Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Darjeeling Hills University Adds Job-Focused Courses Despite Campus Constraints
Darjeeling Hills University has started six new short courses.
These courses teach subjects such as tourism, plants, digital media and translation.
The university wants the courses to match the needs and job opportunities of the Darjeeling hills.
It also wants to use the region’s natural and cultural resources in its teaching.
The university was created in 2021.
It still operates from a temporary campus in an ITI building at Mungpoo.
This means it does not yet have a permanent campus or enough infrastructure.
Students can apply online or visit the university office for help.
Darjeeling Hills University has introduced six new certificate and diploma programmes.
The courses cover medicinal and aromatic plants, horticulture, tourism, heritage, digital media and translation.
The university remains based in a temporary ITI building campus in Mungpoo, about 30km from Darjeeling.
University officials said the programmes are intended to expand academic options and improve employment opportunities.
Admissions are being conducted online, with applicants able to visit the Mungpoo office if problems arise.
- Who
- Darjeeling Hills University, with registrar Sujata Rani Rai providing details.
- What
- The university has launched six certificate and diploma programmes focused on regional resources, culture and employment.
- When
- The proposals were sent to the state government in 2025, and approval was received recently; admissions are currently underway.
- Where
- The university is operating from the ITI building in Mungpoo, around 30km from Darjeeling.
- Why
- To broaden academic offerings and provide courses connected to emerging employment opportunities and the socio-economic and cultural context of the Darjeeling hills.
Arguments for expansion
Infrastructure concerns
Launching new programmes
Arguments for expansion
University officials say the courses will expand academic opportunities and connect students with emerging employment prospects and regional resources.
Infrastructure concerns
The university is introducing programmes while still lacking a permanent campus and adequate infrastructure.
Regional relevance
Arguments for expansion
The focus on tourism, horticulture, medicinal plants, heritage and digital communication reflects the Darjeeling hills’ socio-economic and cultural context.
Infrastructure concerns
Sources said the university is still discussing infrastructure, research facilities, student enrolment and other institutional matters with government officials and public representatives.
- University established
- 2021
- New programmes
- Six certificate and diploma programmes
- Temporary campus
- ITI building in Mungpoo
- Distance from Darjeeling
- Approximately 30km
- Admissions
- Being conducted online
- Existing postgraduate subjects
- English, Mathematics, Nepali, Political Science, History and Mass Communication
- Approval timeline
- Proposals were submitted to the state government in 2025 and received approval recently