The Higher Education Review

I n an ever-changing world marked by evolving societal needs and technological advancements, humanities and social sciences colleges in India are undergoing a transformative journey. Embracing interdisciplinary approaches, integrating technology into education, fostering research endeavours, and promoting inclusivity and global exposure are just some of the key trends reshaping the landscape of these fields. As the need for crucial skills and industry relevance grows, the humanities and social sciences sector in India encounters various challenges.

These include concerns regarding employability perception, financial limitations, difficulties in integrating technology, and competition from STEM fields. Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University) addresses these challenges through industry involvement, skill development, internships, research emphasis, and strong industry connections to prepare graduates for successful careers.


Prof. N.Rajani, Registrar

Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University) (SPMVV) is a distinguished public institution in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, exclusively committed to providing engineering education to women. With a strong vision to empower women through education, the university has been a pioneer in promoting gender inclusivity in technical fields.

SPMVV offers a diverse range of engineering programs in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), and Mechanical Engineering.

To stay at the forefront of advancements, the university intends to introduce AI and MTech programs. Skill development programs, mandatory internships, and MOOCs prepare students for industrial roles. The National Service Scheme (NSS) promotes community service, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I firmly believe in valuing individual choices, which is why we offer open electives for engineering students to explore diverse interests like music. These initiatives are designed to foster a well-rounded, compassionate, and socially responsible engineering community”, mentions Prof. D. Bharathi, Vice Chancellor, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (Women’s University).

Further SPMVV Campus Synergy on “Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship” is a flagship merger of Technology Business Incubator, Women Biotech Incubation Facility, CURIE – AI, DBT-BIONEST, RWTP, TOCIC, Women ICT Frontier Initiative and Livelihood Business Incubator.

The Transdisciplinary research initiative centre was established with the financial support from UGC-STRIDE under component 1 to promote transdisciplinary research culture in the campus. The establishment of such prestigious research centres help the faculty and students enrolled in science disciplines such as Biotechnology; Microbiology, Home Science, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Sericulture & Life Sciences, Physical Sciences etc. – says Prof. D.Bharathi. The University also offers Nursing courses through its School of Nursing.


Prof. T.Tripura Sundari, Director

Advancing Education & Research
The institution takes great pride in its unwavering commitment to maintaining a high standard of education. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the university emphasizes outcome-based education, ensuring students acquire practical skills and knowledge that align with industry requirements.

This dedication is evident through frequent curriculum revisions that provide up-to-date training, preparing students effectively for the job market. A crucial aspect of achieving this preparedness lies in the university's strong connections with the industry. By actively engaging experts in conferences, seminars, and programs, the institution gains valuable insights that shape a curriculum meeting dynamic professional demands.

As a result, engineering graduates achieve an impressive rate of job placements, validating the university's dedication to producing skilled and employable professionals. This success further reinforces the institution's reputation as an educational

beacon, offering a nurturing learning environment for students to excel in their chosen careers. With an unwavering commitment to quality education and student-centricity, the university continues empowering the next generation, enabling them to positively impact society and the economy.

SPMVV exudes a sense of accomplishment in its well-equipped laboratories, encompassing robotics and artificial intelligence labs, biotechnology labs, and a cutting-edge security lab. The university boasts a centralized instrumentation center, accessible to all science faculty and students, encouraging research and innovation. The faculty at SPMVV is distinguished, experienced, and actively engaged in research across disciplines. SPMVV has garnered funding from diverse agencies, facilitating the establishment of multiple research centers, fostering a thriving culture of research and innovation.

The university's strong infrastructure includes modern buildings, hostels, and advanced laboratories, all contributing to a conducive learning environment. Emphasizing a residential campus, SPMVV offers ample hostel facilities to accommodate students from various courses. This setup not only provides students with a comfortable living space but also encourages a sense of community and collaboration – says Prof. N.Rajani, Registrar, SPMVV. The university's commitment to research, state-of-the-art facilities, and accomplished faculty ensures a comprehensive and enriching educational experience for its students.

Future Roadmap
Moving forward, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam aspires to remain a trailblazer in women's empowerment through its unwavering dedication to providing quality education. The university's vision for the future involves further enhancing its industry-focused curriculum, prioritizing hands-on training, and fostering a culture of research and community involvement. This approach will empower SPMVV's students to excel across various industries and make meaningful contributions to society.

With a highly skilled and committed faculty, the university will continue investing in state-of-the-art facilities, creating an environment that fosters innovation and growth in its students. “I am confident that our institution will continue nurturing a new generation of empowered women in engineering and beyond. We strive to prepare them to lead and drive positive change in their respective fields, making a lasting impact on society”, concludes T.Tripura Sundari, Director, IQAC, SPMVV.