Anant National University: India’s First DesignX University Redefining Design Education

Anant National University (AnantU), established in 2016 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is India’s first Design University, pioneering the transformative “DesignX” philosophy—a transdisciplinary approach that blends design thinking with diverse fields to cultivate solution-oriented professionals or “solutionaries.”

Offering a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs—including architecture, design, climate technology, and visual arts—AnantU emphasizes hands-on learning, sustainability, and innovation. Its eco-conscious, award-winning campus houses cutting-edge labs, creative studios, and incubators, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.

With globally experienced faculty and international collaborations with institutions like UPenn and Tel Aviv University, AnantU is redefining design education to address complex global challenges and shape a better, sustainable future.

Anant National University: Pioneering India’s DesignX Revolution

Anant National University (AnantU), located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, stands as a beacon of innovative education, established in 2016 as India’s first Design University. Founded by the Laxman Gyanpith Trust, AnantU has rapidly carved a unique niche for itself by championing a “DesignX” methodology – a transdisciplinary approach that integrates design thinking with diverse fields to cultivate “solutionaries” capable of addressing complex global challenges.

A Holistic Approach to Education: DesignX Philosophy

At the core of AnantU’s academic ethos is the DesignX philosophy, which emphasizes blending design with multiple disciplines like history, sociology, biomimicry, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. This unique pedagogical model encourages students to think holistically, experiment, and create real-world solutions through hands-on learning.

The goal is to produce graduates who are not just designers or architects, but well-rounded individuals equipped to innovate and lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

Academic Programs: Shaping Future Solutionaries

AnantU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines:

• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch): A five-year program approved by the Council of Architecture (COA), focusing on nurturing reflective and responsible practitioners who can shape meaningful relationships between people and their environment.
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des): A four-year program with diverse specializations including Space Design, Interaction Design, Product Design, Communication Design, Environmental Design, Fashion and Textile Design, and Transdisciplinary Design. This program focuses on developing innovative and sustainable design solutions.
• Bachelor of Technology (Climate Technology): A forward-thinking program addressing the critical challenges of climate change.
• Bachelor of Visual Arts (B.V.A): A program with a sustained focus on creative practice and critical thinking through a transdisciplinary arts curriculum.
• Master of Design (M.Des): Specializations include Integrated Product Design and Urban Design, fostering advanced design skills and research.
• Master of Architecture (M.Arch)
• Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and Built Environment: A one-year, full-time, post-graduate diploma program launched in 2017, designed to create a cadre of professionals dedicated to sustainable practices.
• Anant Fellowship for Climate Action: Another key fellowship program demonstrating AnantU’s commitment to addressing pressing global issues.
• Doctoral Programs (PhD): Full-time and Part-time options are available for those pursuing advanced research.

The university constantly rethinks and redesigns its pedagogy to offer education that is multidisciplinary, solution-oriented, and innovative.

State-of-the-Art Campus and Facilities

Nestled within the 125-acre Sanskardham campus in Ahmedabad, AnantU boasts an award-winning, green, and sustainable environment. The campus thoughtfully integrates living, learning, and recreational spaces, preserving over 90% of its mature trees and augmenting them with new plantations. Key facilities include:

• Collaborative Classrooms and Studio Spaces: Designed to foster interaction and creativity.
• Specialized Labs: Including a Makerspace for carpentry, metalwork, clay, and textiles; a Futureshift Lab equipped with 3D printers, VR headsets, and high-end PCs; and a Moving Image Lab for film and photography. These labs enable students to prototype, experiment, and work on advanced projects.
• Aarambh Incubation Centre: To promote and inspire a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
• Learning Commons and Library: Housing a vast collection of books and resources on architecture, design, fashion, filmmaking, and urban planning.
• Student Housing: Modern and comfortable accommodation facilities with Wi-Fi, mess, gym, and common areas, under CCTV surveillance for safety.
• Sports Facilities: A tie-up with Sanskardham Sports Academy provides access to high-end amenities for various indoor and outdoor sports.
• Auditorium and Amphitheater: For events, seminars, and performances.
• Infirmary: With a full-time nurse and visiting doctor to ensure student well-being.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Including a sewage treatment plant that reuses treated water, reflecting the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Faculty and Global Collaborations

AnantU prides itself on a highly qualified faculty, comprising professors and experts with extensive academic and industry experience from reputed national and international institutions. The university also actively fosters industry-academia collaborations and boasts significant international partnerships with prestigious institutions such as:

• University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): One of the top private Ivy League research universities in the USA.
• University of Miami: A private research university in the USA.
• Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, Israel: An academic college of design and art.
• Tel Aviv University, Israel: These collaborations facilitate faculty and student exchange programs, exposure trips, and academic support, enriching the global perspective of AnantU’s education.

