In a significant development for higher education in Bengaluru, Kristu Jayanti College, which recently attained the status of a deemed-to-be university, has unveiled ambitious expansion plans. The institution will soon introduce programmes in engineering and allied health sciences, marking a strategic diversification of its academic portfolio.
Strategic Expansion and New Academic Pillars
The announcement was made by Vice-Chancellor Fr Augustine George during the inaugural ceremony held on Monday, following the conferment of the deemed university status. Fr Augustine emphasized that the move is a calculated step aligned with national priorities, not an arbitrary addition.
Our focus will be on strengthening our robust academic framework, which is built on three pillars: academic vigour, interdisciplinary integration, and outcome-based education, he stated. The expansion into engineering, allied health sciences, and other emerging fields is viewed as a strategic intervention designed to address critical needs within the country.
New Campus and Potential Consolidation
Alongside new programmes, the university revealed concrete plans for physical growth. A second campus, located approximately a 50-minute drive from the current site, is in the pipeline. This new facility is intended to house the institution's management programmes.
While immediate international expansion is not on the cards, the management is contemplating bringing several colleges in Tamil Nadu and Kerala that are under its administration under the Kristu Jayanti University (KJU) umbrella. This consolidation would create a larger, more unified educational network.
A Renewed Commitment to Research Excellence
Fr Augustine outlined a strong vision for enhancing the university's research capabilities. He challenged the institution to contribute to the nation's knowledge economy, stating that a mature university is measured by its discoveries, not just its teachings.
The answer is research, he asserted. We are committed to creating infrastructure and a framework to foster active research and to achieve a distinctive place in this domain. The goal is to transform knowledge into tangible wealth and innovation for society.
Kristu Jayanti is now the second institution in Bengaluru under the management of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) to receive deemed university status, following Christ University.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings
Chancellor Fr Abraham Vettiyankal reflected on the institution's remarkable journey. It began in 1999 with just nine students in what was then a deserted area. The college gained autonomy in 2021, secured an A++ grade in NAAC accreditation, and finally achieved the deemed-to-be-university status in 2025.
This series of milestones underscores the institution's consistent growth and commitment to academic excellence, setting the stage for its next chapter as a multidisciplinary university poised to make a greater impact on India's educational landscape.
