Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya, earlier known as Sarguja University, is a prominent state-run institution situated in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. Established by the Chhattisgarh Government under the Chhattisgarh Vishwavidyalaya Adhiniyam, 2008, the university aims to extend quality higher education across the tribal and underdeveloped regions of northern Chhattisgarh. With a mission to nurture intellectual growth and social transformation, the university serves as an academic backbone for the five tribal-dominated districts of the region.
The university was officially established on September 2, 2008, and was initially known as Sarguja University. It was renamed Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya in 2020 to honour the revered tribal spiritual leader and social reformer, Sant Gahira Guru, who significantly contributed to uplifting tribal society. The new name reflects the university’s commitment to indigenous culture, knowledge traditions, and social justice.
Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya is a state public university governed by the Higher Education Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh. The Governor of Chhattisgarh serves as the Chancellor, and the university is headed by a Vice Chancellor who oversees both academic and administrative functions. The institution’s jurisdiction covers five districts:
- Surguja
- Jashpur
- Korea
- Surajpur
- Balrampur
This extensive reach enables the university to affiliate and regulate colleges across a vast and educationally underserved region.
Academic Programs and Departments
The university’s vision is to become a hub of excellence in higher education by encouraging academic innovation, ethical values, and inclusive learning. The mission is to offer equal education opportunities, promote research, and preserve cultural and environmental heritage.
The university seeks to build a knowledge-driven society rooted in social responsibility and sustainable development by integrating traditional wisdom and modern pedagogy.
Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya offers a variety of programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral levels. These programs are designed to meet contemporary academic and professional standards while catering to local and regional developmental needs.
Faculties and Departments
The university currently operates multiple departments across various disciplines. These include:
- Department of Environmental Science
- Department of Legal Studies
- Department of Pharmacy
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Biotechnology
- Department of Functional Hindi
- Department of Farm-Forestry
- Department of Anthropology and Tribal Studies
- Department of Commerce and Financial Studies
- Department of Yoga Science
These departments conduct regular teaching and research activities and are supported by experienced faculty members with expertise in their respective fields.
Academic Offerings
Programs offered at the university include:
Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), Bachelor of Computer Applications (B.C.A.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.)
Postgraduate Programs: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Commerce (M.Com.), Master of Law (LL.M.), Master of Computer Applications (M.C.A.)
Diploma Programs: Diploma in Pharmacy, Diploma in Computer Applications
Doctoral Programs: Ph.D. programs are available in multiple disciplines through a rigorous admission and coursework process.
The university has aligned its curriculum structure with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and skill development.
Campus and Infrastructure
The university’s main campus is located in Darripara, along Hospital Road in Ambikapur. Spread across 222 acres, the campus is being gradually developed to include advanced academic, administrative, and residential facilities.
Key Infrastructure:
- Central Library with digital access and research databases
- Advanced laboratories and research units for practical learning
- ICT-enabled classrooms and e-learning tools
- Hostels for both male and female students
- Sports grounds and recreational spaces
- Wi-Fi enabled areas for students and staff
- Student support and counseling centers
Ongoing efforts are being made to expand infrastructure in line with future academic needs and student population growth.
Affiliated Colleges
Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya acts as an affiliating university to numerous government and private colleges spread across its jurisdiction. These affiliated colleges offer programs in Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, Law, and other disciplines. The affiliation network ensures standardized academic regulations, examination processes, and evaluation methods throughout the region.
There are over 60 affiliated colleges, including:
- Around 39 Government Colleges
- Approximately 23 Private Colleges
These colleges serve thousands of students, significantly contributing to educational access in the tribal heartland of Chhattisgarh.
Research and Academic Development
The university encourages a culture of research through its postgraduate and doctoral programs. Research projects are carried out in collaboration with academic bodies, industries, and governmental institutions. The focus areas include:
- Environmental conservation and forest management
- Tribal studies and indigenous knowledge systems
- Pharmaceutical and medical research
- Legal and constitutional studies
- Agricultural and rural development
Faculty members and research scholars actively publish in national and international journals and participate in academic conferences and workshops.
Recent Updates and Initiatives
- Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for the academic session 2024-25
- Announcement of the 3rd International Conference scheduled for January 2025
- Commencement of the Ph.D. Admission Process for eligible candidates
- Timely updates regarding academic calendars, semester examinations, revaluation, and convocation events
The university also maintains a dynamic online portal for academic circulars, student services, and administrative notices.
Student Services and Support
Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya provides a range of services aimed at student welfare and academic enhancement:
- Scholarship schemes for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Classes
- Career counseling and placement guidance
- Anti-ragging cell and grievance redressal system
- Gender sensitization and equal opportunity cell
- Cultural and sports activities to promote holistic development
Efforts are ongoing to enhance digital learning opportunities and to support financially weaker students in continuing their education without disruption.
Contact Information
- University Address:Sant Gahira Guru Vishwavidyalaya,Darripara, Hospital Road,Ambikapur, District Surguja,Chhattisgarh – 497001
- Phone Number:9340205032
- Email:registrarsggcg@gmail.com