Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra was set up in the year 1999 and has been granted statutory recognition through an act of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature. The campus of the SMVDU is spread across 470 acres of land at Trikuta Hills which is also known to be the abode of Maa Vaishno Devi. Thus, the establishment of SMVDU is also granted by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. SMVDU has been recognised by University Grants Commission under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act of 1956.
The University offers undergraduate (B. Tech and B. Arch), postgraduate (M. Tech, M.A., M. Sc. and M.B.A), dual degree (integrated) and doctoral (Ph.D) courses in many domains. As per NIRF Ranking 2021 for the engineering category, the university is ranked 79th. It was 78th among all the engineering institutions in India and got a place in the top 100 business schools in the nation as per the NIRF Rankings of 2020 declared by MHRD, Government of India. Around 136 highly experienced assistant professors are employed to impart knowledge in various specialisations and students from more than 23 states are studying and living in the serene and safe campus.
B.Tech programme is offered in various specializations, such as computer science, electronics and communication, mechanical, biotechnology, energy management, architecture, civil and electrical. Students applying for admission in Science courses can opt for either Mathematics, Physics or Biotechnology discipline. The faculty of Management has two departments - (i) School of Business (ii) School of Economics. The Faculty of Humanities offers three courses: M.Sc in Economics, MA in Philosophy and PhD in Philosophy and Culture. SMVDU lays a pressing focus on hands-on learning, mandatory industrial interface, varied pedagogy and a transparent continuous evaluation system.
SMVDU is located at the Sub-Post Office, Network Centre in Katra district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station is about 11 km away from the main campus while Jammu Airport is around 50 km away. The university is easily commutable via buses and taxis all throughout the year. The General Jammu Bus stand is located at a distance of 37 km from the university campus and transits through NH-44 highway. The University has its own bus facility for students from the campus to Domel and back running at specific times throughout the week. Besides this, students, staff and faculty can board buses from the main campus to Jammu and back every Saturday.
The main shopping complex consists of ten shops which include a sweet Shop, two grocery cum general stores having modern amenities, a snacks Shop, a SMVDU gas agency, a barber shop, an Amul outlet and a stationery Shop which is located near the boys hostel.
