Is the Central University of Himachal Redefining Education in the Mountains?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CUHP aims to redefine education in the Himalayan region.
- Achieved eighth position in IIRF 2025.
- Focus on value-driven learning and national development.
- Ranked first in Himachal Pradesh.
- Plans for accelerated growth in infrastructure and partnerships.
Dharamsala, June 17 (NationPress) The Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Sat Parkash Bansal, announced on Tuesday that the institution is set to transform value-driven higher education in the Himalayan region, with a strong emphasis on contributing to the nation’s overall progress.
“We are dedicated to delivering value-driven education and making substantial contributions to the nation’s development. CUHP is ready to reshape higher education in the Himalayan region, embodying a renewed commitment to excellence,” Prof. Bansal expressed in an interview with IANS.
Expressing pride in CUHP's achievements since its establishment in 2009, he noted that the university has climbed to the eighth position in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025, an impressive leap from 49th the previous year, making it the top-ranked university in Himachal Pradesh. This ranking reflects the university’s dedication to academic excellence, research, and comprehensive student development.
“The IIRF ranking highlights our evolution into a center of affordable excellence. With our leading position in Himachal Pradesh and a spot in the national top 10, the university is on the brink of redefining higher education in mountainous regions,” he stated.
Prof. Bansal anticipates accelerated growth in campus facilities, partnerships with industries, and enhanced global visibility within the next year.
He firmly believes that continued excellence is achievable through the collaboration of students, researchers, faculty, and administrative personnel.
Despite functioning from a temporary campus, CUHP achieved the top score of 220.5 in teaching-learning resources and pedagogy.
The university also secured the second position in research performance, with a score of 199.9, closely following Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). This ranking is based on various metrics including publication volume, an H-index of 63, and the total number of doctoral degrees awarded.
Moreover, CUHP ranks fifth for placement performance and student support, showcasing its effectiveness in preparing students for their careers and assisting them in achieving their professional goals.
The university has reached numerous milestones, including receiving an A+ accreditation with CGPA from NAAC, being granted graded autonomy by the University Grants Commission (UGC), serving as the nodal center for implementing the National Education Policy in the north zone, restructuring its course curriculum to include disciplinary, inter-disciplinary, multi-disciplinary, skill-based, value-added, and research-oriented courses, and establishing both national and international partnerships. Additionally, CUHP has produced over 2,000 publications in journals with an impact factor, accumulating around 35,000 citations.