A ground report of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology in Greater Noida has revealed a stark contrast between the institution’s grand infrastructure and its current operational state. Despite being designed as a premier center for archaeological research and training, the 25-acre campus appears largely deserted.
A Grand Vision Meets a Quiet Reality
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 9, 2019, the institute was envisioned as a way to connect future generations with India’s historical past. The foundation stone was laid on October 28, 2016, by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyaya.
The campus features a state-of-the-art, three-star green building equipped with the latest technologies. Its facilities include a 1,000-seat auditorium, an open-air theatre, and an Archaeological Museum, built with an investment of approximately Rs 289 crore to Rs 300 crore.
However, physical signs of neglect are already visible. At the entrance, the letters ‘U’ in Upadhyaya and ‘I’ and ‘E’ in Institute are missing from the main signage. Inside, corridors are reportedly silent and covered in dust, with non-functional washrooms and only one working lift among several.
Academic Gaps and Structural Questions
The institute’s academic framework differs significantly from traditional institutions. There is no permanent faculty; instead, the institute relies on visiting faculty from the ASI and state-level experts to conduct guest lectures.
Further surprising is the lack of a fixed syllabus. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that learning is based entirely on practical exposure and fieldwork, with students sometimes spending up to 60 days on field visits before writing reports.
This vast infrastructure serves a disproportionately minor student body. Currently, the institute takes only 15 students from across the country, consisting of 10 girls and 5 boys.
Administrative Absence
While the campus reportedly houses 6–7 offices—including those for excavation, the science branch, and underwater archaeology—visible staff movement is nearly non-existent. Many rooms on the fourth floor remain locked, and there is no central reception area for the entire campus.
Access to the campus is strictly controlled, with security personnel often requiring administrative clearance for entry. Attempts to contact the media cell in Delhi for further clarification went unanswered after multiple attempts.
The residential block also reflects this isolation. In the hostel, where boys and girls reside in the same building, security personnel were unable to provide the exact number of rooms without counting them manually.
Potential Implications and Next Steps
The current state of the institute could lead to increased scrutiny regarding the utilization of public funds. The absence of a structured syllabus and permanent faculty may raise questions about the standardization of the degrees offered.
Possible next steps could include a formal audit of the facility’s operations or a restructuring of the student intake process. The administration may also need to address the maintenance of the “green building” to prevent further decay of the infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are currently enrolled at the institute?
The institute has a fixed intake of 15 students from across India, currently consisting of 10 girls and 5 boys.
Does the institute have a permanent teaching faculty?
No, there is no permanent faculty. The institute utilizes visiting faculty from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state-level experts for guest lectures.
Is there a fixed syllabus for the courses offered?
According to an institute official, there is no fixed syllabus; the program is based on practical knowledge, fieldwork experience, and reports written after field visits.
Should large-scale educational infrastructure be prioritized over the recruitment of permanent academic staff?