Snippets from the new academic year at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru campus

As a new batch (2026−27) of students walk in, the web team set out to explore how the different arms of the University geared up to welcome them.

July 2026 – When mornings are unusually windy, the distance from the University main gate to Dr. Gulbanoo Premji Library or for that matter any other building on campus is no less than a walk through a storm! And in between the gusty winds, the sun smiles suddenly at times. The winds seem to pause for a moment of rest. People look up at the sudden brightness and at the same time try to process the sudden drop in the rattling noise of the windowpanes.

Enter the latest batch of Postgraduate students – new hopes, dreams and a general sense of wonder that grips one as they enter a 110-acre campus. Will I get lost? Will I find myself? What if this is the place that will see my dreams come true?

“When I first entered the University, I was completely blank. It felt like I was living a dream. Only later did I realise that it was all real. Ever since, there’s something about the air here that makes me feel like the main character in a beautiful story.”
Neha Priya Shrikrushna (MA in Development)

“What are these birds saying?,” Two students walking on the ground floor of Sannati paused to look at the anti-discrimination posters before they got onto the lift to go to the fourth floor where the Academic Resource Centre (ARC) is conducting the Pathways programme for the new batch of students — easing their transition.

Sarah Talat, faculty member, Academic Resource Centre, believes that this is their first introduction to the campus life at the University, and if done right, the Summer Pathways programme can be a transformative experience for the students.

“It not only focuses on language skills but other foundational academic skills as well. It is meant to provide a head start to our students for a more meaningful first semester at the University. Our focus is not just limited to academic skills but also holistic development of the students, centring mental health sessions and gender sensitisation,” says Sarah.

“I like the classroom environment because we have discussions and everyone gets a chance to share their ideas. I have made friends from different states and backgrounds. Talking with them helps me learn about different cultures, languages, and experiences,” says Priti Bhola Pawankar (MA in Education).

Puja Kumari (MA in Development) hopes to see more birds on the campus with a variety of flora and fauna. For Samrin Shah (MA in Development), the Library remains a high point of her time on campus. “It’s the best I have ever visited, with a good collection of books and online access to many repositories,” says Samrin.

“I like the clubs here because they do not charge anything except for our time. Academics alone can make students feel overwhelmed. These clubs give students a chance to explore according to their areas of interest,” says Neha Priya Shrikrushna (MA in Development).

Academic year 2026-27 highlights:

440+ Postgraduate students
800+ Undergraduate students
26 States

So, what’s in store for the 2026 batch of over 440 (postgraduate) and 800 (undergraduate) students from across 26 states of India?

For starters, there are two new academic blocks—Hoysala and Surpur, fully-equipped Information Science lab, Psychology lab ready for them.

Considering the growing number of students on the Bengaluru campus, additional student residences are ready in Vihaara, seating and a shelter area are under construction which will mean that the second playground, apart from Dhyanchand, will be ready for students. Fostering Esprit de corps on campus, indeed!

Inclusivity that goes without saying

Tactile pavement — Tactile pathway along walkways across the campus to make the campus more inclusive and accessible (Before and after work completion)

Tactile pathway along walkways across the campus to make the campus more inclusive and accessible (Before and after work completion)

The Office of Disability Inclusion (ODI), with Admissions office, shared the following updates for the incoming batch:

An Inclusive Education session with the Registrar for the new batch of students with declared conditions. The available disability support systems based on Reasonable Accommodations were explained in detail.
Tactile pathway along walkways has been installed across the campus, especially for students with Visual Impairment (VI).
Provision of rooms next to lifts or washrooms, depending on the diagnosis and campus life reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities (with the Residence team).
Professional mobility training and campus orientation for independent mobility for an incoming student with Visual Impairment with the help of Vividha trust. Course materials have also been converted into accessible formats for the student.
On-campus accommodation arrangement, assistive device procurement (for example, a bicycle) for students with locomotor disability for ease of mobility, and floor arrival announcement improvement has been done with the Infrastructure Management Function at the University.
Volunteers are available to help students with disabilities.

“Right from the time of my interview, for document verification, provision of accessible course study material, a mobility trainer for campus orientation — the ODI team has helped immensely. All members are equally supportive. The University’s infrastructure is not fully accessible yet, but work is on to solve the issue.”
Sushant, MA in Development

Paying attention to hygiene and more

“I have never studied in a campus that values hygiene as much as I see it here. I am surprised that the floors are regularly swept and mopped! This, to me, has been a real boost of positive change that I will value,” says a student during a chat with a faculty member.

So, what is it that they look forward to more, now that they will settle into the rhythm of University life over the coming months?

“I look forward to more opportunities for interaction among students through group activities. During the Postgraduate Pathways programme, we had several engaging activities that helped us connect with one another, build friendships and feel part of the community. It will make the campus experience even more inclusive and welcoming,” says Mohammad Shadeen (MA in Development).