Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) University, located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and holistic development. Established in 1997, SOA has evolved into a multidisciplinary university offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various fields.
Founded in 1997 as the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), SOA initially focused on engineering and technology education. In 2007, it attained the status of a deemed-to-be university, expanding its academic horizons to include disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, business management, law, and agriculture. Over the years, SOA has grown both in infrastructure and academic offerings, establishing itself as a center of excellence in higher education.
Initially, the university started with a few programs in engineering and management. Over the years, it expanded its offerings to include disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, law, and humanities. In 2007, SOA was granted deemed university status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Today, SOA University is recognized as one of the top private universities in India, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and industry collaboration.
The university is located in Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, and spans over 140 acres. The campus is equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and world-class facilities, making it a hub for academic and extracurricular activities.
Courses
SOA University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into several institutes, each offering specialized programs. Below is a detailed list of the courses offered:
1. Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER)
- B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology)
- Specializations: Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Information Technology, etc.
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics; JEE Main qualification
- M.Tech. (Master of Technology)
- Specializations: Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, etc.
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: B.Tech. in relevant field; GATE qualification
- Ph.D. in Engineering
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in relevant field; entrance examination and interview
2. Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English; NEET qualification
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- Duration: 5 years (including 1 year of internship)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English; NEET qualification
- MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery)
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: MBBS degree; NEET PG qualification
- MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: BDS degree; NEET MDS qualification
- Ph.D. in Medical and Dental Sciences
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in relevant field; entrance examination and interview
3. Institute of Business and Computer Studies (IBCS)
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; CAT/MAT/XAT/CMAT qualification
- Ph.D. in Management
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in Management; entrance examination and interview
4. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (IPS)
- B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics
- M.Pharm (Master of Pharmacy)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: B.Pharm degree; GPAT qualification
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in Pharmacy; entrance examination and interview
5. SUM Nursing College
- B.Sc. Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
- M.Sc. Nursing (Master of Science in Nursing)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: B.Sc. Nursing degree
- Ph.D. in Nursing
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in Nursing; entrance examination and interview
6. School of Law
- BA LLB (Hons.)
- Duration: 5 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream; CLAT qualification
- LLM (Master of Laws)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: LLB degree; entrance examination
- Ph.D. in Law
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: LLM degree; entrance examination and interview
7. School of Hotel Management
- BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology)
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream
- MHMCT (Master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology)
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: BHMCT degree
- Ph.D. in Hotel Management
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in relevant field; entrance examination and interview
8. School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- BA (Hons.) in English, Sociology, Psychology, etc.
- Duration: 3 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 in any stream
- MA (Master of Arts) in English, Sociology, Psychology, etc.
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Eligibility: Master’s degree in relevant field; entrance examination and interview
Fee Structure
The fee structure at SOA University varies depending on the course and level of study. Below is an approximate fee range for some of the popular programs:
- B.Tech.: ₹1.5-2 lakhs per annum
- MBBS: ₹10-15 lakhs per annum
- BDS: ₹5-7 lakhs per annum
- BBA: ₹1-1.5 lakhs per annum
- MBA: ₹2-3 lakhs per annum
- B.Pharm: ₹1-1.5 lakhs per annum
- B.Sc. Nursing: ₹1-1.5 lakhs per annum
- BA LLB: ₹1-1.5 lakhs per annum
- BHMCT: ₹1-1.5 lakhs per annum
Please note that these fees are indicative and may vary. The university also offers scholarships and financial aid to deserving students based on merit and need.
Rankings and Accreditations
SOA University has consistently been ranked among the top private universities in India. The university has received several accolades and accreditations, including:
- NAAC Accreditation: The university has been accredited with an ‘A’ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), reflecting its commitment to quality education and research.
- NIRF Rankings: SOA University has been ranked among the top 50 universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
- UGC Recognition: The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- International Collaborations: SOA University has established collaborations with several international institutions, facilitating student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and global exposure.
Annual Functions and Events
SOA University is known for its vibrant campus life, with a plethora of annual functions and events that provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents, engage in extracurricular activities, and interact with peers and faculty. Some of the key annual events include:
- Convocation Ceremony: The convocation ceremony is a prestigious event where degrees are conferred upon graduating students. The ceremony is attended by distinguished guests, including academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers.
- SOA Fest: The annual cultural fest, “SOA Fest”, is a platform for students to showcase their talents in music, dance, drama, and other performing arts. The fest also includes competitions, workshops, and guest lectures by renowned artists.
- Sports Meet: The annual sports meet promotes physical fitness and sportsmanship among students. The event features a wide range of sports, including athletics, cricket, football, basketball, and more.
- Academic Conclaves: The university organizes annual academic conclaves, which are platforms for students and faculty to present their research findings, attend workshops, and interact with experts in various fields.
- Community Outreach Programs: SOA University actively participates in various outreach programs and initiatives aimed at improving education, health, and well-being in underserved communities.
Infrastructure and Facilities
SOA University boasts a world-class infrastructure that supports academic and extracurricular activities. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including:
- Classrooms and Lecture Halls: Spacious, well-ventilated classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids to facilitate effective learning.
- Libraries: The university has a central library and several departmental libraries with a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.
- Laboratories: Well-equipped laboratories for science, engineering, and research.
- Hostels: Separate hostels for boys and girls with comfortable accommodations, recreational facilities, and round-the-clock security.
- Sports Facilities: The campus has extensive sports facilities, including a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a cricket ground.
- Cafeteria and Food Courts: The campus has multiple cafeterias and food courts offering a variety of cuisines to cater to the diverse tastes of students.
Research and Innovation
SOA University places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The university has established several research centers and laboratories that focus on cutting-edge research in various fields. Some of the key research areas include:
- Engineering and Technology: Research in artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, and nanotechnology.
- Medical Sciences: Research in cancer biology, infectious diseases, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences: Research in drug development, pharmacology, and pharmacognosy.
- Social Sciences: Research in economics, sociology, and public policy.
The university encourages students and faculty to engage in research and provides funding, resources, and mentorship to support their endeavors. SOA University also collaborates with industry partners and other academic institutions to promote translational research