Extra Mural Studies

Established in 1857, the University of Mumbai is one of the three oldest institutions of Higher Education in the country; and it offers today a large number of Degree and Diploma courses pertaining to various disciplines.

Like some other universities in Maharashtra – University of Pune, Shivaji University, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University – the University of Mumbai decided in the mid-seventies of the century just ended, to extend its activities beyond its walls and reach out to the literate in both urban and rural areas of Maharashtra with informal courses in a variety of subjects.

Accordingly, a well-constituted Board of Extra Mural Studies was formally set up, with the Vice Chancellor as ex-officio Chairman. A full-time Director was subsequently appointed to look after the academic content of the programme. The Joint Director of Higher and Technical Education is, by virtue of his office, a member of the Board; and at least two of the three members nominated by the Vice Chancellor are necessarily from rural areas.

Though not the first to start Extra-Mural activities, the University of Mumbai is certainly in the forefront where Extra-Mural programmes conducted by universities in Maharashtra are concerned, and provides a model that many like institutions would consider worthy of emulation. The informal instruction offered by the University in any given subject or area of interest, is imparted by teachers and trainers who have the requisite knowledge, experience and expertise. The beneficiaries could be rural school-goers, drop-outs, sufficiently literate rural youth and moderately literate men and women who would like to acquire, add to, or brush up their knowledge of something they are interested in.

The Extra-Mural activities of the University include various short courses, evening courses, vacation courses, weekend courses, camps and workshops. Whatever the subject, the emphasis is on the development of a scientific attitude, the creation of social awareness, and the dissemination of information that can lame the student's effective contributors towards the development of an efficient, knowledgeable and responsible society.

There are no rigid conditions for admission to a course, but a certain amount of literacy is expected. Given below is a representative list of the subjects dealt with in courses, camps and workshops, held at suitable times of the year and of varying duration.