SNDT Women's University: Admission 2025, Courses, Fees

About SNDT Women's University

SNDT Women's University, established in 1916, holds the distinction of being the first women’s university in India and Southeast Asia. Founded by the visionary Maharshi Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve, the university was created with the noble goal of empowering women through education at a time when female education was a rarity. Inspired by the Japan Women’s University, Dr. Karve dedicated this institution to provide women access to quality education and the means to contribute meaningfully to society. Named in honor of Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey, the mother of the benefactor Sir Vitthaldas Thackersey, the university has grown into a renowned multidisciplinary academic center.

The university’s main administrative headquarters is located at Churchgate, Mumbai, with additional campuses spread across Mumbai’s Juhu and Pune’s Karve Road. SNDTWU’s Pune campus, in particular, boasts extensive infrastructure that supports a vibrant academic and extracurricular life. The campus features spacious, well-ventilated classrooms equipped with modern teaching aids, computer laboratories with internet access, a well-stocked library, and recreational areas. Both indoor and outdoor sports facilities support student wellness, while the hostels provide clean, secure accommodation with reliable mess facilities. Medical services on campus ensure timely healthcare for students and staff alike.

SNDT Women's University functions as a public government university with a unique jurisdiction that allows it to affiliate colleges across seven states and one union territory in India, provided it has permission from the respective state governments. This privilege extends the university’s academic influence far beyond its campuses. Currently, it employs approximately 1,100 teaching and non-teaching staff and caters to about 50,000 students, primarily women, underscoring its significant role in women's higher education.

Academically, SNDTWU offers an extensive range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma levels in various disciplines. These include traditional arts, sciences, and commerce courses such as B.A., B.Sc., and B.Com., as well as professional and technical education in fields like B.Ed., B.Tech., MBA, M.A., M.Sc., PG diplomas, and Ph.D. programs. The university’s vision is deeply rooted in empowering women through education, fostering social responsibility, human values, and readiness to meet emerging socio-economic challenges with relevant vocational and professional training.

SNDTWU is recognized for its academic quality and infrastructural facilities. It has been awarded a prestigious Grade A+ accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is ranked 32nd among multidisciplinary universities in India by Week-Hansa Research. Within Maharashtra, it ranks 9th in Mumbai and 20th statewide according to EduRank. Its prominence is a testament to its commitment to excellence, research contributions, and holistic development.

Admission to the university’s courses is based on a blend of merit in qualifying examinations and competitive entrance tests, depending on the chosen program. Popular entrance exams acknowledged by the university include MAH CET for management-oriented courses, CLAT for law, and JEE Main for engineering programs. For other disciplines, merit is assessed through board exam scores or university-specific entrance tests. The annual fee structure varies widely by course, reflecting the diverse academic offerings—fees range approximately from ₹6,000 per year for some programs up to ₹1,20,000 for specialized professional or technical courses. Such a fee framework makes higher education accessible while supporting quality resources and faculty expertise.

Beyond academics, SNDTWU emphasizes creating a supportive environment that holistically nurtures women students. The motto, "An awakened woman is a source of endless strength," embodies its dedication to empowering women to excel both inside and outside the classroom. Gender-sensitive policies, active counseling centers, mentorship initiatives, and extracurricular programs support students’ academic, personal, and emotional growth. The university promotes a vibrant campus culture with regular cultural festivals, sports events, workshops, and seminars designed to build confidence, leadership, and social awareness.

The Pune campus, as a microcosm of the broader university, is a thriving academic hub with fully equipped faculty departments catering to a broad spectrum of disciplines including education, technology, science, arts, and management. Internet connectivity throughout the campus ensures that students and faculty can access global information resources that further enrich the learning experience. Additionally, administrative offices located onsite provide effective support services including admissions, scholarship information, grievance redressal, and career counseling. These services enhance the overall academic atmosphere by ensuring that students’ administrative and academic needs are met promptly.

SNDTWU’s century-long legacy and steady evolution reflect a steadfast commitment to advancing women’s education, fostering societal progress, and contributing meaningfully to national development. Its ability to integrate traditional values with modern academic standards positions it uniquely among Indian universities. The institution’s growth, wide course offerings, accreditations, and supportive infrastructure exemplify its role as a pioneering force in women’s higher education. As it continues to nurture future women leaders, researchers, and professionals, SNDT Women’s University remains a beacon of empowerment, education, and enduring strength in India.