Genesis of VRSEC – Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education

About the University (SAHE):

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions quality higher education as a means to develop thoughtful, well-rounded, and creative individuals, promoting deep specialization in chosen areas of study, coupled with the cultivation of character, ethical and constitutional values, intellectual curiosity, scientific temper, creativity, and a spirit of service. NEP 2020 advocates for a 21st-century skillset across various disciplines, including sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, languages, and professional, technical, and vocational fields.

The vision can be realized through higher educational institutions that operate with greater autonomy, address local challenges, empower communities, and encourage interdisciplinary and domain-specific specializations. By embracing NEP 2020, institutions can contribute to India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education, support initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ ‘Make in India,’ ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047,’ and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In alignment with these objectives, Velagapudi Ramakrishna Siddhartha Engineering College (Autonomous), established in 1977, is declared as an Institution deemed to be University under section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, vide notification dated 11-03-2024, after fulfilling all statutory formalities as per UGC norms.

About the sponsoring Society (SAGTE):

Siddhartha Academy of General and Technical Education (SAGTE), the Sponsoring Society (SAGTE) was established in the year 1975 in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh by 250 philanthropists with a mission to develop educational institutions of excellence that embrace a holistic approach to general, technical, and professional education. Registered under the Andhra Pradesh Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, SAGTE is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of education at all levels. Since its inception, SAGTE has successfully established 18 institutions across various fields, including arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and hotel management.

The Sponsoring Society is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Approx. 90,000 students graduated from various academic programs and occupied prominent positions and are serving various organizations across the globe. Currently more than 24,600 students are studying in Siddhartha Institutions supported by 2000 experienced faculty. With this, one can understand that the Sponsoring Society envisaged, embarked upon and executed a grand plan of action aimed at comprehensive educational development of the region.

VR Siddhartha Engineering College - Autonomous

Velagapudi Ramakrishna Siddhartha Engineering College (VRSEC) was the first private engineering college in the united Andhra Pradesh, founded in 1977. With 09 undergraduate and 08 postgraduate programs in engineering, including B.Tech., MTech., MBA, and MCA, VRSEC has consistently upheld quality standards, being the first private engineering institution in the state to receive NBA accreditation in five cycles since 1998 and to adopt Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in 2013. The institute was reaccredited by NAAC with an ‘A+’ grade in 2021 and ISO 21001:2018 certified. The institute was conferred autonomous status in 2006, which is first in Andhra Pradesh and extended up to 2028 without peer team visit. VRSEC is recognized among India’s top engineering institutions by agencies like Outlook, Data Quest, and Careers 360. The college has consistently ranked within the top 200 in the NIRF rankings for the last seven years.

Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (Deemed-to-be University)

In 2024, VR Siddhartha Engineering College was declared as a deemed-to-be university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 by Ministry of Education, Government of India. With a legacy of educational excellence, the institution’s UGC-granted autonomy, renewed through 2027-28, provides a strong foundation for its transformation. Guided by a detailed 15-year strategic vision and a 5-year rolling implementation plan, Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education focuses on key areas such as academics, faculty recruitment, student admissions, research, ICT infrastructure, and administration, with specific annual milestones and measurable outcomes.

SAGTE, as a responsive educational trust, aligns with the Government of India’s target of achieving a 50% GER in higher education by 2035. Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Deemed-to-be University, offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its specialized schools, including Velagapudi Ramakrishna Siddhartha School of Engineering (B.Tech., M.Tech.), School of Management (MBA), School of Law, School of Science (B.Sc., M.C.A.), and School of Arts & Commerce (B.Com.). Envisioned to support interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education for students’ holistic development, the university aligns with the aspirations and requirements of NEP 2020 to equip students with the skills and knowledge essential for future growth and societal contributions.