Admissions and Vision

Admissions to AnantU’s programs are based on merit in qualifying examinations and relevant entrance tests (NATA for B.Arch, AnantU B.Des Entrance Test or UCEED for B.Des, AnantU M.Des Entrance Test for M.Des). The university emphasizes a holistic review process that often includes personal interviews.

Anant National University is more than just an educational institution; it is a movement towards creating a new generation of “solutionaries” who can envision and implement sustainable solutions for the pressing challenges facing humanity. With its distinctive DesignX approach, state-of-the-art facilities, esteemed faculty, and global collaborations, AnantU is steadily solidifying its position as a pioneering force in design education in India and beyond, aspiring to shape design education nationally and create a campus that promotes 21st-century living-learning communities.

FAQs about Anant National University

What is Anant National University known for?
Anant National University is India’s first Design University, renowned for its pioneering “DesignX” philosophy that integrates design thinking with transdisciplinary education to develop innovative, solution-oriented professionals.

Where is Anant National University located?
AnantU is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on a 125-acre green campus within the Sanskardham Education Complex.

When was Anant National University established?
The university was established in 2016 by the Laxman Gyanpith Trust.

What is the DesignX philosophy?
DesignX is a transdisciplinary approach that combines design thinking with disciplines like history, sociology, AI, biomimicry, and environmental science to develop holistic, real-world solutions.

What undergraduate programs are offered at AnantU?
AnantU offers B.Arch, B.Des with multiple specializations, B.Tech in Climate Technology, and B.V.A (Bachelor of Visual Arts).

What postgraduate programs are available?
Postgraduate offerings include M.Des (Integrated Product Design and Urban Design), M.Arch, and two specialized fellowships—Anant Fellowship in Sustainability and the Built Environment, and Anant Fellowship for Climate Action.

Does AnantU offer doctoral programs?
Yes, AnantU offers both full-time and part-time PhD programs for advanced research.

What is the Anant Fellowship?
The Anant Fellowship is a one-year, full-time postgraduate diploma that focuses on sustainability and the built environment, aiming to develop leaders committed to sustainable development.

What is the Anant Fellowship for Climate Action?
This fellowship is designed to support individuals working on solutions for climate change, promoting practical and impactful interventions.

Is AnantU approved by regulatory bodies?
Yes, programs like the B.Arch are approved by the Council of Architecture (COA) and other programs meet relevant academic standards.

What are the entrance requirements for AnantU?
Admissions are based on merit and entrance exams such as NATA for B.Arch, UCEED or AnantU B.Des Entrance Test for B.Des, and specific tests for other programs, often followed by personal interviews.

What kind of learning environment does the university provide?
AnantU offers a collaborative, hands-on learning environment with access to cutting-edge labs, design studios, makerspaces, and mentorship from experienced faculty.

What facilities are available on campus?
The campus includes makerspaces, digital labs, sports facilities, student housing, a library, an infirmary, and environmentally responsible infrastructure like a sewage treatment plant.

What is the Aarambh Incubation Centre?
Aarambh is AnantU’s entrepreneurship and innovation incubator that supports students in developing and launching impactful projects and startups.

What international collaborations does AnantU have?
AnantU partners with institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of Miami, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, and Tel Aviv University for student and faculty exchanges and joint initiatives.

Who teaches at AnantU?
The faculty includes experienced educators, industry professionals, and researchers from top Indian and international institutions.

How does AnantU support sustainability?
Sustainability is embedded in AnantU’s curriculum, infrastructure, and campus operations, with initiatives like green architecture, water recycling, and environmental design programs.

Is student accommodation available?
Yes, AnantU provides modern student housing with amenities like Wi-Fi, mess facilities, gym, common areas, and 24/7 CCTV surveillance.

Are there sports and recreational facilities?
Yes, the university has a tie-up with Sanskardham Sports Academy, offering facilities for various indoor and outdoor sports.

What kind of careers do AnantU graduates pursue?
Graduates become architects, designers, sustainability consultants, climate leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers, often working at the intersection of design, technology, and social impact.

Does AnantU offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, the university offers scholarships and need-based financial assistance to deserving candidates. Details are available during the admission process.

Can international students apply to AnantU?
Yes, AnantU welcomes international applicants and provides necessary support with admissions, housing, and cultural integration.

How can I apply to AnantU?
You can apply online through the official website, following the application process for your chosen program, which may include entrance tests and interviews.

Does AnantU host events or workshops?
Yes, the university regularly hosts design summits, workshops, seminars, guest lectures, exhibitions, and cultural events to enrich the academic experience.

What makes AnantU different from other design colleges?
Its DesignX methodology, strong focus on sustainability, transdisciplinary curriculum, global collaborations, and emphasis on real-world problem-solving make it uniquely impactful in design education.