The University of Kalyani, established in 1960, is a collegiate public research university located in Kalyani, West Bengal, India. It is administered by the Government of West Bengal, affiliated with the University Grants Commission (UGC), and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an "A" grade. The university offers academic programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.
The university was established on 1 November 1960 by 'The Kalyani University Act 1960' of the Government of West Bengal. The University of Kalyani is a State University and its activities are guided by 'The Kalyani University Act, 1981 (amended up to 2001)', enacted by the Government of West Bengal. The Act is supplemented by 'Statutes', 'Ordinances', 'Regulations' and 'Rules'. This act replaced 'The Kalyani University (Temporary Suppression) Act, 1978', which in turn replaced 'The Kalyani University Act, 1960'. The University Grants Commission accorded recognition to the university.
The university is placed in an Urban areas setting touching the boundaries of some green Rural areas. The eastern bank of the Ganges is only 2000 meters from the University and its serene background is only 50 km from Kolkata. It is close to Kalyani Ghoshpara railway station, 10 minutes walking distance to Administration Building from the station, and the other campuses are around it. During the Second World War this land was under the control of the American army who maintained an Army depot here. Few roadways and other constructions are still there to prove that past history. The Campus spans over a huge area of 400 acres (largest State University of West Bengal based on area).
The Vice-chancellor is the chief executive officer and the principal academic and administrative head of the university. The Vice-chancellor is appointed by the Governor of West Bengal in the capacity of Chancellor, in accordance with the provisions of The Kalyani University Act.
As of 17 December 2024, Kallol Paul is the Vice-chancellor of the university.
The University of Kalyani has 37 departments organized into 6 faculty councils.
This university is providing academic guidance and leadership to 57 affiliated colleges and 7 others recognized institutes (as of 1 January 2020). Colleges are independent from the university but they follow the Course Curriculum of the university. Colleges are headed by the Principal and Professors, Teachers of the colleges are appointed via West Bengal College Service Commission (WBCSC). Colleges have responsibility for admitting Undergraduates and organising their classes. Here are names of total 64 affiliated colleges/other recognized institutes :
In 2015, University of Kalyani has been awarded A grade (CGPA 3.12) by the NAAC.
Hepatitis C nosode was developed by Rajesh Shah with a group of Molecular Biologists at the University of Kalyani, where it was demonstrated that the nosode sourced from Hepatitis C virus could produce anti-Cancer effect on cell lines in a laboratory model. This was one big achievement by the Biologists in the field.
University of Kalyani has ranked 801+ in the QS Asia Ranking 2024. The university has ranked 151-200 band among universities in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024 and in the 151-200 band overall.