‘SVGU Ahmedabad equipping students to fill industry gaps, look beyond basic qualifications’: Provost

Set up in 2023, Sardar Vallabhbhai Global University, Ahmedabad, is not aiming for size but credibility – strong academics and research, solid outcomes in terms of student placements and careers. Its provost, Subhash Brahmbhatt, speaks to Careers360 about the university’s academic model, programme design, existing and new courses, and its approach to aligning education with industry needs.

How did Sardar Vallabhbhai Global University grow from an institute to a private university?

Sardar Vallabhbhai Global University (SVGU) was previously known as the Chimanbhai Patel Institute and operated under affiliations with Gujarat University and Gujarat Technological University (GTU). Our MBA and MCA programmes, in particular, had built a strong reputation over the years and attracted students from across the region.

The decision to become a private university in 2023 was driven by a desire for greater academic autonomy and the opportunities created by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 . Under Gujarat's Private University Act, 2009, by receiving approval from the state legislature and recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and after fulfilling all requirements and undergoing UGC inspections, we received university status.

This transition gave us greater academic freedom. We can now design our own curriculum, introduce new courses based on industry requirements, and update programmes whenever needed. It has also allowed us to expand into areas such as engineering, computer science, media and communication, healthcare management, and professional certificate courses.

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What role has Chimanbhai Patel’s legacy played in shaping the university?

The university's roots are closely connected to the educational vision of former Gujarat chief minister Chimanbhai Patel and his family. Chimanbhai Patel and his wife Urmilaben Patel, who served as a union minister, were both academics before entering public life. They established several colleges, including arts, commerce, law, and management institutions, with a focus on making higher education accessible to students from lower-income and middle-class backgrounds.

Their commitment to education continues through the next generation. Siddharth Patel, his son, who studied management in the United States and now oversees the institution, has carried forward the family's educational vision. The focus has always been on providing quality professional education and creating new opportunities for students.

Gujarat has witnessed a rapid growth in private universities . How does SVGU distinguish itself?

We are a young university, and unlike many institutions that focus primarily on rapid expansion, our emphasis is on controlled growth and academic quality. We are deliberately keeping student intake limited because we believe quality education requires personal attention and close interaction between students and faculty.

Our tagline is "powering the potentials”. We invest heavily in faculty recruitment and look beyond basic qualifications. We seek professors who are active researchers, contribute to their fields and develop innovative teaching methodologies and ability to engage students. We want to strengthen the potential of every student rather than simply expand enrollment.

Young universities often face challenges in establishing academic credibility. How are you working to build a strong academic culture at SVGU?

Our important initiative is the mentorship model, inspired by practices I observed during my academic tenure at the University of Granada in Spain. Senior students, research scholars, and advanced learners are assigned responsibility of mentoring undergraduate students, particularly those who may be struggling academically.

Each mentor works closely with a group of students, helping them improve their performance through tutorials, additional assignments, projects, and regular guidance. The objective is to ensure that no student remains a slow learner. We closely monitor academic progress and intervene wherever necessary. This mentoring structure creates a strong support system throughout the university.

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SVGU has launched several new industry-oriented programmes.

The primary factor is industry demand. Universities cannot operate in isolation from the market. We regularly interact with employers, industry associations, and professionals to understand emerging workforce requirements.

This year, we introduced three major programmes: BBA in Real Estate Management, BBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management, and BBA in Media and Corporate Communication. Each programme was designed after identifying specific gaps in the industry.

For example, the real estate sector is one of Gujarat's largest industries, yet there is a shortage of professionally-trained managers who understand property laws, project evaluation, marketing, regulations, and investment analysis. Similarly, healthcare institutions increasingly require skilled administrators, while the media sector now demands professionals who combine communication skills with business and marketing knowledge.

Our aim is to equip students with the skills and practical knowledge needed to meet industry requirements and build successful careers.

SVGU prioritises skills and industry exposure over rapid expansion (Image: By special arrangement)

What makes the BBA in Real Estate Management programme unique?

This is among the most distinctive programmes we have introduced and is one of the first undergraduate programmes of its kind in Gujarat. We developed it in collaboration with Credai Gujarat, the state's leading association of real estate developers.

The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including financial accounting, microeconomics, entrepreneurship, property business, real estate regulations, project planning, project viability assessment, environmental studies, and digital marketing. We have also incorporated topics related to urban development regulations and practical industry requirements.

The programme includes internships beginning after the third semester, ensuring students gain real-world exposure. Industry professionals associated with Credai will contribute as guest faculty and mentors. Many developers have expressed willingness to offer internships and placements directly to students.

To maintain quality, we have intentionally limited intake to around 40 students per batch.

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SVGU has also launched a BBA in Media and Corporate Communication.

Traditionally, media education has focused heavily on journalism. However, today's communication landscape extends far beyond newsrooms. Organisations require professionals who understand media, branding, corporate communication, consumer behaviour, digital marketing, and strategic communication.

That is why we transformed the conventional journalism approach into a BBA . The programme combines management education with communication studies. Students will develop skills relevant to digital marketing, content creation, social media management, public relations, and corporate communications.

We have already established partnerships with media organisations, NGOs, corporate firms, and television channels to provide internships and career opportunities.

How has SVGU implemented the NEP?

We have adopted the NEP framework in our academic programmes. Students can choose between a three-year undergraduate degree and a four-year honours degree , as provided under the policy.

The NEP has also given us greater flexibility in designing courses and introducing new subjects. We see it as an opportunity to make higher education more relevant to students and industry requirements.

What are SVGU’s future plans and long-term vision?

We are currently constructing a new seven-storey building on campus, which will add more classrooms and modern facilities for students. Along with this, we are planning to establish a School of Design and introduce other specialised programmes in emerging fields.

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As we expand, we are very conscious that growth should not come at the cost of quality. Our focus remains on strengthening academic standards while steadily improving infrastructure and student support systems such as laboratories, learning spaces, and other campus facilities.

Looking ahead, our vision is to make SVGU a nationally-respected institution known for quality higher education, ethical values, and strong student development. We are not aiming to become the largest university, but one of the most trusted and respected.

Our goal is to prepare students who are academically strong, professionally competent, and ethically grounded. If, in the next decade, SVGU is recognised by students, employers, and academics for these values, we will consider that our true success.