Guwahati University Infrastructure: Hostels, Campus Facilities, Library ,

Gauhati University is recognised as one of the leading institutions of higher education in Northeast India and constitutes one of the most sought-after UG and postgraduate institution. It has consistently ranked among the top institutes according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings and holds a NAAC A+ Grade accreditation.Being the oldest university in the Northeast, it has preserved and flourished India's rich academic and cultural heritage. As a pioneering educational institute, it offers support to all subsequent academic institutions in this region. Established in 1948, this institution has long served as a beacon of education in the region. Well-known for its academic excellence, tranquil campus, and cultural vibrancy, Gauhati University (GU) continues to attract students from across the country.

This overview aims to provide information of its infrastructure, academic environment, hostel life, recreational facilities, and other relevant aspects.

Gauhati University Infrastructure Highlights

Gauhati University  campus encompasses more than 508 acres along the western bank of the Brahmaputra River.The university has lush green lawns and heritage buildings alongside pathways that reflect its distinctive charm. It boasts various facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, a library, hostels, and cafeterias. Some of the notable facilities available on campus include:

• A state-of-the-art auditorium
• Library and hostel facilities for both boys and girls
• Well-equipped conference hall and seminar hall
• Laboratories, cafeteria, and convenience stores

The Gauhati University infrastructure symbolises a remarkable blend of colonial charm and modern architecture. The Gauhati University campus is divided into various academic blocks, including the Main Academic Block, the New Academic Block, the Institute of Science & Technology (GU‑IST), the University Law College, and the Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL).

Gauhati University Hostel and Residential Facilities

Gauhati University hostels are administered by the nodal office of the Secretary, University Classes. GU campus comprises 24 hostels out of which 12 are Girls' and 12 are Boys' Hostels, allotted for both postgraduates and research scholars. The hostels are well-designed for ambience seating, full of all the necessary amenities. It has its own mess and security staff to take care of students. Moreover, hostels have prefects too to assist the staff and a warden available to ensure the safety and tranquillity.  Each of these hostels has its own piece of history with famous alumni. The hostels run their own Mess Committee, which operates on a no-loss-no-profit basis.

Features of GU Hostels:

• Total Hostels: 24 (12 for boys, 12 for girls)
• Room Types: Single and double occupancy, with both non-AC and AC options in select hostels
• Facilities: Reading room, common room with TV, indoor games, Wi-Fi, and 24/7 water and electricity
• Mess System: Managed by student committees; offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian food
• Security: CCTV surveillance and security guards at each hostel gate

Postgraduate Hostels

Note: The above data is as per previous years’ information. Hence, it is indicative. 

Gauhati University Library 

Gauhati University has a central University named as Krishna Kanta Handiqui Library (KK Handiqui Library) established since 1948 in honour of the esteemed Sanskrit Scholar cum Professor Krsihan Kanta Handiqui, a renowned orientalist worldwide. The GU library has a myriad of personal collections of Prof Handiqui, including 7953 volumes of books in 11 different languages (English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Pali, Prakrit, Russian, Sanskrit, and Spanish) which he generously donated. For a long time, the Gauhati University library has been working closely on a mission to comprehensively pass on the cultural, scientific, and technological experiences for a thriving human advancement. 

The library not only supports the classroom instructional programs at the University but also broadens the scope of knowledge related to the various research programs undertaken here. It has separate sections: General reading, Reference reading, Periodicals and journals and a Special thematic corner.

The library is administered by a Library Committee, led by the Vice Chancellor of the university, with Deans from various faculties serving as members. This committee is responsible for guiding the library's operations and allocating its annual budget.

Library:

Gauhati University Academic and Research Facilities

Gauhati University serve top-notch academic facilities - Large, fully air-conditioned classrooms and seminar spaces are available with Audio-visual projectors throughout the campus. It has a massive auditorium to conduct national and international cultural and social events, which is often used as a genteel space for public gatherings and for conducting large seminars. The GC has separated 38+ classrooms across different departments, including Engineering and Technology, Commerce and Architecture. The university is aided by 58+ departmental labs with modern equipment. 

It has a Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF) and Central Instrumental Facility (CIF), and the Institute of Science and Technology (GU-IST) supporting UG, PG, and doctoral training at the campus. 

Gauhati University has made significant strides in research. Funded by UGC, DST, DBT, ICSSR, and other national agencies, GU is involved in cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines. Some of the research centres operated under Gauhati University are:

• Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF)
• UGC Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC)
• GU Institute of North East India Studies (GUINEIS)
• ISRO Regional Academic Centre for Space (RAC-S)
• Stratospheric-Tropospheric Radar Centre (ST Radar)
• Aquaculture & Biodiversity Centre

Gauhati University Research Highlights:

• Central Instrumentation Facility: Equipped with advanced machines for analytical studies
• Incubation Centre: Supports student-led startups and innovation
• Recent Projects: Environmental assessment of the Brahmaputra River, Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Assam, AI in Assamese Language Processing
• Research Journals: GU publishes over 10 peer-reviewed journals

Students at the master's and doctoral levels actively participate in conferences and publish in reputed national and international journals.

Moreover, the university has additional learning spaces inside the campus, which include Radio Luit, a community radio station producing media content and training students and Botanical Garden, Aquaculture & Biodiversity Centre, and Astronomical Observatory to support experiential learning and research in ecology and space studies.

Gauhati University Sports Facilities

Gauhati University always strives for to holistic development of students, whether it be in academics or physical fitness. With its state-of-the-art sports infrastructure facilities, the students get the opportunity to excel in sports and pursue a career in it. The university has a well-maintained playground and sports complex, encouraging students to pursue various sports. The GU sports complex consists of GU Stadium, GU Playground and GU Indoor Stadium.

The other Major Sports Facilities at Gauhati University are:

• Volleyball Courts
• Lawn Tennis
• Basketball Courts
• Badminton Halls
• Gymnasium Halls
• Yoga Centre

Student recreational needs are further supported by cultural clubs, music and dance practice rooms, and an open-air theatre for events.

Places to visit in & around the Gauhati University Campus

One of the best things about Gauhati University is that it is surrounded by so many iconic destinations, which are ideal places to have fun with friends, explore the rich heritage of Assamese culture, and have perfect outings for weekends. Here are some appealing places to explore around Gauhati University, Gauhati:

• Kamakhya Temple: One of the most revered Shakti Peethas, located just 5 km from campus
• Umananda Island: The World’s smallest inhabited riverine island on the Brahmaputra
• Assam State Museum: Showcases the rich heritage of Assamese culture
• Gauhati Planetarium: For astronomy enthusiasts
• Kaziranga National Park (Day Trip): About 190 km away, perfect for long weekends

Moreover, cafes, theatres, shopping malls, and food joints near the Pan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar area make up the social and entertainment scene for students.

Check out more on Gauhati University Infrastructure  in the video below: