K L University

K L University also known as Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation is a higher educational institution Deemed to be University, located in Vaddeswaram, near Vijayawada, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Established in 1980 as a college of engineering, it now comprises multiple campuses and eight academic schools offering undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral programs.

History

The institution was established in 1980 at Vaddeswaram as K L College of Engineering (KLCE). It became autonomous in 2006 and was recognized as deemed to be university in 2009, known as K L University. Following the University Grants Commission's request from 123 deemed institutes, not to use "university" in the name it was renamed Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF). In 2019, it was renamed K L Deemed to be University. Its founder was Koneru Lakshmaiah, an industrialist and educationalist.

Location

In addition to its main campus in Andhra Pradesh, KL University operates three campuses in Hyderabad, Telangana: KLH Aziz Nagar, KLH Bachupally, and KLH Global Business School (GBS). KLH campuses in Telangana offer programs in engineering, business administration, and other disciplines.

Koneru Lakshmaiah Deemed to be University is situated on a 100-acre (40 ha) campus adjacent to the Buckingham Canal, approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from Vijayawada in Krishna district and 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Guntur. Although located near Vijayawada, the university falls under the jurisdiction of Guntur district.

Schools

KLEF includes the following schools:
* KLEF College of Engineering
* KLEF College of Arts & Science
* KLEF College of Architecture
* KLEF College of Commerce & Management
* KLEF College of Pharmacy
* KLEF College of Law
* KLEF College of Agriculture
* KLEF Academic Staff College
* KLEF Center for Online Education
* KLEF Off-campus Centers: Aziznagar and Bachupally (Hyderabad)

Rankings and Awards

Rankings

* In NIRF 2024, KL University was ranked 35th in engineering and 22nd in management and 40th in overall rank in India. NIRF India The university has also been recognized as a Category 1 University by the MHRD, Government of India, and has received the Diamond rating from QS I-Gauge for its excellence in teaching, research, and institutional performance.

* The university has also been recognized as a Category 1 University by the MHRD, Government of India, and has received the Diamond rating from QS I-Gauge for its excellence in teaching, research, and institutional performance.

* KL University was ranked in the 601–800 band globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023, which evaluate institutions based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The university has been accredited with an A++ grade by the NAAC.

* The university has also been recognized in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

* In 2021, KL University was honoured with the One Distric
One District One Green Champion
Swachhata Award by the Government of India, acknowledging its efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and cleanliness on campus.

Awards

* KL Deemed to be University received the All India Second Prize in the 'Best Institution (Other than School/College)' category at the '5th National Water Awards' 2023.
* Ranked among the top 4 Arts and Science Colleges in Andhra Pradesh for 2025 by Jagran Josh, recognizing excellence across arts, commerce, and science streams.
* Recognized by the The Times of India as one of the leading top and best engineering institution in Andhra Pradesh.
*Honoured with the ‘Clean and Smart Campus Award 2020’ by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
* KL University received the 'Campus Entrepreneur Award' at the StartAP Awards.

Campus and Infrastructure

KL University is located on a 100-acre campus in Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, along the banks of the Krishna River. The campus features academic buildings, research centers, digital classrooms, and extensive sports and recreational facilities. It also houses specialized innovation and incubation centers supported by industry collaborations. Residential amenities include hostels, faculty housing, a health center, and dining facilities.

* Administrative Block – The central hub for university governance.
* Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Auditorium is a spacious venue designed to host a wide range of events, including national and international seminars, cultural programs, and official university functions.
* Center for Innovation and Research (CIR) – A high-tech facility fostering research and collaboration between students, faculty, and industry.
* Tech Park – A dedicated space for start-up incubation and industry-driven innovation initiatives.

Administration and Leadership

KL University’s administration is structured under a leadership team that oversees academic governance, institutional development, and strategic initiatives.

Shri Koneru Satyanarayana is the President of the university, providing leadership and strategic guidance in its academic and administrative affairs. Sri Koneru Lakshman Havish and Sri Koneru Raja Hareen are the Vice Presidents, playing key roles in institutional growth, innovation, and outreach.

Dr. K.S. Jagannatha Rao serves as the Pro-Chancellor of the university, playing a key role in shaping policy and overseeing academic initiatives. Dr. G. Pardha Saradhi Varma is the Vice-Chancellor, responsible for the overall academic and administrative leadership of the university. Dr. N. Venkatram serves as the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), overseeing operational and administrative functions. Dr. K. Subbarao is the In-Charge Registrar, managing academic records, regulatory compliance, and university documentation.

Academics

KL Deemed to be University offers a diverse array of programs across various disciplines, catering to the educational needs of students at Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

Institutional Collaborations

KL Deemed to be University has established a robust network of international partnerships through strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with over 100 academic institutions worldwide. These collaborations facilitate joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, and global immersion programs, enhancing the university's academic and research capabilities.

* Wayne State University, USA: An MoU was signed to promote joint research and academic exchange programs, with a shared vision for academic excellence and research collaboration.
* University of Missouri–Kansas City, USA: Collaborations focused on academic exchanges and research initiatives to provide students and faculty with global exposure.
* King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand: An agreement to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, promoting cross-cultural learning and research collaboration.
* University of West Florida, USA: Partnership aimed at enhancing academic cooperation and research activities between the two institutions.
* Northeastern University, USA: Collaborations focused on academic exchanges and research initiatives to provide students and faculty with global exposure.
* Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Malaysia: An agreement to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, promoting cross-cultural learning and research collaboration.
* UCSI University, Malaysia: An MoU signed to promote student and faculty exchange programs, workshops, hackathons, and collaborative research projects aimed at producing impactful publications and patents.
* Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Italy: A formalized MoU to establish scientific and educational cooperation in ionospheric physics and space weather.

Affiliations and Accreditations

KL University is recognized by the UGC as a Category 1 institution under the graded autonomy framework, reflecting its academic excellence and commitment to quality education across interdisciplinary domains. The university is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and offers programs in engineering, management, science, humanities, law, and healthcare, among others.

KL University has been accredited by the NAAC with an A++ grade, the highest rating awarded, recognizing its academic rigor, infrastructure, and student support systems. Several programs are also accredited by the NBA, assuring quality in technical and professional education.

The university is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and maintains collaborations with national and international academic bodies to support global learning and exchange initiatives. It is recognized by regulatory authorities such as the Bar Council of India (BCI), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), and Council of Architecture (CoA) for respective professional courses.

KL University has been in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), an initiative by the Ministry of Education to promote innovation-led education in higher institutions.

Major Events

Hackathons and Innovation Challenges

KL University actively promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through various hackathons and ideation events. Notable among these is the Internal Smart India Hackathon, conducted on February 5–6, 2020, where students from various years participated in problem statements listed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).

Literary Events

KL University also hosts a range of cultural and literary events to holistic development among students. While specific details on these events are limited, the university's commitment to cultural enrichment is evident through its various student-led initiatives and programs.

Culture and Fests

The university’s cultural festival, SURABHI, is a multi-day event featuring music, dance, fashion, drama, and literary competitions that draw participation from colleges across the region. Technical and innovation-focused fests such as SparC and Hackfest are also organized, offering a platform for students to showcase their skills in technology, coding, and problem-solving. It also hosts intra-campus events, club activities, and cultural evenings throughout the academic year to celebrate regional and national festivals, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Alumni Community

KL Alumni Association (KLUAA), established in 1985, has 12 domestic and 3 international chapters. It facilitates networking, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities for its members. Alumni actively contribute to the university community by assisting final-year students with project work and providing insights into employment opportunities both domestically and internationally.

KL University Online

KL University Online is the online education division of KL Deemed to be University. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a distance learning format. The initiative is intended to expand access to higher education through flexible learning options.

KL University Online offers undergraduate programs including the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA). At the postgraduate level, it offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Computer Applications (MCA). The MBA program includes specializations in areas such as Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Data Science, Digital Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.

Student Life

KL University offers a vibrant campus life fostering academic, cultural, and personal development. Students participate in a wide range of clubs and societies focused on technology, arts, entrepreneurship, and social service. The university regularly organizes technical fests, cultural events, sports meets, and innovation challenges that engage students across disciplines. Hostel facilities, food courts, recreational spaces, and wellness centers contribute to a holistic living-learning environment.

Controversies

NAAC accreditation matter

In February 2025, KL University was mentioned in a CBI inquiry related to NAAC accreditation procedures. Authorities investigated the involvement of various individuals from multiple institutions, including some associated with KL University. The matter is currently under review by the concerned legal agencies.

See also

* List of institutions of higher education in Andhra Pradesh
* List of deemed universities

References

External links

Official website

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Universities in Andhra Pradesh
Universities and colleges in Guntur district
Educational institutions established in 1980
1980 establishments in Andhra Pradesh
Universities_and_colleges_in_Guntur
Universities_in_Guntur