Rama Devi Women’s University (RDWU), Bhubaneswar, traces its origins to 1964, when it began as Government Women’s College affiliated with Utkal University. In 2015, under the RUSA scheme, it was elevated to university status, becoming Odisha’s first women’s university, formally inaugurated on December 3, 2015. RDWU has earned significant accreditations and recognitions: autonomous status since 1999, awarded NAAC 'A' grade in 2004 and reaccredited 'A' in 2015. It also received UGC’s College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) honour in 2010, and was granted 12(B) status by the UGC in July 2021.
The university comprises seven schools and over 27 teaching departments, offering a broad academic portfolio: undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, and Ph.D. programs across disciplines including Arts (e.g. Political Science, English, Sociology), Science and Technology (e.g. Biotechnology, Physics, Computer Science), Commerce, Management, Education, Gender Studies, Home Science, Journalism & Mass Communication, and more. It currently offers approximately 21 UG and 17 PG programs, as well as doctoral research opportunities. Facilities at RDWU are modern and student‑centered: a central library with extensive collections including e‑resources, specialized laboratories, smart classrooms, a well‑equipped auditorium, sports complex with multiple courts and grounds, Wi‑Fi enabled campus, hostels, canteen, medical dispensary, gym, and banking services (ATM) on campus.
The university has notable achievements and honours: it celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2014 with the presence of former President Pranab Mukherjee. It has received recognition for academic excellence and women’s empowerment, maintaining high standards in research (including patents) and institutional rankings (e.g. NIRF among top universities). RDWU students are eligible for various state and central government schemes, including National Scholarship, Merit‑cum‑Means Scholarship, Post‑Matric Scholarship, Hindi Scholarship, Physically Challenged Scholarship, and Minority Scholarships.
RDWU Highlights 2027
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Rama Devi Women’s University |
| Year of Establishment | Founded as Government Women’s College in 1964; elevated to university status on 30 May 2015 |
| Type of College | Public State University for women; teaching-cum-affiliating institution |
| Accreditation | NAAC accredited with 'A' grade (2004, reaccredited in 2015); received UGC CPE status in 2010; granted UGC 12(B) status in July 2021 |
| Recognition | Recognized by UGC under Section 22; under RUSA scheme; autonomous since 1999; first women’s university in Odisha |
| Affiliated | The university affiliates 46–48 women’s colleges formerly under Utkal University |
| Famous Provided Courses | Offers UG, PG & Ph.D programs across seven schools: Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Commerce/Management/Journalism, Education, Languages, Social Sciences, Home Science |
| Accepted Entrance Exams | Ph.D admissions via Pre-Ph.D entrance; PG—GAT-B for M.Sc Biotechnology; UG via university-level admissions |
| Top Recruiters | IBM, CapGemini, TCS, Accenture, Wipro, |
| Official Website | rdwu.ac.in |
RDWU Courses 2027
Rama Devi Women’s University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, Management, and emerging areas like Biotechnology and Gender Studies. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com. Honours programs in over 15 specializations. Postgraduate programs include M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA, and professional courses like B.Ed., with specializations in subjects like Psychology, English, Computer Science, Life Sciences, and more. The university also provides Ph.D. programs in 13+ disciplines through a structured entrance test and interview process. Most UG and PG courses are 2–3 years long, requiring 10+2 or a relevant bachelor's degree with at least 45–60% marks, depending on category. Check below mention courses and other details
| Course | Specializations | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. (Hons.) | English, Hindi, History, Economics, Education, Odia, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics | 3 years | 10+2 + minimum 60 % (45 % for SC/ST) |
| B.Sc. (Hons.) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Statistics, Home Science | 3 years | 10+2 with relevant subjects |
| B.Com. (Hons.) | Commerce | 3 years | 10+2 with Commerce/Maths |
| B.Ed. | Education (Teacher Training) | 2 years | Graduation with 45–50 % |
| M.A. | Gender Studies, Economics, Education, English, Hindi, Odia, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Journalism & Mass Communication | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree |
| M.Sc. | Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Home Science, Life Sciences, Industrial Microbiology | 2 years | UG in relevant field with atleast 60% |
| M.Com. | Commerce | 2 years | Bachelor’s in Commerce with at least 50% |
| MBA | General Management | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree, eligibility likely merit/entrance-based |
| Ph.D. | Biotechnology, Computer Science, Commerce, Economics, Education, English, Gender Studies, Hindi, Home Science, Life Sciences, Odia, Journalism, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology | Variable (typically 3–5 years) | Master’s degree + Ph.D. entrance test (pre‑Ph.D exam), interview |
| Certificate Course | Disability Studies | Varies (short certificate) | Graduate or as defined |
RDWU Admission 2027
Admission at Rama Devi Women’s University is conducted online through the SAMS Odisha portal for UG and PG programs, while Ph.D. admissions are handled via the university’s official portal. For UG courses, candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks (relaxation for reserved categories). PG admissions require a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 50–55% marks, and some programs like M.Sc. Biotechnology require GAT-B scores. Ph.D. applicants need a master’s degree with 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) and must qualify either RDWU's Pre-Ph.D. Entrance Test (RET) or have valid fellowships like UGC-NET/JRF, GATE, etc.
