GNA University Phagwara: Industry-Focused Education and Top Placements in Punjab

GNA University, established in 2014 in Phagwara, Punjab by the GNA Group, stands out for its emphasis on industry-academia collaboration and innovation-driven education. Accredited by UGC, NAAC, NBA, and PCI, the university offers a wide array of programs across engineering, business, computer science, health sciences, and liberal arts through multiple specialized schools.

Known for its modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, strong research culture, and vibrant campus life, GNA University maintains active partnerships with top industry players like Siemens, Amazon, and Medanta, facilitating hands-on training and high placement rates—with packages up to INR 30.5 LPA. Through events, hackathons, and alumni engagement, GNA fosters a dynamic environment that prepares students for real-world success.

GNA University: Inspiring Innovation through Industry-Academia Collaboration

GNA University, a private institution established in 2014 in Phagwara, Punjab, India, has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the higher education landscape. Promoted by the GNA Group, known for its legacy in automotive components manufacturing, the university emphasizes practical, industry-aligned education to “Inspire Innovation.”

History and Foundation

The roots of GNA University trace back to the entrepreneurial spirit ignited in 1946 by Sardar Amar Singh, founder of GNA Axles Ltd. This legacy of perseverance and forward-thinking was carried forward by Sardar Gursaran Singh (MD), leading to the expansion into various ventures, including the establishment of GNA University.

The university was founded under Act No. 17 of 2014 by the State Government of Punjab. S. Gursaran Singh serves as the Chairman and Chancellor, while S. Gurdeep Singh Sihra is the President and Pro-Chancellor. Dr. Hemant Sharma holds the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. V.K. Rattan is the Vice Chancellor.

Accreditation and Rankings

GNA University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and is authorized to award degrees under Section 22 of the same act. It is also accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the International Association of Universities (IAU).

The School of Pharmacy is accredited by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), and the Department of Computer Science & Engineering is accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).

The university has consistently appeared in various rankings:

• Outlook 2025:
  • Overall: #32 out of 52 colleges in India
  • MBA: #70 out of 200 colleges in India
  • GNA Business School – Private B-Schools (India): #70
  • GNA Business School – Private B-Schools (North Zone): #14
  • GNA Business School – Private B-Schools (Constituent Colleges): #32
• Outlook 2024:
  • Engineering: #77 out of 160 colleges in India
• The Week 2024:
  • MBA: #123 out of 235 colleges in India (#3rd in Punjab)
• IIRF 2024:
  • Overall: #148 out of 160 colleges in India
• TOI 2024:
  • MBA: #86 out of 100 colleges in India (#6th in Punjab)
• EduRank 2025:
  • In Asia: #4548 of 5,830
  • In India: #713 of 876
  • In Punjab: #28 of 34
  • In Phagwara: #2 of 2
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%

Academic Programs and Schools

GNA University offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, along with various diploma and certificate courses. The university is structured into several schools, each focusing on specialized domains:

School of Engineering, Design & Automation (SEDA): Offers B.Tech in Mechanical & Automation, Aerospace, Robotics and Automation, Electronics & Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Data Science, Electronics & Computer Engineering, and Computer Science & Engineering. It also offers M.Tech programs and diplomas/certificates in Mechanical Engineering CAD/CAM and Civil CAD.

School of Computational Sciences (SCS): Includes Bachelors of Computer Application (BCA), Masters in Computer Application (MCA), and a Diploma in Cyber Security.

GNA Business School (GBS): Provides Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specializations in General, Banking, Insurance & Financial Services, Digital Marketing, Human Resource, Marketing, and Business Analytics.

School of Hospitality (SOH): Offers Bachelor of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (BHMCT) and Masters of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

School of Design & Mass Communication (SDMC): Features B.Sc. Animation & Multimedia, M.Sc. Animation & Multimedia, and a Certificate Program in Digital Design & Video Editing.

School of Allied & Health Care Sciences (SAHCS): Offers B.Sc. Medical Lab Sciences, B.P.T (Bachelor of Physiotherapy), M.Optom (Master of Optometry), and a Diploma in Caregiving and Midwifery.

School of Physical Education & Sports (SPES): Provides Bachelor of Physical Education & Sports and Masters of Physical Education & Sports.

School of Liberal Arts (SLA): Offers Bachelors of Arts (English) and Masters of Arts (English).

GNA School of Pharmacy (GSOP): Offers Bachelor of Pharmacy.

School of Natural Sciences (SNS): Offers B.Sc. in various disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and M.Sc. in Chemistry.

Admissions and Fees

Admission to GNA University programs is based on merit and entrance exams. For MBA, scores from CAT, MAT, CMAT, XAT, and the university’s own Scholarship cum Entrance Test (GU-SET) are considered. For B.Tech, JEE Main and Grade 12 scores are evaluated.

