see: Anurag University Facilities

Careers360: Beyond placements, how does the University prepare students for entrepreneurship, higher education, and global career opportunities?

Dr. Archana: A placement record only shows what happens the day a student gets a job. Entrepreneurship builds something that lasts longer than that. It sharpens how a student looks at a problem, teaches them the business side of an idea, and gets them used to taking on challenges. That habit is what keeps them learning and able to compete anywhere in the world.

We don't run entrepreneurship as a programme for a chosen few. Every student can work with mentors who have built businesses, including some who failed and started again. They test an idea on a real customer before writing a line of code, and get early funding so money is never why a good idea gets dropped. I have seen a student walk in wanting help with his resume, and a few months later he was pitching a working prototype to investors instead. That change, from asking who will hire him to asking what he can build, is what we work towards.

On higher education, we treat research as a habit every student should build, not something only meant for top scorers. We support this with test preparation, help with applications, and honest advice on choosing the right programme .

On global careers, we try to make "global" something students actually live, not just hear about. They work with peers from other countries on real problems, so an international stage never feels new to them later.

Careers360: What would you say to students and parents who are exploring Anurag University and wondering if it is the right fit for their academic and career aspirations?

Dr. Archana: At Anurag University, we say – ‘Be More than One’, which literally means that you can have multiple aspirations, and we promise to provide a platform and opportunities where you can realise multiple dreams. We strongly believe in our systems, students and faculty and motivate them to become lifelong learners. Our students are prepared for not only the first job that they would have in the final year of their graduation, but for all the subsequent ones too which they will work on. While contemporary skills are important, more important are the conceptual understanding, based on which any future skills can be acquired. The systems and curriculum are designed to be agile and based on the System – thinking approach so that students become better prepared for the VUCA world.

We want you to believe the students and parents to believe in us, because we ourselves in us. Our international collaborators, research allies and alumni have endorsed our agility and robustness at multiple platforms; though we continue to seek their guidance for making our students professionally prepared.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by Anurag University and has been published as part of the Careers360 marketing initiative.