Is Chandigarh University REALLY Welcoming to BCA Students? A Personal Account of Unfulfilled Promises and Unrealized Expectations

When one starts their journey of higher education, the expectation is to gain not only academic knowledge but also personal growth guidance and opportunities that build a path for a successful , for my sibling who enrolled at Chandigarh University for a Bachelors in Computer Applications (BCA), this experience has been a hollow promise.

Unfulfilled Promises of Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University, marked as one of India's largest private institutions, is marketed as a high-ranking top-tier university with cutting-edge infrastructure and a world-class campus is presented as a mixture of modern amenities, international collaborations, and various tie-ups with reputed companies for placements. The marketing materials emphasize an image of success where students are not only well-educated but also well-prepared for the professional world.

However, my sibling's experience has been a stark contrast to the painted ideal. On his very first day of orientation, promises of a creative academic curriculum and access to state-of-the-art facilities such as modern labs seemed enticing. However, the reality has been anything but fulfilling.

Lack of Proper Academic Guidance

The most disappointing aspect of the experience at Chandigarh University has been the lack of proper academic guidance. As a BCA student, my sibling expected comprehensive support in understanding complex concepts, programming languages, and industry trends. However, most classes have been disappointing, with teachers often failing to engage with students or provide clear explanations. The faculty members seem disengaged and resort to old-school learning methods, which are neither effective nor helpful.

When my sibling reached out to faculty members for clarification on difficult topics or to discuss doubts, responses were disappointing. The teachers were often unavailable for after-class sessions or provided superficial answers. This system has not only hampered his learning but also contributed to a growing sense of frustration and helplessness.

Practical Learning and Industry-Relevance

A key aspect of pursuing a BCA course is acquiring practical skills that will be useful in the professional world. However, the opportunities for hands-on learning at Chandigarh University have been severely lacking. The curriculum is often outdated, with very little emphasis on industry-relevant skills. For instance, programming languages like Python, Java, and C are essential in the tech industry, but the university's curriculum often seems disconnected from what is actually needed in the workforce.

The labs, which should serve as spaces for students to apply their theoretical knowledge, were poorly maintained. The computers were outdated, the software often malfunctioned, and there were frequent technical issues that prevented students from fully utilizing their time. Coupled with the lack of real-world projects or internships, such as the absence of significant coding projects or participation in tech competitions, my sibling has felt unprepared for the challenges of the professional world.

False Promises of a Dynamic University

Chandigarh University promotes itself as a creative hub of student activity, with various cultural, academic, and sports events organized throughout the year. However, the reality is quite different. Many of these events seemed more about attracting attention than providing meaningful experiences for the students. The extracurricular events felt like forced participation, with little thought given to students' actual interests or needs. The clubs and societies were either underfunded or poorly managed, offering few opportunities for students to explore their passions or develop their leadership and teamwork skills.

Emotional and Financial Burden

The emotional burden of my sibling's experience has been significant. The constant feeling of being unsupported combined with frustration has led to a significant decline in his mental well-being. He has experienced depression and a deep sense of hopelessness, questioning his decision to invest in this expensive education. The financial strain on the family has been another source of stress. Despite paying a hefty tuition fee that should reflect the quality of education and the value of the degree, my sibling feels that the return on investment has been minimal at best.

His parents, who have worked hard to provide him with the best possible opportunities, are heartbroken to see their child struggling both emotionally and academically in an institution that promised so much but delivered so little. Unfortunately, my sibling's time at Chandigarh University has been filled with disillusionment.With no solid academic foundation and little guidance from the university, he is left questioning his future and whether he will ever be able to overcome the setbacks caused by this experience. The emotional and financial cost of this experience is something that cannot be easily measured.

Reassessment of University Policies

Most of the promises made by the university during the admission process were simply not delivered, leaving my sibling and many others in a difficult position. It is clear that the university needs to reassess its approach to education, support services, and student welfare to ensure that future generations do not face the same challenges. As parents and students, it is important to critically evaluate educational institutions and understand the true value they offer rather than getting lured by flashy marketing materials and promises that all too often fall short.