University of Kerala, originally known as the University of Travancore, is a prominent state-run public university located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India. Established in 1937 through a proclamation by the Maharajah of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, who also became the first Chancellor of the university, the institution holds the distinction of being the first university in Kerala and one of the earliest in the country. The university’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor was C. P. Ramaswamy Iyer, who was the then Diwan (Prime Minister) of Travancore. NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) has accredited the university with the highest grade of A++, achieving an impressive score of 3.67/4.
The university has more than 150 affiliated colleges and offers a vast range of academic opportunities across 16 faculties and 43 departments dedicated to teaching and research. The Governor of Kerala serves as the Chancellor of the university.
Historical Background
The University of Kerala’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of the state itself. Established in 1937, it was one of the first 16 universities in India and was initially named the University of Travancore, set up in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore (which later became part of Kerala and some areas of Tamil Nadu). The university was created through a decree by Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the Maharajah of Travancore, who also took on the role of Chancellor. Sir C. P. Ramaswamy Ayyar, the Diwan (Prime Minister) of Travancore, was the university’s first Vice-Chancellor, known for his scholarly contributions and administrative excellence. Interestingly, there was an attempt to invite Albert Einstein as the university’s first Vice-Chancellor, although this did not materialize.
The design of the University of Kerala was influenced by the prestigious universities of the United Kingdom, which is evident in some of its academic features even today. However, the university’s affiliation system evolved differently from the British university model.
The university’s origins can also be traced to two key institutions in Kerala’s educational history — University College, Thiruvananthapuram and the Thiruvananthapuram Observatory. The University College was originally founded in 1834 as the Maharaja’s Free School by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, later evolving into a college in 1866, affiliated with the Madras University. When the University of Travancore was founded, the college’s departments became university departments but switched back after the transformation into the University of Kerala in 1957. The University College remains an affiliated college today. The Thiruvananthapuram Observatory, established in 1838, is the oldest institution under the University of Kerala. It was initially led by John Caldecott, an internationally recognized scientist.
Organisation and Governance
The governing structure of the University of Kerala includes key positions such as the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, as well as members of the Senate, Syndicate, and Academic Council. The Governor of Kerala serves as the Chancellor, and the Education Minister of Kerala serves as the Pro-Chancellor.
Affiliated Colleges
The University of Kerala has a wide network of over 150 affiliated colleges that offer diverse programs in various disciplines, further enhancing its reach and impact in the region.
University Rankings
According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2024, the University of Kerala is ranked 21st among universities and 38th overall in India. This reflects its standing as one of the leading educational institutions in the country.