By: Genevieve B. Kupang
Baguio Central University (BCU) welcomed a distinguished delegation from O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), India, led by Prof. (Dr.) Rahul Bhandari, Director of the Office of Institutional Advancement and Strategic Global Engagement, and Mr. Swapnil S. Bhosle, Head, Office of Rankings, Benchmarking and Institutional Transformation. The visit organized by the International Relations Office of BCU held on September 18, 2025, materialized following months of correspondence initiated in July, marked a significant milestone in BCU’s international partnership development. The opening prayer was led by Dr. Jennifer Longchasen, CTELA faculty and MAEE/Extension Coordinator for the Graduate School.
An Overwhelming Presentation of Excellence
The presentation delivered by the JGU delegation, led by Prof. (Dr.) Rahul Bhandari, left a profound impression on BCU’s academic leadership and faculty. The participants, including Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang, Dean of the Graduate School and International Relations Officer at BCU, described the presentation as “overwhelming,” “exalting,” and “ennobling,” highlighting the exceptional quality of JGU’s facilities and outstanding academic standards. In terms of internationalization, they have partnered with several institutions and organizations in many different countries through their proactive engagement strategies, transformative and visionary leadership, and dedicated, trustworthy workforce. O.P. JGU is indeed worthy of emulation in terms of international engagement.
What particularly caught the attention of BCU’s leadership was JGU’s remarkable faculty-to-student ratio of 1:9, a testament to the university’s commitment to personalized education and quality learning outcomes. This impressive ratio, which places JGU among the top 300 universities globally in this metric, demonstrates the institution’s dedication to providing intensive, high-quality education.
JGU’s Prestigious Standing
P. Jindal Global University’s credentials are indeed impressive. Recognized as one of only 10 private universities in India designated as an ‘Institution of Eminence’ by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, JGU has consistently maintained its position as India’s Number 1 Private University according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. The university’s global recognition extends beyond national boundaries, ranking among the Top 150 universities globally under the age of 50 years by the QS Young University Rankings and featuring in the Top 500 Universities in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022. Particularly noteworthy is the Jindal Global Law School’s recognition as India’s Number 1 Law School and the world’s 70th best Law School.
Dr. Bhandari’s presentation outlined three significant areas of potential collaboration that could transform BCU’s academic landscape:
- Quality Assurance Office Development
Perhaps the most immediate and impactful offer involves JGU’s assistance in establishing and strengthening BCU’s Quality Assurance Office. Dr. Bhandari proposed support in setting up this crucial office, including training BCU personnel in quality assurance best practices. This initiative aligns with BCU’s strategic goals for institutional development and academic excellence.
- Research Fellowship Opportunities
The second pillar of collaboration centers on JGU’s prestigious Naveen Jindal Young Global Research Fellowship, a comprehensive one-year program designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among young scholars globally. This research-intensive fellowship offers BCU’s emerging academics—including PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty members under 42 years of age—access to three core components: collaborative interdisciplinary research projects, innovation-building workshops led by international experts, and personalized mentorship from senior JGU faculty. Fellows gain access to JGU’s state-of-the-art research laboratories, extensive library resources, and advanced computing infrastructure while participating in policy drafting, community projects, and innovation drives. The program provides comprehensive support including visa processing, academic setup, and cultural immersion experiences, with participants expected to produce at least one publication in a Scopus-indexed journal. This initiative promises to significantly enhance BCU’s research capacity by providing its scholars with invaluable international networking opportunities, professional development in research methodology and academic writing, and exposure to cutting-edge interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges, ultimately strengthening BCU’s position in the international academic community.
- Student and Faculty Exchange Mobility
The third component involves student and faculty exchange programs, building upon JGU’s extensive international network that includes partnerships with prestigious institutions across the globe.
The partnership opportunity between JGU and BCU represents more than just an academic collaboration; it embodies a shared commitment to educational global excellence, friendship, and international engagement. JGU’s focus on their varied programs, combined with its strong internationalization efforts, aligns well with BCU’s academic priorities and strategic vision. Given JGU’s exceptional track record in global university partnerships, BCU anticipates substantial benefits from this potential collaboration. As BCU continues developing its international presence, the university offers distinctive regional insights, specialized academic programs, and unique cultural perspectives that would create a mutually enriching partnership with JGU.
As both institutions move forward with formalizing their collaboration, the academic communities of both universities can look forward to enhanced opportunities for learning, research, and professional development in an increasingly interconnected world.
The session ended with a closing prayer led by Dr. Edna P. Culbongan, the Research Coordinator of the Graduate School. This partnership represents the continuing commitment of Baguio Central University to internationalization and academic excellence, building bridges across countries to provide global educational opportunities for its students and faculty. Watch our heartwarming exchange of Namaste and Mabuhay greetings via this video link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/203196138@N02/54797302559/in/dateposted-public/.
Photo credits: Mr. Michael Rodriguez of the Management Information System Office and Mr. RantyM. Pao-eng of CCJE.
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