Campus Times | Lucknow 

Lucknow University has decided to hold its upcoming convocation ceremony at the Scientific Convention Centre in Chowk instead of organizing the event on campus, marking a significant shift in the institution’s long-standing tradition. Scheduled for July 31, the move is expected to substantially reduce expenditure and allow the university to redirect funds towards student welfare and academic development.

University officials estimate that organizing the convocation on campus typically requires close to ₹1 crore for temporary infrastructure, including marquees, waterproofing arrangements, stage construction, decorations and other logistical requirements. In comparison, renting the Scientific Convention Centre will cost around ₹1 lakh.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini said the university intends to utilize the savings for initiatives that directly benefit students rather than spending heavily on temporary event infrastructure.

Focus on financial prudence

The decision reflects a growing emphasis on financial discipline and resource optimization within the university administration. According to officials, reducing non-essential expenditure has become a priority as the institution seeks to strengthen its academic ecosystem and expand student-focused services.

The university believes that funds saved from the convocation can be better utilized for educational infrastructure, student support programmes and other developmental activities.

New revenue generation measures

Alongside cost-cutting efforts, Lucknow University has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing its internal revenue streams.

One of the key measures is the implementation of a formal consultancy policy, allowing faculty members and subject experts to offer technical and professional services to industries, corporate organizations and government agencies. The university expects the policy to create new opportunities for collaboration while generating additional income.

Officials say the institution is also exploring innovative avenues to diversify revenue sources without increasing the financial burden on students.

Expansion of industry-oriented courses

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the university has added more than 3,350 seats across self-financed and industry-focused programmes.

The newly introduced and expanded courses include BCA in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, BSc in Cyber Security, MSc in Data Science and BCom in E-Commerce. University authorities believe these programmes will improve employability and align academic offerings with emerging industry demands.

NRI seats and digital marketplace for student art

To attract international participation and generate premium fee-based income, Lucknow University has introduced NRI-sponsored seats in BTech and five-year integrated LLB programmes.

The university is also developing a digital platform to showcase and sell artworks created by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts through e-commerce channels. The initiative is expected to provide students with greater visibility while creating an additional revenue stream for the institution.

A historic convocation tradition takes a new turn

The decision is notable given the university’s rich convocation history. Lucknow University held its first convocation ceremony on October 30, 1922, at the Medical College grounds. Sir Harcourt Butler, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the university, attended the ceremony as the chief guest and was awarded the institution’s first honorary degree.