Ahmedabad: CEPT University has been accorded an in-principle status of Center of Excellence (COE) by the Government of Gujarat after a rigorous process that spanned over a year. The University had applied for the COE status in July 2020 as per the prescribed structured format with self-assessment and information on key parameters pertaining to its functioning. These were vetted and validated by a scrutiny committee; followed by an online presentation with the COE High Level Committee; the committee also visited the University campus to interact with various stakeholders separately viz. the Management, the Faculty, the Students, and the Alumni.

Dr. Bimal Patel, President – CEPT University said, “It is a proud moment for all of us. I want to congratulate Government of Gujarat for being the first state in the country to recognize institutions of excellence. Gujarat has always been at the forefront for its visionary approach to education and it has greatly benefited from the efforts of many visionary leaders. This bold step will deepen the culture of excellence in education in the state and serve as a model for other states to emulate. In my opinion, it is truly in line with the vision and ethos of the National Education Policy.” Adding further he said, “CEPT has always believed in pushing the boundaries of excellence. Informally, the University has always been well known as one of the top institutes for Architecture and Planning. The in-principle recognition as a Center of Excellence, and the autonomy that comes with it, is a big responsibility. We would like to strengthen our efforts towards having a means blind admissions process—which means that no student should lose the opportunity of studying at CEPT due to lack of financial means. We are hopeful that even more students will be able to benefit from participating in the vibrant and liberal learning environment of CEPT. This recognition will also strengthen our collaborations with other universities in India and abroad.”

CEPT University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University has many ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top ranked universities across the world.