MSU Baroda, where history meets renowned academics and rich culture.

To start with, I applied to Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University for the M.A History course but in the former, I couldn't clear the entrance exam and for the latter, I was eligible for M.A Art History, which wasn't my preference. I belong to the General category, so not lucky enough to apply for any quota. The admission qualification was based on 55% or above marks in graduation and then an interview with the faculty of the department. The interview process had questions based on personal interests, subjects studied during graduation, and career plans. Moreover, the final admission process was completely online, where the applicant had to upload their documents, fill in their personal and subject details, and after they were selected they would be notified with the fees payment link.

I did my graduation in the subject and I feel the opportunity of studying history is the opportunity to experience Empathy. Studying it for 2 more years would help me to grapple with the complexity of the world, not as we wish it were, but as we find it. The faculty is numbered around 12-15 and for 5 lectures scheduled during the day from 10-3 pm, there are 20-30 students in each class. The senior faculty are NET qualified and have received PhD in the curriculum, whereas, the junior faculty are NET qualified and working on their PhD. The teaching method is very simplistic, research-oriented, and elaborative with topic-specific examples. Focus is generally placed on subject knowledge with close contrast to real-world impacts. The session is 4-5 months long, with the mid-semester exam being held online after 2 months, of the course commencing. In light of the current pandemic, all the assessments and submissions are done online.

For campus placements, students are eligible to sit for interviews and apply for jobs during the final semesters. Naming a few companies that have visited the campus for placements in the last decade are, Linde group, Dabur India, Reliance Industries, Tata Motors, SPCL, and Infosys to name a few. The highest package has been 18-20 l.p.a and the average ranging about 8-12 l.p.a. Approximately, 75% of students get placed in major companies in their first few rounds. In my case, I am preparing for the UGC-NET exam to secure the minimum qualification for the post of Assistant Professor.

The fee hike takes place after a period of 2-3 years and generally, it's raised in the processing and examination sections. There are different fees structures for girls and boys. Moreover, there is financial assistance provided to students from weaker sections of society. The campus placement is provided in the Faculties of Business, Science and Technology, Commerce, and Social Work.

Life at the campus is very vibrant with various cultural, sports, and academic events taking place all throughout the year. The Sayaji Literature fest takes place at the beginning of the year and a cultural fest is a massive event that keeps the campus lively for over a week, the timing of the same varies from the month of October and November. Classrooms are equipped with lights, fans, tables, chairs, and windows for good sunlight and air circulation. The Sports facilities are considered as one of the best in the state, with many teams from the university qualifying for state and national level competitions. There are student groups for Debating, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and many more. Apart from that, there are student groups that are working on social issues such as education for women, vaccination drives, sanitation and clean India.