A Glorious Milestone Fulfilling the Vision of Its Founders; A Triumph of Leadership and Legacy
"This A+ grade is not the end — it is the beginning. Rajasthan University is not just a pride of the past, but an inspiration for the future," affirmed Professor Kateja, articulating a forward-looking vision for the institution.
By Onkareshwar Pandey
Jaipur, June 15, 2025 — In a proud and defining moment for Rajasthan’s academic community, the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, the state’s oldest and most revered higher education institution, has been awarded the coveted NAAC A+ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), Bengaluru. This achievement marks a significant milestone, reinforcing the university's commitment to academic excellence and fulfilling the foundational vision of its esteemed founders.
Historical Roots: The Genesis and Evolution of a Premier Institution
On the 8th of January 1947, the University of Rajputana appeared like a nascent star on the educational horizon of pre-independent India. The efforts for a separate University for Rajputana State were initiated as early as 1921, when the Act for the Allahabad University was passed. The Act prescribed for separation of Intermediate classes from the Degree classes as a condition for affiliation, which meant more expenditure for the then colleges at Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer, the only colleges then imparting University education and affiliated to Allahabad University. The location of the University became a controversial issue, considered by ruling Princes and Chiefs at Mt. Abu on June 20, 1924.
After a gap of nearly two decades, the efforts were again initiated in 1942 by Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Prime Minister of Jaipur, who appointed J.C. Rollo as Special Education Officer for this purpose. Sir Mirza Ismail and his successor in office Sir V.T. Krishnamachari took the initiative of holding talks with the representatives of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, and Jaipur in December 1946. They agreed to the establishment of a University at Jaipur and on January 8, 1947, legislation was promulgated, and the colleges in the State formally federated into the University of Rajputana, which came into existence in July the same year.
Visionary Leadership: Professor Alpana Kateja at the Helm
"In the temple of knowledge, when dreams are nurtured with integrity and vision, glory becomes inevitable." This sentiment resonates deeply with the transformative journey undertaken by the University of Rajasthan under the dynamic leadership of Professor Alpana Kateja, the first woman Vice Chancellor of the institution. Her tenure has been characterized by a focused drive towards academic rigor and comprehensive structural reforms, culminating in this prestigious recognition.
In her statement, Professor Kateja humbly dedicated this honor to the entire university community, emphasizing the collective effort behind this success: "This recognition belongs to every teacher, staff member, and student who walked this path with discipline and passion. We are not just rebuilding a university — we are reshaping its destiny."
From Ineligibility to National Recognition
For the past four years, the University had faced limitations in accessing central grants due to a pending NAAC evaluation. However, with the successful completion of the Cycle-III assessment, conducted from June 3–5, 2025, the University has not only regained its eligibility but also opened new avenues for national schemes and essential infrastructure upgrades, positioning itself as a launchpad for future growth.