Ms. Shallu Jindal, Chancellor, O.P. Jindal University

Chancellor of O.P. Jindal University (OPJU), Ms. Shallu Jindal, is also the President of the Flag Foundation of India, founder of the National Bal Bhavan, chairperson of the JSP Foundation, and President of the Jindal Art Institute. She truly embodies both quality and charisma. Her dedication to empowering underprivileged groups in society through socioeconomic advancement is admirable. 

One of the most renowned universities in India, OPJU, is dedicated to promoting education to improve people's lives, careers, morals, and cultures; foster generational growth; provide suitable employment for all educated people; advance technology; and innovate and expand the global economy.

INCEPTION IDEOLOGY

OP Jindal University was established in 2014 with the dream of the founding member, Shri Om Prakash Jindal Ji, who was fully committed to empowering the younger generations of the nation through academic excellence, best teaching practices, and skill development initiatives. Since its inception, the university has contributed a lot to the nation and the world community by producing the best leaders and skilled human resources. The ideology OPJU aligns with its vision & mission as it emphasizes creating a transformative impact on society through best academic practices. The university's vision is to set an example for other higher education institutions worldwide in cultivating young minds to transform society sustainably through excellence in entrepreneurship, value-based education, research, and innovation. The university's mission is to become one of the top private universities in the world while also empowering India by providing the next generation with a robust educational foundation.

DIVERSE CURRICULUM

The institution offers an excellent curriculum linked to some of the world's top institutes. OPJU is Chhattisgarh's only university that provides industry-linked learning and learning by methodology. OPJU offers advanced engineering programs (B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science & engineering, civil engineering, and metallurgical and materials engineering. OPJU's school of management offers B.Com (H), BBA, BA Economics, MBA, E-MBA, and Ph.D. programs. OPJU's School of Science is home to the Physics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Data Science and Analytics, and Humanities departments that confer B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees.

ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT

Strong Industry-Academia partnership lies in the philosophy of OP Jindal University and they leave no stone unturned in collaborating with corporate giants. They have collaborated and partnered with renowned corporate companies such as JSPL, Capgemini, Aditya Birla, NECO Group of Industries, ALKEM, DS Group, Reliance, DRDO, BARC, JSW Steel, TCS, and Mahindra, etc. to offer quality internship and placement opportunities to students. Moreover, OPJU is also associated with the Jindal group of Industries where students get hands-on experience as an intern and are finally absorbed by the companies based on their performance. The university maintains a proven track record of placements at Top-notch corporate organizations with a higher package. Keeping the overall development of students in view, OPJU has established a dedicated career development center on the campus that consists of highly qualified and experienced professionals who cater to the needs of students. Starting from the first semester of the program till the last semester, the institute’s expert trainers conduct customized aptitude, soft skills, verbal ability, and employability skills training programs so that students can be groomed and become industry-ready. They also organize invited talks, HR Conclave, and Job fairs on the campus so that the students can understand industry expectations and equip them with the required skill sets.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR/ CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Aside from its competitive academic environment and co-curricular activities, OPJU has several clubs on campus that students can join during their academic sessions. They recognize the value of such clubs because they help students develop as a whole and prepare them for life in the real world. These societies assist in the development of soft skills, the learning of teamwork, the provision of various networking opportunities, and so on. Participating in a student society teaches you these skills and helps you improve your existing ones. As you form new relationships, you will gain emotional intelligence and learn the best ways to communicate with individuals and large groups.

OPJU has organized diverse club activities following the second wave of COVID-19. One of them is the SAE Collegiate Club activities sponsored by SAEINDIA. On June 10, 2021, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at OP Jindal University, Raigarh, in collaboration with the Institutional Innovation Council (IIC) and SAEINDIA, launched the OPJU-SAE Collegiate Club online. This club offers practical exposure to a professional engineering society as well as serves as a focal point for campus engineering programs and projects. SAEINDIA Collegiate clubs provide student members with programs and activities, fellowships, and leadership experience.

SUI-GENERIS FACETS

OPJU, as an institution, has provided high-quality education through dedicated faculty members, a world-class curriculum, and the use of cutting-edge teaching methods. The philosophy and approach of the university are based on the belief that students learn best when they are exposed to real-world situations and nurtured through enriching interactions with practitioners and professors. Every year, their placement records set benchmarks for students, and their top recruiters will consider their capabilities and years of dedication when placing them. Industry-linked programs, contemporary pedagogy, research excellence, collaborations and partnerships, and career support are the five pillars of OPJU.