Approximate Annual Tuition Fees (as of 2025):

• B.Tech: INR 8 Lakhs – 10.08 Lakhs (Total Fees)
• B.Sc: INR 3.6 Lakhs
• Ph.D: INR 2.35 Lakhs
• MBA: INR 3.56 Lakhs – 5.04 Lakhs
• B.Com (Hons.): INR 4.32 Lakhs
• B.P.T: INR 5.6 Lakhs
• BHMCT: INR 5.76 Lakhs
• Polytechnic: INR 1.62 Lakhs
• MA: INR 1.08 Lakhs
• Diploma: INR 1.08 Lakhs
• Hostel Fees: INR 45,000 (Non-AC) / INR 52,000 (AC) per semester (includes mess fees).

Scholarships are also available, based on academic performance (e.g., 10+2 marks, JEE Main rank, CAT/XAT/MAT percentile), offering tuition fee reductions ranging from 25% to 45%.

Campus Facilities

GNA University boasts a modern campus with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed for holistic student development. Key facilities include:

• Academic Infrastructure: Well-equipped lecture halls and seminar rooms with audio-visual aids and LCD projectors. Specialized labs for various disciplines, including advanced design and manufacturing facilities (Creo from PTC, Catia from Dassault Systems, NX CAD/CAM Lab from Siemens, Rapid Prototyping/3D printing, CMM).
• Library: A well-stocked library with a vast collection of books and access to e-journals.
• Hostel: Separate hostel facilities for male and female students with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, uninterrupted power supply, generator backup, 24-hour water supply (including hot water in winter), RO water, common TV area, and cafeteria. A new hostel is reportedly under construction.
• Sports: Extensive facilities for indoor and outdoor games such as basketball courts, cricket ground, football field, badminton, and tennis courts.
• Other Amenities: A medical center, canteen, gymnasium, ATM, and stationery shop are available on campus.

Faculty and Research

The university prides itself on a dedicated faculty, many of whom are handpicked from premier universities. They contribute to a learning environment that integrates technical knowledge with ethics and leadership skills. GNA University promotes research through its Research Policy and encourages student and faculty participation in research projects and publications.

Industry Collaborations and Placements

A cornerstone of GNA University’s philosophy is strong industry linkage. The university actively bridges the gap between academia and the corporate world through:

• MoUs and Partnerships: GNA University has signed numerous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading organizations, including:
  • Chambers of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), Ludhiana
  • Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Amritsar
  • Upgrad Campus (for MBA Business Analytics, MBA Digital Marketing, and BBA Digital Marketing)
  • Medanta – The Medicity (for paramedical student training and clinical exposure)
  • Thind Eye Hospital (for hands-on clinical experience for healthcare students)
  • Cambridge University Press
  • TimesPro (for placements)
  • La Verne, California (for short-term and long-term programs, faculty, and student exchange)
  • National Stock Exchange of India Academy
  • LearnVern (online learning portal)
  • Oracle Workforce Development Program (WDP)
  • LinkedIn (online learning and professional development)
  • SIEMENS (automation, digitalization, and engineering training)
  • Festo (automation and mechatronics training)
  • Amazon (expertise in logistics, e-commerce)
• Industrial Internships & Live Projects: Students are encouraged to undertake industrial internships and engage in live projects to gain real-world experience.
• Placement Cell: A dedicated Training and Placement Department works to ensure the best match between student interests and career opportunities. The university has over 500 corporate partners.

Placement Highlights (2025 data):

• Highest Salary Package: INR 30.5 LPA
• Top Recruiters: TCS Tokyo, Data Brick, DRDO, Infosys, FANUC, International Tractors Limited (ITL), Design Tech System Pvt., TATA Consultancy Services, Maruti Suzuki, Axis Bank, Taj.
• Highest Recruitment Sector: Education, Teaching, and Training (28.57%), followed by Accounting & Finance, Auto/Auto Ancillary, and Industrial Products/Heavy Machinery (all 14.29%).

Student Life and Events

GNA University fosters a vibrant student life with various activities and clubs, including:

• Photography Club
• Cultural Club
• NSS Club
• NCC Club

The university organizes various events throughout the year, such as:

• Annual Athletics Meet
• Live Stand-Up Comedy Shows
• Job Fairs (e.g., Job Fair 2024 attracting over 500 participants)
• Motivational Sessions with prominent personalities (e.g., Ashish Vidyarthi)
• Conferences on industry-relevant themes (e.g., hospitality and tourism)
• Hackathons (e.g., GNA Hackathon 3.0 focusing on AI/ML, Healthcare, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Robotics, IoT, Cloud Computing)
• Punjab Spell Bee Championship
• Punjab Film Festival

Alumni Network

GNA University is committed to building a strong and lifelong connection with its alumni. The GU Alumni Community provides a platform for former students to reconnect, stay engaged with their alma mater, and contribute to the university’s legacy. Alumni are recognized as accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers across various industries.

