CUJ becomes Jharkhand’s first university to earn NAAC A+ grade

The Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) has been awarded an A+ grade in the NAAC review, becoming the first and only university in the state to achieve the distinction. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Vice Chancellor Prof Kshiti Bhusan Das at a gathering of faculty, officials, staff and students in the Science Auditorium.

Prof Das described the upgrade as the result of a sustained effort over the past four years. He said the rise from a B grade to A+ reflects the university’s focus on academic quality, research and institutional discipline. “If we direct our efforts toward one goal, we can achieve it. This university shapes our identity. Moving from B to A+ brings responsibility. We need to maintain this level and work toward becoming a world-class institution,” he said.

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The upgrade follows an unusual two-stage review. CUJ received an A grade in February after the NAAC peer team visit. The university then sought a review under NAAC procedure, after which its CGPA increased slightly. Dissatisfied with the outcome in some parameters, it requested a second review.

After data validation and verification, the score was revised to 3.27, placing CUJ in the A+ category. Prof. K. B. Panda, Chairman of the NAAC Coordination Cell, said the result marks a major institutional leap and credited the Vice Chancellor for steering the process.

The achievement highlights a broader turnaround at CUJ. Over the past few years, the university has expanded its infrastructure with a 500 kW solar plant, a remote-access digital library, upgraded laboratories, a multimedia studio, a language lab and a community radio station.

Academic work now runs entirely from the permanent campus, which houses about 3,000 students. The emphasis on research has grown, with projects worth around ₹40 crore underway. Faculty collaborations span leading institutions in India and abroad, and new partnerships are being developed with universities in South Korea, China, Japan, Germany and Chile.

These changes have been accompanied by a steady rise in student outcomes. The placement rate has crossed 70 percent over the past four years. University officials say the A+ grade is expected to strengthen CUJ’s appeal among prospective students and research partners.

Registrar K Kosala Rao opened the programme and said the recognition reflects the dedication of faculty and staff. Senior officials, including Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Manoj Kumar and Dean Research and Development Prof. Arun Kumar Padhy, were present.

The news has generated enthusiasm on campus and among alumni. Many see the A+ grade as a sign of CUJ’s growing academic stature and an encouragement to aim higher. University officials say the focus now is to consolidate the gains and move toward global benchmarks in teaching, research and institutional governance.