GLOBAL EXPOSURE

Considering OPJU’s philosophy of producing “Industry ready professionals”, they have incorporated the best practices recommended by the Human Resource Development Ministry and concerned regulatory bodies. Ms. Jindal is exhilarated to share that OPJU is committed to meeting the quality benchmark and in this regard, they have implemented a New education policy (NEP) and outcome-based education (OBE) in a campus that aligns with Program educational objectives (PEOs). OPJU offers customized UG, PG, and research-level programs wherein program outcomes (POs), program-specific outcomes (PSOs), and course outcomes (Cos) are well-defined. To check the effectiveness of each program, OPJU practices CO, PSO, PO, and PEO mapping regularly and take the required course of action as and when required. As per the new guidelines of UGC, they maintain a credit bank system for all the students that turns out to be instrumental in providing them with national and international exposure and acceptance. Their industry-oriented programs are globally accepted and recognized as they always strive for the quality standard laid down by National and International educational bodies. OPJU has a highly qualified & experienced pool of faculty members, a project-based learning system, cutting-edge infrastructure, modern laboratories, vibrant campus life, and a dedicated career development center to cater to the needs of their students and placing them at esteemed corporate organizations and MNCs.

ACCREDITATION AND AFFILIATIONS

OPJU, a University dedicated to Steel Technology & Management was established by an Act of Legislature in the state assembly of Chhattisgarh in 2014 and is dually recognized by UGC to award degrees as specified by UGC under section 22 of the UGC act. The B.Tech, M.Tech, and MBA programs of OPJU are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). They have initiated the process of NAAC accreditation and will end up getting a remarkable grade by meeting all the parameters of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The required accreditation and approval of national regulatory bodies make their programs globally accepted. 

DYNAMIC FACULTY

Quality teaching is the application of pedagogical techniques to produce learning outcomes for students. It entails several dimensions, including effective curriculum and course content design, myriad learning contexts, soliciting and using feedback, and effectual assessment of learning outcomes. OPJU ensures that the education they provide meets the expectations of students today and in the future. They focus on new teaching and learning paradigms-

§  Continuous upgrading in pedagogy, use of technologies, and assessment models aligned with student-centered learning

§  Creating innovative learning platforms 

§  Bridging teaching and research more intensively

EFFICACIOUS PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES

Collective Thinking, developing critical thinking in students, classroom polling, mock tests, a strong emphasis on core content, and assessments are among the pedagogical methodologies used by OPJU faculty. Careful planning on successful teaching, structured mentoring, and career guidance, industry-driven curriculum, live projects, learning management system through models, exposure to the world through international collaborations and associations, and innovation and entrepreneurship through centers designed for the same.

Students are nurtured, created, and polished at OPJU for a bright future. The experienced faculty assists in bridging the gap between learning and career, thereby charting a systematic path for the future. The teachers ensure each student develops the right attitude, aptitude, and character for success.

EXPANSION FRAMEWORK

Considering the new hires and student intake, OPJU has a strategic expansion plan for its campus that includes a VC & registrar bungalow, expansion of the campus with a main gate, a separate building block for examination control room, admission, marketing & outreach center, In-campus faculty & staff quarters, expansion of welding center, Badminton court & Gymnasium, digitization, automation and upgradation of academic infrastructure, expansion of library and hostels (Boys & girls), auditorium with a capacity of 1500 persons, separate academic blocks for various schools, swimming pool, large parking shed, guest house, shopping complex within the campus, etc. The cited campus expansion plan has already been approved with budget allocation and the construction work will start soon. They are implementing the expansion plan to take OPJU to greater heights where one can experience a world-class in-campus infrastructure with all modern facilities.

NURTURING EDUCATION FOR ALL

Shri O.P. Jindal believed that providing financial assistance for education was the best way to strengthen the underprivileged section of society. By doing so, they can come forward and realize their full potential, uplifting themselves, their families, and their communities.

OPJU, with the support of parent organizations JSP and the JSP foundation, offers a variety of entry-level and merit-based scholarships to deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholarship is worth up to Rs. 75000 per year, depending on the student's eligibility. OPJU students are further eligible to compete for one of the most prestigious national-level scholarships, the OP Jindal Engineering & Management Scholarships (OPJEMS). These scholarships act as a springboard for talented students, allowing them to gain exposure and recognition for their abilities rather than suffer due to financial hardship. In the end, these promising students succeed on their merit and hard work; the scholarships are only to ensure that financial limitations do not limit any deserving students of OPJU, Raigarh.

FUTURE GRAILS

“We at OPJU believe that every student has innate potential that can be unlocked through quality teaching and mentorship. To sharpen more talents we are working to have more global partners and prestigious recruiters. On the other hand, we thrive to develop programs and courses aligned with new-age technologies to create an industry-ready talent pool that fuels the growth of society”

OPJU strives for morality and honesty in business and environmental responsibility. In the coming years, the institution will focus on three key values: empowering students with lifelong professional decision-making skills, increasing student understanding of viable future career opportunities, and assisting students in creating and implementing effective job search methods. The institution is helping students upgrade their skills to meet industry demands and develop their academic and career interests in addition to short and long-term goals through one-on-one and group counseling.