Gandhigram Rural University is nestled in the enclaves of the beautiful Sirumalai range. The University has been accredited with five star status by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It is recognized in India and abroad for its contribution to rural education.
Dimensions of research and extension were added to Gandhigram Rural University in course of time. This three-dimensional approach became a pioneering model which earned appreciation from all over. The work of the Institute invited national attention and the Government of India (Ministry of Education), on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission, conferred the status of a Deemed University on the Institute under Section (3) of the UGC Act of 1956, on 3rd August, 1976.
Educational Streams
Gandhigram Rural University offers courses at various levels viz. Doctoral, Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates through its seven academic faculties. It has developed all the academic programs in unconventional disciplines like Rural Development, Rural Economics and Extension Education, Rural Oriented Sciences, Cooperation, Development Administration, Rural Sociology, English and Communicative Studies, and, Tamil and Indian Languages. The University follows the semester examinations system wherein, examinations are held twice in a year. Odd semester examinations are held in November /December and even semester examinations in April/May.
It is mainly a research and development University and offers Ph.D. Programs in a number of disciplines including Tamil, English, Economics, Cooperation, Sociology, Political Science and Development Administration, Applied Research, Extension Education, Rural Development, Rural Technology, Rural Industries and Management, Gandhian Thought and Peace Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Home Science, Futurology and Agriculture.
Facilities
Gandhigram Rural University offers all the requisite facilities that are necessary for higher education and research activities. It has established a computer centre that offers computing facilities to all the students and faculties of the University. The University library houses a rich collection of books including journals, periodicals and other reference books for the students. A placement cell takes care of the career development of the students. Besides imparting education it also encourages to participate in extracurricular activities. The University has also established a yoga centre and a health care centre for the overall development of the students.
History
On 3rd August, 1976, Gandhigram Rural Institute was conferred the status of a Deemed University on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission under Section (3) of the UGC Act of 1956. Its parent body Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI) was founded in the year 1956 to accomplish the undying faith and deep devotion to Mahatma Gandhi’s revolutionary concept of ‘Nai Talim’ system of education.
Faculties/Departments:
- Faculty of Rural Development
- Faculty of Rural Social Sciences
- Faculty of Rural Oriented Sciences
- Faculty of English and Foreign Languages
- Faculty of Tamil, Indian Languages & Rural Arts
- Faculty of Rural Health & Sanitation
- Faculty of Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI) Gandhidham, Tamil Nadu, has issued the notification for admission into PhD programmes in various disciplines, to be offered in the ensuing academic session 2012-13. 