How to apply for RDWU?
For UG & PG Admission
- Visit samsodisha.gov.in.
- Register with a mobile number and email.
- Fill out the Common Application Form and select Rama Devi Women’s University.
- Upload required documents (mark sheets, photo, signature, etc.).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and keep a printout for reference.
- Wait for the merit list/selection list on the official website
For Ph.D Admission
- Go to rdwu.ac.in → Admission → Ph.D. Admission.
- Register and fill the online application form.
- Upload scanned documents and bank challan (INR 1000 fee).
- Appear for the Pre-Ph.D. Entrance Test (RET) (unless exempted).
- Attend viva-voce if shortlisted.
- Final selection is based on career score + interview.
RDWU Ranking
Rama Devi Women’s University was recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) a prestigious national distinction with UGC endorsing its eligibility under Section 12(B) starting July 2021, the university gained access to central government research funding and grants. Although NIRF rankings are listed on the RDWU site. Independent educational rankings such as EduRank place RDWU at approximately #589 in India, and within the top few universities in Odisha and Bhubaneswar region.
| Ranking Body / Award | Category / Recognition | Details / Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NAAC | Institutional Accreditation | Grade ‘A’ (2004, 2015) |
| UGC – CPE (College Potential) | National recognition for excellence | Awarded in 2010 |
| UGC 12(B) Status | Eligibility for central research funding | Granted in July 2021 |
| EduRank | National University Ranking | #589 in India, top in Odisha and Bhubaneswar region |
| Webometrics (independent) | Global / Regional Web presence ranking | INR #2451 in India, INR 21,582 globally |
RDWU Facility 2026
Rama Devi Women’s University spans about 28 acres and blends teaching, residential, sports, and digital infrastructure to foster a holistic learning environment for women scholars. Rama Devi Women’s University provided facility are
- Gymnasium: Equipped with treadmills, bikes, strength equipment; accessible to students for a nominal fee (e.g. INR 50/month).
- Central Library & Reading Room: A well-stocked library offering print books, periodicals, e-journals, e-books, plus a newly established reading room with digital access.
- Departmental & Specialized Labs: Includes subject-specific science labs, computer labs, language lab, journalism media lab (audio/video editing suite), census data workstation, and more.
- Auditorium & Conference Hall: A fully air-conditioned auditorium seating 600 (with Wi‑Fi and AV systems) and a separate conference hall (capacity 100) for seminars and guest lectures.
RDWU FAQs
Which accrediting bodies recognize Rama Devi Women’s University?
Rama Devi Women’s University holds NAAC 'A' grade accreditation (2004, reaccredited 2015) and UGC CPE status (2010), and UGC 12B eligibility (from July 2021).
What courses are offered at Rama Devi Women’s University?
Rama Devi Women’s University provides UG (BA, B.Sc, B.Com), PG (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MBA, B.Ed) and Ph.D. programs across 7 schools and multiple departments.
What is the admission process at Rama Devi Women’s University for UG programs?
Admission to UG at Rama Devi Women’s University is merit-based through the SAMS Odisha portal based on Class 12 marks.
How can I apply for PG courses at Rama Devi Women’s University?
To apply for PG courses at Rama Devi Women’s University, candidates register online, appear for relevant entrance exams (such as CPET, UGC‑NET, GATE), followed by written test/viva marks weighing and merit-based selection.
What are the facilities available at Rama Devi Women’s University?
Rama Devi Women’s University offers Wi-Fi enabled campus, hostel accommodation, central library, laboratories, auditorium, gym, cafeteria, medical centre, and banking/ATM services.
Does Rama Devi Women’s University have hostel facilities?
Yes, Rama Devi Women’s University provides on‑campus hostels (three general plus SC/ST hostel) for UG and PG women students with furnished rooms, mess, and Wi‑Fi.
