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Welcome to SOA University: A Beacon of Multidisciplinary Excellence
In the heart of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA) stands tall as a hub of education, research, and innovation. What began as a modest institute has grown into a leading Deemed-to-be University, offering a rich tapestry of programs across medicine, engineering, management, law, pharmacy, agriculture, and more. (SOA | SIKSHA ‘O’ ANUSANDHAN)
With a vision to “Strive, Observe, Adapt,” SOA is committed to nurturing future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers in a world that demands agility and depth of knowledge. (SOA | SIKSHA ‘O’ ANUSANDHAN)
Why Choose SOA? Key Strengths & Highlights
Accreditation, Rankings & Recognitions
- SOA is accredited by NAAC with an ‘A++’ grade (3rd cycle) (Research | SOA)
- It has been ranked 14th best university in India in the NIRF 2024 list (Research | SOA)
- In specialized categories:
• 26th in Engineering
• 21st in Medical Science
• 9th in Dental Science & Law (Research | SOA) - Internationally, SOA finds place in QS and THE world university rankings (QS: 1201–1400 bracket) (Top Universities)
- Several programs (Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Hotel Management) are NBA-accredited. (Research | SOA)
- The medical arm (SUM Hospital) is NABH-accredited, and its diagnostics labs are NABL-accredited (Research | SOA)
These distinctions affirm SOA’s focus on quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
Campus & Infrastructure Snapshot
Spread across ~127 acres in Bhubaneswar, the SOA campus is a modern, vibrant environment where academic and extracurricular life interweave. (Wikipedia)
Highlights include:
- Multiple academic blocks, labs, auditoriums, lecture halls
- Central library with wide holdings, journals, digital resources
- Hostels: 17 for girls and 22 for boys, catering to thousands of students, with Wi-Fi and health support (Wikipedia)
- Transportation services covering major Bhubaneswar zones
- Innovation and incubation center (SOA-CII) supporting startups and research translation (Research | SOA)
- Well-equipped hospital, medical & dental facilities via IMS & SUM Hospital (SIKSHA ‘O’ ANUSANDHAN | IMS and SH)
These facilities combine to make SOA not just a place to learn, but a place to live, explore, and innovate.
Programmes & Courses Offered
SOA offers a broad variety of Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), and Doctoral programs. Here’s an overview of key streams and courses (based on the latest published data). (Admission | SOA)
Medical & Health Sciences
- MBBS (5.5 years) (Admission | SOA)
- MD (3 years) — in specialties like Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, etc. (Admission | SOA)
- MS / MCh / DM programs in various surgical and super-specialty fields (Admission | SOA)
- BDS / MDS in multiple dental specialities (Admission | SOA)
- Allied health & paramedical programs (Medical Imaging, Lab Technology, etc.) via BSc paths (Shiksha)
Engineering, Technology & Computer Science
SOA, through its technical wing (e.g. ITER), offers B.Tech / B.E. programs in core and emerging areas. Specializations include civil, electrical, electronics & communication, computer science, AI/ML, IoT, cybersecurity, etc. (Wikipedia)
Management & Business
- BBA, Integrated MBA (5 years), MBA (2 years)
- Special tracks such as AI & Data Science, Hospital Administration, etc. (Admission | SOA)
Sciences, Agriculture & Allied Areas
- BSc programs: Agriculture, Nursing (Basic), Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology, Forensic Science, etc. (Shiksha)
- Integrated MSc, MSc, and other science postgraduate offerings (Shiksha)
Pharmacy, Hotel Management & Others
- B.Pharm, M.Pharm (Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, etc.) (Admission | SOA)
- BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management & Catering Technology) and MBA in Hospitality Management (Admission | SOA)
Admission Process & Eligibility
Entrance Exams & Selection
- For medical courses (MBBS / BDS / MD / MS / MDS), admission is via NEET (conducted by DGHS) (Admission | SOA)
- For engineering and many other UG/PG courses, SAAT (SOA Admission Test) is the university’s own exam; additionally, national exams like JEE Main are considered for engineering streams. (Admission | SOA)
- Eligibility typically demands 50–60% in Class 12 / equivalent for UG courses, and relevant bachelor’s degree for PG courses. (Shiksha)
Fee Structure (Indicative)
Note: These are approximations based on available public sources. Confirm at official admission brochures.
Some indicative ranges:
- B.E. / B.Tech: ₹5,10,000 to ₹12,20,000 (tuition) (Shiksha)
- MBA / PGDM: ₹1,80,000 to ₹7,40,000 (Shiksha)
- BSc: ₹3,00,000 to ₹42,50,000 (wide variation depending on specialization) (Shiksha)
- Hostel / Accommodation: ₹3,20,000 to ₹5,30,000 (depending on course duration and amenities) (Shiksha)
Always refer to the official admission brochure for the updated fees and payment schedule.
Research, Innovation & Industry Collaboration
SOA is not just about teaching — research is deeply embedded in its mission. (Research | SOA)
- It is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Government of India’s DSIR (Research | SOA)
- Several programs have national/international accreditation and emphasis on research outcomes (Research | SOA)
- The SOA Centre for Innovation & Incubation (SOA-CII) supports startups, ideation, and commercialization within the university ecosystem (Research | SOA)
- Numerous industry tie-ups, project collaborations, and lab partnerships aim at bridging academia and practice
This culture ensures students and faculty are encouraged to publish, patent, and engage beyond textbooks.
Student Life, Clubs & Activities
A university is more than academics — it’s about growth, camaraderie, and expression. SOA offers:
- Cultural clubs (dance, drama, music)
- Technical clubs (robotics, coding, electronics)
- Social outreach projects (e.g. JAAGO club, which helps underprivileged children) (SOA | SIKSHA ‘O’ ANUSANDHAN)
- Sports, cultural fests, seminar series, guest lectures, hackathons
- Community engagement programs, sustainability drives, and green campus efforts
These help students develop soft skills, leadership, and networks beyond their core discipline.
Placements & Alumni Impact
SOA boasts a commendable track record in placing graduates across sectors. (Shiksha) Top recruiters include names like Amazon, Dell, Hyundai, Deloitte etc. (Shiksha)
Many alumni have gone on to excel in academia, industry, healthcare, public service, and entrepreneurship. The strong alumni network helps in mentoring, internships, and industry connect.
Challenges & Considerations
While SOA has many strengths, prospective students should also be mindful:
- Fee investment is significant, particularly for certain specialized programs
- Competition for seats is intense, especially in medical, engineering, and management
- For certain niche courses, infrastructure or faculty strength may still be evolving
- Staying updated on cutoff trends, regulatory changes, and admission norms is essential
Evaluating your career goals, budget, and preferences will help you decide if SOA is the right fit.
How to Apply & Next Steps
If you’re contemplating applying to SOA in 2025 or beyond, here’s a checklist:
- Review the official admission portal / brochure for the latest schedule
- Register and prepare for SAAT / relevant national exams
- Check eligibility, seat allotment, and required documents
- Compare fee structures & scholarship/financial aid options
- Reach out to faculty, alumni, or current students for insights
- Visit the campus (virtually or in person) to experience the atmosphere
Contact & Enquiry
If you’d like assistance or personalised guidance for admission to SOA, you can get in touch:
- Email: rajuguin@1gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +91 96143 90121
- Use the contact us page: Contact AVM