The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Saturday formally gave a letter (LOI) letter to the University of Aberdeen, allowing it to proceed with its proposal to set up a branch complex in Mumbai. Lashed for launch in September 2026, Campus is a historic milestone to become the first Scottish University to allow such permission in India.
The Loi was honored during a special ceremony in Mumbai on 14 June in Mumbai, which was a symbol of growing educational cooperation between the two countries. The initiative is formed on Aberdeen’s long -standing ties with India, which is forged through cooperation with more than 200 institutions including IIT, AIIMS, ICAR, Manipal Academy and University of Delhi.
Computing and data science, business management, economics, artificial intelligence and MBA are expected to be launched with programs in the proposed Mumbai campus. Future offerings may include the fields of public health, mathematics, psychology, film studies and international trade – mutual strategic interest.
On this important occasion, Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice President for global engagement at Aberdeen University, especially Hindustan Times Digital The university’s ambitions, educational vision and Indian students can expect.
Here are the excerpts edited from the interview:
It is very good to know that the University of Aberdeen is coming to India. What is exciting about this step, especially the decision to set up campus in Maharashtra?
Thank you. Today is an important milestone for us. We have received a letter of intention from the University Grants Commission, giving us provisional approval to move forward with our proposal to set up a campus in Mumbai. This indicates our serious intentions and marks the onset of an important journey.
Our vision is to bring the quality, heritage and ambition of the 500 -year -old institution to a dynamic new setting. We want to learn from our students around the world by embracing the knowledge ecosystem related to globally.
We plan to start with major programs in business and computing. Over time, we expect to expand into areas such as public health, psychology and even film studies – especially fittings for Mumbai. A large part of our students in the Aberdeen campus comes from all over the world. Many want
Aberdeen degrees, but not all can travel to Northern Scotland. Thanks to the support of both the Central and Maharashtra governments, now we have the opportunity to bring our programs closer to the students here.
How does it fit the university’s long -term strategy?
To understand this, we need to look back. We are 500 years old universities with a global approach. That ethos of openness is central for our identity.
Our current strategy, Aberdeen 2040, International, Inclusive, Durable and Priority. Our main objective is to be open to all. With the young demographic of India, this step aligns with our mission – where students are to carry our educational models.
You mentioned the uniqueness of Aberdeen. What can Indian students expect from your educational offering?
Our programs reflect our values: inclusion, internationalness, stability – both environment and financial and interdisciplinary. Today’s students do not just want pure expertise. Business differences with AI, Entrepreneurship and Finance.
Public health management is associated with global health and even sports and exercise science. AI cuts subjects from difficult science to humanities.
We also provide flexibility. In our home campus, students have the freedom to detect subjects before choosing their expertise, thanks to Scotland’s four -year graduate model.
Students usually experts in the third or fourth year?
Students are experts in the 3 and 4th year. Our structure allows for flexibility through a combination of broad-based courses and special
Module. We introduce early research methods, so students are prepared not only for jobs that are still present today, but also for career that cannot be present yet.
Can you share an example?
Sure. For example, in medicine, we encourage students to find out humanities such as literature or art history. It makes a well -round professional who not only expand life, but understand its deep value. The kind of education we believe.
How do you avoid heavy students with much information?
There is a need to develop education from here. In a world where the facts are immediately accessible, what really matters is important thinking-the ability to make value-based decisions. Our teaching and assessment focus on analytical skills and the application of the real world, rather than the rote memoration.
Tell us about the duration of the program and the student intake?
Medical programs in Scotland run for five years and clinical training. In India, we plan to welcome our first batch in September 2026, starting with business and computing programs. Initially, we will work from a completely fitted complex due to the deadline. We expect to start with about 100 or so many students and scale year after year. Within two to three years, we will assess the need for a permanent complex.
What about faculty?
We will recruit faculty through a local unit, with something coming from Scotland. However, most will be based in India and will hire globally. Many people will probably be Indians – after all, India already provides talent to institutions around the world.
How will you maintain educational quality?
Quality is non-perfect. All programs in India will undergo uniform harsh approval and audit process in Aberdeen. The faculty will be vetted, and the programs will be reviewed by academic oversight panels. UGC also makes equality compulsory, and we fully support.
Will Indian students get an opportunity to study in Scotland?
Yes. We offer short-term educational exchange. Students of India Campus will get the same Aberdeen degree. Those who want full Scottish experience welcome to apply directly to our UK campus as international students.
What about tuition and scholarship?
We are carefully studying the Indian market. It is not about the benefit – it is about making access. We plan to offer scholarship based on merit and financial requirement, as we do in Aberdeen. The details are still being finalized.
Is there a plan to expand beyond Mumbai?
It is too early to say this. Right now, we are focusing on correcting the Mumbai campus. But we are excited about the future prospects.
What does this initiative mean to you personally?
It is deeply individual. I was born in India and studied abroad. It sounds like a homecoming. I am proud to be a part of this initiative.
How many Indian students are currently studying in Aberdeen?
A few hundred postgraduate. We have Indian students for decades, but the number has increased considerably in the last five years.
Let’s return to the syllabus. Will it happen in India too?
It will be equivalent and align. We can customize certain elements to reflect local cultural or legal norms, but quality and educational rigidity will be similar. The Mumbai campus will be subject to educational investigation similar to Aberdeen.
What about research and internship?
Research is integral. Graduates and postgraduate students will engage in dissertation. We will create a research cohort over time, including PhD students. We are already in touch with the National Research Foundation of India and are collaborating with Indian co-operatives on many grants.
Will students spend a few years in Scotland in India?
For students enrolled in the branch premises, our vision is to provide an excellent education in Mumbai and an excellent education at the degree of Aberdeen at the university. We are looking for an alternative to short exchange trips in Scotland.
But study abroad does not offer a different type of exposure?
Absolutely. Students who want full cultural experience can apply to study in our UK campus. Students in India will get the same degree – the need to move without transfer.
Earlier in the day, it was suggested that students may only need to pay a third of foreign fees or a quarter. Your thoughts?
We are assessing the strength. All foreign universities are navigating this new Indian model. We are committed to keeping the cost appropriate and providing scholarships to qualified students. This is not a revenue-most exercise.
Will the scholarship be the same in Aberdeen?
He will be designed for Indian reference. We plan to reserve a portion of seats for scholarships, with selection based on merit or requirement. Details are still working.