GNA University, with its focus on practical education, strong industry ties, and a comprehensive range of academic programs, continues to prepare students for successful careers and contribute to the nation’s skilled workforce.

FAQs about GNA University

What is GNA University and where is it located?
GNA University is a private university established in 2014, located in Phagwara, Punjab, India.

Who promotes GNA University?
GNA University is promoted by the GNA Group, a renowned name in automotive components manufacturing.

Is GNA University recognized by UGC?
Yes, GNA University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under section 2(f) and authorized to award degrees under section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Which accreditations does GNA University hold?
The university is accredited by NAAC, NBA (for CSE), and PCI (for Pharmacy). It is also a member of AIU and IAU.

Who are the key people in the university’s administration?
S. Gursaran Singh is the Chairman and Chancellor, S. Gurdeep Singh Sihra is the President and Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Hemant Sharma is the Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. V.K. Rattan is the Vice Chancellor.

What are the major academic schools at GNA University?
The university comprises multiple schools including Engineering, Computational Sciences, Business, Hospitality, Design & Mass Communication, Allied & Health Care Sciences, Physical Education & Sports, Liberal Arts, Pharmacy, and Natural Sciences.

What are the flagship programs offered by GNA University?
Some flagship programs include B.Tech (various specializations), MBA, BBA, B.Sc, BCA, and Ph.D.

Does GNA University accept entrance exam scores for admission?
Yes, exams such as JEE Main (for B.Tech), CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, and GU-SET (for MBA and scholarships) are accepted.

What is the acceptance rate at GNA University?
The acceptance rate at GNA University is approximately 68%.

What are the approximate fees for various programs?
B.Tech: ₹8–10.08 Lakhs (total), MBA: ₹3.56–5.04 Lakhs, B.Sc: ₹3.6 Lakhs, Ph.D: ₹2.35 Lakhs, Diploma: ₹1.08 Lakhs.

Does GNA University offer scholarships?
Yes, scholarships are available based on merit in 10+2, JEE, and entrance exams like CAT/MAT/XAT, ranging from 25% to 45% tuition fee reduction.

What are the hostel charges at GNA University?
Hostel fees are ₹45,000 per semester for Non-AC and ₹52,000 for AC rooms, inclusive of mess charges.

What industry collaborations does GNA University have?
The university has partnerships with Siemens, Amazon, Medanta, Oracle, LinkedIn, CIPET, UpGrad, TimesPro, Festo, and others for training, internships, and placements.

How are the placement opportunities at GNA University?
GNA University has over 500 corporate partners and offers strong placement support, with the highest package recorded at ₹30.5 LPA.

Who are some of the top recruiters?
Top recruiters include TCS Tokyo, Infosys, DRDO, FANUC, Maruti Suzuki, Axis Bank, and Taj.

Which sectors recruit the most students from GNA University?
The highest recruitment sector is Education, Teaching & Training (28.57%), followed by Accounting & Finance, Auto/Ancillary, and Heavy Machinery sectors.

Does GNA University offer industrial internships?
Yes, students are encouraged to take part in industrial internships and live projects to gain real-world experience.

What facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include modern classrooms, advanced labs, library, hostels, cafeteria, sports complex, gym, medical center, and ATM.

Are there separate hostels for boys and girls?
Yes, there are separate hostels for male and female students with modern amenities and security.

What kinds of extracurricular activities are available?
Students can join clubs like Photography, Cultural, NSS, and NCC. Events include athletics meets, job fairs, hackathons, and cultural fests.

Does GNA University organize any major student events?
Yes, events like the Annual Athletics Meet, GNA Hackathon, Job Fairs, Spell Bee, Film Festival, and motivational talks are regularly held.

How is the faculty at GNA University?
The faculty includes experienced professionals from premier institutions who focus on integrating academic excellence with ethical and leadership values.

Is research encouraged at GNA University?
Yes, the university has a formal research policy and encourages both faculty and students to engage in research and publish papers.

Does GNA University have any international collaborations?
Yes, international collaborations include partnerships with Cambridge University Press and University of La Verne, California, for exchange programs and curriculum development.

What kind of learning resources are available at GNA University?
The university provides access to a well-stocked library, online learning portals like LinkedIn Learning and LearnVern, and modern e-learning tools.

What is the alumni network like at GNA University?
The GU Alumni Community actively engages past students, many of whom are successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders across industries.

What are the rankings of GNA University?
Rankings include #32 (Outlook 2025, overall), #70 for MBA (Outlook), #77 in Engineering (Outlook 2024), and #123 for MBA (The Week 2024).

What is the ranking of GNA University in Punjab?
In various rankings, GNA University has consistently ranked among the top institutions in Punjab, including #3 in MBA (The Week) and #6 in MBA (TOI).